Page 76 of The Vow We Made
“And he doesn’t have a clue about her title because…?”
“She’s protective. If she told every Tom, Dick or Harry, you can guarantee there’d be a lot of unwanted attention because of her status alone, never mind any of the other benefits.”
“You’re talking about gold diggers.”
“Pretty much.”
“Are you saying Steph thinks my brother is after her money?”
“No! She hasn’t said—”
“Because he isn’t.” I realise I’m taking exception to what Victoria is implying between the lines, but I won’t have anyone thinking the worst of my brother. He might be a bit of a player, but money is the last thing to interest him.
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist. Steph doesn’t see Will that way, but there have been men in her life who took advantage and this is how she protects her heart and the family jewels. You can’t deny her that.”
“Of course, but see it from my point of view. If Steph really trusted Will, she’d let him in.”
Victoria sits bolt upright and heaves her body around, placing her leg on the coffee table in front. “Please Aiden, let Steph tell him in her own time.”
Should I be so pissed off about this? After all, I’m not exactly in a position of honesty myself, despite trying to move past it. This isn’t me, it’s not the way I operate which is why I know I can’t keep this shitty secret much longer.
* * *
Rays of morning sun beam a stream of light on the bed, waking me with a start. I gaze down to Victoria, tucked close to my side. She’ll never have the best night’s rest while the cast is on her foot, but apparently, she sleeps better when in my arms, albeit in the same position all night.
The more time I spend with this beautiful woman, the better it gets, but it’s the prospect of losing her for good that’s holding me back from explaining the truth. It’s bound to affect how she feels about me and I refuse to be without her now.
Victoria’s upper body curls further against mine while I focus on the shaft of light dancing across the bed. She blinks repeatedly, her sleepy eyes glisten and the dimples I adore, appear with her smile.
I can’t help but brush my fingers over them, but as I do, she sits up abruptly.
“Please don’t.”
“What is it?” Rubbing my palm over her back, I can’t understand what I did to make her react so quickly.
“Please don’t touch me there.”
“Your face?” Her back is to me when she replies with a nervous nod of her head. “Okay. Do you mind if I ask why?”
“It’s the scars from the accident. I don’t want you to touch them.”
I’m not expecting a direct answer but does she really believe I would be so shallow?
“Hey.” I try to pull her back down into my waiting arms, but she shrugs me away.
“Please, I’m not ready. Not yet.”
Sitting up on my elbows, I cock my head to the side. “Are they sore?”
“No.” She shakes her head and sniffs.
“Then what is it?”
“I don’t want you to see how ugly they are.”
I’m speechless. The tiny lines to her face have never crossed my mind so why is she hell-bent on making them a thing? I push up from the bed and position myself in front of her knowing there’s no escape. If she wants to move, she’ll need my help.
“What’s got into you? Surely you know me better. Apart from the obvious, I haven’t given any of your injuries—not one of them—a second thought. And yes, it will be tough at times, but we can get through—”
