Page 131 of Four Promises to Love

“Now for the jewels,” Owen said. “I have separated them into two cases like you asked.”

She examined the pair of leather cases and the jewelry arranged inside.

“I will give Carver the first as a show of good faith,” she said. “After he releases the Hawks, I’ll give him the other.”

“He will be armed, Finn, and accompanied by brutes,” Owen said grimly. “Do you think he’ll respect your conditions for the trade?”

“No. This is just for show—to convince him that Tansy and I are alone and desperate,” she replied. “Once he lets his guard down, you will surround him.”

“A sound plan,” Rawlins said. “I shall make final preparations with my men.”

The family left as well, giving Finn a few private moments with Owen.

“I’ll be right over there.” He tilted his head toward the drawing room, which put him closest to the action and her. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know you won’t,” she said tremulously. “Please be careful. I couldn’t bear if⁠—”

“We are going to stop Carver,” he said firmly, “and end the curse of violence and pain. Then we will be free to start our own happily ever after.”

His fierce yet tender kiss bolstered her resolve.

I am no longer alone—and I will bring my family home.

Carver arrived early, but Finn had planned for it. She’d have done the same to throw the opponent off step. His men pushed open the double doors, and Carver entered like a conqueror. His ice-blue gaze locked first on her, then Tansy, before sweeping over the entrance hall. Finn prayed that her team remained concealed. She’d deliberately kept the lighting dim, the flickering candles of the chandelier distracting from other movements.

“Seraphina, my dear, we meet again,” he said.

He smiled, showing his even, white teeth. Through his cultivated façade, his cutthroat nature bled through. He moved with the swagger of the streets. His blond hair gleamed beneath a silk top hat worn at a rakish angle. His Bond Street garments had too much flash. But it was his veneer of charm she found most chilling.

“Good evening, Mr. Carver,” she said with a nod. “Thank you for meeting me. However, I was expecting more in your party?”

“Ah, yes. I have brought your little gang. But I believe you have something for me first.”

“Not until I see them,” she said.

“You are hardly in a position to bargain. You have caused me a great deal of trouble.” His light tone heightened his menace. “My patience wears thin.”

“I would not presume to bargain with you, sir.” She added a tremor to her voice, knowing how much he enjoyed fear. “I am proposing an act of good faith on both our parts. I have what you want. I only wish to know that my friends are safe. Please.”

He narrowed his eyes. Raising his hand, he snapped his fingers.

Finn’s heart soared when Iris was dragged in by one of the brutes. The Hawks’ leader looked starved, her face hollowed by exhaustion. The pretty red-gold hair that had been her pride had been shorn as short as a lad’s. Her gaze was flat and lifeless. She had her hands bound behind her back and stumbled like a drunk.

But Iris was here and alive.

“Where are the others?” Finn asked.

“Show me the jewels,” Carver said.

It was not a request.

Finn went to the console behind her, fetching the first case from the drawer. Keeping her distance, she opened it and saw greed blaze across his features.

“Where is the rest?” he demanded.

“In a safe place. I will bring it to you when I have my friends.” She made her lip quiver like a woman who was pretending to be braver than she was.

She saw Carver was making calculations. He believed he had the upper hand and could take what he wanted by force. But why waste the effort it would take to find the second case? He could pretend to play along. Once he had his prize, he could rid himself of the Hawks once and for all.