“I won’t lose you, Beth.” He held her face in his hands. “Not now.”
The words were there suddenly, words she’d never believed herself capable of speaking. Did she dare give herself to this man totally?
“I love you, Leo.”
“Pardon?” He actually blinked.
“I said I love you, Leo. I do not expect you to reciprocate, but I need you to hear the words, as I never believed I would speak them to another person after my father passed. You have unlocked something inside of me, Leo—”
He made a strangled sound in his throat, then pressed his forehead to hers.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“Really?” Beth wanted to shout for joy. Danger hung over her, but right at that moment all that mattered was the man who held her... her love. Leo.
“Really. It crept up on me when I was not looking, and before I knew it there you were, inside my heart.”
“I have so much to live for now, Leo. So much to look forward to. I want that, but first we must catch Lloyd.”
“I will take no risks with you, Beth.”
She kissed him, pressing her lips to his, her hands on his lapels holding him close.
“No risks, Leo. I will be safe, I promise.”
“I will make sure of it. I have to leave you now, love. The Hamilton ball is two nights away only, and I must speak with the others. I would ask you to stay inside until then, Beth. Ask that you stay safe until I come back and tell you of our plans. Will you do that for me?”
“I will, but I will not take orders so readily when we are married and the threat is gone.”
He gave her a slow smile, the one that made her pulse flutter.
“I shall depend upon it, my love.”
