Page 48 of Firefly

Perhaps he had played the villain a little too convincingly because the terror in the man’s eyes only confirmed his own worst fears about himself. But for Rebecca, he would be the monster. He would follow through on his threats.

“T-t-two weeks,” Thomas stuttered, and Simon released him, letting him fall to the couch.

He left the room, putting distance between himself and the man whose lingering scent of fear clung to him.

The smell chased him even as he raced through the night, making his way back to Rebecca, the only person who didn’t find him repulsive.

He reached the estate, slipping in through the back door, and stopped in his room only long enough to remove his hat.

In the doorframe of Rebecca’s room, he watched tiny insects bang against the glass, their bodies lighting briefly before going dark. They cast strange patterns over the walls as they fought to escape.

His attention drifted to Rebecca and Sarah, both curled on their sides. He dropped to the bed, running a finger lightly along Rebecca’s hairline, brushing stray curls from her face. Light danced over her pale skin as it blinked on and off.

His chest ached as he watched the tiny creatures fight for freedom, their efforts useless. “Soon,” he whispered. He returned his gaze to Rebecca’s serene face. “Soon, I’ll free you both.”

Chapter 36

Simon

Simon rose, and his gaze went to the bulge in the side of his coat pocket. Elizabeth had called him a fool for leaving it there for anyone to find while he was gone for the day. He’d told her of his earth magic and how it was a twisted thing since he’d been changed, how he’d used that twisted gift to secure the room while he was away.

She’d shrugged and said people found ways around magic all the time.

With that unsettling thought in mind, he moved to the coat, pulled the money out, and spilled it across his desk. It was all there. Nearly one thousand dollars. After he paid for their identities, their tickets to New York, and the apartment, there would be enough left for them to live on for at least six months.

It was plenty of time for him to win more money for them. Though New York gambling dens were closed to him, he could find others in every major city.

Scooping the money up, he pulled the box under his desk free and stuffed it inside before securing it back in its place. Then, he turned his attention to the door and pried it open.

Moving swiftly, he raced up the stairs and caught the edge of the doorframe as he stopped in it, exhaling slowly.

Rebecca was sitting up, face angled away from him as she stared out at the full moon. Silvery light framed the left side of her face, making it appear ethereal. Truly, she was breathtaking.

“Rebecca.”

She turned, her whole face lighting up as her eyes met his. “Simon.”

She reached for her blankets, but he crossed the room and pressed her back into the pillows, cupping her face in his hands as he pressed his lips to hers.

She opened her mouth, sucking in his bottom lip, and he groaned as he leaned into her, his tongue sweeping the inside of her mouth.

A sharp intake of breath had him lifting off of her. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

His gaze traveled over her face, lingering on swollen lips before their eyes met.

She sucked in another breath, and he released her, sliding back off the bed. “Rebecca, what’s wrong?”

“I’m just”—she inhaled sharply— “struggling to catch my—”

Simon pressed his palm gently against her breast. Her heart was racing, galloping in her chest, but it wasn’t the thundering of a strong heartbeat. It was erratic, and he had never been more terrified.

Sitting lightly on the bed, careful not to press any weight into her, he helped her sit up.

She smiled up at him, but it was strained.

“Has your father been experimenting? I had thought he’d be distracted. With all the…” He let the words die.

“I’m just glad you’re here.”

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