“Serves you right.” The captain took the crucifix. “Let’s go, William. Unbelievable.”
Samuel had wanted to give the former cat burglar a second chance in life, after William had shown sincere regret for his crimes and the desire to change. But thievery was more than an addiction for him; it was a manner of living.
“Is everything all right?” Vivienne stepped into the room. She wasn’t as radiant as he wished her to be, but she looked stronger, and he loved her smile.
He opened his arms, and she didn’t hesitate to go to him. As he held her, fear gripped him by the throat. He’d been about to lose her, and the situation with Murdock wasn’t solved yet. His position and status would protect him and Vivienne, but complete peace was far away.
She rested her head on his chest, and the thought of not being able to protect her sent a cold shudder through him.
She tilted her head back. “What is it? One of your moments?”
He nodded.
Holding his hand, she led him to the sofa. “What scares you?”
He took a few deep breaths before answering. “The same. Not being free. Not being able to defend myself and protect you.” His fingers shook so hard he wasn’t sure she understood what he was signing.
“A few years ago, I wouldn’t have fully understood what you meant, but now I do. I’m scared as well. I’ve been trapped in a lie for years, but we aren’t alone. The captain will help us, and you have loyal friends in the house.”
“Friends I must protect.” He loosened the collar of his shirt. “As much as I cared about my servants, none of them is prepared to face an emergency.”
“Because you’re talking about a butler, a housekeeper, a valet, and a cook, and a whole slew of footmen, maids, and grooms. They aren’t soldiers.”
He shook his head. “I mean, they’re vulnerable.”
“As everyone.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Trust them. You’ve done it so far. And I trust you, husband of mine.”
The simple kiss brought him back to that time in the park when she’d kissed him to give him a good memory. That kiss was still a good memory.
They held each other for he didn’t know how long, but his fear had cowered in a dark corner of his mind.
He dipped his head to stare at her. She didn’t look away.
He ran a finger over the curve of her cheek. “We didn’t discuss the details of our married life.”
“What do you expect of me?”
“Many things.” He hated that he couldn’t sign and caress her at the same time. “First, that you’re strong and healthy again. Second…second…” He lowered his hands.
“Yes?”
“I didn’t think past that point. What do you expect of me?”
“That you let me help you when you need me and that you don’t worry too much about me.”
He chuckled although only a soft sound came out. “Not worry about you? It’ll be easier to find another vein of gold. What else?”
“I want to spend a lot of time with you. Are you always busy?”
He was, but who cared? He was rich. He could retire and spend the rest of his life sitting on the sofa with his beautiful wife.
“I’ll always find time for you.” He kissed her knuckles.
She parted her lips as if meaning to say something else, but no word came out.
“Yes?”
She shrugged. “That’s all.”
