She didn't want to be a burden, holding him back...
"I'm fine. Come up," Thomas Shannon ordered in a low voice.
Sophie Sullivan didn't hesitate any longer and climbed onto his back.
Thomas Shannon carried her, walking forward step by step.
"Thomas Shannon... why are you so good to me?" Sophie mumbled, her voice muffled as she lay on his shoulder.
He was a Young Master, accustomed to his high status; there was absolutely no need for him to tire himself out like this. He could have easily cast her aside, this burden, and walked away on his own. But he hadn't. He hadn't abandoned her, nor had he disdained her...
Thomas Shannon simply smiled without speaking. Sophie tightened her arm around his neck with one hand and, with the other, gently wiped the sand and dust from his face.
She gazed intently at his profile. "I know you like me."
Thomas Shannon: "..."
"No need to deny it. I know better than anyone whether you like me or not."
Thomas Shannon: "..."
