“Then I am glad you put a bullet through him,” Gabe said, kissing her softly. “Run, Dimity,” he whispered again.
She said nothing further as he helped her out behind him. Ombrage’s five men now formed a half-circle behind him.
“The mighty Ombrage needs backup,” Gabe taunted. “Perhaps, as I outmaneuvered you with such ease to rescue Dimity, you are not the formidable foe I had believed you to be.”
“I was not prepared for you to dive at my legs. It will not happen again.”
“And if you fail in killing me your men will finish the job?” Gabe added.
“I will not fail, and my men are here to control your woman!”
Gabe found a smile. “She is fierce.”
“Your arm, Gabriel!” Dimity’s cry had him looking at his sleeve. It was stained red with his blood.
“’Tis a flesh wound only,” he said.
“Throw him his sword,” Ombrage ordered.
Gabe caught it, then tested the weight in his hand.
“Let her go,” he said.
“If you win, she goes free. If you don’t fight, I’ll have you both shot.”
His only choice was to fight and hope he kept Ombrage moving until his brothers arrived, because he did not believe that Dimity would be freed if he won. Her life was in his hands.
“Be quiet and still, I cannot be distracted,” Gabe said pulling her close for a fierce hug. “And run if the chance presents itself.”
“You’ll win,” she said hugging him back.
“En garde!” Diard roared, clearly frustrated with the delay.
Gabe faced Ombrage and prepared for the fight of his life.
“Hurt him, Gabriel.”
“Be quiet, Dimity.”
“He is a sniveling man with no honor, unlike you.”
Gabe lunged as Ombrage scowled at Dimity, but the move was blocked and the blades clashed.
He was good, Gabe realized as they continued to lunge and retreat. Ombrage was his match and more, but Gabe had something he didn’t. Desperation. He would never allow her to be hurt.
Ombrage lunged and Gabe felt pain, right where the bullet had creased his arm.
“You are clumsy, Raine.”
“Focus, Gabriel!” Dimity roared.
“I’m trying,” he snapped back.
“Try harder.”
He leapt forward and struck Ombrage on the shoulder, the man didn’t wince, but Gabe knew his blade had connected.
He heard a crack, then a loud bang and Gabe knew his brothers had arrived as their footsteps thudded on the stone floor.
