#scarsdale

"Then maybe I'd.... I'd not be what you wanted, anymore."

"Aye."

Earl raises a brow "Not want you? Zara, it's all I can do not to rip your bodice down and take you here except I know you'd be mortified as your mom is down stairs. Not just because I burn for you, but because if I thought, for one moment, that would help you forget even for a short time your worries and cares? Oh... yes, I .." A breath "Sorry. that's not exactly poetry is it?"

She blushes. "No, not with my parents here!"

"I know... I know. But so help me, if I get back to the apartment and find Doyle's sock on the door knob? I'mgoing to be tempted to strangle him with it" wistful look at her, "I love you. I want you. I need you. I don't plan on that changing . Don't you go planning on it either, okay? " He rises to go

"....I love you, too." Soft and wistful.

"Good. As long as we respect that love and don't see it as a weakness, we'll make it. I won't let you fade away, and you don't give up on us and... well, vice versa." he touches his hand over his heart, and leaves.

She watches him go, before retreating under her covers.

The book wyrm watches him go and says ""My task is set before me, girl
My mission clear and true
There’ll be black knights and dragons, girl
But I will always come for you…”
― Emme Rollins"