Page 84 of The Confessions of a Lady
‘Leave me alone, you bastard!’ she cried out, letting the pain in her wrists infuse her voice as he pulled harder, loosening the bonds.
‘As soon as I let you go, run. Don’t wait for me. Just go!’ Liam’s lips brushed her ear. He ripped hard against the rope, tearing skin from her wrists as the bonds broke free. ‘Now.’
He turned and rushed Lord Gartling, but the Snake was too fast. He lifted his gun and fired. Liam fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
Penny screamed and lunged forward, but Constable Sweet’s thick arms wrapped around her, keeping her away from Liam.
22
Penny learned well in prison; anything could be a weapon, and there were no rules when a woman fought for someone she loved.
Slipping her hand into Constable Sweet’s pocket, she swiped the metal flask of water. Stomping hard on his foot, Constable Sweet let go of her, stumbling back. She swung around, the flask in her fist as she slammed it into the constable’s temple. He screamed high and shrill, his hand covering his head as he dropped the laudanum and fell to the ground. Another shot fired as splintered wood flew around her. Penny dropped to the floor, covering her head with one hand and swiping the bottle with the other.
Wrenching the cork free, she surged to her feet and turned to the Snake. She rushed him, swigging a huge mouthful of gin and opium as she ran. Before he could react, she leaned close and spit the vile concoction in his face. She used his shock against him, pouring the rest of the bottle over his head before he could process what was happening. Another gunshot rang out, but she kept her focus on the Snake as he covered his head and crouched down, still dripping with gin and opium. She spun, looking forthe table. Her leg collided into the rickety thing, and she made a mad grab for the candle.
The Snake stood, spitting his cigar on the flagstones and sputtering. He wiped the mess from his eyes as he lifted the pistol again. ‘Bitch,’ he screamed.
She turned back to him as another gunshot rang out, echoing through the cavernous warehouse. The Snake whipped his head to the left, squinting into the darkness. His pistol followed his gaze. He fired wildly into the darkness. ‘Stop shooting at me!’ he screamed.
Who is shooting at us?
It didn’t matter. If she died, she didn’t care. As long as this monster died with her. And Liam lived.
Gripping the soft candle, ignoring the rivulets of hot wax that fell over her hand, she jabbed the flaming stick at the Snake’s neck like it was a dagger. The flame caught the expertly tied, gin-soaked cravat. The flame sputtered, then roared to life. He shrieked as red flame engulfed his head and shoulders.
Another gunshot exploded. Lord Gartling’s cries stopped abruptly as he collapsed to the ground, his chest a mess of blood, flesh and torn fabric.
Penny fell to her knees and crawled to Liam, laying her body over his like a human shield. Whoever was shooting at them would have to get through her to hurt Liam.
He groaned beneath her and she felt a moment of overwhelming relief.
Alive. He’s still alive.
She kept low, her body still shielding him, but lifted up enough to see his beautiful face, pale with pain and shock. ‘Liam. Oh, God. Where are you hurt?’
‘You promised,’ he grated between clenched teeth.
Penny shook her head. Perhaps he was nonsensical. What if he was losing too much blood? Didn’t men hallucinate when they were close to the end?
‘What? Where are you hit, Liam? Please, tell me so I can help you.’
‘My arm. He grazed my blasted arm and when I fell, I knocked the wind out of myself. I don’t care about that. You broke your promise, Penny.’ His amber gaze was sharp and lucid even if his words made no sense.
Penny shook her head. The pain must have stolen his wits. Her hands traced down both arms until she reached a sticky patch on his left bicep.
He hissed a breath. ‘God damn it, woman!’
‘Sorry! I’m so sorry. Are you hit anywhere else?’
Footsteps pounded on the flagstones. At least two people. Maybe more.
‘No. I’m fine. Actually, I’m not. I’m so angry with you, Penny.’
In her shock, she forgot to stay low and create a smaller target. Knowing Liam was in no risk of imminent death, relief and outrage drowned out her panic.
Angry? With me? I saved your thankless arse.
She sat and he struggled to follow her, holding his bloody arm to his chest as his face took on the hue of a perfectly laundered sheet.
