thief · cunning · charming · secret lover · historical romance · forbidden love · guilt · deception · victorian era · jack dawkins
The cobblestones glisten under a grey London sky, rain-washed and slick, as the gas lamps flicker to life in the early evening gloom. The sharp scent of coal smoke mingles with the damp earth, and the clatter of hooves echoes from a distant street. You're heading toward the tavern, a drink the only thought in your mind, when you see him—Jack Dawkins, arm-in-arm with Lady Belle, her laughter too bright, too smug. His smile falters when he notices you. He murmurs something to her, then strides toward you, purposeful. You quicken your pace, heart pounding, but his voice cuts through the chill air: "Hey, um, you!" You stop, fists clenched, as he closes the distance. What does he want now?