There was a cough from the end of the hallway, and Knox barely had a chance to look before knife flew by his face, slicing a line in his cheek. He growled and turned to look and his eyes widened with surprise when he saw who it was. Natalia stood in front of them, her eyes studying the situation. She appeared to be alone and she frowned, raising a delicate eyebrow. “Knox. Put him down.”
Knox grinned, standing up straight and dropping Jack casually on the ground. Jack’s head hit the concrete and he groaned, his hand flat against the street. “Aubrey! I heard you were dead.” She squinted at him but said nothing, pulling out her sword.
One of her hands held his, the other on the side of his face. She kissed his temple carefully. "Stay with me, alright? Stay with me."
He didn’t respond, but his hand squeezed hers weakly. Natalia stepped forward, her face expressionless. “I’ll have you know,” Knox said sweetly, “that I have several gunmen who are watching you at this moment.” “And I’ll have you know,” she replied, her voice cold, “that I’ve sent some people to take care of that.” As if to confirm her words, glass shattered in the house next to them. Knox looked quickly before his gaze darted back to Natalia. She raised an eyebrow, as if waiting for him to make a move. He growled before lunging for Jack and Avice and Natalia, moving in a blur, drew her knife from her belt and threw it, catching his arm and pinning it to the wall. He hissed and she advanced, holding her sword to his throat.
Avice brushed his cheek gently, though she would obviously be nervous. "We might have to move you. It might hurt."
He didn’t say anything, his brow furrowing slightly. Natalia said nothing and Knox reached forward, placing his hands on her waist. “Aubrey,” he said soothingly. “Think of Felicity. Think of our baby. She wouldn’t want you to kill her papa, would she? She would cry.” A strange expression crossed her face and she pressed the sword deeper against his skin. “Say one more word, Knox.”
She moved her head to his arm was over her shoulders, placing another hand on his waist as she attempted to lift him.
He gasped, his eyes flying open and Natalia turned her head, her brow furrowing. Knox seized the opportunity to shove Natalia back and tug the knife from his arm. He slid through the window in the building behind him and disappeared. Natalia cursed and looked momentarily conflicted before coming over to Jack. “Here. Grab his arms.”
Natalia took his legs and Jack gasped. “Get over it, Jack,” she said sharply. “Bite your tongue if you have to.”
“Back in town. We’ll pick her up on the way.” Natalia loaded Jack onto the horse before turning to look at Avice. “Get on.”
Jack seemed even paler, if possible, and he had a hard time staying awake. “I’ll meet you back in town,” Natalia said. “Get Aubrey and meet us at the docks.”
