Escaping From Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #3)

by Kerri Maniscalco

“Have I swept you off your feet yet, Wadsworth?”

“I love when you look at me that way.” I searched his eyes. “How?” “Like you might possibly love me in the same extraordinary way that I love you.”

“Miss Audrey Rose Wadsworth, conqueror of my soul—you are an absolute fiend. You’d like to flout tradition simply because of your need for my body.” He held a hand over his heart. “I swear I have never loved you more.”

When you look at me the way you are now, my virtue is perilously close to corruption. And I’ve never been a very pious man, Wadsworth.”

Clearly, I thought of you while dressing. Do feel free to return the favor anytime. Only, perhaps you ought to do it in reverse.”

“I feel quite the opposite. Some risks are worth taking, even if they seem impossible at first.”

don’t care what sort of illusion he tries casting. My heart is yours, no sleight of hand will steal it.”

“Normal is overrated.” Cassie nudged me toward the bar. “Extraordinary is unforgettable.” I

I’d like to return you to your chambers in one piece. Heaven forbid Thomas Cresswell comes challenging me to a duel.”

“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.”

“Oh. Never mind.” Thomas leaned back. “It’s simply your attitude, Miss Wadsworth. It stinks.”

Does it hurt?” “Not much. You may feel free to put your hands on me anytime you please.”

I’d fight a thousand battles and die a thousand ways before I allowed any harm to befall my love.

There was no world I wanted to live in where Thomas Cresswell wasn’t a part of it.

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.