“You aren’t pressuring me, I promise.”
She caressed his jaw, marveling that this magnificent man loved her. That he’d waited thirteen years before being with a woman again…and he’d chosen to be with her.
“I would be honored to be your wife,” she said softly. “But I don’t want my happiness to be at the cost of my family’s. You understand, don’t you?”
Pain flashed in his eyes. “More than you know.”
It took her a moment to realize what she’d done.
Horrified, she blurted, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to dredge up—”
“I am not made of glass, little tigress. You only spoke the truth.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “What are you proposing?”
Reassured, she said, “I think we should keep our engagement secret until Papa introduces his bill. He said it will only be a month from now. During that time, we’ll make sure you and my family get better acquainted. Once that happens, I know my parents will adore you as I do and support our marriage.”
This way, I will not hurt Papa’s campaign with a scandal. I won’t distract or disappoint him. At the same time, I will prevent Wei from facing any potential rejection by my family. This is the best solution to make sure no one gets hurt.
Wei shook his head. “I wish I shared your optimism.”
“Mama already expressed a desire to get to know you. Once you and Papa get a chance to talk—and my birthday ball will provide the perfect opportunity—you will get on like a house on fire,” she said confidently.
After a pause, Wei said, “If you think the best strategy is to wait, then I’ll wait.”
“Thank you, darling.” Flushed with success, she decided to push her luck. “I have another plan, too. Concerning Wulfric Scott.”
Wei's gaze hardened. “I am going after him, Glory. After everything I’ve told you, you must understand why.”
“I do understand, and I am not trying to stop you,” she promised. “Trust me, the Angels want him too. To achieve our mutual goals, however, we must be patient and methodical.”
The corners of his eyes crinkled. “You are advising me to be patient?”
“Perhaps I am learning from our lessons.”
She beamed at him; he snorted.
“At any rate,” she said, “getting your answers from Scott won’t be easy. At the fight, you had him at your mercy, and he still would not talk. Even if you managed to get past his gang and corner him again, who is to say he will tell you what he knows about your enemy?”
“I will make him talk,” Wei said.
“Torture is not your style,” she chided. “Wouldn’t it be preferable to have a better kind of leverage? One that would be, um, less messy?”
He frowned. “What kind of leverage are you referring to?”
“We obtain concrete proof of the Fancy’s crimes. Say, for instance, their dognapping scheme,” she said. “In exchange for not forwarding the matter to the police, we demand that Scott give you the information you seek and release all the dogs, with the promise to never again engage in the vile business. In that scenario, everyone wins.”
“Your plan is to blackmail the Fancy?”
Wei did not sound as impressed as she’d hoped.
“We shall frame it as a trade,” Glory replied brightly. “The Angels are taking turns shadowing Bryant and Scott. One of them is bound to slip up soon and lead us to the dogs. Then we’ll have all the proof we need. I’m surveilling Bryant tomorrow; if you wish, you could accompany me.”
During the ensuing silence, she held her breath.
Can we begin as I hope we will go on, as true partners in love and life? Will Wei see that we are stronger together than apart?
He expelled a breath. “I cannot believe I am allowing you to talk me into this.”
Twenty-Six
