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And that was when she laid him out on his back.

For the first time since the fight had started, Kenton burst into laughter. Torr should have been annoyed by the arrogant Englishman. Instead, he stood and held out a hand to his very capable opponent.

“Well done, my lady.”

“And my wife.”

They all turned at that, staring at Kenton. They all knew he and Alessandra were at a stalemate—Alessandra would only marry him if he’d agree to change her, and he wouldn’t change her unless he had evidence she’d survive.

“No more waiting,” Kenton said. “Any woman who can take down the great Torr Derrickson is one I want for a wife.”

“But we agreed—”

“And what if we don’t find the evidence we need?”

“Then you will turn me anyway.”

Everyone in the room watched as if they were spectators and Kenton and Alessandra the sport.

“We shall see.”

Despite the continued stalemate, Alessandra ran to him and threw her hands around his neck.

“Don’t think you’re getting out of this one, but yes, I agree. Why wait?”

The embrace turned more intimate as Toni practically squealed. “We’re planning a wedding!” She held up her glass. “To the already engaged but soon-to-be married Mr. and Mrs. Kenton Morley.”

The couple in question broke apart and held up their own glasses. It struck Torr that he was the only one without a glass in the air. As he looked around at the circle of smiling faces, he felt something in him soften. Hell. Who was he to put a damper on the mood? He grabbed his nearly finished whiskey from the bar and hoisted it up.

“Cheers,” Toni said.

And though he did not raise his drink directly at Kenton, he did angle it in his general direction. “‘The great Torr Derrickson.’ Thank you for saying so, my lord.”

Kenton acknowledged the deferential use of his former title with a tight smile.

But a smile nonetheless.

“Unfortunately,” Torr added, draining his drink, “my charge awaits.”

It took everyone a moment to understand his meaning. When they did, they all began talking at once. Only Toni seemed to be pleased by the news. But Torr was already halfway to the door, heading toward the woman who did not yet know she’d be his close companion until they confirmed the unknown Cheld was no danger.

Either way, he planned to take his responsibility seriously.

Torr smiled at the possibilities that awaited.