Page 131 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“Let the lady go,” Charley said. “Whatever the Captain is paying you, we can do better.”
The thug’s brows lifted, and then drew together. He took a step and Graciela dug in the heels of her sturdy boots.
“Move,” the man growled.
“More money,” Charley said, “for the lady’s life.”
“An’ I should trust a rich swell?”
While he talked, she squirmed, rolling away, her hands moving—
She had her blade.
Charley took a step, raising the urn.
The man yanked on her and stopped, wheezing, eyes popping in astonishment. His grip loosened and he slid to his knees, dropping all the way to the flag-stoned walk.
“Goddamn you.” He huffed and wheezed, “Goddamn you, you bitch,”
The urn slid from Charley’s fingers, shattering as he reached for her.
“Gracie.” He eased the dripping blade from her grip.
“I’ll take it.” Kincaid had finally appeared.
Charley folded her into his arms and trembled with her.
With her noseburied in Charley’s coat, Graciela could begin to breathe again without smelling rot, blood, and death.
Dear God, she’d almost lost her child.
She raised her head. “Reina?”
“Is safe,” he said. “Perry has her in hand.”
Tears rushed her eyes. “The footman—”
“Shhh. We’ll see to him.”
Men bustled around them. She could sense them, smell them. They were the Earl of Shaldon’s men. Charley’s men.
She buried her head again, taking his comfort.
“You did well, love,” he murmured, and “Thank God, Gracie,” and “I’m so sorry.”
“How is she?”
Lord Shaldon had joined them, his voice filled with concern.
She raised her head. “I am fine, sir.” But her voice had trembled and more tears came.
She had felt a pop as her blade dove into the villain’s back. She had surely killed that man. Her chest constricted, and she gasped, reaching for control, trying to breathe.
Charley held her, stroked her, murmured to her, and she finally managed a full breath.
Lord Shaldon was frowning. “I’m so very sorry, Graciela. This should not have happened. Did you by chance recognize them?”
The arms holding her tensed. He did not want his father questioning her, not yet.
