AllFreeNovel
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I take a seat, and he runs a hand down his face. With the sun beating down on us, ducks surrounding the boat, we sway in the middle of the lake. It would be peaceful if not for the storm gathering between us. Kieran leans back and closes his eyes.
“What would you have done?”
“Gone to college. I’d stay with Chiara, my best friend.”
“What would you have studied?”
“Literature.”
“And then?”
“Become a writer. Instead, I will be married to you.”
His features tighten. “Life with me will be better. Without the pressure, you could wake up every day and do whatever you want. Not many would have the privilege.”
“So, you would be okay if I went to college?”
I wait with bated breath.
“Yes, the moment I know you’re safe.” His eyes open, carrying the same intensity that plays havoc with my senses. This putsthings into perspective and it takes me aback. “Not expecting that?”
“No, because I feel like I am a prisoner.”
“And until you stop thinking you are one, then we’ll just live like that.”
“This isn’t even a life.” I huff and dip my hand in the water, my fingers grazing the surface. “Do you expect me to sleep with you?”
“I won’t force myself on you.”
“Not even blackmailing me into it?”
He cocks his head, smirking. “Would you be open to that?”
I put that idea into his head, but he didn’t have to like it. I stand and the boat wobbles.
“That would make me a whore.”
I yelp when he grips my thighs, and I end up straddling him.
“I wouldn’t judge.”
“You’re irredeemable, I swear.”
“Thank you.” That stupid smile of his weakens me. His fingers dip into my thighs, burning me from within. “When you marry me, you’ll get a phone. I’ll get you into college next month if you sleep with me.”
I feel dirty. So, so dirty. I push myself off him and his shoulders slump, giving me a despondent look that chills me.
“This was a mistake,” he mumbles more to himself.
When the boat reaches the shore, I rush toward the restaurant.
Inside, Fox points to a table and I plaster a fake smile on my face. I stare outside. Kieran is standing on the shore, his back to us.
“How do you know my fiancé?”
His eyes shine with fond memories. “I was about to close my restaurant. It’s not a well-known place. And when I stepped outside, I found him. Kieran asked questions, and by the endof the day, he helped me rebuild this. Few people come here, mostly some wanderers. But I am getting older and he wants this place.”
“It’s beautiful.”
