“Now. Drop them on the ground,” she commanded.
Arthur called out to his sister. “Marina, I won’t let you do this.”
“It is done,” she said. “Drop your guns.”
They did as she told them, and Evan clenched his fists. Minto looked like the cat who got the cream, and he wanted to punch the look off his face. He kept watching and waiting for his opportunity to tackle him and free Marina.
“Now you, Minto,” Marina said. “You have won. Put away your gun so we may continue on our way.”
Evan watched and waited, preparing to pounce on him as soon as the man lowered the weapon.
“I knew you were a smart girl and would see things my way.” He dropped the barrel that had been pointed at Evan’s chest.
As soon as the barrel of his gun pointed toward the ground and before Evan could move, Marina lifted the gun she’d hidden behind her skirts and aimed for Minto’s shoulder. She fired the weapon.
He stumbled back onto the ground. “You bitch.”
The men rushed forward and grabbed the gun Minto droppedwhen he fell and stood over him.
Evan rushed to Marina and took the gun from her hand. Glancing at the weapon, he patted his hip and stared at her with astonishment. “You fleeced my gun from me.”
“I did what I had to do.” She stared at him with an intensity that almost took all the breath from his lungs.
“If the king knew of your abilities, he’d surely add you to his guard.” He pulled her to him, then kissed her lips and her forehead and her cheek. “Did he hurt you? I love you no matter what, but you must tell me if he hurt you in any way.”
“No,” she assured him. “He would have, but you arrived before he attempted anything.”
Evan exhaled before kissing her again. “I was so scared we wouldn’t reach you in time. I was worried he would marry you and I’d lose you forever.”
“You will never lose me. I would have found you and made you run away with me. He threatened to murder you. He guessed that we…you know.” She waved her hand between them. “He said he’d take me whenever he wanted and would kill you if I didn’t go with him. And I know he meant it, Evan.”
Minto gurgled on the ground. “Of course I meant it. I would have killed him, anyway. Just like I killed your useless fathers.”
Arthur kicked the man. “Shut your filthy mouth.”
“Graham and I will ride to the village just ahead and seek the magistrate,” Matt declared.
Evan panicked. “What if he dies? What if they try to lock up Marina?” He held her close as if someone were trying to take her right then.
“Five peers of the realm have witnessed what occurred, including his confession to killing both of your fathers,” Matt said. “Better to get them involved and ensure this is done and over.” He and Graham leaped into their saddles and took off.
Minto’s driver and footman stood off to the side, watching thescene unfold.
Jude spoke to them. “Are you loyal to this man?”
They both shook their heads. “No, my lord. He’s an awful man and treats his servants worse than trash.”
“If you tell the truth of what occurred here when the magistrate arrives, I will ensure you have employment at one of my estates,” Jude said.
“Thank ye, my lord. That is kind of ye. He threatened my wife if I didn’t drive the carriage. Ye must forgive me. I knew what he did was wrong. Ye notice we stopped for ye lords with no trouble. Glad ye made it here, we are.”
“We appreciate that. We will get you back to your wife soon.” Jude stepped away from the men and glared back at Minto.
Evan continued to hold Marina. Their bodies shook with such force that it was difficult to discern who was trembling more. He couldn’t have lived without her. Had he lost her or had any harm come to her, he couldn’t have gone on. She had become everything to him. Even if she never loved him as he loved her, he would spend his life ensuring she led a life that was full of joy and happiness in his arms. He hugged her tighter, and she nuzzled her nose into his neck.
Minto shifted himself to lean against the carriage wheel. “Why couldn’t you have just killed me with the shot?”
Marina lifted her head, but Evan urged her to keep her head buried in his chest. “Don’t worry about him.”