Page 152 of Along Came Amor
He gave a little shrug. “We wouldn’t even be having this conversation if you didn’t. You’d have run away a long time ago.”
Her laugh sounded waterlogged, even to her. “You’re probably right.” And then she sighed. “I’ll tell Jasmine about us after her honeymoon. I promise. After that... I just need time before I tell anyone else.”
His jaw worked, like he was thinking about something, and then he shook his head. “Ashton is going to tell Jasmine tonight.”
Panic sliced through her. “No!”
“They’re about to be married,” he pointed out, not unkindly. “It’s not fair to ask him to hide this from her.”
He was right, but anxiety had her in its grip. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
He sighed. “I probably should have, but I didn’t want an ultimatum to be the only reason you opened up to your cousin.”
Ava pulled her hands away so she could pace. “What if this ruins her wedding? What if she hates me?”
“She’s not going to hate you.”
“You don’t know that.” She was verging on shrill. “When this ends, it could destroy my relationship with her.”
He shook his head slowly, never taking his eyes off hers, and his tone contained barely concealed exasperation. “Ava, why do you still think we have an expiration date?”
“Because...” She bit her lip. Because all of the relationships in her life did. It was something she knew in the core of her being, but she couldn’t figure out how to explain it in a way he’d understand. She just hugged herself tighter and didn’t finish the thought.
“Let me guess,” he said conversationally. “Your ex left, so you think I will too.”
That’s exactly rightseemed like the wrong answer, so she kept her mouth shut.
“And if you tell Jasmine about us... what? She’s also going to abandon you? Is that it?”
Ava glared at him. He’d hit the nail right on the head, but he didn’t need to sound so smug about it.
“Is this why you work your ass off like you’re Cinderella?” he continued. “Because if you don’t, your family will cast you out?”
Okay, now he was making her sound ridiculous.
“Yes, goddamn it,” she snapped. “You’re right. About all of it. Happy now? You heard my great-aunt. All I have ever done is put everyone else’s needs and feelings first, but what am I?Selfishandtoo sensitive. My parents didn’t want me, my stepmother treats me like a servant, and according to my grandmother, I’m difficult and spoiled because I won’t get myself knocked up. No matter how hard I try, nothing I do will ever be good enough for any of them.”
He stuck his hands in his pockets. “So stop trying.”
She gave a cynical laugh. “You say that like it’s so simple.”
“It’s not. But you have to start somewhere. Trust me, I understand the guilt of being a first-generation immigrant kid. But youareallowed to live your own life. You don’t have to keep doing what your family expects in order to earn their love.”
“I do.”
“Why?” When she didn’t answer, he pressed on. “Because if you don’t, they punish you for it?”
He was right, but she didn’t want to admit it. “I wouldn’t exactly call it that.”
“No?” Roman raised a sardonic eyebrow. “What else do you call the snide comments and histrionics? Maybe it’s not intentional, but the messaging is clear: do what’s expected, or they’ll make you regret it.”
“Fine!” She threw her hands up. “Yes, I am trying to earn their love. But they’re myfamily. What do you want me to do?”
“Marry me.”
The words, stated so casually, stole the breath from her lungs. Ava stared at him, absolutely sure she’d misheard. Because it sounded like he’dproposed to herin the middle of a fight.
She had to clear her throat twice before she could respond. “Are you serious?”
