Page 28 of Prisoner of War
She let her head hang. “Okay,” she agreed. “They’re just not much fun to speak about.”
“That’s just because you insist on being guilty at them.”
“Guiltyaboutthem. And I do not.”
“You feel it is your fault that they do not like you because you are American.” His gaze would not let her go, would not let her hide.
“I suppose,” she said reluctantly.
“It is their fault.”
“Huh?”
“Their problem. You know—you say it all the time. ‘It’s not my problem.’ Right?”
“Sure, but that’s for little things.”
“Big things too, Minnie. Most especially for the big things. It is not you who makes Téra hate Americans. It is her choice to hate Americans. Every action starts with a decision. You didn’t make that decision. She did. So, not your fault.”
“That’shardly a comfort when I am an American. Besides, not every action starts with a decision.”
“No?”
“What about falling in love? There’s no decision there. It’s what you do that makes me love you.” She tried to take the words back, but they were already out and she swallowed, her heart thundering.
Duardo laughed. “Army training doesn’t include emotions like love.” Then she saw him put it together.He studied her. “You love me?”
Was there caution there? Was his heart pounding again with fear of a different kind? Carefully she responded, “I could love you...if only you behave yourself.”
He laughed again and reached for her and the moment passed. As Duardo made love to her again, she tried to shake off her regret for helping send the moment on its way. Then it struck her. That was what shefeared about Duardo.
She feared the love.
