Page 123 of A Thief to Die For

‘No, Marian, I’m the one who needs to apologise. I shouldn’t have tried to make you –’

‘It’s okay. I know your intentions were good. For that and … other things.’

Does she?

Do you know I tried to save your sister?

Do you know that I’m endlessly, hopelessly in love with you?

I swallow hard.

Her face tightens. ‘How long are you staying, before you’re back on the road?’

My brows shoot up. She thinks I’m leaving again – is that why she’s being so guarded? ‘That depends,’ I venture. ‘How long are you staying?’

A cautiousness enters her eyes. ‘What does that mean? Are you not here for coal?’

‘It means, Samuel and Levi are here for coal. I …’ Just say it. ‘I was hoping to find out your plans, then talk you into letting me tag along.’

The beautiful shock that spreads across her face makes me feel like I could fly. ‘But what if what I want is … to stay here?’

‘Then we stay.’

She stares at me for a long time.

‘I’ll watch you lead grappling classes,’ I suggest. ‘Take you on moonlight trips to the waterfall.’

Something playful enters her eyes. ‘What about learning some of the Dresden dances with me? We never did get to finish our dance.’

I smile, more than encouraged by the direction this is heading. ‘I’ve already been practising. How about you?’

It’s been over a month without Atlas ruling with an iron fist. What’s changed for her?

‘I’ve been too busy for that. Grief is … messy sometimes. And I’ve also been caught in my head, worrying over … someone.’ Her gaze locks with mine.

It’s a horse kick to the chest. ‘Yeah?’

‘But I think that might resolve soon – the worrying part.’

Every muscle goes taut. ‘That’s good. You’ll have more time for dancing.’

She fights a grin and loses. ‘Well, I actually … was thinking I might fill my time with some romance.’

‘Romance,’ I repeat, hopeful. So damn hopeful. ‘Can I suggest someone for that? He comes highly recommended.’ My gaze drops to her lips, and my blood grows heated. ‘He’s passionate. Very good at archery.’ I tilt my head to the side. ‘Excellent at cooking bacon.’

She snorts, and it’s like the sun has split through the clouds.

I lean in and lower my voice. ‘I’m serious, Marian. I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give. Friends. Lovers. I’d marry you right here, right now, if you’d let me. Just tell me I’m not too late.’

She bites her lip. ‘You’re not.’

I want to touch her, to kiss her, but I sense there’s still something holding her back.

She turns her head. ‘How do you think Agatha would feel about this?’ she asks warily. ‘She hated the idea of you and me together.’

‘She didn’t hate it.’

Her eyes go wide with disbelief.