How to Steal a Thief's Heart - Bree Wolf Page 0,56
her dark, wavy hair had glistened with snowflakes that night they’d stood out in the alley.
At his words, her body tensed.
“What is it that you fear?” he asked, lowering his head, urging her to look at him.
Slowly, her eyes rose to meet his. “For what I do, I need to be invisible,” she whispered. “I cannot risk…” She swallowed. “I know how to tiptoe around my parents, to snatch up the moments of freedom I need in order to do what needs to be done. But…” Sighing, she shook her head, her spectacles riding low on her nose and her blue eyes looking up into his.
Pierce inhaled a deep breath. “You’re afraid a husband would not grant you that kind of freedom,” he whispered, feeling his insides tense at the thought of her married to…anyone. “Then why do you not simply remain unwed?” That sounded like an awfully good idea!
His little mouse scoffed. “If I ever were to receive an offer of marriage from a halfway decent gentleman, my father would pounce on it like a starving cat would pounce on a fat mouse.” Her jaw clenched. “He would pressure me to accept, and I know if I did, I would lose all that I’ve worked so hard to build. I’ve seen it often enough. Husbands control their wives, or at least they try to. A husband would not grant me the kind of freedom I have now. He could be the kindest man in London, and he would still not wish for me to…do what I do, what I need to do to protect those who cannot protect themselves.” Exhaustion stood in her eyes. “And if I were to refuse, it would still change how my parents see me. I would no longer be free to come and go as I please. I could no longer mingle as I need to. I would be forced into the societal whirl, constantly pressed to find a husband. They would watch me. They would demand to know where I go and who I meet. They would not leave my side.” With her jaw set, she lifted her gaze to his, determination hardening her gaze. “No, I must remain invisible. It’s the only way. Believe me, I’ve thought long and hard on it. This is the life I want, the life I need because, now, they trust me. Now, they—” Frowning, she broke off and her gaze narrowed. “Why am I telling you all this?” Shaking her head, she made to walk away. “I must be mad.”
Moving quickly, Pierce stepped into her path, blocking her way back inside. “I promised I would not breathe a word of this to anyone,” he told her, holding her gaze and imploring her to believe him, “and I meant what I said. Your secret is safe with me.”
The hint of a smile teased her lips. “Will you share yours in return? For it is as clear as day that there is one, dark and menacing, looming in the shadows.”
Pierce chuckled. “Very observant of you, Miss Hawkins.” For a moment, he was truly tempted to reveal all the moments they’d shared with one another. Still, here and now was neither the time nor place to do so. The moment she’d realize who he was Pierce wanted to be theirs alone…and not shared with half of London. “I’m certain you’ll figure it out on your own in due time.”
Disappointment sneaked into her eyes. “Pity!” she replied. “I admit I would’ve liked to know.”
“You will,” he assured her.
At the certainty in his voice, her eyes narrowed. “Is that so?”
Pierce nodded.
For a long moment, she merely looked at him over the rim of her spectacles like a scientist inspecting a new specimen, one that might prove to surpass his wildest dreams.
Pierce felt his heart slam against his ribcage at the look of utter yearning in her eyes. His arms moved, his hands longing to feel her, to hold her close.
“Well, good night then,” his little mouse said all of a sudden, freezing his limbs before he could do something unwise. Casting him a small smile, she stepped past him into the ballroom.
“I will be there,” Pierce blurted out, his words making her turn back to look at him. “I will be there,” he repeated, his gaze locked on hers, “should you ever need me. I promise.”
For a moment, she remained still, her wide, blue eyes lingering on his, before a teasing smile drew up the corners of her lips and she