Page 56 of When the Duke Met His Match

Laughing to himself in disbelief, he accepted her extended hand and slowly climbed to his feet. He dusted himself off and smiled down at her. “Who knew you could throw a punch like that?”

He half expected her to punch his arm for good measure, but her eyes welled up with tears as she threw herself into his arms. Relief emanated from her, and he embraced her in return. Admittedly, it was a breath of fresh air to feel her body against his once more.

“Where were you?” Odette asked him, pulling away enough to gaze up at him. She looked as though she had been entirely lost without him. “I thought something happened.”

“Many things did happen; however, I managed to handle them quite amicably,” he chided, more than happy to see her face instead of those relentless officers.

She narrowed her eyes in a questioning look, but worry scattered across her cheeks upon further inspection. “Are those bruises?”

“They might be, or perhaps it’s only the shadows,” Theophilus commented, surely only digging himself further into his grave.

Odette’s hands were gentle as she carefully touched his face, her eyes frantically taking him in. “What were you doing, trying to get yourself killed?”

He winced when she touched a tender spot, but he tried to pretend it was nothing for her sake. “That was a part of the plan, wasn’t it?”

She scoffed at him like he was ridiculous. “I appreciate you sticking your neck out for me like that back there, but you were supposed to be careful! Don’t you dare go and get yourself hurt again.”

“What, you don’t think these marks give me a rogue-like appearance?” he teased, trying his hardest to make light of what was an otherwise serious situation. “I think I look rather handsome with them.”

While fighting off all those officers on his own hadn't been particularly enjoyable, seeing Odette tense with worry and fear hurt far worse. He hoped his japes would calm her, yet they seemed to do the opposite.

“Stop jesting! What happened to you?”

He rubbed his neck absently and chuckled. “Rest assured, the others look far worse than I do.”

Her brows were knit together at that, and she smacked his arm. Luckily, it was less painful than the punches he had endured earlier that evening. "This is not the time for jests. Did you fight them?”

Theophilus sighed at last and hung his head, aware there was no sugarcoating it. “Yes. If it counts for anything, I was significantly outnumbered and still managed to get away.”

“What took you so long, then? I’ve been waiting here for hours!”

He reached for her hand and felt Odette relax at the touch. “I wanted to return as soon as possible, but I had to lay low for a while. I couldn’t risk leaving too soon and leading them right to you.”

She held his gaze for another moment before sighing and gently squeezing his hand. "I was fraught with worry for you. I felt powerless, as though I couldn't do anything to help you, and I didn't know if you would ever make it to me. "

Softened by her sincerity, he pulled her in for another hug and gently ran his hand up and down her back. "I know, and for that, I apologize. Despite my promise to the contrary, I'm proud of you for making the journey on your own."

“It’s alright. I understand,” she mumbled into his chest, lingering there for a while. "Just promise me you won't put yourself in danger again."

He hummed his amusement and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Your wish is my command.”

“How many were there?”

“Two at first, but a couple more showed up once we began fighting.”

He watched as her features lightened, no longer worried by the sight of him. Her eyes tracked across his face, and her eyes gleamed with adoration.

“You do look rather handsome.”

Theophilus’ heart squeezed at her words, and he smiled down at her genuinely. He was proud of himself despite his wounds. He was glad to be back with her and able to put her mind and heart at rest for a little while.

He hitched his thumb at the pub next to him. “Any luck here while I was gone?”

Odette sighed and shook her head as they moved toward the front door. “Nothing.”

Although he felt a tinge of disappointment upon hearing the news, Theophilus was relieved that he did not miss it and that Odette didn't have to carry the weight of it alone. They silently made their way inside, avoiding prying eyes, and she led him to a table in the dimly lit back of the room.

It was a good choice, and he realized he taught her well.