Page 130 of Pretty Little Thing

“I… didn’t say that.”

Her eyes flare up. “No, that’s exactly what you’re saying. I’m a rich girl. You’re a poor boy. Kate and Leo covered this already. We don’t have to sneak below deck for third class dance parties anymore.”

I set my hands on the table. “What can I possibly give you that you don’t already have? Or that you can’t just go out and buy?”

“Clive…” She exhales. “Clive, you own something no amount of money could everbuy.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

She tilts her head, the answer so painfully obvious. “Me,” she says.

I look at the pearl hanging from her neck. “It’s just plastic,” I say.

“I don’t care.”

“But you will,” I claim. “Someday. You will.”

She extends her hand across the table and lays it down with her palm up.

“I feel safe with you,” she says. “I don’t care about money, and yes, it’s because I have it and I’ll probably never want for it again, but that doesn’t fulfill me.”

I sigh. “Nora…”

“I was a barren shell until you held me and asked me if I was okay. Now, I’m prepared to do the same for you.” She heaves a frustrated breath. “And dammit, I don’t care if you think it’s charity because — fuck it — it is. Life wasn’t fair to you, I can change that, and I won’t take no for an answer.”

I lean away from her open hand. “Nora—”

“I love you, Clive.”

My heart stops in my chest. “You what?”

She furrows her brow. “I think…”

“You think?”

“I don’t know. It just came out.”

“It just came out?”

Nora lays her hand over her heart. “I think I forgot to breathe again…” She fills her lungs to the top. “Yep. Seeing spots now.”

I rise halfway out of my chair. “Nora, are you—”

She holds up a hand. “It’s fine. I’m cool. Let’s just move on.”

I stay put, hovering and ready to stand. “Are you sure?”

“Salmon.”

I blink. “What?”

She picks up a menu. “Feeling salmon tonight. Do you like salmon—?”

“Nora.”I sit down. “Do you love me?”

“Maybe go for the classic steak and potatoes. The meat here is so soft, you can cut it with a spoon—”

I snatch the menu out of her hand. “Nora, do you love me?” I ask again.

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