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He nodded. “I understand. I just remind you because…I remember Verity.”
I stared at him, shocked at the connection. “Aphrodite would never harm Emeline. You know this.”
“I know it. I merely meant how your father did not concern himself. I wish your home peace, Evander. But just as that girl’s real father is against you, I wish you not to cause the one in your home to turn bitter as well, by turning your attention to your future with Aphrodite.”
When did he become so insightful? “I do my best to show her kindness and care.”
“Then pardon me for intruding so far into your personal business.”
Before I could answer, there was a knock at the door.
“Enter.”
Aphrodite arrived, looking between us both curiously. “Dinner is ready. Mama said to call you both.”
“Perfect timing,” he said and walked to the door.
“Is everything all right?” she asked when her brother was gone.
I wanted to say yes, but Damon’s damn words were now in my mind.
“Oh no, you are hesitating. What did he say?”
I chuckled at her expression. “Damon merely reminded me that I must be more honest with you.”
“How so?”
I placed the glass down, stepping to her. “I have told you the whole story. But I do not believe I was clear. You are aware that I raise the daughter of my former wife as my own.”
She nodded. “Yes, you said so.”
“Aphrodite, I truly do my best to tend to the girl as if she were mine. In reality, she and the world believe me to be her Papa. I told your brother that I expect you to do nothing else but treat her cordially.”
“Do you believe I will not?” She frowned.
I reached to touch her shoulder but noticed a maid walking by, peering in, and stopped myself. “I believe it is hard to raise a child who is not your own, speaking from personal experience. I only wish you to let me know how you would like to handle the matter. I will not be disappointed either way. I know you are kind. I merely seek to make sure you enter our marriage well aware.”
“Thank you, but I do not know what exactly would be needed of me. I am ready to face it with you,” Odite replied.
“And I you.” Once more, I lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “Now let us go to dinner before your maids break their necks looking in.”
She sighed, shaking her head. “I see why Mama wishes this wedding to be done so quickly now.”
“Does that displease you?”
“Of course not, though part of me worries my mother may have forced your hand a bit,” she replied.
“Never. I am eternally in her debt. My mother left me with two mighty benefactors in this world.”
“Two?” She tilted her head to the side.
“I have been sent to call you both,” Damon said from the door, arms crossed, frowning. “And I am displeased doing so, as I do not wish to see the fire in your eyes.”
Aphrodite glanced around the room. “Fire? But there is no fire to glow in our eyes?”
I bit my lip to hide my amusement, as she did not realize it was not a real fire he spoke of but desire. Oh, thank God it would be only a week, for there was wickedness inside of me, a beast that hungrily anticipated removing all of the innocence from her.
It shined so profoundly that her brother saw it and was clearly uncomfortable. I did my best once more to tame it.
