Page 99 of Morning's Light

“I’m sure I’ve called you snookums before.” He shot her a coy, tight-lipped smile.

“No, never.” She pushed against his chest until his arms dropped to his sides once more. “Don’t you have someone else to seduce? I know you’re fucking Zelda. Don’t even try to deny it.”

Israel waved that away, sighing. “Once upon a time, yes, we had a relationship. That’s not important. I came here to talk to you, obviously.”

“I don’t think we have anything to say to each other.”

“Will you let me get on with this? It’s hard enough without you interrupting me every five seconds with your snarky comments.”

She wished more than anything for him to leave, but knew he wouldn’t before he’d said whatever he’d come to say. She settled in for the long haul, moving back to the couch and tucking her legs beneath her.

They stared at each other for a moment. Conversation had never been a big part of their relationship. Aisanna took him in, the textbook example of the perfect suitor. Israel was good-looking in a masculine way, his smile easy and his teeth gleaming white. His lack of interesting conversation was easily dismissed when one understood his background, his money. His handsome face and chiseled body meant he’d grown up being easily forgiven.

Aisanna couldn’t help but compare him to another. It was for the best, she admonished and fought to bring herself back to the present. God, Elon. It felt like they’d been together in another life. Another version of herself.

“What is it?” The question was defensive. “If you don’t mind, we’re having a bit of a family crisis and I don’t really have time to listen to you. I’m, ah, moving. To the country.”

That stopped him. “Moving to the country?”

Good to know she could still surprise him. “Unless you’re here to call things off. By all means, please do. I don’t blame you. And I kind of wish you’d get on with it.”

“I’m going to forget what you said about moving. Or breaking up.” Israel snorted, stretching the collar of his shirt before putting it back in place. “Here goes. You and I have known each other for several years. And enjoyed more than our fair share of time in bed together.”

He waggled his brows and sent her a look that, on an ordinary day, would have scorched a hole in her clothes.

Oh good, she thought. He was taking the initiative, which was something she could appreciate.

“Yes, we have. Go on.” She tried not to sound too excited, too willing, eager even, for things to be done. This would be one less thing she needed to worry about.

Israel dove his hands into his pockets and walked to her father’s antique liquor cabinet. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I think it’s time that we change things up a little bit.”

He poured himself a large helping of brandy, swirling the snifter lightly before bringing it to his nose. Inhaling deeply, Israel drank the entire portion with the practiced ease of a veteran drinker.

“Sure.” Aisanna watched him, thinking it was nervy of him to indulge in her father’s liquor.

Israel held up a hand, then helped himself to a second drink.

“Since when do you need alcoholic fortification to talk to me?” Distinctly uncomfortable, she shifted on the couch. “If you want to break up with me then say it, instead of drinking my father’s private stock. He saves that brandy for special occasions, by the way.”

“I’m not breaking up with you.” Israel chuckled. “The opposite, in fact.”

Her thoughts stilled when Israel dug deep into his pocket and removed a small box in a distinctive blue color.

“Aisanna Cavaldi, I think we should get married.”

Nausea welled up. It was definitely not the words she’d expected to pop out of his mouth. Not by a long shot. “Um…excuse me?”

Israel gave her a look that said she was off her rocker. “You have to stop interrupting people. It’s rude and I don’t appreciate it.”

She sat back, banding her arms across her chest and staring in horror when he lifted the lid on the blue box. Inside was a smaller black velvet box, and when he opened that, nestled on a cushion of black velvet was a breathtaking princess-cut diamond engagement ring.

Of all the times for him to press his suit, he had to choose now. Timing had never been his forte but this took it to another level. “What makes you think this is a good idea?”

Israel scratched his head. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and I think it’s time for us. Married. Together. You know.” He gestured vaguely. “That whole spiel.”

“Yeah, spiel.”

His reluctance, mingled with her own, became a tangible thing winding down her windpipe. Closed her throat and cut off her supply of oxygen.

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