Page 65 of Touch Of Fate
“I have to do this,” I insist.
“I know,” she says.
“You do?”
“We’re sisters. I know you. This isn’t something you can just let go. That doesn’t mean I won’t worry about you.” She leans across from me. “I know you’ve been hiding what happened to you.” I cross my arms. “I’ve allowed you to keep it from me. You needed time, and I decided to give it to you. I’m not weak, I can handle it.”
“I don’t think you are weak,” I whisper, shaking my head. “It was me who wasn’t strong enough. I’m afraid you’ll look at me differently if I tell you everything.”
“Fuck that,” she hisses. “Nothing will change my opinion of you. I love you. You have done nothing but protect and love me. We have been in this life as a team since Mom died. She is another subject that we don’t discuss. I miss her, and I miss you.”
“What? I’m here.” I scowl.
“Mara, you have closed yourself off since you got back. I’m not surprised that your magic has exploded since meeting Rome. I’m grateful he’s brought you back to life.” She steps forward and reaches her hand out before dropping it. “Because of him, I know there will be a time when I can touch you without him near.”
“I hope so.” I'm hesitant to try it yet, but I know I need to conquer my fears.
“After all this shit is done, and you are bonded to Rome, we have to have a talk,” she says sternly. “I want to know. I want to know everything about my sister.”
“I will.”
“Promise?” She glares.
“Yes.” The door opens, and a customer walks in. At least it isn’t a man who wants to flirt with me. “It might be best if you stay at home for this mission,” I whisper.
“Don’t even.” Her glare intensifies. “I’m in this with you. Is Archer going?”
“Yeah.”
“We are a team. I can help.”
“If anything happened to you.” I shake my head.
“Hey, nothing will.” She smiles lightly. “You won’t let it. Plus, I have two brothers who will protect me.”
“You like them.”
“What’s not to like? Archer annoyed me at first, but he’s growing on me.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “Put those away.” She motions to my face. “It’s not like that. Yeah, he's sexy, but as you know, he’s not my soul bond. He’s like a brother.”
“A much older brother,” I mumble.
“How much?” she gasps. “I asked, but he won’t tell me.” I lean toward her, but she looks over my shoulder.
“Archer is on his way,” Rome says, and I turn to face him. “Gavin sent me the details.” He moves around the counter. “We need to plan.”
“We can close early,” Lace says, smiling at him. “I don’t have any more customers today.” She glances at the woman, looking around. “Let's get some food and go to Mara’s.”
“Wait for Archer,” Rome says, grabbing my hand. “And Mara and I will get food and meet you there.” As I look into his eyes, I can see different intentions.
“Are you just trying to get my sister alone?” Lace asks, her smile widening.
“Lace,” I sputter.
“Yes,” Rome answers.
“How about Archer and I get the food? You can go home with Mara,” Lace suggests.
“Thanks, Sis.” Rome grins and ruffles her hair. She swats his hand away, and he chuckles.
