Page 475 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Twelve

At the sound of Jo’s cry, Nicholas broke into a run, taking the stairs two at a time. He reached the second floor seconds later to see Lord Wylst crushing her against the wall as she twisted in an effort to break free. Nicholas seized his shoulder and spun the baron around to face him. Wylst’s eyes widened as Nick drove a fist into his belly. The baron doubled over. Nicholas drew back for another punch, but Wylst threw an uppercut that caught him under the chin and sent him reeling backwards.

Jo screamed. Wylst lunged, driving his shoulder into Nick’s chest. They crashed into the wall. Air expelled from his lungs and pain splintered through what felt like every bone in his back. He kneed Wylst in the belly. The baron’s grip loosened and Nick shoved him against the far wall.

“Nick!” Jo shouted. “Stop, please.”

But rage rammed through him.

Wylst stumbled back. Nick saw his gaze cut to the rapiers mounted on the wall below the Allaway crest.

“Don’t be a fool, Wylst,” Nicholas growled, but the baron lunged and yanked one of the swords from its mounting.

A cruel smile twisted his mouth. “It is time someone put you in your place.”

“Please, Lord Wylst,” Jo begged. “This has gone far enough.”

Wylst jabbed at Nick’s chest. He jumped back, barely evading the sword tip.

“Only a coward fights an unarmed man,” Nicholas said.

“You attacked me,” Wylst said. “I am only defending myself.”

Jo sidled past him.

“Jo,” Nick warned, “get back.”

She plastered herself against the wall. Wylst took three quick steps toward him. Josephine grabbed the other sword from its mounting. Horror rammed through Nicholas at the realization that she intended to impale Wylst with the sword.

“Josephine!” he shouted.

She gave Wylst a shove with a booted foot to his arse. He stumbled, but quickly righted himself and faced Nick.

“Nicholas!” Josephine tossed the sword so that the hilt pointed to the ground.

“No!” Wylst swung his sword down in a heavy blow.

Nick caught the rapier and brought it around in an arc to block the blow. “I am calling in your marker, Wylst.”

Fury twisted his face. “You will not live to collect.”

Wylst advanced and, with a quick movement, slashed through the left arm of Nick’s left sleeve. Blood colored the fine lawn shirt he wore.

“Stop it,” Josephine cried. “Stop it. Wylst, if you kill him, we are finished.”

Nick jerked his gaze onto Jo.

“Nick!” she shouted.

He saw Wylst’s sword swinging toward his face—saw the opening beneath his arm—and lunged.

“No!” Josephine shouted. “He is my father.”

* * *

Josephine stared in horror as Nicholas’ rapier penetrated Lord Wylst’s stomach like butter in the instant before Nick’s head snapped in her direction. The baron’s blade clattered to the stone floor and Nicholas yanked his sword from Wylst’s body. The man dropped to his knees, then fell face forward with a sickening thud.

She stood frozen, breath coming in heavy gasps. Then Nicholas was at her side. A murmur of voices penetrated the haze and Josephine realized other people had entered the foyer. She found herself lifted into strong arms and pulled tight against Nicholas’ chest.