I turned my attention to Rafe, hoping he was like his brother in more than just looks. Considering his previous responses, I didn’t hold out much hope.
“I’m very sorry for my brother’s behavior. He’s taking my sister’s disappearance very hard. However, there is no excuse for his disrespect,” Rafe said.
And just like that, my hope fizzled. I was a fool to think he was any different from the men in my world. The only one who truly might be was off limits.
With a shake of his head, Father replied, “I should be the one apologizing. It was my daughter’s insolence that started it all.”
To keep from lashing out at him, I bit down on my bottom lip until a metallic rush tainted my tongue.
“With all due respect, I find her behavior refreshing.”
While I jerked my head up to stare wide-eyed at him, suspicion echoed in Father’s tone as he asked, “You do?”
Rafe nodded. “I want a wife with a strong maternal instinct. It’s evident that Drea cares very much for her siblings. I also like seeing that she's active and takes an interest in sports. I want a useful sort of wife. I loathe women who do nothing but spend their husband's money or drink all day with their friends.”
I turned a laugh into a cough when Father winced at Rafe’s summation. Although he couldn’t have known it, he’d just perfectly described my mother. Because of who her family was, Father had taken a lot from her that he wouldn’t normally have had he married a less connected bride.
Switching tactics, Father bragged, “Andrea is always active. She likes to think she can do what her brothers do.”
Of course, he had to add a dig even to a fake compliment.
Ignoring him, Rafe cocked his brows at me. “Can you shoot?”
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I’d been shooting since before I could read or write. Instead, I obediently replied, “Yes, sir.”
“Do you know self-defense?”
You bet your ass I do. “I can take a small man down,” I demurely replied.
“Good for you. I don’t care for damsels in distress.”
Father’s gaze pinged between Rafe and me. “Why don’t I give you two a moment alone to talk?” he suggested.
“Thank you.”
He then motioned us forward to where we could walk a good distance in front of him through the gardens. Of course,he wasn’t too far away in case Rafe became ungentlemanly and tried to get handsy with me.
After we walked in silence for a few moments, Rafe reached into his coat pocket to pull out a small Tiffany box. The mere sight of it caused my upper lip to curl in disgust. When I caught him looking at me, I quickly feigned a smile.
As he stared down at me, his expression grew serious. “The most important thing I ask of you as my future wife is that you never lie to me.”
“Yes, sir,” I dutifully replied.
“And don’t ever call me sir.”
“Okay,” I replied cautiously. He was definitely giving me whiplash with his previous and current behavior.
“I know you don’t want to marry me, Drea.”
I shook my head wildly back and forth. “No, no, you are mistaken. It is my honor and my duty.”
“Bullshit.”
My eyes shot wide. “Excuse me?”
“Stop parroting the shit your father and mother spew at you. I know it for what it is. Absolute bullshit.”
Hold the phone. Maybe there was a little of Leandro in Rafe. Blinking at him in disbelief, I stated, “I like your honesty.”
