Page 100 of About Love and Revenge

“Moving in with you was an accident. It just happened because Naim?—”

I raise an eyebrow, and she stops talking.

We both know that excuse is beyond lame. I have enough money and resources to keep her safe even out of my sight.

“I don't want you to leave. Why can't we continue what we have but from now on with the future in mind?”

“You mean...building a life together, is that it?”Suddenly, she manages to clarify what I've been trying to say.

“Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Don’t leave me. Not tomorrow and not a year from now.”

“How can you ask this of me? Have you forgotten whose daughter I am?”

“No, I haven't.”

We are facing each other, both standing.

“Theo told me my father was responsible for Orien's death. Do you still want me by your side for the long-term?”

“You are not Leandros.”

“No, I'm not, but I'm ashamed of the things he's done.” She looks up, but I can't read her expression. “I think I understand what you meant when you said you weren't going to stop. You want my father to go to jail, don't you? Does this have anything to do with Orien or with your parents dying?”

Before I can respond, two teenagers, the children of our hosts, surround us.

“You can't go without dancing first,” says one.

Elina stares at me, looking panicked. If we hadn't just been dealing with something so heavy seconds ago, I would be able to smile when she spontaneously comes into my arms, hiding her face in my chest.

“What do you think of that invitation?”

“I don't know how to dance to this kind of music.”

“Me neither, but we can try if you want.”

“Okay. Let's try it,” she says, and I wonder if she's referring to the dance or giving our relationship a real chance.

Elina

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Two Weeks Later

MANHATTAN

I still haven't givenhim any reply to the proposal that day at his friend's ranch. I'd like to try it, of course, but I have more reasons to leave him than to stay by his side.

I don't even know how to start analyzing this.

Despite agreeing that things between us have changed, I still don't know Odin. Dating someone is different from committing to that person for the long-term without knowing who they are exactly.

Yes, I know who he is when he's with me, but I don’t know anything about his past.

When we made the deal for a casual relationship, it didn't really matter, but now, looking ahead, how can I be with a man whose life I know nothing about?

I know what you must be thinking. I have my secrets too, right?

My excuse is that I haven't revealed them out of shame, but I think Odin hides his because he doesn't trust me.

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