Page 117 of The Fallacy of True Love
“I’m glad you found them.” In fact, I needed to send gifts to Maya’s friends. They had been her lifeline when she had none. Soon, we’d be in separate states and I wouldn’t be able to look after her. But they’d be there.
“Yep. I always feel like for as many bad things I’ve had happen to me, having them more than made up for it.”
My fists ached from gripping the steering wheel. “What’s his name?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Liar.”
“I don’t want to remember,” she revised. “It’s in the past, anyway. I’ve moved on.”
“That’s great, but that asshole shouldn’t be able to move at all after what he did to you.”
“You’re a law student. You shouldn’t be threatening violence. Did you ever do that to your ex’s guy?”
I didn’t because I had never felt this level of rage at Aaron. “Who’s making threats? I’m stating facts. Also, Aaron never took something that wasn’t willingly given to him. It’s not the same.” Right then and there, I promised to master the laws regarding harassment, identify the fucker’s name, and do whatever I could to ensure justice was served.
Maya smiled, and this time, it contained a hint of humor. “I can almost hear what you’re planning. Don’t bother. He doesn’t deserve your time or your brain space.”
“You can’t hit me with that revelation and not expect me to want to do something.” This was why I went into law—to have the means to protect the people I loved.
Yes, loved. I’d come to terms with my feelings for Maya. More than that, I embraced them. She was the girl I wanted to be with, and that meant not pushing her to stay when she needed to go. When she needed to be in the place where she felt safe. At peace.
“It’s my past and my choice to share it with you.” The corners of Maya’s mouth tightened. “I didn’t do it so you’d feel sorry for me and try to get revenge on my behalf. I told you because I trust you and I want you to know why I am the way I am. You don’t have to do anything but keep that in confidence.”
“I will. I promise. Thank you for trusting me.” Wishing I could stop the car and embrace her, I searched for the words that would capture my emotions but came up short.
“You’re the third person I’ve told. Aside from the ones who don’t matter.”
“I’m honored.”
I expected her to tell me not to make her regret it, but she didn’t. She simply nodded and stared straight ahead. Taking a sip from the tumbler, she tucked her free thumb into the seat belt that stretched across her lap.
“Is the seat belt bothering you?”
“What? No.” She let go of it and planted her hand on her lap.
“Good. Here’s something else to hold on to.” I lay my hand palm up on the center console, leaving the decision up to her. More than once, she’d had other people take her choice away. I would never do the same.
Glancing at her, I caught her looking at my lap and then my hand.
She snorted. “I thought that was a come-on.”
“I would be an ass if I did that, especially after what you told me.”
“Don’t tiptoe around me. I told you, I’ve studied self-defense. Took a couple of free counseling sessions Eric recommended. I make my own choices now.”
“Good. So it’s your choice if you want to hold my hand.”
Shaking her head, she said, “How can you be so cheesy after all the filth you say in bed?”
“I contain multitudes. Is that a no?”
“No.” She put her hand in mine. Her fingers that could type intricate code and just as easily ink art on skin seemed stiff against mine.
I rubbed my thumb across her pointer finger, moving slowly. Gently.
Her fingers relaxed on her sigh. “Alonzo.” My name sounded like a plea on her lips.
