Page 95 of Tempting the Scoundrel
Whelan pulled a pistol out of his dirty coat and pointed it at Thorne. A sliver of fear went through him, but he tamped it down. This would end. Tonight, this would end.
“Don’ care,” Whelan hissed. “You owe me a fuckin’ debt, Nicky. And if you don’t pay up, I’ll collect it tonight. And tomorrow, I’ll take the rest from your wife.”
Thorne went cold, his entire focus on the gleaming barrel of the pistol as he edged a hand inside his jacket. “End it, then. Shoot me.”
Whelan cocked the pistol and took aim with his finger on the trigger.
Chapter 34
Agunshot rang out through the streets of the Old Nichol.
“Oh, god,” Alexandra whispered, as she and Mr. O’Sullivan raced for the door of the tenement.
Her heart was in her throat, her thoughts replaying that awful sound. Wondering what it meant.Dreadingwhat it meant. Beside her, Mr O’Sullivan was gasping as they shoved their way into the old, empty tenement. He hurried through another opening and down a stone staircase.
Alexandra followed, terrified of what she’d find—and then gave a sob of relief when she saw Nick. He held a bloody knife a firm grip as he stood over a crumpled figure on the ground. The man who must have been Whelan had a pistol in his limp hand.
The sight of it sent a jolt through Alexandra. How close had she been to losing Nick? If he had been less handy with a blade . . . if he had been a bit slower, a bit more tired . . .
She could barely fathom losing him.
Nick turned to her and Mr. O’Sullivan with a displeased look. “O’Sullivan, what the hell were you thinking, bringing Alex—”
“Oh, do shut up, Nick,” Alexandra said, and grasped his shirt to haul him in for a kiss.
With a soft groan, Nick slid his arms around Alexandra’s waist. Only then did she notice that he trembled, and Alexandra wondered if his calm demeanor when she’d run in had been a facade for Whelan. His hands grasped at her hips, fingertips digging into the fabric of her dress. Yes, perhaps he had sensed how close he’d come to losing tonight. She returned his desperate touch with her own. It gave her reassurance: he was warm, the solid press of his hands at her back were real. His lips were on hers. This was no dream.
He was alive.He was alive.
A throat cleared beside them. With a soft noise, Nick pulled back to give Mr. O’Sullivan a scowl. “You brought her. Here.”
Mr. O’Sullivan rolled his eyes. “You know your wife, yes? As if I could stop her.”
“In fact”—Alexandra smiled brilliantly—“you could sayIbroughtMr. O’Sullivan.”
Nick sighed. “Of course you did.”
Mr. O’Sullivan knelt next to Patrick Whelan’s body, his eyes sharp as he took in the dead man’s features. Some unreadable expression crossed his face. “I wish I’d been here to see it,” he murmured.
Nick released Alex to clasp Mr. O’Sullivan’s shoulder. The two remained side by side, staring at their tormentor, at the place they had grown up in so long ago. Alexandra could never truly comprehend what they had experienced in the cellar, all those years ago. All she could do was be there for Nick when the nightmares came again—and she knew they would. They always would.
“I’m sorry,” Nick said to Mr. O’Sullivan.
“Don’t be,” Mr. O’Sullivan said, rising to his feet. “I’ve two bullets in a pistol I’m saving. Neither of them were for Whelan.” Then, very softly, “I’m sorry for trying to keep her from you.”
“Don’t do it again.”
“I won’t.” Mr. O’Sullivan gave a small smile. “Men like us don’t often get second chances with women like that. I’m glad you punched me in the fucking face for it.” With that, he started up the stairs. “Night, boss. Mrs. Thorne.”
When they were alone, Alexandra studied the dark cellar. This had been where he’d slept once. Where he’d lived. Where he’d survived. In the dim light of the lantern, she could see the haunted look in his eyes. No, killing his old tormentor would not fix the scars beneath his skin. She knew that. They would always be part of the man she loved.
“Are you all right?” she whispered.
“No.” He grasped her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. “But I think I will be.”
“Good.” She threaded her fingers through his. “Then come home with me, and I’ll give you better memories that take place in the dark.”
Epilogue
