Page 46 of Keep My Secrets
“Both. If you become a threat to The Court, they will do what they need to keep themselves safe, but to The Court, you are an extension of me and will protect you the same way they protectme. If someone from a job ever wants to retaliate, it’s possible they could try and go after you, but The Court will keep you safe.” I nod. That is something I wanted to clarify, but it's not the question that has knots in my stomach. “I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
I remain silent for a moment, not quite sure how to phrase this question. It’s definitely not something I ever imagined having to ask anyone.
“Yesterday, when I left to make that call, I was calling Garret, making sure I had his promise to protect you. If you need more reassurance, I can get him on the phone.” In seconds, his phone is in his hand, ready to call his boss.
“No, it’s not that.’
“You had said everyone in the court has killed people, like it's some kind of requirement.” He places his phone back down and focuses on me. “Does that mean eventually I?—”
“That is not something we need to worry about right now.”
“So, the answer is yes?”
“Possibly. I’m not sure. So much is changing within The Court right now that I don’t know what is going to be necessary in the future when we get married.” I just nod my head, trying not to get too excited about thewhenhe just dropped. Not if, when.
“So what does that mean for my mom?”
“I don't know. She is getting close to saying too much about something she doesn’t understand. The Court may want to step in. But once they do, they will handle it how they see fit.” I nod my head, understanding what he's not saying. If The Court gets involved, they may kill her.
“Do I need to step in? If I do, what do I even say?”
“I mean, if you want to sit down with her, you can. Reiterate that you’re an adult who can make her own decisions, that youare safe, remind her that just because you found love doesn’t mean?—”
“I'm sorry, what?” I cut him off. Did I just hear what I think I heard?
“What?”
“Did you just say I found love?” I have never seen this man blush, but right now his face is definitely a few shades redder than usual.
“I did.” He swallows nervously. Butterflies swarm in my stomach. “So tell your mom that I love you and she needs to get over it.”
“Ok, to recap, I am an adult who can make my own decisions, I am safe, and I am in love, then she might back off.” He smiles, noting my use ofI.
“I love you, Aria Mason.” He pulls my body against his before his lips get firmly placed against mine.
I pull away briefly. “I love you, too, Theo Reeves.” His smile turns almost feral as he picks me up and carries me to the bedroom.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Theo
ONE WEEK LATER
“We still have time to call this off.” This is the fourth time this afternoon I have caught Aria taking deep breaths and fidgeting with her jewelry. I can’t tell if it's just nerves since the last time we saw her mom didn't go as great, or if she is just overwhelmed with everything happening this evening.
“No, we need to do this. If I don't at least attempt to help her, what kind of daughter am I?”
“One who was used as a scapegoat her entire life, having to live with the consequences of her mother’s actions, and made to feel like it was all her fault. She hurt you. If anyone needs to try and repair what is broken, it should be her.”
“She is still my mom.”
“That’s a bullshit reason. I have so much respect for you trying to make this right, but it’s not your job to fix this. Your job is to protect yourself and find a safe place to heal from thedecades’ worth of harassment.” I place my hands on both sides of her, pinning her to the counter.
My voice drops to a whisper. “You also aren’t doing any of this alone, baby.”
She takes a deep breath before turning around to face me.
