"You don't like him?" Auguste asked, eyes narrowing.
"I do. But he doesn't like Ezra, and I think he looks at Booker solely as a servant or a tool. I know that there are five of you, but I want things to feel equal, or close to it."
Mr. Tanner's fingers dug up into my hair, jostling pins free, and my breath caught in my chest as he nuzzled down, pressing a kiss to the crown of my head. "The doctor will have to clear his schedule," Tanner growled.
"I can easily uproot to Rooksgrave. The thief and Booker should be able to watch her while I'm in dayrest, and I don't mind sharing my evenings or using them to keep an eye on the manor," Auguste said. "You'll be protected, mon coeur."
"Rooksgrave will be protected," I said, arching an eyebrow and glancing sideways at Auguste. "It's not just me in there, you know."
"Ah, but you are my favorite, of course," Auguste said.
The carriage jostled and slowed, turning down the drive, the lamps of Auguste's doorstep bright and welcoming after the alleys by the theater.
"If Birsha didn't have a house here in London, I would persuade you into staying with me," Auguste said with a sigh. "You like me better than the sphinx, and I know how to make you beg."
I snorted, thinking of how much begging I'd done with Amon.
"You two go in. I'll hunt the neighborhood for Birsha's rats before I bring the doctor back," Mr. Tanner said, slowly withdrawing his fingers from my sex and sucking them clean as I watched, my eyes wide and lips parted. His head dipped, vast forehead pressed lightly to mine. "Thank you, little one."
"Don't hide from me again," I answered, tipping my chin up to graze my mouth against his briefly. "I want all of you."
Mr. Tanner growled, gaze glowing, but he didn't stop Auguste from gathering me up.
"Stay in the carriage. Cork will bring you some pants," Auguste said, grinning at his friend as he bundled me in my blanket and stepped out of the carriage. "And you, ma petite, are in need of a bath."
"And is my pastry chef in need of a treat?" I asked, waggling my eyebrows.
Auguste laughed, but I caught the blackening of his eyes by the light of the lamp. My night was far from over.