Author's Note: Long time, no write, I know. A lot has been happening in my life. Marriage, a new house, and a new job. I simply haven't had the time or "umph" to work on my unfinished stories – or to read any…but I'm back! Please visit my website (on my profile) for updates there as well. I've missed it here and am so glad to be back!

The sun, that had been a stranger to New York for so long, streamed in through the window of the parlor. Victoria's face was bathed in light, causing her to look even more angelic than I already found her to be. I could not help myself as a small smile crept onto my face at the memory of what had transpired between us only a few short hours ago. I had also thought of a plan to save her life…and hopefully keep her in mine.

I let her wake on her own, not wishing to disturb the peace that I hoped her slumber had brought her. Her eyes fluttered open and her gaze immediately fell upon me.

"Ichabod?" her voice was no more than a whisper.

"Yes?" I pressed my body against hers, hoping to warm the slight chill to her skin.

"Do you think ill of me?"

Her question was a genuine shock to me. "Victoria, why would I think ill of you?"

"I've become an adulteress," she answered, a blush of shame washing over her face. "A…a whore."

"No," I said, before my mind truly processed her words. "You are no such thing. Whores are paid for their services, and adulteresses seduce with their bodies. Your eyes seduced me the moment I saw you."

Victoria caressed my face and warmth crept into her voice. "You're a romantic, Ichabod. Tell me, were I to run away with you, would you remain the same as you are now?"

"No." My answer made her face twist in confusion, but I smiled at her. "Were you to run away with me, Victoria, I would be whatever you needed at any given moment."

"Words and actions differ greatly."

"Mine remain the same, I assure you."

She kissed me, her lips somehow conveying a promise of so much more to come. "Do you truly love me, as you said you do?"

"Yes."

She smiled. "What if you were to discover that I don't cook well, or that I snore? Would your feelings remain the same?"

I mirrored her smile. "I'm terrified of spiders. Could you still love me?"

"Your point has been conveyed, Ichabod." She rested her head between my neck and shoulder. "And I do," she whispered. "You've shown me more compassion and loving tendencies in mere hours than Hector has ever shown me. Rescue your damsel."

That was all I needed and wanted to hear. She was willing to leave her life for me – with me. "I have thought of a way to take you away from him – without harm to anyone – and a guarantee that you shall always be safe." Victoria's eyes brightened with hope. "Do you trust me?"

Her answer was sure. "With my life."