Page 31 of The Queen
She turns to face me, her eyes sharp, almost like she’s ready for battle. “Yes, let’s talk about him because apparently, you think I made a mistake.”
“Not necessarily,” I start, running a hand through my hair, feeling the tension rise between us. “But the sudden turnaround was unexpected.”
She crosses her arms, those striking green eyes not even blinking. “For me as well.”
“Second chances can get you killed in our world,” I say slowly.
“I’m aware.”
“I know.”
“Then what is this really about?”
“Eliza...”
“Come on, James. What’s the real issue here?” She’s daring me with her words, pushing for the truth I’ve locked away.
I pause, struggling with the confession that claws at my throat. “It’s hard, okay?” The words tumble out eventually. “Hard to see you in danger. Hard to not worry that one wrong move could...”
“Could what?”
I falter; I can’t look her in the eyes. This room is too tight, too full of her scent, and my thoughts are a mess. My gaze drops to the floor.
“James?” Her voice cuts through the silence like she’s trying to reach me across an ocean.
“Back when I was ten,” I start, my voice thick with memories I wish I could drown. “There was this deal, something between our families, and it went south. Real bad.”
“Tell me.” She sits on the edge of the bed as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Your dad... Damon promised backup for mine. But when things got heated, his men never showed. My parents barely made it out, but others weren’t so lucky.” The last word tastes like ash in my mouth.
“James, I...” Eliza breathes out, her green eyes darkening with something like storm clouds.
“Since then, I’ve known better than to trust a Hughes.” The words hang there, heavy as lead between us.
“Even me?” It’s a whisper, but it lands like a punch.
“Especially you,” I say it without thinking and then regret it as I see her flinch. “No, not like that. I mean, because I?—“
“Because you care.” It’s not a question, but she’s right.
“Eliza, your family, they play hardball. They hold grudges, and I can’t stop thinking about how easy it would be for historyto repeat itself.” I lean back against the wall, feeling trapped by the past and the girl who’s a part of it.
She rises, comes over, and stands right in front of me. “I am not my father, James. You know that, and as callous as this may sound, I’m sure Dad had his reasons. He takes this alliance seriously. I know he does.”
“Knowing it and feeling it isn’t the same thing.” I grit my teeth, hating myself for doubting her for even having this conversation. “You have to understand, this isn’t just business. It’s personal.”
“Everything with us is personal,” she says, and there’s a fierceness to her, like she’s ready to fight a war for me, for us.
“Look, Eliza, I want to believe. More than anything,” I admit, finally meeting her gaze. “But belief is a luxury I can’t afford, not in our world.”
“Then let me prove it to you.” Her voice is steady and strong. “Let me show you that you can trust me.”
“Do you trust me?” I ask back because there is something I need to do before my soul explodes with the denial I’m forcing on it.
“Of course,” she replies without hesitation.
Gripping her upper arms tightly, I slam her roughly against the wall. “I need you to trust me, Eliza.”
