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His answer is a firm nod.
“And you won’t laugh at me?”
He shakes his head, a flash of hurt passing through his eyes when he states, “Never, Bria.” I bite down on my lower lip and glimpse at him through my lashes.
“I wished one day when we’re older to marry you.”
I blush, and my heart squeezes in my chest. What if he says no?
“But why?” he questions, and his expression turns pensive.
“Because it’s what people in love do, silly. Look at Mommy and Daddy.” He rests his head in his hands, studying me.
“Hmm, what if you don’t like me when you grow up? What then?”
I like him now. Why would I stop liking him? I stare into the cloudless sky, searching for an answer. My daddy always tells me I’m brave and fierce, and I have to fight for what I want. With renewed determination, I snap my head in his direction, daring him.
“You’ll have to make me like you again, then.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes, that easy.”
We lay on our sides, with our hands interlaced, while he whispers, “Okay, then one day I’ll marry you.”
“Promise.”
He presses our hands together over his heart with our pinkies interlinked.
“I promise.”
The tears gather in the corners of my eyes, pulling me out of the memory as I dab them away.
Now, years later, my wish is coming true—for me and for us.
Chapter Two
BRIA
With a shaky hand, I caress Damien’s face, and his features relax. I let hope spread through me. The answer lingers on the tip of my tongue. I smile at how natural—how right—this feels, but the moment I open my mouth, he shuts his eyes, sneering.
“Wait, no. Don’t answer my question. I’m such an idiot. It’s unfair of me to ask. How can you marry an engaged man?”
He shoots up and paces around the couch, raking his hand through his hair, engrossed in his monologue while my eyes follow him.
“Do you have the slightest idea how much I love you? And I let you down again. Marriage,” he spats, “like I’m worthy of having the privilege after all I’ve done. What the fuck is wrong with me? I don’t deserve you.”
“Stop, Damien. What you do right now isn’t selfless.” Defeat transforms his face. The shadows of his misery have me wondering if he’ll ever come out the same.
“Why are you here, Bria?”
“Because I love you. Isn’t it obvious by now?”
“I am not a man deserving your love.”
Hurt and disappointment at himself battle in his eyes as he drags a hand down his face.
“You are mine, and I am yours. We are entangled and knotted on so many levels.”
