Page 26 of Summoner of Sins

“But Whitehouse,” Max cut them both off. “He knows who I am.”

Ironheart nodded. “True. But first question first. Do you more than like Sophie?”

“Ironheart.” His voice came out like a growl as his hands fisted on the table.

Sophie touched the back of one of them, her bare fingers trailing on his skin. “I’d like to know too. Do you care for me the way I do you?”

The question had a very simple answer.

Yes.

He cared for her more than he ever had any other person. He knew he was in love. However, the circumstances were anything but simple. “Sophie.”

He watched her face fall. Tucking her chin down into her chest, her shoulders curled in. He leaned closer, his hand coming to her back. “Sophie. I can’t just?—”

She shook her head. “I never asked my uncle, Plimpton, a single thing. I was afraid to put any pressure on him, my situation was so precarious.”

A lump formed deep in his chest. He understood. She’d spoken up and asked the question because she trusted him. If he didn’t give her answers, he’d lose that trust. “I care very much.”

Her chin snapped up, her eyes filled with hope. “Really?”

“Which is why I’m trying to protect you.”

She nipped at her lip. “I’ve been alone for so long. And I try to be strong for Abigail, but I don’t want to go anywhere. Not now.”

The words pierced deep into his heart. Every part of him wanted to wrap her in the protection he knew she craved. “I told you last night. I’ve made myself the target. As long as you’re with me, you’re not safe.”

“I’m already a target too.”

“Which makes it easy for him to come at both of us.”

“But what if he finds me and you’re not there?” Her voice trembled. She shook her head. “No. You’re right.”

“I am?”

“Yes. You’ve given me enough. More than I’ve any right to receive, and it’s unfair of me to ask more.”

Unfair of her to ask more? He shook his head. “Woman. Ask.”

She cocked her head to the side. “No. You’re right. You have your duties, your plans. You’ve already rescued me, which was not your obligation at all. I…I can’t repay you for what you’ve done.”

“You can repay me by loving me for who I am and not the man the world wishes I was.”

“But I do love you. Just the way you are.” Her large brown eyes implored him to believe her.

He reached for her hand then, lacing their fingers together. Still holding her hand, he looked back at Ironheart. “I’m leaving London.”

“I know.” Ironheart nodded.

“That leaves you with all the worst work.”

Ironheart sat back in his chair. “I suppose. Though, you’re the man who holds all the information. Which is why you shouldn’t tell me where you’re going or who the members are. I’ll cease all activities of the club. Which will be simple without the Summoner to summon them.”

“You should go to the new police. Tell them everything we’ve learned.”

“Good idea.” Ironheart scratched his chin. “And then perhaps I should leave London as well.”

“You’re worried about Lord Whitehouse?”

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