“That explains the luxury of this house. Foiling conspiracies is your call.” The ghost of a smile graced her lips, making her radiant. Although he couldn’t understand if it was a sarcastic smile. Never mind.
He held onto that shadow of a smile with desperation because he wanted to believe that deep down she was the same happy, strong Violante he knew. They’d both changed, but he would hate to know that the hardship she’d endured had broken her spirit.
He wanted to hold her and never let her go until she was strong again. “I meant it when I said that you can stay here and take your time to recover. Then you’ll decide what you want to do. You don’t have to talk to me if you don’t want to. You don’t have to see me either.”
The hint of happiness was gone from her face. “Why do you want to help me? You could have called the coppers but didn’t. Why?”
Why? The question was a little insulting. What kind of bastard did she think he was? She was a victim as much as he was. “I don’t forget what you did for me, and despite whathappened, I still owe you my life. I always settle my debts.” He sat next to her, glad she didn’t recoil at his closeness. “What do you want to do? If you don’t want to stay here, I’ll rent a room for you anywhere you want.”
Her bottom lip trembled, but she trapped it between her teeth, stopping the quivering.
“Why are you crying?” He touched her hand, glad to find it warm. “Is it because you hate me?”
She didn’t deny nor confirm his greatest fear but moved her hand away from his. “I didn’t expect to see you today. Too many emotions all at once.” She glanced at him. “I’m confused and tired, especially after that thug hit me.”
Speaking of which. “Who were those men?”
She released a breath. “George the Blade and his henchman. George is the head of the Waterdeep gang in St. Giles. Nasty, powerful thug.”
“Did you really steal from him?” He hoped he didn’t sound judgemental because it wasn’t his intention. But he was surprised and shocked by her state of misery.
A flush crept to her cheek. “I stole a ring from one of his mistresses. I thought that stealing from a thug would be more bearable for my conscience than stealing from honest people. I sold the ring but didn’t earn a lot. Now I don’t have it.”
He would do everything in his power to make sure George wouldn’t bother her ever again. “You shouldn’t feel guilty. You stole to survive.”
Her eyes became two narrow slits. “Don’t tell me how I should or shouldn’t feel.”
He held up a hand. “I’ve been desperate, too.”
She twisted the handkerchief. “But you’ve never broken the law.”
Actually, he had. He’d better change the subject. “I have to admit you’re quick. I barely felt it when you took my watch.”
She kept tormenting the handkerchief. “Years of practice, and when your life depends on one skill, you hone it to perfection.”
She wouldn’t need that skill anymore if he had something to do with it.
“Will you let me help you?” He would never grow tired of asking her.
She stopped fiddling with the handkerchief, and he feared she would say no. Moments passed, and she didn’t say anything.
He cleared his throat. “If there’s something I learnt from that snowy day in Windy Ridge, it’s that there’s no shame in asking for help. You taught me that. I understand I’m the last person you’d accept help from, but if you accept my help, you won’t need to think you owe me something. We’ll be even. Consider my help as overdue compensation for what you did for me.”
Her long, silent moments would drive him mad. He had no idea what she was thinking. “Violante, the choice is simple.”
“Don’t force me.” There was ice in her voice.
“I didn’t mean to.”Bugger. He’d better shut up.
“You’re right, though,” she said so low he barely caught the words. “I need help.”
Good. He exhaled, realising only now how worried he’d been for her, how much he wanted to help her. “I’m glad you said yes. Do you want to stay here or go somewhere else?”
“Here is fine,” she whispered. Also, she didn’t look at him. Her long eyelashes fanned her cheeks, and her bony fingers clenched.
He wouldn’t embarrass her further. She was a proud woman, and likely, the whole affair stung her honour, and her prejudice against him didn’t help.
He gave her a nod and stood up. “I’ll let you rest.” A jolt of surprise went through him when she gently took his hand.
She released him immediately. “I won’t be a burden. I promise.”
“You could never be.” He tried to catch her gaze, but she didn’t look at him again. “Violante?—”
“Please. Don’t say anything. I’m grateful, but it’s difficult for me.”
He waited for her to say more, but she remained still and silent. What was difficult for her? Accepting his help or thanking him?
He left the bedroom and shut the door behind him, wondering if maybe they’d both changed too much to be friends again.
