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“You were serious about that?” I groan.
“Of course.”
“What if I promise to let you know the next time he tries something? Will you leave it alone?”
“Nope,” River chirps.
“Great,” I mumble. I’m about to come up with reasons for them to stay away when the doorbell rings.
I pull away from River, not paying attention to their protests about my lack of clothes. It’s my damn door. I’ll answer it. There is a clatter in the kitchen as I turn the knob.
I’m staring dumbly at my brother and Jason on the other side when I feel Kerian’s arm circle my waist and his words hit my ear.
“Ava, the next time you open the door with just a shirt on, I’ll spank your ass.” He taps my hip with his other hand.
“Who are you?” Jason’s snotty voice cuts through to Kerian.
River unfolds from the stool and walks to join us.
“What are you doing here?” I ask him weakly.
“Your brother told me my fiance was keeping company with a man in her house. What did you expect me to do?”
“Stay the fuck home?” River exclaims.
“You have no right to speak to me like that. This is Avangilene’s house. My fiance’s house.” Jason crosses his arms, looking at them in disgust.
“Quit calling me that.” I grip Kerian’s hand desperately. This is a bad situation. Who knows what Jason will say? He’s unpredictable. I don’t want him to reveal anything before I’m ready.
“Why would I? That’s what you are,” he says, confused.
“Jason, did I ever say I would marry you?”
“Bartlett made a deal on your behalf. He’s doing what’s best for you,” he says righteously.
“Can we come in, sister?” Bartlett asks softly. He’s using his sad eyes to get what he wants.
I push back but don’t let go of Kerian’s hand. He circles my wrist and moves with me. River takes one step back to allow them to clear the door and shut it, but no further.
“So, you're whoring yourself out to two men?” Jason sneers.
River is in his face instantly. “Watch your mouth, church boy, or you may get hurt.”
“Are you threatening me?” he asks, shocked.
“Fuck yeah,” River backs away slowly.
“What do you want? I already told my brother I want nothing to do with this arrangement.”
“I had to see for myself.” He looks at Kerian’s hand locked around my wrist. “God wants you to come home,” he says reverently.
“God has nothing to do with this. You and my brother made a plan. You're mad I didn’t follow along like a good little girl. Let me make it clear,” I take a deep breath. “I will never marry you. I left you both in the past, and that’s where you need to stay. You need to leave. I made a life here. Go back to your church and leave me alone. Forget about me.”
Kerian is poised and ready, observing them. River’s hands hang loosely at his sides, his eyes narrowed on them.
“Do they know?” Jason asks.
My breath shudders; he wouldn’t. “Don’t.”
