Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 67039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“I don’t like the sneaking around, but know I trust her as much as I’m capable of.”
“That you’re capable of?”
“I’ll never fully trust anyone when it comes to you.”
She nods in understanding. “We were going to go shopping either way. So it was a good thing she showed up.”
“Tova—”
“Oh noes.” Her shoulders drop. “Not my legal name.”
“I get it, but no more lies.”
“I didn’t lie.”
“Tov—”
“Okay, okay,” she says, cutting me off. “But no keeping things from me, either. If I knew there was some issue with a crazy person, I would have stayed home. If you tell me there is an issue, I’ll trust that. A real issue,” she adds. “Not just a reason to keep me here because it makes you feel better.”
“I hear you,” I tell her. In fact, I hear her all too well. I don’t want to keep things from her. Not only because I don’t want anything coming between us, but I don’t want her trust in me to falter if other secrets come to light. “I have to tell you something.”
Tova’s brows lift. “You can tell me anything.” I’m not sure that’s true, but I want it to be. And for her, I’ll give on this. I’ll give my Tova everything I have down to my last breath.
Chapter Thirty-Three
TOVA
Warren is quiet for too long. “Did you do something that’s going to upset me?” I ask. Maybe I need to help him along. “You’re freaking me out.” A small, awkward laugh leaves me. “If it’s about Z, I already know he’s not really your brother.”
“He’s not. I honestly didn’t think to mention it. It’s not a secret I meant to keep.” So that’s not it. “Does that change things for you?”
“No.” I shake my head. I mean, it made things click in my head about Z and Cosima. They aren’t having sibling fights; no, this is much more than that. “Why would it change anything for me?”
“Not being blood doesn’t sit well with some. There are a lot of people in my world who wouldn't like or accept it.”
“A world with arranged marriages and top families.” Yeah, I could see that and get why they might have hidden it.
“It never mattered to me,” Warren says. I can see that from him. He treats Z with so much respect, and I would have never guessed they weren’t related by blood.
Warren can be disconnected from his emotions, even thinking he doesn't have them at times, but he does. They run a lot deeper and form bonds. I could see that when he promised his sister he’d never force a marriage on her. He might not have understood at the time why he promised her that, but it was because he truly cares.
The way Warren is different in that aspect is why I think him taking over for his family is the best choice. Logic, not old-school rules or beliefs, drives him. Okay, driven by logic when it comes to things not touching me.
“You don’t blindly put your trust or anything into someone because you’re supposed to. That’s a good thing, Warren, a smart and logical thing.”
“I’m not feeling so logical these days.” I can only imagine how dealing with all of his feelings for me has thrown his world off-kilter.
“Are you purposely stretching out whatever it is you have to tell me?” I can see he’s conflicted, which only amps up my anxiety. We have gotten way off topic, and while I love how open Warren is being right now, the waiting is killing me.
“I suppose I am.” His lips turn up on one side in a half smile. “Only you, little mouse, call me on my bullshit and make me hesitate before I speak.” He doesn’t want to hurt me.
“I won’t love you any less no matter what it is you tell me.” I reach up, my hand caressing his cheek. “I’m a rip-off-the-Band-Aid type of girl, so lay it on me, big guy.” I already have the sense it’s not something he did. No, I don’t think he would have done anything if he feared it could hurt me.
“I found out why your parents agreed to the marriage.”
“I’m not sure 'agree' is the right word.” I laugh. My parents had been very upset. They both have relaxed over the past few weeks, thankfully. I will not be telling them about my shopping trip.
“I suppose you’re right,” Warren says soulfully.
“This is about my parents? What do you need to tell me?”
"Yes, I want to preface this by saying that I didn't know this information when we got married," he admits. "Not that it would have mattered. I wanted you. On some level I was pleased that my father was forcing the issue but pissed too because I knew it could make you a target." Warren shakes his head.