Page 51 of Chosen By Swift

“My father,” he said, and she finally understood. “My father was a horrible husband. He treated my mother like property. He was rough and mean. He did things to her and with her thatmademe sick. I didn’t know about a lot of them at the time. It wasn’t until I got older that I finally understood what kind of man he was—and it took Orion pointing out how I was following in his path to make me change.” Swift caressed her cheek with his thumb. “I don’t want to be my father, Alys. I don’t want you to fear me. I don’t want you to rejoice when I die.”

Sadly, Alys covered Swift’s hand with her own. “I think our mothers lived similar lives.”

Swift nodded. “Unfortunately.”

“I don’t want to be my parents, Swift. I don’t want that kind of marriage. I don’t want to be afraid of you, and I don’t want our children to be afraid of you.”

“I don’t want that either.”

“Your behavior back then was horrible, Swift.” She didn’t want to chastise and scold him like a child, but she couldn’t leave her feelings unspoken. “You were mean and cruel, and I don’t like that.”

“I can’t change my past, Alys. All I can do is live every day as a better man.”

“I’m holding you to that, Swift. I like you. A lot,” she added. “But I ran away from my family and my home because I couldn’t stomach the thought of living the rest of my life married to a nasty, mean old man. I came here with you to build a life together, a good life, but the first hint of your old behavior and I’m gone. I know my rights now.”

The meeting that morning had been informative and had included all of the resources available to women who wanted to leave their men. She adored Swift, but she meant what she said.

“I understand,” he replied solemnly. “I will show you every day I’ve learned to be a better man.”

“All right.” Not wanting to discuss this a moment longer, she said, “Now show me your dough.”

“What? Oh.” He grabbed a handful of the dough and stretched it. “Is this good?”

“Yes. Now, rub some oil on your hands.” He shot her a mischievous look, and she swatted at him again. “Behave.”

“Fine.” He did as instructed. “Now what?”

“Make it into a big ball like this.” She made the movements. “And then tuck it under like this.” She watched him work. “Yes, just like that. Put it back in the bowl.” She draped a clean dish towel over the top. “And that’s that.”

When does it go into the oven?”

“Later, after it rises twice.”

“So, we have some time to—?”

“No, I have to prep dinner now.”

“Oh,” he replied glumly.

“It will go faster if you help.” It was a tactic that often worked with her brothers when there were hard chores to be done and they wanted to go play. Swift took the bait and cozied up next to her as she handed him vegetables to scrub. He handled a knife well, but it would take him a while to master chopping and dicing produce.

Not that she told him that. She offered only encouraging smiles, all the while hoping this would be a regular occurrence. Her mother had always said that cooking for your family was a way to show love, and she couldn’t think of a better way for the two of them to grow closer together than cooking and sharing meals.

“Is it always this messy?” Swift asked as she placed all the ingredients for their meal into the special slow cooking device from one of the cabinets. She had discovered it yesterday and asked Hallie about it at their meeting. Looking at the manual now, she selected the correct setting for their meal.

“No.” She eyed the flour dusted on his shirt and pants. “Usually, I wear an apron. Which reminds me,” she added, walking to the sink to clean her hands. “Can I visit the women’s shops tomorrow? I need fabric.” She hesitated. “And maybe a new dress?”

“If you’re like the other mates, youwon't go to theshops with just one new dress,” he remarked as he loaded all the dirty utensils into the dishwashing device.

Not yet fully aware of their financial situation, she quickly backtracked. “I can wait for more clothing until you—.”

“Alys.” He closed the dishwasher door and straightened up. “It’s not a problem. In fact, I want you to buy new things so you can come home and model them for me.”

His playful smile gave her a thrill. “Is everything about sex with you?”

“Not everything,” he said, stalking toward her with a gleam in his eye.

“Swift,” she said, taking two steps back.

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