Page 134 of The Boxing Baroness

The duke sat.

When Marianne began to lower herself back in her seat, Dominic shook his head. “No. You come over here, right next to me. If there are strange men with guns in the castle, I’m guessing it has something to do with you. They won’t shoot me if you are beside me.”

Sin laid a staying hand on her forearm. “The way you’re waving that gun around, Strickland, somebody will get hurt.”

“And it could very easily be you, Staunton,” Dominic snarled. “Now get over here!” he ordered Marianne.

Marianne squeezed Sin’s hand before going to stand where Dominic was pointing.

“There’s a smart girl. Now,” he said, turning back toward the woman.

Instead of standing by the door, the servant was barely ten feet away.

“Here then,” Dominic said, frowning. “Get back. What are you—”

The old woman moved so quickly her hand blurred. Something silver flashed across the room.

Dominic screamed, dropped the gun, and grabbed his bleeding hand.

“That’s not a good idea, Your Royal Highness. Miss Tremblay never misses.”

Marianne jolted and whipped around at the familiar voice, which sounded as if it had come from the heavens.

It was Guy, and he was up on the mezzanine level. Beside him was Cecile, leaning low over a rifle that was pointed at Gustav.

The king had backed up to the fireplace when everyone’s attention was elsewhere and was reaching for a pistol on the mantel.

“Hands up,” Guy ordered.

Gustav complied.

“It’s good to see you both,” Sin called up to his friend.

“Did you save any food for us?” Guy asked.

“You . . . bitch.”

Marianne turned at the sound of Dominic’s voice. His face was puckered in pain and he was squeezing his arm, glaring at the old woman, who was—

“Blade!” Marianne blurted.

Jo gave her one of her sleepy smiles. “Hello, Marianne.”

“You just about cut off my bloody arm,” Dominic whined.

“Does it hurt, Dom?” Marianne asked.

“What the hell do you thi—”

Marianne knew it would hurt, but she didn’t care.

Her hand exploded when it struck Dominic’s jaw, but watching him hit the floor was well worth any broken bones.

“You were right about keeping my hands tied up, Dominic,” Marianne said, shaking out her hand.

“I can personally vouch that she has an excellent right cross,” Elliot called out as he strode into the room, followed closely by Barnabas and Sonia.

“It’s good to see your face, old man,” Sin said.