Page 263 of Power Play

My throat tightened.

“I know how easy it is for you to run back toward that cage because at least you understand the rules inside it.”

“That isn’t what I’m doing.”

“I didn’t say you’re doing it tonight.” His voice remained firm. “I’m telling you I won’t help them put you back inside.”

I stared at him.

“I will walk into that house because you’re asking me to. I’ll be respectful, shake your father’s hand, and be polite to your mother. I’ll sit at their table and answer whatever reasonable shit they need to ask because I understand they love you and want to know who the fuck their daughter is bringing home.”

He stepped closer.

“I won’t pretend I don’t know what they said about me.”

“I’m not asking you to.”

“I won’t apologize for where I came from, and I won’t let them talk down to me so they can feel better about inviting me.”

“They won’t.”

Ryan’s expression hardened. “You can’t promise that.”

I stopped.

“That isn’t your promise to make, Charm.”

He was right, and I hated that he was right.

“How they treat me will dictate how I treat them,” he continued. “If they respect me, I will respect them. If they genuinely try, I will genuinely try.”

His jaw tightened.

“If either of them insults me, I’m done. I won’t back myself into a corner and beg them to understand who I am. If they push hard enough, I’ll show them exactly what they already decided I am.”

“Ryan.”

“I mean it.”

“What does done mean?”

“It means I leave and don’t look back. Adiós. Get the fuck out of my face.”

“And me?”

His expression changed immediately. “You make your own decision.”

The answer hurt in a different way, and he saw it.

“I’m not making you choose whether you walk out with me, mi hada. I’m telling you I won’t sit there and let anyone disrespect me because they believe I’m unworthy of you.”

I nodded slowly. “I know.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” I held his gaze. “I know who you are.”

Some of the anger finally left his face.