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I sigh. “I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”
This earns me a soft chuckle from Ronin. “It’s been a long time since I saw you. I guess the last time was when I picked up Savannah…” He stops talking.
Tears well in my eyes at the mere implication of Savannah’s absence. It’s been years, but it still feels like yesterday.
He changes the subject. “I see you have a son now. How’d that happen?”
I smile, knowing full well he’s not asking about the actual biological way that children are made. “Just one of those things,” I say with a shrug.
“Listen, I know you don’t want to marry Gabriel. He can be…”
“Daunting?” I finish for him.
He cracks a sly grin. “I was going to say demanding, but sure, daunting works too. I know he can be all the things you will probably hate. And I know my grandfather is a sick fuck. But, think of the money, Clem. Think about your future.”
I’ve already thought about it over and over. And I know I am going to say yes. I just keep hoping somehow something will change. A Hail Mary. A new plan where we can get out of this mess.
I thought this was the 21st century. I didn’t think things like arranged marriages happened anymore. And screw Joseph Prince for having the upper hand over my future.
“I’ve already signed the contract,” I say.
He taps his hand on the counter. “Oh, ok. I should get going.” He jabs a thumb toward the door.
I thank him for coming over as I walk him to the door. We both step outside onto the porch, and I pull my sweater together in the front to warm me. “Bye, Ronin. I’ll see you at the wedding, I guess.”
His eyes do this strange sweep of me. “If you ever need anything…” He lets the words linger in the night air, because he knows just as well as I do, that with Gabriel, I’ll want for nothing.
Except. “I could probably use a friend.”
His eyes lighten. “No truer words have ever been spoken.”
“And maybe, if I ever need it…” I chew on my bottom lip before finishing, “a getaway plan.”
He winks. “You got it.” His eyes linger on my face again. “You look so much like her,” he whispers. And then he does the most unexpected thing. He leans in, cupping my cheeks with his hands.
My heart beats an unsteady rhythm as his cool, dark eyes meet mine. And then his lips touch mine and I don’t know what to do.
His tongue pushes my lips apart, and he deepens the kiss. His hands are now in my hair, pulling the strands closer to him. His tongue runs along mine and I reach my hands up his chest to push him away.
I break the kiss, stunned.
“I’m not her, Ronin.”
Pain, that looks so much like mine, stares back at me. “I’m sorry,” he says.
And with that, Ronin leaves my house.
