Page 94 of The Prize

“You’re in the clear. I’ve got this.” Tobias flicked a stray hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear. “You don’t have to compromise your integrity ever again.”

“I’ve come this far.”

“Go back to London.” He glanced over at the man he’d been chatting with. “I’m sorry, Zara.”

“Am I just to do nothing?”

“Yes, that’s exactly it. I want you out of this city. I want you back home safe. Wait for me. I will find you.” He tapped my arm and walked away.

“Why?” My question was infused with a sense of betrayal, and that tension must have reached him because he stood with his back to me, mulling over his answer.

Tobias turned to face me and lowered his gaze. “I should have told you the truth last night. It was the perfect setting. I was about to say it and that damn waiter came back.”

My throat tightened with the threat of his words that had the power to destroy me.

“I’m in love with you, Zara.” He gave a nod as though he’d not just delivered the words I’d craved to hear, words that both lifted me and decimated me at the same time because they changed everything. He stepped closer and cupped my cheek with his palm. “I would do anything for you, anything.” His expression turned pained. “That means I must ensure your safety.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Finish it.”

“What about us?”

“When all this is over and the dust has settled and you’ve had the chance to think without the stress of wondering if you’ll survive and you’re still willing to give us a chance, send a message to me. I will come to you.” He shook his head. “For God’s sake, I will be by your side when all you’ve done is formed the thought of me.”

“Oh, Tobias.”

“Go back to London.” He shrugged. “Marshall will watch over you. You will be a constant in my thoughts. You’re my reason to take my next breath, Zara.”

Stunned, I watched him turn on his heels, with the same mastery in his stride that he reserved for every aspect of his life, and head out of the bar with Reynard beside him.

Tobias loved me.

With shaky legs, I made my way back to Abby. “Sorry about that. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.” The realization hit me, that interaction served as Wilder’s goodbye.

She followed my gaze. “What did he say?”

I drew in a shaky breath and sat beside her. “He thanked me for all I’ve done.”

I hoped all I’d done wasn’t the worst mistake of my life.

“You should be there tonight.” She sat back. “I mean, you’re the one who authenticated that monk’s work. Why don’t you get to enjoy this new Rembrandt?”

“He won’t be there.”

“But his art will, right?”

“It’s fine.”

“None of this is fine.”

My gaze shot to hers.

“Icon’s still out there.” She picked up her glass. “He’s gone quiet for now, but something tells me we’ll see a new heist from him soon.”

I feigned those words hadn’t shaken me to the core. If Wilder was setting me up he’d be free to continue as Icon.

No, don’t doubt his words, I begged myself,believe that you’re deserving of such a love.