Page 104 of When a Lady Dares
“I understand. You were in a precarious spot.”
“Quite so. But there’s more—I have news of a promising venture.”
His mouth flattened, but he held her gaze. “You intend to leave London?”
“Possibly.” Sophie pulled in a breath. Her pulse sped, ever so slightly. Blast it, this should not be so hard. She’d faced villains of the worst sort. How could it be so very difficult to speak to him with unveiled honesty?
“I wanted you to know that I’ve been offered an exciting opportunity. As you are aware, Jennie Colton has long acted as my mentor. Her sister, Alexandra Quinn, is renowned for her work interpreting Egyptian symbols.”
“Professor Quinn is indeed a remarkable scholar,” he said, his voice conveniently bland. “I was not aware of her connection to Mrs. Colton.”
“I believe Jennie is the younger sibling, though I am not positive. I am privileged to have struck up an acquaintance with Professor Quinn.” Sophie focused on the tiny flowers painted on the teacup. “As I’ve mentioned, antiquities hold a special fascination for me. I’ve longed to explore Egypt, to see the ancient structures for myself, rather than to live vicariously through the adventures of others.”
Gavin’s fingers closed over hers, warm and gentle. “So, tell me about this enterprise you’re considering.”
Sophie’s heart raced. How could he look so calm, so unfazed, as if she were merely an acquaintance come to deliver the latest gossip?
“Professor Quinn is in need of an assistant on her upcoming expedition. I am considering a sabbatical from my duties at the agency to accompany her.If I accept her offer, I must depart for Cairo within the week.”
“Ifyou accept?” His mouth tensed. “I’d think there’d be no question there. Surely you intend to accompany her.”
My, how reasonable he sounds.Not the slightest twinge of emotion colored his tone.
She drew a fortifying breath. “It is indeed an outstanding opportunity, but the timing may not be favorable. There is another consideration…one I had not anticipated.”
His brow furrowed. “What’s wrong, Sophie? You can trust me.”
“As you well know, I violated protocol during my last mission. In the process, I’ve developed strong feelings for you… I do not know how to express this eloquently.”Out with it, Sophie.“I spoke the truth at the castle. It seems I’ve fallen in love with you.”
He shoved a hand through his hair. “Love—well, then…there’s not much that leaves me at a loss for words.”
She studied him.At a loss for words.A dull ache settled in her heart. His utterly bland response had provided an answer to her dilemma, hadn’t it? Still, she had to be sure. She had to soldier on.
“I came here this morning because I wanted to know your feelings…before I make my decision. You said you loved me. If you meant those words, that will certainly impact my decision to go—or to stay here…with you.”
His expression grew solemn. “Sophie, I would never hold you back.”
“Gavin, did you mean what you said at the castle?” She held his gaze. “Do you love me?”
He took a step closer and very gently framed her face in his hands. “Sophie, I care for you, far more than you might imagine. Of course I meant what I said. But emotion often gets the better of logic. I suspect this is one of those times.”
“I understand this is so very sudden—it may seem a temporary madness.” She swallowed against the scalding emotion in her throat. “But I know what’s in my heart.”
His thumb traced her lower lip, exquisitely tender. “Sophie, you must go. If you do not seize this chance, you shall regret it for a lifetime.”
She closed her eyes, drinking in his clean scent, listening to the rhythm of his breaths. Summoning her courage, she crafted a bold proposition. “Perhaps…perhaps you might come with me. Your injury does not preclude travel. Your expertise would be welcome.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Sophie, that would not be wise.”
So, he’d rejected her proposition. Heat flooded her cheeks. Panic made her breath catch, but she pushed past it.
“I must respectfully disagree. The journey would provide time for us to become better acquainted. After all, we are only now coming to know each other without our respective disguises.”
His expression darkened. “I suspect you would not like the man behind the disguise.”
“Gavin, I love you. How can you say that?”
His mouth pulled taut. “Do you love me, Sophie? Or the tomb raider the papers made me out to be? I promise you, I’m not nearly so interesting as that. You’re likely to become disappointed with the rather dull truth.”
