Page 104 of Imperial: The Corvidae Family
“But you’re comfortable in his home and with him I presume since you’ve had dinner at my house.”
I smiled. “I am.”
She nodded like she understood that more than I expected. “And how do youfeelabout my son?”
I didn’t hesitate that time. “I really care about him.”
Her expression didn’t change. “Care about him?”
“I want a future with Emir.”
That seemed to satisfy her. She took a bite of her sandwich, chewing like she was considering my words.
“You know who he is.”
It wasn’t a question, but I answered anyway. “Yes. I know.”
That got a reaction. Her brows lifted, like she hadn’t been expecting my confirmation. “Interesting.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“Because Emir doesn’t tell people about that part of his life. Not unless he has to.” She leaned back in her chair, watching me closely. “I’m assuming you knowing was voluntarily on his part, and if he’s told you, then that means you’re not just passing through.”
I frowned and nodded chewing the corner of my lip.
She sighed, setting her sandwich down. “You have questions.”
I hesitated and she waved a hand motioning for me to proceed. “Go ahead and ask whatever you want. I’ll be as honest as I can.”
I glanced down, collecting my thoughts, then looked up. “He told me that your husband is the same orwasthe same as him. What’s it like?”
Her brow lifted. “What’s what like?”
“Loving a man like him.”
Something shifted in her expression which turned softer and more nostalgic.
“It’s like loving any other man. You put your heart on the line. You love hard. You worry about his well-being and his safety.” She exhaled with her eyes distant like she was remembering something. “But it’s worth it.”
I stayed quiet, letting her speak.
“A man like Emir who lives on the edge and walks in danger loves so incredibly hard, because he never knows when a moment might be his last.” Her eyes locked onto mine. “So when he loves, he loves thoroughly. With everything in him. It’s unlike anything you can imagine. My boys are just like their father.”
I nodded, absorbing her words. Emir was intense and all-consuming, so I understood exactly what she meant.
“Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
A smile spread across my face. “Yeah. I think I do.”
Elena took another bite of her sandwich, chewing and swallowing before setting it down. “So, what about you?”
I blinked. “What about me?”
“You’ve asked all about Emir and this life but what about yours?”
I hesitated, then shrugged. “Not much to tell.”
“Now, see, I don’t believe that.”
