The Last Blow

by Taylor R. C.

  - But what if it goes wrong?

  Gisele absorbed the question, she couldn't think of “what if”, no, things had to work out because she had taken too long to find her “half” and would love to spend the rest of her days loving her, loving her Baron of Blackcastle.

  - It won't work, I trust you to put me "at a premium" and I trust myself. - She reached out giving him a chaste kiss. - I'm your imp, remember?

  James took a deep breath and did what was hurting him most, agreeing to that insanity, because somehow she was right and there was nothing they could do but act.

  - I remember, and it is forbidden to be less than that.

  - So will be.

  Gisele smiled as she was pulled into his lap and kissed with all the fervor.

  £££

  Jack looked at James as if he had a horn in the middle of his face.

  - You're not serious.

  - I am. The Baron took a deep breath. - Do everything as I ordered!

  - Are you talking about lowering our defenses and showing off your new girlfriend to attract your enemies to the point where she can end up like Eliza?

  James reset after his abrupt speech, but deep down Jack was right, he watched all the degradation he got into after Eliza's death and he also knew that lowering his defenses was crazy, however, he didn't know that plan in that moment cost all of his control because it was in fact the only vision he had.

  - I'm not Eliza.

  Gisele entered the room wearing a black silk dress, with a deep neckline revealing the white skin and free of marks, he knew that the bruises had been covered with something, the hair was loose and artistically straight, the makeup was light marked only by a dark red lipstick, it was just beautiful, James took a deep breath containing the urge to run and fill it with kisses, make the path of the fabric that covered her skin, all his concentration fell apart.

  - Does she know about your fiancee then? - Jack asked a little amazed.

  - You know. - The Baron said without taking his eyes off the woman. - Could Pottes have achieved something more discreet for you?

  James asked her, Gisele smiled, shrugging, approaching him wearing a black tuxedo, that clinging to his broad shoulders, the perfect fit on his hips, he was a very tempting sight. She reached him, touching his face, his beard was perfectly trimmed, his hair was neatly combed, and there was no way out of place.

  - No, I asked for something to get attention, I want to be seen by everyone, that's the plan. - She turned to that Jack guy. - I know what I'm getting into, I was the one who gave the idea, just need to be ready for the time of the attack, James said to be sure that they will come after me.

  "Surely you must have drunk or hit your head in the accident ..." Jack dismissed.

  - Neither! - Gisele was categorical.

  - She is crazy, Jack, I said, but unfortunately a crazy woman with a certain reason even if it costs me to admit it. - James hugged Gisele from behind, kissing her neck, whispering. - I love you so much, you insane.

  She smiled, shaking his hands that wrapped around his waist, thinking that only the Baron managed to make an insult become something romantic, she had a good idea of how worried that plan was, but that was a move to achieve “peace ”, Even though it looked like a kind of suicide, Gisele sighed, and kept staring at Jack.

  - What if they kill you before they "capture" you? Jack asked.

  - They won't, I believe they would want to torture James first by using me alive, the men in that business love doing that.

  Jack looked at that woman in awe, she seemed to be discussing business terms and not her life, because that was exactly what was being put on the table, he looked at James who looked very worried and only had eyes for the woman in his arms , it was clear that she had already convinced him to do that.

  - You can kill James. - It was the last card that Jack tried to dissuade the two.

  - Only if they get close to him, and it's up to you and he don't let it happen!

  - Jack, it won't do any good, she already decided that she will be part of it. - The Baron said.

  - So whatever god wants.

  Without further argument he left the room and left Gisele with the Baron, she turned to him with a small smile.

  - Thanks.

  - For letting you be in danger? - He spoke in a bad mood. - You're welcome!

  - It's not that James, it's for letting me help, for listening to me.

  The Baron placed his hands on her face, stroking with the tips of his fingers and pressed his forehead to hers, closing his eyes, absorbing her scent, his presence feeling his heart flood with longing even though he was so close, no time would be enough with that one. woman and at the same time every second was everything.

  - I need you to promise me something. - He asked staring at her. - When the time comes if you need to choose between doing what has to be done or saving my skin, do the right thing.

  - Don't make me promise things like that ...

  Gisele knew what he meant, if he had to choose between her or him, but he just wasn't going to promise any of that, not tonight at least.

  - Gisele...

  - No, never mind ... - She ran her hands over his clothes as if she were getting a dent. - Come on, we have a party to attend.

  She took him by the hand pulling him, James watched her, he was so afraid of losing her, but one thing was certain, Gisele was a fox, she had to trust that when the time came she would act as she always did, lethal way.

  £££

  The party that the Baron was invited to was being held in a property away from London, a huge Victorian-style mansion, cars lined up at the entrance, Gisele watched it more calmly, after all it was a very crowded place, it would be easy to disappear among people if needed.

  - I can hear you thinking. - James said sliding his hand down her leg and frowned. - What is it?

  He lifted her dress and saw a black band tied to her leg, there was a small knife and a small, adapted silver pistol. James looked up to catch hers hidden in the shadows created inside the car, however, he could see the devilish smile that melted him.

  - A woman needs to be prepared, and with a butler like yours this becomes very easy.

  - That old man just looks like a saint. James laughed.

  - He is very efficient, he got everything I asked for before dark. - She commented with satisfaction. - I wanted to be prepared, even if today everything is just a rehearsal for the future attack.

  The Baron took her hand kissing it and holding it tenderly over his chest, Gisele could feel the beat of that vigorous heart, that pulse was something suddenly relaxing for her.

  - We will never go through this again, I promise. - He stated.

  - I believe you! - Gisele said smiling.

  £££

  The party was in full swing, the moment James, looked at the room full of people known and as anonymous, felt his interior twisting, was not happy to be there with Gisele, and as if she felt the tension that he took it, she shook his hand, giving him a look that could be said to be peaceful.

  - It's all right!

  - Hell it is, I feel exposed. - Gisele caressed his hand listening to his heavy sigh. - Let's go to the bar!

  The two walked side by side attracting glances, while Gisele seemed very happy with everything, the Baron wore his usual mask of seriousness.

  - If I continue with that face, people will say that I am not being good company ...

  James stared at her as they arrived at the bar, he waved to a waiter, asking for two double whiskeys, then answered.

  - I can not avoid.

  She moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, giving him a smile which the Baron thought would put even a saint at risk.

  - Relax, we're fine.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Gisele noticed an approach, she realized that James did too, but they pretended not to see until a blond middle-aged man or woman's side was certainly younger than Gisele, the guy spoke to the Baron in greeting. It
soon became known that he was a contact for the Watts companies, my manager, according to James, was in charge there, part of which was what made him consider going to the party, because that way he kept the secure image that covered up the shady deals. Later, after basically running the entire room, Gisele felt her feet hurting, she had apparently met more people than she had in her entire life.

  - I never imagined you were so social James! - She joked.

  - And I'm not, honey, but today I had to make an exception ... - He pulled her hand gently giving her a kiss. - Is tired?

  - A little...

  - Let's go, we were seen tonight, that's what matters and ...

  His speech was interrupted by a hand on his shoulder, a guy with brown hair and blue eyes, looked at the couple next.

  - Baron, we haven't spoken yet! - The man smiled. - How are you and your company?

  - Evo. - James said extending his hand to his greeting. - Perfectly well, let me introduce, this is Miss. Lancastter.

  She assessed the man in front of James, there was something frigid and tense in his posture, the polite smile didn't reach his eyes.

  - Hello miss, it's a pleasure. - He said.

  - The pleasure is mine ... - She returned, while he turned to the Baron again.

  - Can we talk a minute in private?

  James looked at Gisele, she had to get away, to cause surprise it was ideal that everyone and anyone thought she was an innocent "duckling" sailing in those dangerous "waters" that the Baron crossed.

  - Of course ... - James said and Gisele went forward next.

  - I'm going to the toilet, excuse me.

  She said, smiling at both of them and walking away, she looked around the room and saw Jack at the other end, he was with a group of women and anyone would say he was very entertained, however, Gisele knew that not, the minute saw him give her a nod as if to say "I'm watching him", she remained sure that the Baron would be fine, her only concern was to get away, but everything was fine, at least that was what she believed.

  Gisele went into the ladies' room, there didn't seem to be any other people, went to the mirror, opening the handbag and removing the lipstick to touch up, the door opened, a tall, blond woman dressed in red entered right after, she looked at her through the window. mirror, the stranger entered one of the booths. Gisele put her lipstick away, fixing her hair, then prepared to leave, however, when she reached the door, a movement attracted her attention, the blonde suddenly left the cabin and pressed her to the wall, pinning her arms on the shore, Gisele she took a deep breath, calming herself, of course she could react, but she wasn't going to, because she seemed to be kidnapped. It's time Baron ... She thought, feeling the other woman tighten her arm.

  - There was no shouting or I will shoot through your head!

  - I will not do anything...

  At least not yet ...Gisele thought being taken outside, the blonde hid the gun between them, pressing the barrel against her back, she left the bathroom following the right side where there were fewer people, there was a side exit that Gisele had already seen, she didn't tried to look for the Baron was too far to be seen, however, someone infiltrating the party of his team would see. She was being taken to the most isolated area, you can see a car, said two men, took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come, however, before reaching the vehicle she noticed the presence of someone, things were quick and brief, James it came shooting at the two security guards and then Gisele only had time to detach herself from the woman with an agile movement while turning kicking the blonde's gun, and taking out her pistol stuck in her leg aiming directly at the woman's head.

  - If you make a move, I'll shoot!

  As soon as he finished the sentence and felt the approach of someone, before he heard the voice, he knew it was James, a smile curved his lips.

  - Never disappoint when attacking, my love ...

  Gisele smiled even without looking at the Baron, knowing exactly how happy she was to not let him down, however, they had something to do.

  - Time to take me to your boss, but on my terms blonde!

  James took only a minute after talking to Evo and seeing Jack on his left with a strange look to understand that something was wrong, so he broke away from the man with an excuse and disappeared down an alternate corridor, the Baron had studied the strategic exits of that party because I didn't want to be caught off guard, just as it almost happened, but I had managed to get out in time and arrived at the only wing where a car could sneak in and out.

  - If I were you, I would collaborate. - James said the strange woman. - You'll take us to your boss.

  - You are crazy if you think I'm going to collaborate ...

  Jack appeared there, just behind the stranger, then grabbed her by the neck and stuck something in her mouth, holding her tight, causing her to swallow. Gisele lowered the gun and watched, allowed herself to glance at the Baron, seemed calm and absolutely cold.

  - I made you swallow an explosive, blondie, say no to our plan and it detonates inside you!

  Jack released her showing a device in his hand that he handed to Gisele, she looked at him smiling, James watched and held on to not laugh at it, because Gisele looked like a child with a new toy, while the blonde cast a murderous look at her partner .

  - I've never seen such an explosive before. - She said.

  - They are new, very good, deadly damage. - Jack said despite the blonde who will swallow such an object.

  - I love watching you talk about deadly devices, but we have to run. - The Baron spoke and looked at the blonde. - Where are you going to take her?

  The woman hesitated, but in the next second she started talking, giving details of how she should proceed after capturing Gisele and leaving the party with her, but the blonde made it clear that she never negotiated with the “boss” who ordered the kidnapping, just spoke to an intermediary.

  - Great, let's go to the car, Jack take the place of one of the men the Baron did to please us…

  Jack looked at her inquisitively, and the Baron shrugged, not too surprised to see Gisele taking control of it.

  - The plan is hers, Jack, and she is going to risk her skin too, so just obey!

  The Baron watched the woman he fell in love with to reorganize and take an aggressive stance, ready for combat, part of him got excited and another tightened up in fear, he didn't want to lose her.

  - It won't work! - The blonde said to Jack when she got into the front seat of the car.

  - You better do it, or it will be a shame to blow up a little thing as beautiful as you ... - If a look killed, Jack was sure he would have died with her look.

  - Come on!

  Gisele said seeing Jack take the wheel with the blonde in the passenger seat, looked at the Baron by his side and for the first time saw him apprehensive, extended his hand touching his face, he frowned with a sigh.

  - Jack has already warned our team of the place where they are taking you, I will be there before you arrive, I promise that nothing will happen ...

  That seemed more like a promise to him, Gisele understood when looking at those deep blue eyes that James was scared, that he was thinking about Eliza and that he suffered from it, but there was a big difference, his first bride didn't know what he was doing , she was taken by surprise and was totally unprepared for something like what was happening, but one thing was more important than anything, she didn't have to wait for the Baron, if something went wrong she could fight her battles, she could fight for both of them and it was what you would do if you needed to.

  - I know my love is going, I'm calm.

  She smiled, stretching and giving him a kiss, James grabbed her, his hands strong and persuasive, the male mouth took hers in a possessive and wistful way, as if he wanted to merge with her, and wanting that, Gisele accepted with the same intensity , when they walked away they were panting and wanting more.

  - Gisele… - He swallowed. - When this is over you will have no escape, you will be my Baroness of Blackcastle!
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  Her heart failed to face the man's determined expression, a smile took her lips, she took a deep breath trying to sound normal.

  - Your way of proposing to me is as unusual as you are ... - He smiled. - I will be your baroness, now I will be back soon and I want at least a decent ring, do you hear me!

  James let her into the car feeling fear and at the same time euphoria when looking at those blue eyes, that whole woman so beautiful.

  - Leave it, honey! - He said closing the door.

  - I love you! - Gisele said.

  - Even more ... - The Baron spoke, and the car pulled away and in the same second his whole body prepared for a collision.

  Chapter 17

  James watched Gisele being led alongside Jack and the blonde into a building in the center of the city, he would barely imagine that something like this could be done well in the eyes of everyone, whoever did it was bold and even more for trying such a thing against the Baron of Blackcastle, so he would be delighted to end whoever was to blame.

  - All ready for the attack team sir, we have already invaded the system! - One of the men on the Baron's team spoke.

  - Great, wait for my signal and let's get in!

  His heart was racing and each of his muscles tense, waiting, waiting for the moment of the attack and just in time to get Gisele out of the way of whoever was the mentor of that attack. All of James' instincts screamed attack, as well as those of the scammer who walked down the elegant corridor of the building, looking like a very helpless girl in front of the men dressed in blacks who took care of the floor they took her on and assessed without a hint of suspicion, badly they knew they had a wolf in sheep's clothing right in front of them.

  - Who's that with you, Dalina? - Asked a guy to the blonde who now had a name, referring to Jack.

  - Change of plans, I changed my men, but here's your package ...

  She pushed Gisele towards the big guy who seemed to have accepted the explanation and dragged her into a room. Gisele resisted, tried to look frightened, as someone “normal” should be, so she was thrown into a chair in the center of the room that must have been an office, she had a long shelf of books behind the big table where a man was sitting, in amidst the shadows, in a typical image with the intention of intimidating, obviously she got in the mood and pretended to be intimidated, however, she wasn't, because she was never more calm than that minute, because she knew who somewhere in that building or well next to her her guardian angel, her future husband, the Baron of Blackcastle was ready to come and get her.