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Giggling, she relaxed. “Look, it’s nothing against you. I just don’t like being told what to do—especially about something affecting the rest of my life. I don’t know you, or if I’ll be happy with you. I don’t want to be miserable.”

“Damn,” Cassius brought a hand to his chest. His frown revealed to Aella just how offended he was by her words. “What type of nigga do you think I am?”

“I . Don’t . Know,” she emphasized each word, pushing a hand through her hair. “I keep repeating it, but none of you seem to be hearing me. Why is it so shocking that I’m reluctant to tie myself to a stranger?”

Scratching his chin, Cassius eyed her thoughtfully. “What if you got to know me?”

Aella released a stuttered giggle of disbelief. “As in date you?”

“I ain’t say all that,” Cassius declared swiftly.

“Then what are you saying?” Aella folded her hands. “Make it plain and get to the point, or else we’re wasting each other’s time. The endgame of our parents’ plan was for me to be your wife, right?”

“The point of all was for us to be married,” he corrected. “Meaning, I need to know what you bring to my life, too. This isn’t a one-way street, Aella. All I’ve heard for you is “me, me, me, me,” as if life with you wouldn’t be an adjustment for me as well.”

Falling silent, she studied him, admiring his broad shoulders.

“If that’s such a major concern of yours, why are you just now mentioning it?”

“Because, unlike you, I’m open-minded enough to allow you to show me who you are.”

“After we tied the knot? What if life with me is miserable?”

Cassius shrugged. “I can fix that.”

“With other women?” Aella’s concern tumbled out before she could catch it.

Cassius didn’t immediately respond, but his eyes never left hers. “Why?” He finally inquired instead of answering her question. “Is that a concern of yours?”

Steeling her shoulders, she looked away from him. “Maybe.”

Silence blanketed them as the breeze picked up, shaking the leaves of the bushes surrounding them.

“If we’re married, Elle, the only one getting this dick is you.”

Her eyes flew to his. “Who said that’s what I wanted?”

“I never said you did. But I do suggest you think carefully about what your answer will be when I officially propose,” with his hands planted on the table, Cassius stood. “Because with as beautiful and frustrating as you are, it’s too easy to imagine how many of our nights will end with me stuffing you with dick until you remember who’s at the head of our household.”

Electricity shot through Aella like a lightning bolt. She was too stunned to respond. Not that he’d allow her a chance to.

“You want me to show you what life with me is like? Cool. Starting now, I’ll do that. Whoever you’re dating, talking to, or exchanging good mornings with, that shit ends today.”

That got her speaking again.

“Excuse me? You don’t⁠—”

Reaching across the table, Cassius gripped her chin, gently forcing her head back. “I’m territorial as fuck, love. Sharing ain’t in my nature. If you want the best of me, I want the best of you. I don’t give warnings or second chances, and I ain’t damn sure ain’t afraid to put a nigga in the ground. If you want to be responsible for that, cool. But you can’t act like I didn’t let you know. We’re going to dinner tomorrow night. I’ll text you with the details.”

“You don’t even have my number.”

“Thinking I don’t is what has you already losing this war, Elle.”

“It’s Aella.”

“For now.”

Pressing his lips to her forehead, Cassius disappeared as quickly as he came, leaving Aella wondering what she’d just gotten herself into.