Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3)

by Kerri Maniscalco

What morbid creatures we were, craving danger and mystery in place of happily-ever-afters.

“I’m in favor of hiding in your chamber for the remainder of the week.” A smile twitched across his lips as I raised a brow. “Drinking, kissing, debauching ourselves until we arrive in New York.” He sighed dreamily. “You must admit, we’d be safe from the murderer. Deliriously happy. And both of those options are much better than standing over cadavers.”

“Don’t make me sneak spiders into your cabin,” I said. “I am not above dirty warfare.” “You delightfully cruel woman.” His eyes practically danced with mischief. “What does it say about me that I find myself even more attracted to you after that threat?” “It means you are as darkly twisted as I am, my friend.”

“Swords, secrets, and stolen kisses.” His eyes flashed with delight. “You speak the language of my complicated heart, Wadsworth. I am a very lucky man.”

“If you wish to go, I’ll never make you stay. I might not do and say the proper thing all the time, but I do know that I love you enough to set you free.”

“I love you, Wadsworth. No matter what or who you choose, I always will.”

I love you, I thought, rallying against the blackness. More than all the stars in the universe. In this life and ever after. I love you.

“Of course I will miss you. It will feel like my heart is being surgically forced from my chest against my will.”

“Our work will always be important to each of us. But you have my heart wholly, Wadsworth. No matter what. The only way that will be taken is in death. And even then I will fight with every piece of me to hold your love near. Now and forevermore.”