Joanne's chuckle grew louder, defiant despite the agony wracking her body.
She knew what was coming next.
Bracing herself, she tensed as Caruso's boot slammed down on her thigh.
A sharp, searing pain shot up her leg. Her breath hitched, and for a fleeting moment, she feared her bone had snapped. But it was better than a bullet.
She could endure this.
She had to.
Curling in on herself, she let out a ragged breath—then she heard it.
The thunder of hooves.
Her heart clenched. Was Mr. Darcy coming back?
Then—a second set of hooves.
Hope swelled in her chest.
Help was coming.
-----
Back at the house, Philip and Fiona stood frozen, the suspense unbearable.
Fiona had already called Liam, breathless with urgency.
"She's in the northeast part of her land," she'd told him.
Without hesitation, Liam had mounted his horse, choosing the faster route through his own property. The rugged terrain was no match for his determination.
