I finally seemed to have gotten Juliet’s attention. “Dark brown with a black mane. His legs have some white on them, along with a few splotches on his face. He really his beautiful, though he’s got a feisty spirit.” I rolled up my sleeve to reveal a few scars. “He bit me pretty good about two weeks ago.”
My face contorted into a sympathetic wince that I was horrified to find was not entirely false. "Ouch…. That must hurt.."
“It was expected. He’s a fast learner though. Have you ever ridden before?” An idea had popped into my head. A horse would be a good gift to my future bride, wouldn’t it?
"I used to, in the summer." Offering a light shrug, I averted my eyes once more. "Not for a few years. I did enjoy it, thought."
“How would you feel about helping to train Tesoro? And maybe keeping him as your own once he’s big enough to ride?” I took a deep breath, expecting another wary response, or perhaps an outright rejection after our little spat earlier.
No. Definitely not. Each kindness I accept from you draws me deeper into the trap our parents have set for us, can't you see? Why are you accepting this, accepting what they've forced on you?
I said none of it aloud.
"Oh…." I forced my lips into a soft, almost dreamy smile, as much as it pained me to do so. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to give away something so precious if you didn't want to.."
“It would be an honor.” I rushed to assure her. Anything I could do to try and get her to warm up to me at this point. “He’s quite sweet despite his… well, nipping.” I smiled sheepishly.
"Thank you…" I murmured, looking up at him through lowered lashes. There was no escape from this…… I couldn't possibly tell him the truth. Could I? Or would that end in flames?
“Anything for you.” I smiled, hoping it was convincing. It still felt quite odd to promise away things to girl I had just met, but that was the way of the world. I just had to cope. She was beautiful, no doubt about that, but it certainly wasn’t a love at first sight situation.
My heart clenched painfully.
No. Don't say that. Can't you see how big of a mistake this is? The situation's a mess. Unsalvageable. I don't want you. You don't want me. Let's keep it that way.
But I merely slipped my trembling hands behind my back and averted my eyes, a portrait of shy naivety.
I carefully picked my way back over to her, taking meticulous care not to step on any flowers. “Juliet, I realize that this situation isn’t well, love from a fairytale, but I want you to know that I am still here for you, whenever you need me. I… I really hope I can fall in love with you someday.” I rested my hand on her shoulder, hoping to soothe her fears.
Anything I thought to say lodged in my throat.
No. Don't say that. Please don't touch me. He was only trying his best, despite his less-than-desirable comments from earlier. He was trying to make do with what we had…… but I had more. I had Romeo. And now…. it seemed, more than ever, that we would never be something more than lovers in the shadows.
"I—" For a split second, my meticulously crafted expression faltered.
It hurt to see such despair on his face, knowing I was the aching cause. “It won’t be too bad, I promise you. We’ll get to know each other. I’ll date you just the same as any other guy would.”
(Pfft. Nah, bro, you dreamin’. Can you cuddle her like her man Romeo? Can you kiss her like Romeo? Hold her hand, comfort her, FIGHT WITH HER?)
(Smh men these days…)
(lmao, thanks for the commentary, Callie)
The sweet, innocent expression kept crashing back down over my face, my only lifeline in this nerve-wracking situation. "I know, Paris," I answered, refusing to let my smile waver a second time. "You don't need to worry about me."
“You know I do.” I replied quietly. “I don’t know how much longer we have until dinner, but I want you to know that I’m here for you before it starts.” My heart pounded nervously. If Juliet convinced her father to pull her out of this marriage, my life would most definitely be on the line.
I'm glad you're kinder than I expected…. but at the same time, it would be a mercy if you were crueller. If I couldn't sympathize with you. Don't fall for me, Paris. Please don't.
"Thank you again," I murmured, never dropping the act. "You're much nicer than I expected you to be, if I'm being honest./"
“I’m glad I could exceed your expectations.” This was the first time I became fully aware of the thin ice we were standing on. The relationship forced and shaky.
"I'm glad, too." I recognized the sudden need for honesty, something to rescue the conversation. "Can I admit something?"
“Yes, of course.” I looked at Juliet, listening attentively.
"I was scared, before meeting you," I said slowly, meeting his eyes unflinchingly. "I had no idea what you'd be like. The future leader of the most powerful family in the world's largest mafia? I….. I thought you might be violent."
“I can be.” I owed her this truth, whether my mother would approve or not. “On missions and when I’m at work. I got my first… hit mission at eighteen. I can’t lie to you and say I don’t have blood on my hands. But I’d like to protect you from that aspect of this life. If you’ll have me.” I smiled as earnestly as possible.
(sorry I disappeared, back now)
I don't really have a choice.
I returned his smile, however much it hurt to do so. "And I appreciate that, really, I do. But on the other hand, I am going to politely refuse to be a stay-at-home wife. I'm not one for… sitting around."
“I promise you that you won’t just be sitting around.” I smiled softly. “Try to have some faith in me.”
"Only if you trust me enough to let me share your power in the future and go on missions." My tone had a teasing quality, but in reality, I was fully serious. "If I'm going to be your wife, then, traditionally, I co-lead the mafia,"
“We’ll talk about mafia stuff when the time comes. For now, I’d rather pretend this is… well, normal I guess.” I shrugged, unwilling to lose the sense of stability I had just barely achieved. I prayed silently that the maid would hurry up and come get us so I didn’t have to dance around the topic.
I accepted the half-answer with a nod, grudgingly understanding. Almost as if on cue, my maid came hurrying down a twisting path, calling for us.
I looked up, barely holding back a sigh of relief. “You ready?” I asked gently, smoothing out my shirt.
No. Of course not.
"I am." Dark curls spilled over my shoulders as I adjusted my skirts, offering him my hand. "Are you?"