“Because you’re getting laid, and if a man so much as looks at me, Berto gets so overprotective it hurts.” I groan, thankful for the honest answer regarding anything boy or relationship based.
With a sigh, Toni sits back in her chair. “You get two questions, and that is the most I’m discussing with you today.”
My mind goes completely blank. I didn’t know I’d be limited both in time and number of questions. I try to come up with something that won’t obviously point to what happened between Royal and me, but it feels like at any moment she’ll guess what I’ve done. It’s illogical but feels real.
“What is he like in bed?”
Toni tries not to smile. I can see her working to keep the corners of her mouth neutral. “Strong, skilled, and reciprocates well. He always tells me that he’s falling intolust with me.”
“Eeee!” I practically squeal. “That’s so swoon worthy. Level ten swoon. I love that for you. I know you’ve avoided dudes before, but like . . . that sounds like he’s worth the extra —”
“Oh-kayyy, cutting you off.” Toni moves my glass of wine away from me. “Second question?”
“Is it all big-dick energy, or is he backing that cool swagger up?” I quirk an eyebrow.Why did I ask that? It was a waste of a question. He and Royal are probably entirely different.
“You’re seriously asking about size?” She groans, looking longingly at my glass of wine, but she’s so cautious when caring for a child that I bet she won’t indulge.
I want to rephrase and choose a new question, but her answers, while informative, aren’t exactly giving me anything to work with. And without giving away more about my situation, I’m at a loss.
Instead, I nod and press my hands together in front of my chest. “Oh, come on. I gotta know.”
“It’s not just energy,” Toni deadpans.
Fanning myself, I wiggle in my seat. “I’m so happy for you!”
“Thanks, me too. As far as my theory on being married to some underling . . . I’m okay with being wrong if it means spending time with Kerrianne and Valor.”
Toni’s said something like that before. She always anticipated being married off to nobody important for some sort of trade agreement to join families in a business deal. But it’s harrowing to hear it now. All my feelings, all this question asking, all this distraction with Royal — none of it changes the fact that I’m to be married off to someone else.
I always knew an arranged marriage awaited me, and, honestly, it didn’t feel too scary or restrictive. But now that I’ve had a taste of freedom, a taste of choosing my own fate, even if just an eye-opening night on the phone with Royal, the idea now stirs something in my gut. It sinks deep, feeling like the concrete tied to the feet of our enemies.
After a few more moments, Kerrianne and her bodyguard come strolling down the street toward the restaurant. Toni lights up seeing her through the plate-glass window and tucks her coat over one of the bags a little bit more, hiding it.
Toni has never really expressed interest in kids of her own, but I can tell there’s something special between her and Kerrianne.
I’m glad to be done asking embarrassing questions. The information I got is... better than nothing, but my whole perspective has changed. Hope, or maybe it’s a greedy desire for more, feels crushed under the weight of reality.
I put it behind me, tucking the disappointment away the best I can, but my phone buzzes, and I look at the text message. It’s one in a series that I missed the original notifications for.
Royal:
Don’t skimp on lunch. You had a big night, and without breakfast, you’re probably really hungry. I know you Italians are big on wine with meals, but maybe don’t overdo it.
Wow, I sound super overprotective. Sorry.
Crossing the line back to friends.
I got called into work today. But I’m here if you need me. Don’t hesitate to text.
Greetings happen quickly,and Kerrianne is busy talking about the menu with Antonella, so I take the moment to read the messages one more time.
The strongest desire to tell him I want to explore being more than friends has my fingers itching to type out a message, telling him to cross the line back to overprotective and avoid friends at all cost.
I like that he’s caring for me. Wouldn’t it be great if we could stay on the wrong side of the friends line?
19
ROYAL
