Page 57 of Trapped with the Earl of Sin

How much did he mean that?

He meant it more than anything that he had ever thought before, but that still scared him. The idea of being in love was one of the most terrifying things in the world, and he had never thought that he would feel that way. But Susanna had made him see that there was much more to him. That he could have more if he really wanted it. And the way that she had jumped in front of the bullet for him let him know that she felt the same way too.

Now he could not wait for her to wake up so they could finally discuss their feelings, so he could say everything that he had been too afraid to say before. He could finally tell her that he had fallen in love with her and that he truly wanted to be with her forever… if that was what she wanted too.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Susanna’s eyes fluttered open, the haze of pain and confusion gradually giving way to the dim light of the room. The first thing she saw was the ceiling, unfamiliar and oppressive.

She blinked, trying to orient herself, her thoughts sluggish and fragmented. Slowly, she became aware of a dull, throbbing pain in her arm.

She shifted slightly, wincing as the pain intensified, and turned her head. The sight of Martin sitting beside her bed, his face etched with worry and exhaustion, filled her vision. Relief washed over her, mingled with confusion. What had happened? The memories came rushing back—the sound of a gunshot, Edwin’s crazed eyes, and the searing pain as she leapt in front of Martin.

“Martin,” she whispered, her voice hoarse and weak.

Martin’s head snapped up, and his eyes filled with a mix of relief and concern. “Susanna, thank God,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “You are awake at long last. How are you?”

Susanna tried to smile, but it felt more like a grimace as she worried about everyone else first and foremost. “What… what happened? Is everyone alright?”

Martin reached out, gently taking her hand. “You were shot, but the bullet only grazed your arm. You are going to be fine, Susanna. The physician said you were very lucky.”

Susanna nodded slowly, the pain in her arm throbbing in time with her heartbeat. “Edwin… where is he?”

Martin’s expression darkened. “He has been arrested and locked away for his crimes. He will no longer be able to hurt anyone else.”

Susanna let out a shaky breath, relief mingling with lingering fear. “Thank goodness. I was so afraid… But this means Mary can continue to live her life. She does not need to be worried any longer.”

“That is right.” Martin squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It is over now. Edwin can’t hurt you, or anyone else, ever again.”

Tears welled up in Susanna’s eyes, and she blinked them away, not wanting to appear weak. “I was so scared, Martin. I thought… I thought I might lose you.”

Martin leaned closer, his eyes softening. “You saved my life, Susanna. I do not know how to thank you.”

A tear slid down her cheek, and she managed a weak smile. “You do not have to thank me. I could not let him hurt you. I could not bear the thought of losing anyone… but when I saw the gun pointed atyou, it made me feel ill. I could not stand it.”

Martin wiped the tear away with his thumb, his touch gentle. “You are so brave, Susanna. You did something incredible. Everyone is impressed with you.”

Susanna closed her eyes for a moment, letting his words wash over her. She felt a deep sense of relief, but also a gnawing worry for what the future might hold. “What about Mary and Luke? Are they alright too?”

“They are fine,” Martin assured her. “Mary was worried sick about you, but she is alright. Luke… he’s still in shock, I think. But they’re both safe. We are all safe, thanks to you.”

“And what about the wedding?”

Martin smiled at her. “You know that Mary wants the wedding to be perfect, and it will not be perfect without you. She will wait until you get better.”

Susanna’s eyes widened, a mix of relief and guilt washing over her. “She is delaying the wedding because of me?”

Martin squeezed her hand gently. “Mary loves you, Susanna. She wants you to be there with her on her special day. Besides, after everything that happened, everyone could use a little time to recover.”

Susanna nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. “I just do not want to be the reason for any more delays or problems. Not after everything that they have been through.”

Martin’s smile was warm and reassuring. “You are not a problem, Susanna. You are family. And family looks out for each other.”

Tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time they were tears of gratitude and love. “Thank you, Martin. I do not know what I would do without you.”

“You don’t have to find out,” he said softly. “I am here, and I am not going anywhere.”

Susanna closed her eyes for a moment, letting his words soothe her. She felt a sense of peace, knowing that Martin was by her side. The events of the night had been terrifying, but they had also shown her the strength of the bonds she shared with those she loved.

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