Rose threaded her arm through mine, and her green eyes asked what she couldn’t.
I took a steadying breath, remembering what I had instead of what I didn’t. She was enough. More than enough. I could do this. I could live for her.
“It’s getting late,” she said.
I nodded. “So it is.”
My knees protested rising, and it was clear I would struggle to regain the muscle I once had before my time in prison. A few hours sitting, and it was a monumental task just to rise.
“Thank you, Lady Bailey, for a perfect day. It’s been an honour to be welcomed into your beautiful home.” I said, bowing my head. “Lord Bailey, I hope to be able to see your docks whenever you have time.”
Lord Bailey beamed, standing and shaking my hand firmly.
“Name the day, son,” he said.
It was easy to see how Lord Bailey agreed to receive his payments from his partner without receipts. He was a kind-hearted and trusting man. He and Oscar were two sides to the same coin.
“Monday?” I asked.
“That will work just fine for me,” he said.
Detangling from all the Baileys was its own feat, but as Rose led me downstairs, I found that it was a shame to leave them all. It was inconceivable to have grown up in a home with as much love and support. Even though they may not have understood Rose as she deserved, they loved her with a ferocity that was beautiful.
The instant she opened the door, the cold air rushed in a fury. London winters were harsh, and even despite the fine clothes I now wore, I couldn’t forget what it meant to be poor at this time of year.
“You were incredible,” Rose whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. “Even when Rebecca asked you if you lost your arm to a tiger.”
Her teeth began to chatter, so I wrapped my coat around her shoulders. She sank into murmuring something that was halfway between a thank you and a groan of approval.
“You should go inside,” I said.
All night, I resisted the urge to touch her, but with just us outside, I couldn’t convince myself someone might see. Reaching up, I ran the back of my finger over her cheek and jawline. She leaned into the touch, closing her eyes.
“If I go back inside, they will all tease me mercilessly. I think I’ll take my chances with the cold.” She chattered.
“You’re freezing.” I reminded her.
She opened her eyes and reached up, grabbing my hand and holding it between both of hers.
“Are you going back to the Wraith?” she asked.
I nodded. In fact, Oscar would be down any minute to meet me to make for Corpse Cove. Despite the comforts of Bailey's house, Inu was at home. Just as Rose was mine.
“Don’t touch my flag,” she glared up at me.
God, I wanted to kiss her. Polite society be damned. One glance up at the manor showed two small heads dashing behind the sheer white curtain.
“We are being watched,” I smiled.
Rose frowned and shoved a pointed finger in my chest that stung more than it should have.
“Don’t change the subject. Promise you won’t touch the flag,” she ordered.
With her upturned nose and round green eyes, she was far more adorable than fierce as she drowned in my coat.
“It’s my ship,” I said.
She stepped forward, and it took all my willpower not to pull her into me.
