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Aurelia picks at a loose thread on her sweater. “Don’t you ever get sick of doing what you’re told?”
“Yes.”
At this admission, her head snaps up. “You do?”
“I’m not a robot,” I tell her. “Of course there are times when I want to say fuck it to everything.”
She huffs out a breath, and I can see the sadness in her eyes.
“I know I should just do what my mother wants. I should toe the line and do my duty for my family.”
“No one expects that.”
“My brothers did what was needed. Why can’t I?”
“Your brothers are in different positions. It’s not remotely the same.”
“Kane had no idea he’d love Elena before he said, ‘I do’.”
“True.”
“Luke had no idea who was coming to the church the day he married Sariah. He still did it.”
“He did,” I agree.
Her eyes meet mine, tears standing in them, though she doesn’t let them fall.
“Is it selfish of me to want something more?”
I move over to the sofa and sink down next to her. She’s so young in many ways, even despite being an adult. There is a naivety about Aurelia. She has been largely shielded by her brothers—even to an extent by her parents.
“No, it’s not. It’s normal.”
Her eyes lower to her hands in her lap and I sense that she feels as if she has the weight of the world on her shoulders.
“My brothers could get hurt because of me. Charlotte and Anthony are not going to let this stand.”
“They won’t, but your brothers are strong men, and they have a lot of people loyal to them too.”
Sides will be picked. Corners will be fought. It’s the only way this can go. The brothers don’t see it, but they will eventually need to confront their parents. There will be no other choice. The writing is on the wall. Charlotte will never stop trying to push this issue. She needs the alliances too much. She likes the power, and her daughter is the last piece on the chessboard she has left to bargain with.
“My mother is a ruthless bitch,” Aurelia says. “She’ll play dirty.”
“Your brothers know how to handle her,” I say.
“I’m scared.”
Without thinking, I pull her against me. She instantly melts against me, and I love that she does. I like the feel of her in my arms. She’s soft and vulnerable. I’m aware of the fact, so I don’t push her for anything other than to be held.
“I’m trying to be strong,” she whispers.
“You don’t need to be.”
“I’m a Fraser,” she says, as if that explains everything.
“That doesn’t mean you need to be invincible, Lia.” She clings to my shirt like I’m the only thing keeping her afloat right now. Maybe I am.
She peers up at me, and I feel the electricity passing between us. I want to kiss her, but I can’t. I won’t. She needs protection right now, not me taking advantage. Plus, her brothers will bury me in the deepest, darkest hole they can find if I touch her like that.
