Page 39 of A Tempest of Revelation
“He wants to be more than a friend.”
“That doesn’t matter.Idon’t want to be more than friends with him, and if we’re going to be together, you have to trust me.”
“I do trust you. I don’t trust him.”
“You get all prickly around Ianto too.”
My teeth ground together as I recalled how Ianto had eyed her when she removed her pants to cross the river. Ellery had said he was handsome, which still irritated me, but I knew he’d never try anything with her.
“I’ll do my best not to act like an overbearing ogre when other men are trying to hit on you,” I finally vowed.
“We still have to keep our relationship hidden.”
I didn’t like that either, but she was right. My father would do everything he could to destroy her if he found out about us, and that was a complication we didn’t need right now.
“I know,” I admitted.
“Then do more than yourbestwhen other men are around because you can’t drag me away every time.”
My fingers flexed at the idea of other men anywhere near her. “I know that.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Ryker….”
“I can control myself. It will take a lot, and if they’re being too pushy, I might kill them anyway, but I can control myself.”
“That doesn’t sound very reassuring.”
“We’ve made it this far without me ripping off someone’s head.”
“Well, that’s… ah… great.”
“It’s self-restraint, and I am capable of it. There won’t be any more secrets and lies between useveragain.”
“No more secrets and lies, and no more throwing the past in my face.”
“No more throwing the past in your face. We’re moving on. From here on out, it’s the two of us, and we’re starting from a place where we’ve never been before. A place where we’re completely open with each other, trust in each other, are faithful, and united against everything else. If that’s what you want too?”
I had to ask. I wouldn’t be one of those overbearing men commanding her around and taking from her. All I wanted was to make her happy and love her.
When unexpected tears bloomed in her eyes, I recoiled a little. The last thing I’d expected was sadness. I’d hoped this would bring her as much joy as it did me. I’d hoped she’d shout this was what she wanted too, notcry.
Had I misjudged things, or was everything so broken between us that we couldn’t fix it anymore?
“Why are you crying?” I whispered, terrified of her answer.
She grinned as she wiped away her tears. “You have no idea howmuchI want this. How much I’ve hoped for it, but I believed it was impossible. I was sure you’d always hate me; now, there are no secrets, anger, or fear of discovery between us anymore… well, there is the mess of Tempest and your father, but nothing fromus.”
I grinned at her as my arms fell to my side. “We’re going to win against them and be free. Even if we’re still confined to Tempest after, at least we won’t be oppressed. My father won’t come between us again.”
“No, he won’t.”
“If he comes to you again, you have to tell me immediately.”
“I will.”
“I don’t care what he threatens,” I growled.
Stepping closer, Ellery rested her palm against my cheek. Her touch soothed some of my rising ire as my gaze fell to her mouth.
