Page 79 of His Puppet

She hesitates, like she’s afraid of my response, but she nods.

I put my hand against my slack’s pocket and feel the velvet box, debating on if this is the right time.

“Never mind,” she hurriedly says when I open my mouth again. “Let’s take care of this first, and then we’ll talk about it, okay?”

“Emily…”

“Later,” she says, taking both of my hands. “Okay?”

Seems a little unfair, but okay.

I nod and allow her to pull me toward the house, her pace noticeably more hurried than earlier. I try to put what she said out of my mind, knowing if I look too deeply into it, I won’t be able to keep my mouth shut. The box bulging in my slacks burns.

She loves me.

… Duh?

Did she really think I didn’t already know that?

She had a chance to run, a chance to take back her life, but instead she dove into mine. She spent the night at my house and never left, making it her home too, day by day. She told me everything about herself, shattering walls made of steel. And I did the same. I’ve invited her into every part of my life.

Of course she loves me.

Of course I love her.

How does she not already know it?

Why haven’t I already told her?

I peek at her when she knocks on the door and takes a step back, her hands cupped in front of her while she picks at her nails. I wonder if she’ll fidget with her ring as much as she does her nails.

What if she says no?

My chest constricts, but I keep my composure. Before coming here, I didn’t have much worry about what she would say when I proposed. She seemed confused this morning, and it wasn’t until then that I realized I hadn’t adequately expressed what she meant to me. But now I’m questioning if she’d realized whatImeant toher.

She’ll say yes.

Right?

“Nathaniel, open up!” she yells, banging on the door again.

I blink and get out of my head.

“Are you sure he’s home?” I ask, my eyes moving to the darkened window.

“He’s home, he’s just a coward.” She raises her voice at the end so he’ll hear her through the door. She bangs again. “I just want to talk to Ellison!”

“He’s not here!” Someone yells back through the door.

I raise a brow and watch Emily’s face deflate.

“Do you know where he went?” she asks.

Silence.

“Please, I promise I’m not bringing any trouble. It’s important.”

More silence.

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