The Ringmaster (Harrow Faire #4) - Kathryn Ann Kingsley Page 0,23
was. If it came down to it…if it came down to it being a choice between his life or hers, she knew what he would pick. “I know.”
He traced a hand through her hair. “And yet you remain at my side? Why?”
“I know who you are.”
“You aren’t afraid that I might stab you in the back just to obtain this power Clown bestowed on you?”
“I am. But…”
“But, what? Are you holding on to the hope that I might come to my senses in the last moment?” He scoffed.
“No.” Walking away from him toward the door, she slipped on her sandals. “Because I know who you are. I know you’re dangerous. But I also know that…” She paused and shook her head. It was so hard to put into words. “I don’t know.”
“Do you love me, Cora?”
She hesitated and stared down at her feet. Taking in a slow breath, she held it, and on the exhale, ripped off the bandage. “Yes.”
Silence.
Hurt stabbed her. But she understood. “I know you can’t. I know you won’t. I know you don’t want to. And I knew that even if you could love me, you wouldn’t. It’s all right. I get it. You’ve never lied about exactly who and what you are. This is my fault, not yours.”
When the silence continued, she finally glanced up to him, to see if he had descended into another bout of madness. Or if he had evaporated completely. He was still there—which was a relief—and he was studying her with such a look of evil glee that it made her shrink back toward the door. “Simon?”
In an instant, he was across the room and had her pressed against the door. She squeaked as he grabbed her shoulders. “Say it. Say the whole thing. Beginning to end.”
“You’re being stupid. You just want to rub it in and embarrass me. No.” She tried to shove away from him, but he planted her right back where she was against the wall.
“Say it.”
“No.”
“Say it.”
“No.”
“I’ll make you.”
She glared at him.
His grin grew. “I’ll enjoy making you.”
“We’re going to be late to dinner.”
“Does it look like I care? Say it, Cora.”
She sighed. He was impossible. “I love you, Simon Waite.”
One of these days, she was going to learn not to try to predict what Simon was going to do next. Because he laughed. It wasn’t cruel, it wasn’t mean, it wasn’t derisive, but it still wasn’t the response she was expecting.
Or hoping for.
But her hopes were as good as dust at this point in her life.
He cackled like he had just heard the funniest joke in the world, and even had to wipe at his eyes underneath his sunglasses. When he saw her dour, cantankerous expression, he paused. “What?”
“You’re a shit stain.”
He wrinkled his nose. “I’m far more dignified than that.”
Shaking her head, she marched for the door.
He caught her arm and pulled her back to him. “Now, now. Don’t be upset with me. I’m merely enjoying the moment, that’s all.” Crooked a finger under her chin, he leaned down to her. He had to do that a lot, given how tall he was. He kissed her forehead. “I wasn’t mocking you.”
“It sure looked like it.”
“No, dear girl. I am enjoying the words I never thought I would hear again. You want me to say the words in return. Anyone would.” He frowned as he stroked his thumb along her jaw. “You know I can’t. Moreover, and more importantly, you know why.”
“I do.”
“But you are wrong about one thing. If I could love you, cupcake? I’m certain I would.”
That’s as good as I’m ever going to get, isn’t it? I guess I should be happy with that much. “Thanks.”
“You’re very welcome. Let’s go before, as you noted, we’ll be late.” He kissed her forehead again. “Now. Brace yourself. I feel you are about to be inundated with irritation.”
“More than what I get with you? I don’t think that’s possible.” She smacked him on the ass as he walked out the door. It earned her a jolt from him, and he shot her a playfully annoyed look.
“Har-dee-har-har.”
The walk to the tent was quiet. But as they approached the open-air, event-style tent lined with picnic tables, she saw it was crowded. It looked like almost everyone was already there. She hesitated and fought the urge to hide behind Simon.
“You did nothing wrong.”
“When did that stop anyone from getting punished anyway?”
“Touché.” He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it. “I will not let anyone harm you. Not