Page 25 of Score on You

“Like a cult?”

She flinches. “Um, no. That’s not a term the elders would allow. It’s a private civilization set apart from typical society by these… outdated standards.”

“Such as mistreating someone for burning dinner?”

“Women are raised to be subservient,” she whispers. “We’re taught that men are in charge. No argument. Like what I texted you, my voice wasn’t heard.”

“And I won’t break my promise. Your voice will always be heard by me.”

“I believe you. Now more than ever.” She bumps her index finger against mine, making a move of her own.

“Good,” I mumble. “That’s real good. I’ll prove myself worthy of your faith in me.”

“You already have.”

“Compared to the men you’re used to, that’s not a major feat. No offense,” I add.

Her hand swats at the air to wave me off. “None taken. My expectations are skewed, but you’d exceed them regardless.”

I release a heavy breath. “Too easy to please, sweetness.”

“Perhaps. Or it’s your special influence on me, which is most likely. Harper has spent the better part of this past year explaining how different traditions vary beyond the walls of Billmoore. It’s still an adjustment. Where I was raised, if girlsdidn’t follow the rules or were caught misbehaving, a proper punishment was provided.”

“Proper punishment? Damn, they did a number on you to believe you deserved that pain.” The fact she used past tense is a small miracle. “How did you cope in such an oppressive environment?”

Her throat works with a gulp. “I kept pushing forward to survive.”

“Or merely existed like a trophy to be won.”

“That makes me sound like a coveted prize. Nobody would treat me as such.”

“I will, but as an equal. You won’t be stripped of control ever again. That’s another promise, so long as my heart is beating. It’s yours.” I’m referring to more than her right to choose, but that’s her realization to arrive at. My concentration is riveted on her and the cascade of emotions she’s reflecting.

“You’re even more noble than I anticipated,” she whispers.

“Noble?” I take a hand through my hair. “An hour ago, I was prepared to seriously injure your father.”

“In my defense like a white knight. But you stayed instead.”

“Still considering it,” I admit.

“Yes, you’d like to rearrange his face.” Her lips twitch as she recites my earlier comment.

“Grant me permission and consider it done.”

She shakes her head. “He’s highly respected at Billmoore. A leader among the people. Provides for his family. Sets an example for those that need guidance. Just view it as a very different perspective on reality, if that makes sense.”

“The fact you can justify his actions is… something else.”

“I don’t expect you to understand. Trust me, now that I’m removed from that life, I see how damaging it is. But he’s still my father.” Callie shrugs and sits straighter. “Rather than wallow over what’s done and can’t be fixed, I’m choosing to look ahead.I get to choose my own path despite how I was raised. That’s a major accomplishment.”

“You’re a better person than me,” I commend.

“Agree to disagree.”

A lull settles between us, but the pause isn’t awkward. It’s a break to gather our scattered thoughts. I take a moment to glance around the room, noting most pieces are what I purchased prior to her moving in. Maybe Harper was right about Callie’s lack of personal belongings. Either that or she prefers what I bought. The latter strokes my pride in a tight fist.

Lust climbs my throat in a lazy caress, teasing at how this evening might end in pleasure rather than haunting memories of pain. I force myself to focus on the less desirable option. Otherwise, she might pull the plug prematurely, assuming there’s nothing left to say.

---