The Masks We Hide Behind

Chapter Seven: "IDENTITY CRISIS"

An entire week and a half went by. Evie and Henry were starting a plan on assassinating Starrick, and they wanted my help with a few odds and ends. It wasn’t hard, but it took up all of my free time. I hadn’t been able to sneak out to see Roth. 

Then, by some stroke of luck, Evie and Henry headed out to ‘patrol’ together. I knew they were deeply invested in each other, but didn’t want to argue with them about it. As I was getting ready to head over to Whitechapel, a letter was delivered. Much to my surprise, as well as delight, it was from Roth.

Darling, dearest, Jacob,

It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken face to face. I understand that you are busy. I am too. But I’ve caught glimpses of you while walking through Westminster. I’ve continuously thought about our brief time in the alley. It seems that the only thing that’s been on my mind since you last visited me, is you.

I miss you. Miss you incredibly. I miss the feel of your hands on my face. Of your lips against mine. So much, that I felt my heart would shatter if I didn’t write to you. I request that you come see me the soonest you can. I’ll make it worth your while. Make it worth the trouble of keeping secrets from your sister. Just promise me you’ll show.

Jacob, darling, dear, don’t keep me waiting.
               
            Yours truly, Maxwell

I tucked the letter into the pocket of my jacket, threw my top hat on my head, and sprinted all the way to Whitechapel. 

Upon arriving, per usual, through Roth’s open window, I wondered if I should’ve sent a letter before just showing up. As soon as I saw Roth, though, I didn’t care. I was just incredibly happy to be there.

“Darling, I assume you got my letter? I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting you to show up tonight. I figured, tomorrow at best,” Roth said, wrapping his arms around my broad shoulders and embracing me gently.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Roth tilted my chin up slightly with his gloved hand, “It was a pleasant surprise, dear boy,” He pressed his lips to mine once, softly, and then took my hands, “This would be more fun if the Alhambra was in stable condition, but it isn’t.”

“What am I getting into?” I smiled.

“Nothing dangerous,” Roth grinned, “I’d like to know, would the most handsome man in all of London like to dance with me?"

A faint blush spread across my face, “Roth, that’s kind of you to say.”

“It’s the truth, darling. So how about it?”

“You didn’t let me finish,” I kissed each of Roth’s hands slowly, “That’s kind of you to say, but the title of most handsome man in London, belongs to you.”

“Oh.”

I was satisfied with the response, so I added, “Also, I don’t dance.”

Roth beamed, “I’ve been told I’m an excellent teacher,” He kept my right hand in his left, and placed his free hand on my shoulder.

I faltered, “Where do I put my other hand?”

With a smirk and a mischievous glint in his eyes, Roth said, “Wherever you’d like.”

I looked down, even more red than before. I did not speak, but I did brush my fingers against Roth’s hip, before cupping my free hand around the rightmost part of Roth’s ass, squeezing gently. I met the Templar’s gaze, trying to gauge his reaction. 

“Smooth, Jacob,” Roth smiled, “Now, follow my lead.” 

We started simply, a few steps in one direction, a few steps in the other. I slowly got better at it. Roth whispered encouraging words in my ear the entire time, and soon, we were dancing like it was second nature. 

“Roth, thank you,” I said, “I’m really enjoying myself.” 

“Every minute I spend with you makes my life worth living,” Roth said. Then, his voice took on a more serious tone, “Do you trust me, Jacob?”

“I do,” I promised. Then, Roth dipped me. Caught off guard, I wrapped my arms firmly around Roth’s neck, though not enough to hurt him. Roth’s left arm was tightly around my waist, and his right hand was on my lower back. 

“Apologies,” Roth beamed.

“Don’t do that,” I said, strengthening my grip, “You could’ve dropped me.”

“You said you trusted me. I wasn’t going to let you fall.”

“I do trust you. I just...can’t say I was expecting this,” I sighed, my face warming a little, “It was fun, though,” I leaned in, pressing a few soft kisses against Roth’s neck, “Being here with you is fun.”

“Let’s continue dancing, then, my dear.”

We did. For a while, anyway. I was getting a little too confident in my abilities, and ended up tripping over my own feet. Roth attempted to steady me, but I managed to sweep Roth’s feet out from under him too.

I hit the floor first, and Roth landed on top of me. Though, I couldn’t say I minded being in the position. I looked up into Roth’s eyes, “Sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Roth reached out, lacing his fingers through my incredibly soft hair, “I’m enjoying the view.”

I let one of my hands slide up into Roth’s hair, pulling him closer and closing the distance between us. It didn’t last more than a few moments, but it was our longest kiss yet. 

I smiled as I got to my feet. Then, I moved to stand by the window. It had started raining, and it was getting very dark. I sighed, “It’s late.”

Roth wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, “Do you have to leave?”

I took one of Roth’s hands and moved it up higher, holding it over my heart, “Evie will freak if I’m gone when she gets home.”

“I understand,” Roth sighed, dropping his hands.

“Maxwell, what’s wrong?” 

“It’s frustrating. I’ve seen you twice since the fire. Twice this month. I keep telling myself that these brief few hours I spend with you are worth it, and they are, but it’s still frustrating.”

I bit my lip and looked back out the window. The rain was coming down a lot harder now. I faced Roth again, “Roth? You wouldn’t make me walk home during a storm, would you?”

With a grin, Roth responded, “Of course not, darling. I don’t think my carriage is in well enough condition to drive in the rain either.”

With a soft laugh, I said, “Damn. I guess I’m stuck here, then. Aren’t I?”

“Jacob Frye, you never cease to amaze me.”

We danced a little more, listening to the rain falling against the window, enjoying each other’s company. Afterward, I fell asleep beside Roth, holding him close and hearing the rhythmic beating of his heart.