Page 7 of Master of My Life

red and her cheeks were wet.

“I—I’m sorry I accused you of . . . what I accused you of. I don’t know why I did it.” She chewed

her lip. “I know you better than that.”

Chase blew out a breath, his frustration abating. “I’m really glad to hear that.”

She chewed her lip and studied his face. “Why do you want me to go on Friday? Why can’t it wait

until after Nutcracker?” She sat down on the couch next to him.

He glanced across the room, staring at the flickering flames in the fireplace for a long moment.

“Because I have to be married by the end of the year.”

“What?”

Sabrina stared at him. Had he said what Sabrina thought he said?

Chase ran his hand through his thick dark hair. “Before you showed up in Boston, Richard told me

I had to get married before the end of the year.” He sighed and shook his head. “I’m twenty-six years

old. Elder-Sons are supposed to be having their first son by now.”

The Brotherhood. Sabrina grimaced. Will that organization always control my life? She saw the

turmoil in his expression and her heart softened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want you to feel obligated. I wanted you to make your own choice.”

He was trying to do the right thing. He could have manipulated her into a relationship by telling

her earlier, but he didn’t. He had faith that he could win her over. How hard it must have been when

she’d rejected him when he first came home! She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “I’m sorry

I’m so difficult.”

He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t apologize. You needed to learn to trust me.

You needed time.” He pulled away and gave her his crooked smile. “You’re worth it.”

Sabrina’s heart warmed and she beamed at him. “So, let’s get married. Now. Then you don’t have

to worry about it anymore, and—”

“You’re not ready.”

She put her hand on his chest. “I know in my heart I want to be with you. Yes, I’m still scared

sometimes, but I know I love you and can’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with you.”

He cupped her chin. “I can’t ask you to marry me until you attend a Gathering.” The urgency in his

voice brought tears to her eyes. “You must go. You have to see what you’d be giving up to be with

me.”

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