My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London 1)

Ryker’s voice made her wrench her head around and there he stood. She would have cried with relief and happiness but he was already hauling her to her feet and then she pulled Tabbie up too.

“Don’t look back,” he yelled over the noise as he ushered them through a large space in the back of the warehouse, through a back door, and into an alley. She clutched his hand with all her energy, wanting to be close to him now.

But Ryker didn’t stop. He continued to a street and down another alley and out to another street.

“Luke,” Tabbie cried as it became clear they would not stop and wait.

“He knows where to meet us.” Ryker began pulling them again.

Tabbie stopped a second time. “What if he’s hurt? What if—”

Ryker gently started them moving again. “He is a strong man. Right now, we have to think about you and your baby.”

Tricia felt her heart swell with tears and, quite honestly, joy. She was worried for Luke, of course, but her sister was safe as well as the baby, and Ryker was being painfully gentle with her sister. She was going to marry a good man. “Don’t worry, Tabbie,” she soothed. “Luke is…very manly. Just think of all the scrapes he’s likely gotten himself out of.”

“A family trait?” Ryker gave them a small grin as he kept pulling them until they’d reached the alley where Tricia had first met Ryker.

She huffed even as she snuggled her face into his shoulder. “Tease,” she admonished as he wrapped an arm around her. He still held Tabbie’s hand too and Tricia didn’t know if he was still comforting her or making sure that she didn’t go racing back to the warehouse.

“Troublemaker,” he gave a soft laugh into her hair. “I am so glad you’re all right.”

“Me too,” she looked up at him then. “But I would like you to know, this had nothing to do with me. Winters didn’t know my connection to you or that you were involved.”

“Luke,” Ryker drew in a sharp breath.

“Yes,” Tabbie nodded her head as tears spilled over her cheeks. “Somehow, they knew Luke and another man were at the ball.”

“They were questioning us on who Wimbley is,” Tricia added.

Ryker pursed his lips. “We should have known that even in costume, Sussex would be recognized. He’s too well known.”

But they stopped as the sound of tapping shoes came down the street. Tucking Tricia and Tabbie behind him with their backs to a wall, Ryker pulled out both his pistols. But it was Luke who entered the alley and Tabbie pushed past Ryker to race to her husband.

He caught her up in his arms as the two embraced. Ryker took the opportunity to spin around and catch her up in his arms.

Happiness and relief washed through her as he held her close, their bodies pressed together, his lips finding hers.

“I knew you’d come,” she finally murmured between kisses.

He smiled against her lips. “I’m glad you have such faith in me.”

“That and I saw Mr. Hart.” She pulled back a little to give him a teasing grin.

“That certainly did help.” He kissed her again long and slow.

She nearly forgot what she wanted to say but when he finally lifted his head she blinked her thoughts back into focus. “But you would have come anyhow, I know you would have. You’re always there when I need you. It’s one of the reasons I love you.” She couldn’t hold back the words, her feelings overwhelming her in this moment.

“I love you, too,” he whispered. “More than I ever thought possible.” Than he kissed a trail across her jaw to nibble on her ear. “Let’s get you to your father’s side. Then I will deal with Mr. Winters.”

Hope and love filled her even when she thought of her father. Ryker was filling her with an optimism she hadn’t felt in months. He was the right man for her. She gave a nod and together they walked back to Luke and Tabbie.

It took longer than Tricia would have liked to return home. They had to find a hack for hire. The driver was smart enough not to ask why Ryker and Luke insisted upon riding on either side of the carriage. But Tricia could hear them talking to one another, at least enough to know that Coventry had taken the kidnappers who had survived and brought them to the Bow Street Runners for questioning.

Ryker would return to assist in the interrogation himself, while Luke was to remain with the women.

She also caught something about a late supper but couldn’t make out the details. Tabbie was leaning against her shoulder and blocking one ear with her coif of hair.

“Are you all right?” she asked her sister.