They were still moving, slow circles in the empty room, her cheek brushing his shoulder, his breath warm against her temple. It felt like a farewell disguised as a waltz, a sin hidden under the shape of something innocent.
“I love you,” Gabriel said suddenly, his voice breaking. “I need you to know that. Whatever happens, however this ends, I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything in my entire life.”
Her eyes closed. His confession was a balm and a blade all at once. She clung to him a little tighter, her body betraying her even as her mind whispered of consequences.
"I know."
"Say it back."
"You know I love you."
"I need to hear it."
"I love you, Gabriel Hale. I love your scars and your moods and your terrible attempts at making tea. I love the way you look at me when you think I'm not watching and the way you pretend not to care about things that matter to you. I love you completely and desperately and will be the death of me.”
He stopped dancing, pulling her closer until there was no space between them at all. "Run away with me."
"Gabriel…"
"I'm serious. We'll leave tonight. Go to the continent. I have money that's not tied to the estate. We could disappear."
"And live as what? Fugitives?"
"As us. Just Gabriel and Clara."
"You can't walk away from a dukedom."
“I most certainly can.”
"Your aunt would have you declared insane and drag you back."
“Let her make the attempt. It matters little.”
"Gabriel, stop. You're the Duke of Ashbourne. You have responsibilities, duties, a legacy…"
"I don't want any of it without you."
"You don't get to choose."
"Why not?"
"Because that's not how the world works."
"Then I'll change how the world works."
"You can't…"
The door opened suddenly, and they sprang apart to find Edmund standing there with an expression of amused exasperation.
"You two are about as subtle as a fire in a library," he said, closing the door behind him. "Half the assembly has noticed you're both missing."
"Let them notice," Gabriel said.
"That's a lovely sentiment, but your aunt is about to send search parties. You need to return immediately and separately."
Clara straightened her dress. "He's correct!"
"I don't care."
