“Unfortunately, no. She’s breathing, only unconscious.”
Gabriel was thankful that he didn’t have to track her down, for his strength was ebbing with every breath. “Thank you for keeping an eye on her. I’m sure the Regent will aptly compensate you for your assistance on this matter.”
His only reply was a nod to Gabriel’s wound. “You should get that seen to.” He walked back to the overturned carriage and began to gather a few things to attach it to one of the horses he’d unhitched.
Gabriel made no attempt to stop the stranger as he mounted the horse, even if his instinct was telling him that this man was more dangerous than Cordelia had ever been. But considering the shape he was in, he was smart enough to realize that some battles were better fought another day. Personally, he intended for this to be his last fight for some time. From here on out, he planned for his toughest mission to be in loving Triana — his future bride, if she would have him after all of this.
However, he couldn’t stop himself from calling out, “I didn’t catch your name.”
There was a chilling smile behind the mask as his eyes glittered, “That’s because I didn’t give it.” With that, he spurred the animal on, leaving Gabriel to stare after him with a curious expression.
That’s when a flash of metal in the dirt caught his attention. Gabriel walked over and picked up a rather expensive, silver snuffbox, which he was sure the coachman hadn’t intended on leaving behind — especially since it bore a pair of initials.
***
Triana stood at the bow of theClaraBelle’sdeck and hugged herself, staring out at the nearly deserted beach, most of the criminals having been apprehended and taken away. The hem of Travell’s cloak slapped against her ankles in the early morning breeze. In about an hour, it would be dawn.
At least she’d finally stopped shaking, leaving a blessed numbness in its place. She knew, that as long as she lived, the vision of the captain’s lifeless body — his blood staining the wood — would forever haunt her.
If this was what being a spy entailed, she wanted no part of it ever again.
A gentle hand on her shoulder had her turning toward her brother’s concerned expression. “How are you, Tri?”
She tried to reassure him with a smile, but when it felt brittle, she settled for a light nod instead. “I’m fine.”
When he heaved a heavy sigh, she could tell he wasn’t convinced, although he didn’t press her further. “Let’s get you back to shore. Logan and Ridge can take care of things from here.” Travell gave her shoulder another light squeeze before helping her down the rope ladder and into the rowboat. While Triana should have been relieved that this nightmare was over — she was still anxious to see Gabriel and assure herself of his welfare. Only then could she try to put this tragic night of events behind her.
She hadn’t realized until now just how much she was yearning for his strong embrace… for those passionate kisses… and that glorious touch, but as soon as she set eyes on him, she vowed to make sure he knew how she felt. Whether he returned her sentiments of love or not, she found she could no longer hold back. Nothing would stop her from saying those three words she’d held locked away for so long.
And suddenly — there he was.
Gabriel was standing at the water’s edge, holding the reins of two horses. He watched her and Travell row ashore with a faint smile curving his lips.
Triana didn’t even wait for her brother to help her out of the boat as he pulled it onto the sand, but jumped out and ran across the beach. She finally allowed the tears to flow unchecked down her face as a combination of emotions clogged her throat. But just as she was about to fling herself into his arms, she stopped short, staring at the dark red stains on Gabriel’s white lawn shirt. This close, she could tell his face had become ashen and drawn.
“Oh, my God. You’re bleeding.”
He offered her a reassuring smile. “It’s just a scratch.” But even as he said the words, he swayed a bit unsteadily on his feet.
“Either way, let’s get you some medical attention.” Travell noted. “We don’t need infection setting in.”
With a nod, Gabriel didn’t argue as he mounted his horse, leaving Travell to help his sister up, before climbing on behind her.
“Lady Worthington?” Travell asked quietly, the question obvious in his voice.
Gabriel offered a stiff smile, the pain obviously worsening as sweat broke out on his forehead. “She’s alive, but not in the best of spirits. Lieutenant Andrews is taking her back to London with the rest of the prisoners.”
Travell shot Gabriel a friendly grin. “Not bad, old friend.”
With a chuckle, the duke replied, “Same to you, Curdiff.”
***
By the time they had reached the home of the nearest local physician, Gabriel’s pallor had increased to a sickly gray. He slid off his horse rather than actually dismounting and didn’t refuse Travell’s assistance inside.
The doctor led them upstairs, and when Triana would have followed them, her brother ordered, “Stay here.” She would have argued, but his firm gaze changed her mind, and she remained behind in the parlor.
Nearly an hour later, the doctor returned with Travell. She’d been twisting Gabriel’s handkerchief in her hands and pacing the length of the room, so she wasted no time in asking, “How is he?”
