Page 37 of Forbidden Bond

He watches intently as I pick up the cup and down the contents in one gulp. He doesn’t need to know I’ve only ever slept with two people. Knowing him, he’d probably tease me about it.

Or he could be jealous, a voice whispers in my mind.

I study Topher for a moment. This might be my only chance to figure out how he really feels. About me or even in general. He’s so good at hiding things; it would be nice to actually figure him out.

“Have you ever been in love?”

He smiles at the question. “No.”

There’s no hint of deception in his answer so I roll my eyes and pour myself another drink. By the time we’re done playing this game, I’ll be wasted.

“How many people have you dated?” Topher questions.

“What is your obsession with the amount of people I’ve been with?”

He shrugs. “Just indulge me, princess.”

“Three. I’ve dated three guys. Happy?”

There’s no visible reaction to my answer.

“Sure.” He takes his first drink.

“Who do you love most in the world?” I ask.

“My mom and my nephew. Pretty hard to choose between those two. My brothers and sister-in-law are a close second, though.”

I down another drink, ready for his next question. “Who do you love most in the world?”

“My sister. Jameson, my parents,” I list.

“Rank them?”

I shake my head. “I can’t do that.”

“That’s fair,” Topher says, taking a drink.

“What was your relationship with your dad?”

Topher stiffens. I knew that was the one question that would get to him and I asked it anyway.

He rubs his jaw for a moment before running a hand through his hair. I almost think he’s not going to reply.

“My old man and I had a complicated relationship. He loved me, sure, and he was a great father, but ultimately he cared more about my older brothers because they were more like him. I chose not to be like them and that caused a sort of rift between us. I loved him, though. We were a perfectly normal father and son, if we’re ignoring the murder and everything else that makes my family who they are. I miss him sometimes, or a lot of the time if I’m being honest. No one ever talks about it, but his death left a really big hole that no one can ever fill. Despite how hard Christian tries.”

For several seconds, I have no idea what to say. That was painfully raw. No deceptions or deflections. It’s probably the first time Topher’s ever opened his heart and let me see him for him. I swallow softly.

“He sounds like a good father,” I tell him.

“He was. He wasn’t a good man, but he was a great father.” Then Topher smiles and I can tell he’s done with the subject. “Your turn, princess. Drink so I can ask my next question.” I do as he says. “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”

I ponder that question for several seconds before replying vaguely, “I left behind someone I cared about.”

I don’t explain and he doesn’t ask me to. He simply drinks and waits for me to ask my question.

“My turn. Same question,” I tell him.

He smiles without teeth. Something crosses his expression, and he doesn’t say a word for a long moment. When he does, his confession is surprising. “I slept with a married woman. I didn’t know she was married until after the deed had been done. But to be honest, I would’ve probably slept with her anyways.”

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