“I want nothing from you,” Adam said in disgust. “If I could, I would erase your blood from my veins.”
“But you can’t. Because you’re like me.” De Villier’s eyes darted side to side. “Deep down, you understand why I did what I did. A powerful man can’t let sentiment get in the way. True power is within your grasp now, Son, don’t do anything foolish…”
The bastard hurled the signet at Adam. On instinct, Adam dodged the projectile, and the other used that moment of distraction to lunge. A lifetime’s training made Adam twist, evading the attack, kicking out. His boot connected with De Villier’s chest, sending the other over the edge with a splash.
De Villier thrashed in the water, his eyes bulging with panic. “Help me! I can’t swim!”
“That’s one of the many differences between you and me.” Adam regarded the other coolly. “I learned to swim at an early age.”
“I won’t die this way,” De Villier gasped. “I’ll give you anything…money, power…”
Adam watched the dark waters close over his past. When the last surfacing bubbles were swept away by the waves, he returned his gaze to the boat…and saw the glint of the signet ring. He scooped it up and contemplated it for long moments, running his thumb over the Latin inscription, feeling the weight of what he held.
Then he threw the ring over the edge.
Picking up the oar, he headed to shore.
39
The lighters broughteveryone back to the dock where their carriages were waiting. Safe in the circle of Adam’s arms, Gabby bid farewell to their assembled friends.
“Thank you all ever so much,” she said, emotion clogging her throat. “I don’t know how we’ll ever repay you—”
“Just put in a good word with our ladies.” Strathaven bowed over her hand, his eyes warm. “I’m certain Emma will be paying you a visit on the morrow. It’s a miracle I was able to convince her to stay home tonight.”
“Tell me about it,” Mr. Kent said with feeling. “Tessa will insist upon a full accounting the minute I get home.”
“Gentlemen, I am in your debt.” Adam spoke, his words gruff with sincerity. “If I can ever be of assistance, I am at your service.”
“We’ll call it even, shall we?” Ransom’s lips curved below his dashing mustache. “No debts between us. Just friendship.”
“Speak for yourself,” Mr. Murray said. “Garrity owes me a raise.”
Enjoying the blessed normality of the male banter, Gabby smiled…but it turned into a yawn.
Adam’s arm tightened around her waist. “I’d best be getting my wife home.”
The men departed, and Adam swept her up in his arms.
“You don’t have to carry me,” she protested. “I’m perfectly capable of walking.”
“If you think I’meverletting you go, you can think again,” came her husband’s reply.
Since she felt the same way, she looped her arms around his neck, snuggling closer, letting his familiar scent and warmth soothe away the terrors of the night. Once in the carriage, he settled her on his lap. She would have been content to remain there forever, tucked up against him, feeling the steady thump of his heart.
“Can you forgive me, Gabby, for the way I’ve treated you?”
At his guttural words, she jerked her head up, nearly hitting him on the chin.
“Adam, there’s naught to forgive.” Her gaze found his; in the dimness of the carriage, his eyes were as dark and fathomless as the river they’d just crossed. “De Villier told me everything. About your history, what he’d done to you…that he was your father. I understand why you wanted to destroy his company. An eye for an eye: the villaindeservedto be punished for his evil acts.”
He cupped her cheek, his eyes no longer unreadable but burning with emotion. “I should have told you the truth from the start. About De Villier and my past. I should not have kept secrets—any secrets—from you.”
“Last night, when we…fought,” she said hesitantly, “I was angry at you.”
“I deserved your anger. Christ, if I could take back what I’ve done—”
“Let me finish,” she said.
