Page 66 of The Outcast
“He said that he loves me.”
Freya turned to face me and leaned against the windowsill. “And I’m sure he means it with all his heart. What I’m questioning is just how far good intentions will get you.”
“You wouldn’t know how I feel. You’ve never been in love, have you?”
Avoiding my gaze, Freya picked up a small statue and turned it in her hands. “I sympathize more than you can imagine and I’m not here to be the brutal nay-sayer. I’m just raising questions that you may not have considered. The last thing I want is to see you hurt, Sparrow. Especially by the man you love.”
“We’ll figure it out. Banni and Thor are friends. We’ll ask for his blessing and help.”
With her eyes still on the small figurine in her hands, Freya chuckled. “Ah, yes, my dear brother, the hopeless romantic.”
I frowned. “What are you saying?”
“When Thor went to negotiate for Mason and Belle to be together, he was provoked by Moreau’s offensive comments. Let’s just say that Moreau wasn’t impressed with Thor tipping over chairs and pushing his papers to the floor.”
“Then what do you suggest? There has to be a way.”
“Maybe there is, but the first step is for you and Banni to align your expectations of a possible union between you. Loving each other isn’t always enough when you come from opposing cultures.”
“But I don’t want anyone but him.”
Freya gave a sympathetic smile. “I understand. But in that case, figure out if you truly want the same thing. If you do, I’ll be happy to support you any way I can.”
“You mean that?”
“Of course. Even if it means traveling to France for another round of negotiations with that horrible prime minister.”
She closed the door softly when she exited, leaving me with a million questions in my mind. Would Banni be willing to give up other sexual partners and be faithful to me for the rest of his life?
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CHAPTER 24
Reinforcement
Banni
I was sitting in a cozy nook by the window inside the library in the Gray Mansion. In my arms was Belle’s and Mason’s baby girl, Violetta, whom I had offered to look after.
“Why didn’t they ask me?” Aubri said, playing with Violetta’s little hand. “I’m her aunt so I should have first dibs on babysitting.”
Smiling at the six-month-old girl, I explained to Aubri. “I didn’t wait for them to ask me. I told them to remember to get some quality alone time and offered to take this cute baby for an hour.”
“And Belle said yes?”
“It wasn’t so much that she said yes, but rather that Mason handed Violetta to me and carried Belle upstairs. I heard her laugh, so I think she’s okay.”
Leaning in and speaking in a funny tone to her niece, Aubri said, “Oh, so that’s the trick that you and I will have to use to get some alone time.”
Violetta reached out for Aubri, who melted. “Aww, you want to come and sit with your aunt Aubri. Come here, my little meringue.”
I had to hand over the cute baby and wondered for the hundredth time how Sparrow was doing. It wasn’t even nine yet, and I didn’t want to wake her up when her body needed time to heal. At the same time, I was restless to see her.
I turned my attention upon Thor, who stood not far from us, bent over a chessboard with concentration on his face.
“Thor, do you want to play?”
He tapped his lips. “No. I’m trying to understand how Freya destroyed me last night. I almost had her but then she pulled this impossible move on me. I’m trying to remember what happened exactly.”
