Page 56 of They Are Mine

She exhales, rolling her eyes like I’m missing the bigger picture. “Because I haven’t gotten that far yet.” She picks up her napkin, folds it slowly. “I can tell you he goes to my gym.” She tilts her head, almost smiling. “And he’s built like a beast. No one would dare mess with any of us when he’s part of this family.”

Family.

That word sticks, lingers.

She’s not talking about some random guy.

She’s talking about building something.

Something bigger than just us.

Something she expects me to be part of.

I shake my head slightly, still not fully grasping it. “Different approach?”

She closes her eyes, exhales slowly.

Like I’m exhausting her now.

Like she’s trying so damn hard to be patient with me.

“Just leave most of it to me.” She reaches across the table, takes my hand in both of hers, rubbing slow, soothing circles over my knuckles.

Like she knows I need grounding.

Like she knows I’m still spinning, trying to make sense of this, trying not to lose her.

“I just need to know that you understand what’s going on.” Her voice softens. “And that nothing changes between us.” She leans forward, gaze locked onto mine, and fuck, she’s mesmerizing. “I am yours and you are mine.” Her fingers tighten just slightly. “And when, whatever the hell his name is, realizes he loves me too, I’ll be his and he’ll be mine.” She strokes her thumb against my wrist, lulling me, soothing me. “But it won’t change us, Noah.” Her voice lowers. “Nothing changes us.”

I stare at her, my heart pounding, my mind racing.

She’s so steady.

So sure.

So completely in control.

And fuck me, I love her.

I love her so much it’s terrifying.

I can feel it twisting inside me, tightening, pulling, demanding that I trust her.

I would do anything to keep her.

Anything to see that look of certainty, of satisfaction, on her face.

If she says nothing changes?

Then I believe her.

Because Juliet wouldn’t lie to me.

Because Juliet loves me.

I swallow hard, grip her hand tighter.

And I nod.

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