The Ringmaster (Harrow Faire #4) - Kathryn Ann Kingsley Page 0,35
you that I wasn’t talking to Mr. Harrow. Now, please, Turk. Let me take him back to his boxcar. He’s suffered enough.”
“Why did he kill us all? Why did he lash out?” Turk narrowed his eyes down at Cora and stepped in closer as if to use his height to intimidate her.
Cora stood her ground. That’s my girl. “I don’t know. I didn’t expect him to do that, either.”
“But you were spared. Why?”
She snickered. “You know why.”
“Explain it to me.”
“Because I’m fucking him, that’s why. And if he cut me into tiny pieces, I might not agree to do it again for a long while.” She rolled her eyes and went back to untying him. “Don’t be stupid. Simon only does things that are in his own self-interest.”
“Then why are you with him, Cora?”
“Remember why I said he spared me? He’s also really good at it. That’s why. I’m into kinky shit. So sue me.”
Simon would have laughed and kissed her if he weren’t about to throw up and pass out. When his wrists were free, he nearly collapsed to the ground. He had to cling to the post to stay upright. “Cora dear? Would you be so kind as to help me sit so I can put my pants on? As much as I do love to flaunt…I’d rather not limp back to my boxcar naked.”
“Yeah.” She put his arm over her shoulder and helped him to a chair. Jack and the others were standing by the wall, watching them warily.
He slumped into it painfully but managed to keep from leaning back. He had no desire to have to peel his bleeding wounds off the chair in a few moments. Cora picked up his pants from the ground nearby and, bless her little lying heart, began to help him put them on. Which was good. Because if he’d had to bend over to do it, he would’ve retched then collapsed into a puddle of his own bile. He put his hand on her hair, smirking. “I do love the sight of you on your knees.”
She huffed a laugh and rolled her eyes again, this time in playful exasperation. Good. She saw his crass statement for what it was—a thank you.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Jack turned his back to what was going on, shaking his head. “This is all stupid. This doesn’t make any sense. Why did you do it, Simon? Why?”
“You want to know why?” Cora stood and faced him. “Fine. Because I asked him to. I asked him to cause a distraction. I didn’t know what he’d do—I didn’t know he’d go that far. But it’s my fault.”
“Why?” Ringmaster frowned as he stepped forward. “Why did you need a distraction?”
“Because of you!” Her voice cracked as she yelled. She was shaking. Simon realized suddenly that the poor girl was terrified of something and was keeping it behind a mask. “Because you’ve been suspicious of me since the moment I came here. I didn’t want to come here. I didn’t want any of this. And now this bullshit with Clown…I was afraid you were going to do this to me.” Cora pointed at Simon. “I had nothing to do with Clown dying. I don’t understand why it happened. I don’t know why he picked me. But I know you believe I’m doing it on purpose.”
“I…” Ringmaster sighed heavily. His shoulder slumped. “I’m sorry. I never wanted to make you afraid of me. You should trust me, and I ruined that. I never meant you any harm. I would never hurt you.”
“All I’ve ever wanted was just to go home. To protect my friend who’s gone now. And since I can’t leave, I wanted a hot second to wrap my head around what’s become of my life.” She sighed. “But I didn’t get that either. I wanted him to cause a distraction so I could get away and sort out my thoughts. I knew if I walked away, you’d follow me. You’d watch every move I made, thinking I was after something. I’m not after anything, Ringmaster. I never have been.”
“I know, Cora.” Ringmaster nodded. “And I’m very sorry. I’ve let you down. You were right about not wanting to talk to me. I haven’t presented myself to you in the best of lights. But I am only after what’s best. I’m trying to protect everyone.” He paused. “Just please, don’t ask Simon to cause a distraction again.”