by Emily Ward
She watched him with a smile. “Quite dashing indeed.”
“You’re only saying that because you’re my wife.”
“Even with the messy hair and looking half dead, I find you quite dashing.”
“There’s that tongue that I married. Care to lash me more with it, my darling?”
She smirked at him. “Of course, I will. I live to make your life more interesting.”
“Is that what they call having a wife who talks so much? Interesting?”
“What else would you call it?” She put one hand on her hip and cocked her head to the side.
“Exactly what I need.” He countered.
“And you should never forget that fact.” The way she sparred with his verbally made him feel a lot more alive. Every moment that she maintained the humor and wit that he loved made him feel better again.
“I doubt you would ever let me.” He shook his head. “How were things in my unfortunate absence?”
“Septimus has had his entire enterprise slowly dismantled, taken apart piece by piece.”
“What of your father?” He tilted his head.
She sighed. “He’s freed of his debt, but I see little reason to actually speak to him.”
“Then it was all true?”
“That my father sold me to that monster to be free of what he owed?” She looked down at her feet.
Liam carefully hobbled over to see her. His hand gripped her chin, pushing it up.
She looked at him.
He leaned in to kiss her cheek. “It doesn’t matter. You’re safe now. You’ll be safe no matter what.”
“Unless you get a gambling problem.” She frowned.
He shook his head. “I rarely gamble.”
“You say that now.” She shook her head.
“I’ll never touch a deck of cards or set of dice again if that will make you happy.”
“You don’t have to go that far.” She shook her head. “Just promise me you won’t ever bet me away.”
“There’s nothing they could put up that would be worth betting you.” He assured her.
She smiled softly and reached for him, pulling him in for another kiss. He gladly obliged her.
A kiss that showed her the rest of her life. That he would be there. It was more than just a show of affection. It was a show of his life. It was a promise that meant that she was safe in his arms and his life. And she was grateful for that. Her life had been changed. And it was for the better.
* * *
THE END