Page 63 of Forever Her Bachelor

“Reaper wants what’s owed him. I’m here to make sure you deliver?—”

“And he’ll receive it!” Chauncey roared, cutting the man off. “I sent instructions to my solicitor before we left Scotland. He’ll have the funds by the time you return,” Chauncey said between teeth clenched so tight that Pippa worried he would crack one from the force. “Now let her go.”

Pippa had never seen her playful duke so upset.

“He wanted me to send you a message, but I think I’ll take your duchess and your quid.” the gunman sneered.

“No! You can have anything, but you will not be leaving here with my wife.” Chauncey reached into his suit pocket, pulling out a small pouch and a leather bifold with bank notes. He threw them both out in front of him, the two landing in the middle.

“That’s all we have on us. Now, release my wife.” Chauncey shuffled his weight, his eyes hard.

“I don’t know. I’m thinking of having a bit of rough with the duchess here.” He let out a maniacal laugh, enjoying his own jest.

His words we not in the least bit entertaining. She bristled at his insinuation. She hadn’t escaped her uncle and Summerset to now be threatened by this villain.

A loudmeowwrenched through the air, and her attacker let out a yelp as Newt leapt from the carriage and dug his claws into the man. Pippa took it as her opportunity to strike. Rearing back her elbow, she punched her captor in the abdomen. His scream of pain was a symphony in her ears.

The man released her, pushing her forward. She fell to her hands and knees.

“Pippa, run!” Chauncey yelled as he ran toward the gunman, Newt still securely latched onto the man’s neck.

Pippa sprinted into the safety of the trees, the pistol in her skirt pockets hitting her leg hard, reminding her that she was not the one that needed protecting. Stopping, Pippa took the gun out with shaking hands and stared down at it for one moment. She bolted back toward her Chauncey.

Her legs tangled in her skirts as Pippa tried to push them to move faster. As she reached the clearing of the trees, a loud gun shot rang out, stopping her movements.

No.

No.

God, please, no.

Pippa froze. All she could do was pray that she had more time with him. She and Chauncey had lost so many years together, and she needed more with him, her friend, her husband.

She was unable to stop the tears from falling, the ache in her chest spreading throughout her body, making it impossible for her to breathe. Her hands shook as she hastily wiped her tears away. Pippa fell to the ground in a heap of skirts and despair. He was gone, she knew he was gone, and she would never know why he had cast her aside so easily when she had believed in their friendship unconditionally.

“Pippa, dear God, are you hurt?”

She heard the voice of her dreams right before she was lifted off the ground and cocooned safely in his arms.

Relief washed through Pippa like a new day. Her body heaved with the weight of her tears. Hands flung around his neck, her lips kissing him all over as her heart soared within the confines of her chest.

He was here. He was alive, and he was hers.

“I-I thought I lost you,” she cried, her hands roaming his body desperately checking for gunshot wounds.

The logical part of her brain knew that he was well, but she couldn’t stop herself from searching his body for wounds. She kissed his lips, breathing him in, his scent soothing her frayed nerves.

“I’m sorry—” he started to say, but she pressed her mouth to his. His lips were the balm she needed, and she held him tighter, not wanting to ever let him go.

The fading daylight cast an eerie glow in the sky. Removing the gun from her hand, Chauncey pulled her to him, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You’re magnificent. Were you coming to save me?” he asked, his voice shaking.

“Yes! What happened? I heard gunshots.” Pippa wiped her tears, happiness filling her that he was safe and with her.

“The highwayman tried to shoot Newton?—”

“What!” She couldn’t lose Newt. He had been her companion for years, and she couldn’t love him any more than if he were a person. After her uncle gave Hydrogen, Cobalt and Ginger away, she thought she would never have another pet again, but then Newt found her.

“He’s fine. I may have knocked the bastard out.” Chauncey tried to push her forward, but she was unable to obey.