Page 25 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
“There’s a tradition?”
“Of course! Shopping!”
Should’ve known. Julie loves to shop. “We can do that. I could use some new shoes.”
“And clothes!” Julie adds, horrified that I might limit myself.
I raise a finger. “Only if I see something I like.” Otherwise she’ll make me buy everything in sight. And the foundation doesn’t pay that well.
She pulls out her phone and shows me all the awesome dresses she’s been eyeing, as in she screencapped them to be bought later, and I nod dutifully. She makes me swear we’re going to buy something—even if it’s just a pair of earrings—and leaves, saying she has to meet her mother for some mom-daughter spa time.
Once the door closes, I unplug my phone from the charger. Tony comes down.
“Done with work?” I ask.
He nods. “All taken care of.”
I go to him and wrap an arm around his waist. He pulls me closer and kisses my temple. “Anything you want to do today?”
“Hmm…” I say absent-mindedly as I check for any texts or calls, then scowl. “Something’s wrong with my phone. It says Marty called, but it isn’t marked as missed. I didn’t talk to him today.”
“Your phone’s fine,” Tony says. “I took care of it.”
“You took his call?” I ask, surprised and vaguely annoyed. It feels like more evidence that maybe he doesn’t think I can handle my own problems. Since I’m trying to be more of an equal partner, it’s like a little slap in the face.
“He was calling to yell at you, and in very inappropriate language. I set him straight. If he calls again, let me know.”
Oh, Tony.Fighting my battles again. It’s impossible to stay upset with him. “I can deal with him.”
“I know, but I don’t want you to see or hear that sort of ugliness.”
My heart grows tender. Although Tony merely described Marty’s language as “inappropriate,” I can imagine. My cousin is a piece of work.
Tony continues, “You should only see and hear beautiful things.”
I run my thumb across his cheek, torn between love and exasperation. “Thanks, but I don’t want you to deal with that because of me.”
“I’m already tainted. Seen, heard and done things nobody should. You aren’t like me, Iris. It’s better I shield you myself.”
“I’m not like that. I’m not perfect. Eventually, you’re going to realize that.” Sometimes his attitude scares the hell out of me. How can he see flawlessness when he looks at me? It’s like he didn’t listen when I told him about my brain injury, coma and partial amnesia. But I know deep in my heart that one day, the scales are going to fall from his eyes. And he’s going to wonder what the hell happened to the perfect girl he loved. And then I’m going to lose him.
“When sunflowers stop wanting sunlight. That’s when I’ll think you’re not perfect.” He glides his finger along the sun on the medallion around my neck.
My love for him wars with worry. I know he thinks I’m like the sun—perfect, radiant and life-giving. But I’m not. How do I show him that now so he doesn’t become disappointed later? Disillusionment is easier to bear when you haven’t invested so much time and energy into it.
“Are you practicing the piano?” he asks.
“No. My shoulders are feeling rubbery, and I don’t think I’ll be able to get a decent session in,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Hmm. I guess we’ll just have to find something else to do…” He scoops me up lightly and starts toward the bedroom, running his lips along my neck as he carries me up the stairs.
