Page 176 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

Concern replaced fury. “Are you hurt?”

Jane shook her head. “No.” Then, after a pause, she added quietly, “I am all right.”

Hector searched her face as though he did not quite believe her. She wanted to tell him everything—that she had been terrified, that she had thought she might never see him again, that the moment he entered the room, the world had righted itself.

But before she could speak, a low sound came from the floor. Strachan. He was beginning to stir. Hector’s expression hardened again. He stepped forward.

“No more.” The words were quiet, but they carried a promise.

Jane reached for his arm before he could move. “Hector.”

He looked at her. Just that touch seemed to pull him back.

She shook her head slightly. “It’s over.”

For a moment, neither of them moved. Then Hector covered her hand with his. And Jane knew that, despite everything, he had come. He had found her. He had saved her.

Again.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

By the time Strachan was dragged from the townhouse, Hector had almost forgotten the man existed.

The authorities could have him. The courts could decide his fate. The evidence against him was overwhelming, and Hector felt certain the man who had haunted their lives would answer for what he had done.

Jane still knelt beside her mother on the floor. Lady Wynten was drifting in and out of consciousness, looking quite woozy.

“Zachary.”

The man startled. He had been standing near the doorway, looking as though he wanted to disappear into the walls.

“Find a physician.”

Zachary blinked. “What?”

Hector’s voice hardened. “Now.”

Jane looked at her uncle. “Please.”

That seemed to break whatever remained of his hesitation. He hurried from the room. Hector carefully slid one arm beneath Lady Wynten’s shoulders and another beneath her knees. He lifted her with ease.

Jane rose quickly beside him.

“Be careful.”

“I am.” He carried her to the sofa and lowered her gently.

Jane sat beside her mother immediately, taking her hand. “Mother? Please.”

A few seconds passed. Then a small sound escaped Lady Wynten.

Jane released a breath she had been holding. “She heard us.”

Hector stood behind her, watching. The relief on Jane’s face almost broke something inside him. He had been angry before. But now all he felt was exhaustion. He had nearly lost her. The thought was unbearable.

The physician arrived faster than Hector expected. Perhaps Zachary had finally discovered some usefulness. The examination was brief but thorough.

Lady Wynten had a significant bruise where the pistol had struck her, but thankfully no serious injury. The physician assured them she had simply suffered a severe shock and would need rest.