Page 95 of The Iron Earl

He knew she was trapped the same as she did or he already would’ve charged.

Her breaths morphed into gasps. Gasps for air she couldn’t get into her lungs.

Evalyn twisted, looking over the edge of the bridge. Every fiber in her being told her to jump. It was the only escape. It was the only direction away from the blade and the only place to go. She had to jump before Lachlan did something stupid—before his rage drove him forward straight into death.

Her toes moved to the rough wooden edge of the bridge.

She had to do it now—now before she lost herself to darkness for the air that couldn’t make it to her lungs.

Her toes slipped to the edge of the bridge, her knees bending slightly, ready to spring. A hard swallow that sent the tip of Molson’s blade deeper into her skin, and she cast one last furtive glance at Lachlan.

His eyes slightly squinted, the look in them meant to make her freeze. He shook his head slightly and the blue in his hazel eyes changed.

Shifted from fury to pleading.

Begging.

Begging her not to do it.

But it was the only escape. The only place to go. He could see that.

Why wouldn’t he want her to jump?

He knew.

Knew she made stupid choices when she was trapped and couldn’t escape.

He wanted her to be smart. To think.

She tore her look from his eyes and glanced over the edge.

The water far below foamed with anger. Churning. Frigid.

It wasn’t escape.

It was death.

Lachlan knew that.

Air shot into her lungs with her next gasp.

She looked to Lachlan as her foot slid away from the edge.

His cheek twitched, a miniscule smile pulling back his lips.

His gaze left her to center on Molson, the fury instantly refilling his eyes. “I told you to step away from my wife, Molson.”

A cackle left Molson’s lips. “She won’t be such for long. She’ll be mine within a fortnight.”

“You’re delusional.” Lachlan’s ruthless voice echoed along the river.

“No. Smart.” With that, Molson released Evalyn, shoving her behind him onto the planks of the bridge.

On her hands and knees, Evalyn saw Molson pull his pistol from under his coat. Heard the click of the hammer pull back. He pointed it at Lachlan.

Bloody hell, no.

With a vicious growl she lunged, her hands landing on Molson’s back and shoving him with everything her body possessed.