They’d made good time, only stopping once to water the horses. It was still early afternoon and the sun was high in the sky. Jean-Paul swung open their carriage door and stepped back to let them alight. A broad smile lit his face and Liddy suddenly felt safe. No wonder Gabriel put so much trust in him. "I regret it is not quite as luxurious as the Hotel de Marseilles, but it does have its advantages." Gabriel slid to the edge of the seat then maneuvered his way out of the carriage. He was in pain. It was written on his face and made even more evident by the vacant look in his eyes. When he landed on the ground a little harder than normal, his grimace confirmed her suspicion. For a moment he stood motionless, as if he needed an extra second or two to steady himself. Then, he turned to help her from the carriage. "We’re here. You did fine, Liddy." Her heart shifted at his words and she reached for his proffered hand, knowing his touch would send waves of heat spreading through her. Knowing she’d feel safe as long as she held on to him.
