Page 22 of Don’t Wake a Sleeping Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected)

A lfred broke the silence before they stepped off the carriage. “That was a very nice thing you did.”

“It was my knippale , my savings. Everything I gambled for at The Lyon’s Den.”

“So now Dylan can buy passage for himself and his love to America?”

Ada nodded. “Are you upset that I gave the money away? It was quite a lot.”

“I’m glad you gave it to him.”

“I don’t have a dowry or my trust. That money should have been yours.”

“I’m afraid twenty pounds wouldn’t have helped me much toward my goals. They’re quite a bit loftier than Dylan’s. He deserves a chance at love.”

“It was two hundred pounds, but I think I have something more valuable here,” she said, laying the diaries on her lap and breaking into tears. Alfred didn’t understand what she meant. All he could do was hold her and comfort her, promising himself that when Ada was his wife, he’d make her smile and laugh every day.

“If Dylan was a friend to you, he must be a good man. I see now that love trumps all other needs in life.”

Alfred might be risking his career for love, but he had no doubts that he was doing the right thing. All that worried him was how Mrs. Dove-Lyon would react.

Ada wanted to speak with him, speak her mind but she didn’t voice her suspicions. How could he want her if she came from a shattered past, filled with smugglers, crime, and gambling? Alfred had treated her like a princess, but Ada had the sinking feeling that she’d poison his future with her dark past. And she couldn’t help but wonder what his parents would think of his impetuous choice for a bride. She knew how important their children’s marriages were to Jewish parents. It wasn’t just about the couple, but about the entire family and the union to continue their lineage.

When they reached Alfred’s townhouse, the lights were on inside. The carriage came to a full stop.

“Now you can meet my brother,” Alfred said as he helped Ada down.

At the front door, she held him back. “Wait. I shouldn’t be here.”

“Why not? If I am moving too fast, Ada, it’s just that I never thought anyone like you existed.”

Her thoughts and her heart raced. She couldn’t do this. She’d ruin his life! “Alfred, I’m not good for you.”

“Don’t say that; you don’t know what’s good for me.”

“If you renege on your agreement with Aunt Bessie you won’t be able to afford to start your practice. She’s generous and fair, but not lenient. She won’t let you out of the deal.”

“I don’t care.”

“Of course, you care! I’ve seen you.” Ada swallowed against the lump in her throat. “You jumped to the rescue of the boy at the park. Everyone respects you from Regent’s Park to Oxford Street. You are Dr. Stein. The Dr. Stein, on whom everyone relies.”

“And why can you not be Mrs. Stein? My Mrs. Stein?” He asked with a vulnerable crack in his voice that broke Ada’s heart.

“Because you need a practice. The office on Harley Street will mean that patients can find you. They need you!”

“I need you .”

“Alfred, I’ve only been in your life two days. You’re a pillar of the community. You have a stellar career ahead and I cannot rip it away because I’ve selfishly fallen in love with you. There’s noth—”

“What did you say?”

“I said that I cannot be selfish and gamble away your practice. I’ve already lost my dowry to Charlotte and—”

“No, before that. Say it again.”

Her heart pounded and she was almost nauseous. She wanted to say it again but the pain of losing him would be worse if he knew how much she adored him. Ada pursed her lips.

He burst into a smile and took her mouth with a vigorous and delicious kiss. “I love you, too, Ada,” he whispered against her lips barely stopping the tender contact.

Despite her better judgment, she softened to his kiss. He pulled her close and pressed his body against her. At that moment, her heart sank because she knew they were being foolish, letting their emotions—their desire for one another—overwhelm their good sense.

A man opened the front door and grabbed Alfred. “Get in this house. You’re making a scene.”

Alfred laughed and whisked Ada into his arms. “Who cares? Let them watch!”