Page 33 of The Pacifist
“No. I’m angry. The thought of someone coming between us makes me…” My voice dropped and I couldn’t finish my sentence when I knew she was right. It made me feel jealous.
“I won’t allow anyone to come between us,” she assured me.
“You keep saying that, but we both know you won’t have a choice. Python isn’t going to want me around and he sure as hell won’t allow you to come visit me.” My index finger wiggled between us. “This right here, with you in my bed, it stops the second you’re married.”
“Something weird is going on with you, Jonah. I’ve never seen you like this.”
“Because I’ve never been in a situation like this. I would have sworn I couldn’t get jealous, but maybe you’re right. Maybe I am.”
“Jealous of Python?”
“Yeah. Just seeing his letter threw my head for a loop.”
To my surprise, Mila smiled a little. “That’s sweet.”
“Sweet? There’s nothing sweet about it. It’s ugly and I hate it.” I kept my eyes on the foot-end of the bed.
“It’s because you have no experience with it.” Mila stroked my arm. “My dad gets super jealous and protective with my mom; did you know that?”
“Please don’t compare me to Magni. He wouldn’t like that and we’re nothing alike.”
“Except that you’re both scared of losing what’s good in your life.” Mila’s arm kept stroking me. “I have close friends at home. Raven, Willow, and others, but still, you’re the one I call to say good night. What we have is beyond anything I’ve experienced with others.”
I met her eyes. “So why do you have to destroy it by marrying Python?”
The right side of her mouth lifted and made a dimple pop out. “No one said I would pick him.”
Pulling my legs up in front of me, I rested my right elbow on my knees and let my forehead drop into the palm of my hand.
“Jonah, the reason I knew you hadn’t read his letter isn’t that I see you as some saint, but that it’s still sealed.”
“It’s sealed?”
“Yes. The truth is that I’d forgotten about it until I was packing and then I figured I’d bring it and read it when I had time.”
“Why haven’t you read it?”
Mila lifted her shoulders and let them fall again. “I don’t know. There’s been so much else going on.”
My eyes fell to the letter in her hand. “Are you going to read it now?”
“Maybe.” She opened it. “Do you want to read it with me?”
“Mila’s it’s your letter. I don’t think he’d want me to hear it.”
“We’re friends, Jonah. Friends share things.”
I was quiet as she unfolded the letter.
“How about you read it, with your masculine voice. It’ll be more authentic then.” She handed the letter to me and with a sigh, I began reading,
Dear Mila,
I have thought about you night and day since our first meeting at Raven and Leo’s wedding. To me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Your blue eyes, fair skin, and incredible smile makes me think of you as an angel.
We are many men counting the days until we can finally fight for you. Every man I defeat in your tournament will be for you, as a proof of my love.
I promise that I’ll go all the way and be one of the five champions for you to pick from.
