Page 54 of Avenging Azalea

“No, that’s okay. I’m not hungry,” I said.

Fawn sat down beside me, pulled her legs up under her like she always did, and stared at me.

“This is probably the worst time ever, but…can I ask you a question?”

“Of course, you can always ask me anything,” I said.

Giving Fawn my full attention, I watched as her cheeks slowly flushed bright pink. She was nibbling on her bottom lip, something she did when she was nervous. She looked adorable but also sexy. That was hard to pull off, yet she did it without trying. The only light in the room came from the television, illuminating one side of her face while leaving half in shadows.

“I know I said I didn’t want to talk about this multiple times, but I just don’t understand. Were you dating Vera all this time and didn’t want to tell me? It feels like a pretty big thing not to share. I guess I’m hurt that you’ve kept this important, life-altering event from me.”

“No, it’s not like that. I would never hide someone I was dating from you, especially if it was serious.”

“Wouldn’t you? You’ve never mentioned dating anyone, now that I think about it.”

“It’s because I haven’t dated anyone.”

“Oh….” The wheels were turning in her head now.

“Did you date before you took me in?”

I looked away. “Yes.”

“But not after?”

“No, not after. I was busy with work and wanted to make sure that you were settling into your new life.”

“But it’s been three years.”

I shrugged. “It felt like a blink.”

Fawn crossed her arms. I could tell she was frustrated and talking herself into asking more questions. This was a bad idea, but my ass stayed firmly planted on the leather couch.

“Okay, so you weren’t dating. Was it love at first sight or something?”

“No, it’s not like that either,” I said, running my hand through my hair. “Listen, I really should go to bed.”

Fawn grabbed my arm before I could push myself up.

“It’s taking all my courage to ask you these questions. You offered me answers before, so please, give them to me now, and I’ll never ask about her again.”

“Fawn, you were right about not talking. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Why? I’m not a child. Hell, I’m not sure I ever was, and I’m long past being your ward.”

She let go of my arm, but I still couldn’t leave. Fawn looked down at her hands as she played with the cuffs on the hoodie.

“Please just tell me if you love her.”

We’d gone from treading in a very dangerous topic to diving into the deep end without life jackets.

“Please,” she begged.

Her pleading voice traveled through me and hindered my ability to breathe. It would be smarter to tell her, yes, but I couldn’t. I’d never lied to Fawn about anything. Omitted for her own safety…yes. Lied to…never.

“No, I don’t love her,” I said, sighing as Fawn moved closer.

“Then why are you marrying her? Steph said it must be an arranged marriage. Is that true? Are you marrying her because you have to? I can’t imagine you being forced to do anything.”