“I’m sorry. Long story short, I can’t marry you.”
Her brows knit. “What?”
“I’m sorry. I really am. But I can’t. I don’t want to marry you.”
She blinked, and for the first time in four years, the girl he used to know sprung up and shot back, “Well, I don’t want to marry you either. It’s not like we have a choice, so can’t you just suck it up?”
Levka choked on a laugh. He knew this wasn’t a laughing matter, but he was relieved she didn’t want to be with him. “No. I’ve tried.”
“I can’t disobey my father. I won’t.”
Levka was confused about how she could be so scared of someone who seemed to love her. “What would he do?”
“Make me.” The response was simple but full of insinuations.
Levka paced the room. He didn’t want her to be in trouble. This wasn’t her fault. But just walking out and declaring he wasn’t doing it wasn’t enough either. Something terrible had to happen for it to be entirely written off. And unfortunately, only one idea came to his clouded head. Before he could think of the repercussions, he acted.
Levka approached her. “Sorry about this.” He yanked on her dress, ripping the sleeve enough to nearly expose her breast. She was quick enough to cover herself while she gawked at him.
“What are you doing?”
“Pretending to rape you, I guess?”
“That’s your plan?”
“I don’t have another.”
“Why are you so desperate not to marry me? I’m not ugly. Yeah, a little overweight, but I can lose it. I’m funny. I make great baklava—”
“It’s not you,” he interrupted. “I’m in love with someone.”
A softness came over her eyes. “Oh.” Kira’s heart broke for him. She’s never been in love, but she could only imagine the pain he was in. “Can’t you marry them?”
His eyes burned, and he swallowed before he spoke. “No. Never.”
That’s the truth, wasn’t it? It would never happen. No matter how much hope I have, it doesn’t erase reality. I have to give up on it. I have to give up on her.
Her brows knit. “Who is it?”
Levka clenched his teeth. He didn’t want to say it because it’s been a secret he’s kept for years. He was afraid to put it out where anyone could hear. Terrified of what God would do if He knew. But maybe if he did, it would evaporate and no longer be a fire burning in him. “Luerna.”
Her hand went to her lips.
Levka bowed his head. He knew how stupid it was. He knew there would never be a future. But the brain had no control over what his heart wanted. No matter how much he punished himself for it, his heart never altered its course. Not even a fraction.
Kira rested a hand on his arm. “Levka, you know it won’t–”
“Ever happen. I’m aware. But still, I can’t.”
“My father’s going to hurt you if you go through with this. Is it really worth doing over something impossible?”
“Yes.” It was immediate. He didn’t have to think about it because he spent the last few weeks going over it, trying to make it work, forcing himself to come here tonight to be what his father wanted.
But now the decision was made.
Kira sighed as she took note of the determination in his gaze. Pity swirled inside her. “I’m so sorry.”
Levka shook his head. “No. I am.” And with that, he gripped her arms as hard as he could to leave bruises on her skin. She cried out when he bit at her neck.
