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Nora would just have to convince him to let her make this decision for herself.
ChapterSixteen
River kept Nora's hand in his the entire way to Leo's study, almost afraid that if he let go, she'd run from him.
And even if nothing was a hundred percent guaranteed, he wanted this chance with her. To be the one who could help free her from the chains of her shitty past. To show her sex could be good and not traumatic. To help her finally explore more of the world without constant fear. They were all things he desperately wanted to do.
Maybe it was because River had always relied on Yesenia over the years and hadn't been able to help his siblings much.
Or the fact his father was a controlling bastard, one who'd done everything to keep River and Meadow from growing close to others, let alone being able to help their mother's side of the family, one they'd never met.
While training as a doctor had helped, allowing him to actually fucking do something for others, the situation with Nora was different. He'd do more than heal a wound or do his best to ease someone's final days. He could help give her a future.
And maybe if he was lucky, he'd find a great one for himself.
They finally arrived at Leo's study. River took a deep breath, glanced at Nora with a smile, and knocked.
His brother-in-law's muffled voice said to enter.
As soon as he and Nora were inside and the door shut, Leo glanced up. His eyes darted to their clasped hands and then at each of their faces. "Yes? What is it?"
River cleared his throat and stood tall. He needed to be polite and do this right. Nora deserved that. "I'm here to ask for your sister's hand in marriage."
Not that River would take no for an answer. But if the old-timey shit worked with Leo, River would suffer through it.
Leo stood and frowned at Nora. "What the bloody hell is he talking about?"
River was ready to step up to the plate, but Nora raised her chin and replied, "River asked me to marry him and I said yes."
Leo growled. "When the fuck did this happen? Last I knew, you were avoiding him, Nora."
Nora's cheeks flushed but she held her ground. "Things are different now." She paused and then added, "We went down to the tea shop, had a lovely afternoon, and some events made me realize marrying River might be the best move."
Leo blinked. "Wait a second—you went outside? And walked all the way down the street? And then fucking sat down and had an ice at Cole's?"
Nora nodded. "Yes."
Leo's gaze switched to River. "And you didn't think to tell me you were taking my sister outside? Bloody hell, I have enemies, Vale."
Nora growled and River nearly smiled at her firm reply. "I'm not a child, Leo. Stone knew where we were headed, and you've always told me your territory is safe, but especially in the nearby streets. Since you're still standing and conscious, that means you weren't lying."
Leo crossed his arms over his chest. "It's safe for…"
"Who, Leo? Everyone but me? The pathetic female who can barely stand outside on a balcony by herself without panicking?"
At Nora's sharp tone, Leo's face softened. "Nora."
She put up a hand. "Don't 'Nora' me, Leo. Believe me, I appreciate everything you've done for me over the years. I can never repay how you moved heaven and earth to keep me safe and feel protected. However, I am seventy years old. And after all the years of you badgering me to try and venture outside, I finally accomplish it and now you're upset."
Her brother growled and nodded toward River. "If he could keep you safe, I wouldn't worry so much. But he could barely walk a few days ago."
River frowned and was about to say he'd fucking take care of Nora when she beat him to it. "I'll have you know he did protect me at the tea shop."
Leo's gaze shot to River. "Tell me what happened because my sister will leave things out."
Only once Nora nodded it was okay—once their engagement was tied up, he might need to have a few words with Leo about treating his sister better—River explained what had happened with Prudence Hartwell and how he'd said she was his fiancée. It might not win him any brownie points with Leo, his first sort of proposal being blurted out like that, but River was determined to be truthful. Surely that had to work in his favor.
When he finished, Leo uncrossed his arms and clenched his fingers into fists. "Bloody Prudence. She always stirs up trouble with the females, but this is going too far. I'll be paying her a visit later, that's for sure. I won't have my family disrespected."
