Undertow (Whyborne & Griffin #8.5)(32)

People would wonder how I could afford to do so, on a secretary’s salary. But this was Widdershins, where old Mrs. Zapatka paid at the market with Spanish doubloons, though no one could say where she acquired them. They’d arch a brow, then politely look the other way, so long as I caused no other trouble. Dr. Whyborne might ask, but I’d tell him the money was a reward from the ketoi for my assistance.

I stared at the pearls and the bracelet, then at her. My heart swelled, because the true value of her gift wasn’t a house or money, or pretty jewelry.

It was her.

“That depends,” I said. “If I do, will you come and visit me?”

Joy bloomed in her eyes, and she pulled me into her lap. “Every night I can, my love.”

“Then I’ll start house hunting tomorrow,” I promised.

Oliver had thought me unnatural for choosing to stand by her, rather than joining him in revenge. I had wondered myself if there was something wrong with me, to fall in love with someone so inhuman in appearance. But as I drew her close, I had no doubts. We might have to hide from the world, but when we were together, I would never again hesitate to kiss my lover from the sea.