As they emerged from the lodge, the cool night air hit her like a wave, refreshing yet chilling. They headed toward his horse concealed among the trees. Rockford turned to her, his eyes filled with concern. “Were you hurt?”
“No,” she replied, her voice steady, though her mind was anything but calm. The villain’s words,I enjoy a challenge, echoed in her head, a shadow that refused to lift. The fear she had managed to keep at bay resurfaced, gnawing at her.
She took a deep breath, trying to push the haunting memories aside.Fear clouds judgment.She glanced at Rockford. His presence was a lifeline, grounding her, but the anxiety clung to her like a stubborn fog.
“The highwayman knew someone would be along this route, but I don’t think he realized who I was.” Rockford reached for her hand. “Not until…I owe your Amy a new cap,”
Rockford’s hands tightened on hers. His eyes were blazing with anger. “He could have stolen you away, vanished into the night—and I’d have spent the rest of my life searching.” His voice was raw, his grip tightening as if anchoring himself to reality. “I can’t lose you, Lora.”
Lora’s eyes widened. She should have known he would put the pieces together.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly to comfort her and reassure himself that she was truly safe. “Do you have any idea what could have happened to you?” His voice was muffled against her hair. “You could have been lost to me… to us forever!”
Lora gazed at him, surprised by the intensity in his eyes. “Rockford, I couldn’t just sit by and do nothing. I had to act.”
He shook his head sharply. “Act? By recklessly endangering yourself? Riding out alone, unprotected, what were you thinking?”
She pulled away from him, a spark of defiance flashing in her gaze. “I didn’t act impulsively.Concentrate on finding the solution rather than dwelling on the obstacle.Jeffers was on his way to you, but time was of the essence. My solution was to delay the highwayman until you or Barrington arrived. It was a good plan.”
Rockford’s expression softened slightly at her words, but his frustration remained. “I appreciate your courage, but this was foolhardy. You should have waited—trusted that we would arrive in time.”
Her jaw set stubbornly. “But you didn’t arrive in time.”
His eyes widened, and he drew her closer, searching hers intently. “And what if he had harmed you? Taken you awaywhere I’d never find you? Did you consider what that would do to—” He broke off, his voice strained. “To all of us,” he finished weakly, though his eyes betrayed more.
She sighed softly. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you, or anyone else, being hurt, especially not when I could help prevent it.”
He exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Lora, your bravery is unquestionable, but please understand. The thought of you in danger… it terrifies me.”
Her eyes softened. “I didn’t mean to cause you pain.”
He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture betraying his inner turmoil. “Lora, your bravery is commendable, but you underestimated the risk. You didn’t account for your own safety in the plan. A good strategy includes ensuring that those executing it are safe. That’s why we work in teams and use caution to ensure everyone’s well-being. Just promise me you’ll think twice before putting yourself at risk again.”
She nodded, unable to speak. When had it begun? The admiration, the gratitude, the quiet pull toward him? It had always been there, growing unnoticed, waiting for her to acknowledge it. And now, as she met his gaze, the truth struck her. She loved him. Not just for his courage, but for his kindness, his fierce protectiveness, the way he understood her without words. The realization crashed over her like a wave, undeniable, overwhelming. She loved him deeply, truly, irrevocably.
Rockford helped her mount Astra. They began their journey back, but Lora’s thoughts swirled with the events of the past hours. The warmth of Rockford’s touch lingered on her skin, a reassuring anchor in the sea of chaos.
As they rode in comfortable silence through the familiar landscape, the sense of normalcy was almost jarring. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the gentle rustling of leaves created a serene backdrop, yet Lora’s mind was anythingbut calm. Despite her relief, her thoughts kept returning to the highwayman’s words.Unexpected complication.It implied something bigger, something more dangerous afoot. She felt a surge of determination. She couldn’t let this mystery go unsolved. She owed it to herself and to Rockford to uncover the truth.
As they emerged onto the main road, she glanced over at Rockford. “Thank you for finding me,” she said softly.
“Always,” he replied without hesitation, his gaze holding hers.
There was a vulnerability in his eyes that she hadn’t seen before, offering her a glimpse into the depth of his feelings. A gentle warmth spread through her. “I suppose we make quite the pair.”
He smiled faintly. “A matched set of stubborn souls.”
They rode on silently, Fallsmith Manor coming into view. They rode down the drive and stopped at the front door.
Rockford swung down from his saddle and stood beside her, his presence comforting as he helped her dismount.
Lora offered him a tired smile. “Thank you, Rockford.”
He cupped her face gently, his eyes searching hers for any sign of lingering fear. “I’ll wait here until you’re inside. Rest. I’ll call on you later.” He left no room for argument.
Lora turned and walked up the steps. Mr. Axbridge opened the door. She paused for a moment, looking back at him. Their eyes met, and a silent promise passed between them in that brief moment. He nodded, then she stepped inside. The door closed softly behind her.
Rockford mounted his horse and began the ride back. The memory of Lora’s fear-stricken face and the relief in her eyes when he rescued her was etched deeply in his mind. He tightened his grip on the reins. He would face any challenge, endure any hardship, and conquer any foe. She was worth everysacrifice, and he vowed never to fail her. With each pounding hoofbeat, his determination solidified. He would face any danger, tear through any obstacle. Nothing, no enemy, no force on earth, would take Lora from him again.
