Page 54 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas
The captain took on Eaton’s men with a growl. She gasped, veering out of the way, as the duke grabbed Eaton, slamming him against the carriage, his sword against his chest, ready to strike.
“Do not move an inch, despicable vermin, or I will cut you into pieces,” snarled the duke, in a menacing whisper. “It is over, Eaton. Your obscene plan has been foiled. You are done.”
Selene gave a fractured cry, her hands flying to her mouth, slumping to the ground in relief and joy. Her breath was coming in short, sharp gasps. She stared at the duke, her mind spinning.
He came. He has saved me. My prayers are answered.
She heard the sound of thundering hoofbeats approaching. In a daze, she gazed up. It was five men in military uniform, their swords drawn. The authorities had arrived.
It was over. The ordeal was truly over.
Shaking, she got to her feet, stumbling a little. The authorities were dismounting, taking over, securing Eaton and his men. The duke was walking toward her.
“You came for me,” she whispered.
His dark eyes were glowing with a light she had never seen before. He nodded, his eyes raking over her. Slowly, he reached out a hand, stroking her face tenderly.
“I came for you,” he whispered. “You are safe now.”
The world started to spin. Snowflakes were fluttering onto her face, cold and wet.
She saw his eyes widen in alarm as he rushed toward her, catching her in his arms, before she fell to the ground. Wearily, she placed her head against his chest, hearing his strong heartbeat, smelling his familiar scent of sandalwood and leather, before it all faded to black again.
***
Selene’s eyes fluttered open, gazing around. She gulped. She was lying in an unfamiliar bed with the blankets drawn high around her body. A grand, four poster bed, in a huge, ornate room, with green silk wallpaper. A large fire was flickering brightly in the fireplace, filling the room with warmth.
It is so beautiful. The most beautiful room I have ever seen in my life.
Her eyes drifted toward the windows. Snowflakes were falling outside, fluttering and twirling in the air, like delicate fairies dancing.
The door opened, and she turned her eyes toward it. It was the duke, walking toward her, his eyes filled with concern. Her heart leapt wildly.
He knelt beside the bed, taking her hands in his own, staring at her with such luminous feeling that she could barely breathe.
“You are safe now,” he whispered, his eyes roaming her face. “Eaton and his men have been arrested. They will never bother you again.”
Selene felt her bottom lip begin to tremble, as the horror of the experience flashed before her eyes, in excruciating detail.
“Thank you,” she whispered, trying not to burst into noisy tears. “You saved me, Your Grace. I can never repay you for your kindness to me.”
“Do not thank me,” he said, in a harsh whisper, frowning. “For I am the reason that you were abducted, Selene.” He hesitated. “It was Lady Gwen and Eaton. They planned it all.”
“I know,” she whispered, her heart fluttering. “He told me everything.” She stared at him. “Do not blame yourself. You cannot control the minds and hearts of evil people. I am just so grateful that you came for me.”
His face contorted with emotion, his hands tightening on her own, squeezing them. They stared at each other, lost in each other’s eyes.
The door opened and a maid walked into the room. The duke let go of her hands, standing up, smiling hesitantly at her, before leaving the room.
Selene blinked back tears, turning her head on the pillow. He was so brave and strong. She had thought she couldn’t love him anymore than she did. But now… now, she knew that she had been wrong. So very wrong. The love was so powerful she thought her heart would burst with it.
A single tear trickled down her cheek. If he could never love her in the same way, somehow it didn’t matter. She would always love him, even if they could never be together… and that must be enough.
Chapter 28
Selene stood at the window of the grand chamber she had been taken to after the ordeal, clasping her hands together, staring at the falling snow outside. This was the first day she had felt well enough to rise.
She turned at the sound of the door opening. Her heart leaped. It was the duke, holding Lenore’s hand. The little girl gave a cry of joy, rushing toward her, hugging her fiercely.
