a stick? I think you proved your theory today.”
“He’s an immeasurably stupid bastard. The mass of his shit-headedness has now eclipsed that of most black holes.” She put her elbows on the railing and rubbed her temples with the heels of her hands. “I don’t think you understand how deeply I want to shove a telephone pole up that overdressed pimp’s asshole and stick him up like a goddamn pink flamingo in my lawn as a warning to everyone else.”
“Not a good time, I take it?”
The unexpected voice made her look up and turn. Lazarus was gone, but Simon was standing there at the door, watching her with a faint smile.
And holding a dozen roses. Red, of course.
She put her hand over her eyes. “You’re kidding me.”
“What?” She heard his expensive shoes click on the wood plank floor. He took her wrist and gently lowered it from her face. “I thought bastards were supposed to buy flowers when they did something immeasurably stupid to the person they love.”
She laughed. It was weak. It was exhausted and overwrought, but she laughed. “You’re—”
“I heard. Not sure how you’re going to top that sentiment right now, so just leave it there.” He reached out to touch her, hesitated, and then gently placed his palm to her cheek when she didn’t pull away. “Cora…I’m sorry. I didn’t trust you. I needed to learn the truth.”
She glared up at him. “You didn’t trust me?”
He frowned and looked out at the circus. “Why would you love me? Why? You could have the pick of every available wretch in the Family, and even then, you could probably convince the unavailable ones. I’m a terrible man, Cora. I did those things to Turk, Amanda, and Jack because I wanted to. Because I enjoyed their suffering.”
“I thought it was because you wanted revenge for both of us?”
“That too.” He sniffed dismissively, and still kept his gaze out at the circus. “But mostly because it was great fun.”
“I should kill you for betraying me.”
“Is it weird I find the fact that you can end me quite arousing?” He grinned, and when she didn’t smile, his expression fell. “And you should kill me. You’d be in the right. No one would even bat an eye if you walked down from this tower alone. They’d celebrate my death. They’d probably raise you on their shoulders and carry you around the Faire, cheering you on.”
“Are you trying to convince me?”
“Just wait.” He lowered himself to his knees before her and sat back on his ankles, looking up at her with a faint, tender smile. “I love you, Cora. I love you more than I love myself. And I have for a long time…I just didn’t know how to say the words. And if you decide I should die? That’s your right. I betrayed you. I played a sick game. I’ll probably do it again someday.”
He picked up her hand and kissed her palm before placing it to his cheek. He shut his eyes. “Go on. Save yourself from the pain I’ll keep causing you. Because I am what I am, Cora dear. I will always be like this. I will always be the Puppeteer.”
She stroked her thumb along his cheekbone. “Get up, stupid.”
He blinked his eyes open. “Hum?”
“Get up. I’m not going to kill you. I want to push you over the railing, sure. But…I can’t imagine my world without you. I love you. You know I do. And you need to stop trying so hard to prove that I don’t.”
He kissed her knuckles and carefully put the roses down on the floor. “Well, if that’s how you truly feel…” He pulled a small box from his pocket. “Why don’t we make this day just a little more overwhelming for you?”
Her heart lodged in her throat. “You’re kidding…”
He flicked the box open and held it up to her. It was a ring. A delicate, antique-looking piece made in silver or white gold. The center stone was a ruby, ringed by onyx. Black and red. It was stunning.
Silence. She looked up to his face, and he raised his eyebrow. “What?” He paused. “You’re going to make me say it?” He groaned and threw his head back in overdramatic annoyance. “Do I have to? Fiiiiine.”
She laughed in disbelief.
He looked back at her with a playful smile. “Cora Glass, will you marry me?”
She didn’t even get the single syllable out of her mouth before he was on his feet and kissing her.
It’s been on hell of