Page 36 of Bride By Initiation

He points to the corner. "S.O. Sean O'Malley."

"That could be anyone," I declare.

He shakes his head. "No. It's not. My mom and uncles confirmed my dad used to doodle this everywhere. He had this branded on his hand, in the same spot John has his. Except, before he died, his had colors just like this one."

My stomach flips. I process what he's saying, trying to understand it all.

Sean adds, "My dad used to sketch this everywhere he went. My mom and uncles wouldn't lie about it."

Why would his dad have the same mark as John?

Sean plops down next to me. "When did you talk to John last?"

"Why?"

"Don't ask questions. Just answer mine, please," he pleads.

"I haven't had any contact with him since Shannon's party."

He assesses me.

"Sean, what's going on?"

"What did he promise you?"

My chest tightens. I open my mouth, and Sean puts two fingers on my lips. He orders, "Don't lie to me, Zara. Please. Just don't lie." He slowly removes his hand.

My heart beats harder. I swallow hard and answer in a low voice, "Sean, I can't discuss anything about my conversations with John."

"You can tell me," he insists.

I grapple with what my heart wants to do, but my fear leads. I insist, "I'm sorry, but I can't discuss anything with you."

"You have to!"

"No, I don't. I can't. I want to, but I can't."

"Zara—"

"You tell me everything you know, and I'll reconsider telling you what you want to know. But until you go first, I'm not budging," I assert.

He grits his teeth.

I point at him. "See. You won't talk either, will you?"

He takes long breaths, keeping his challenging stare pinned on me.

Tense silence builds between us. The air turns thick from his toffee and bourbon vanilla cologne. I break the stare, lean closer, and grab his hand.

He glances down at it.

I scoot closer, softening my voice. "Tell me what your dad has to do with this."

His eyes dart to my lips, then he sniffs hard. His expression reveals no emotion.

I put my hand on his cheek. "Sean, you can trust me. I won't say anything to anyone. I promise."

He snorts. "That's rich, coming from the woman who won't answer anything I ask her."

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