FORBIDDEN DESIRES IN THE FAMILY

and Alexander were waiting for us, with treats and housewarming gifts. I had been dreading

car, and I could feel James's hand on my back. But it wasn't

smiles and hugs, but I couldn't bring myself to meet Alexander's eyes. All I cou

t all the little details and features, and I tried to focus on tha

th and James started to unpack some of our boxes, A

ut I can't help how I feel about you," he

ing to pass out. I couldn't believe that he was confessing

," I said firmly. "I love James, and

sappointment in his eyes. But I couldn't feel sorry fo

der was palpable. We tried to avoid each other as much as possible, but sometimes, it was inevitable th

e to go out to lunch with her and Alexander. I didn't want to,

ax, to enjoy the company of my mother and her fiancé. But I cou

, my mother stood up to go to the bathroom, as soon as she shut the door

g, but I can't help how I feel about you. I lo

couldn't believe that he was doing this, t

need to do this for the family fortune and the bis

rip tight and insistent. "Ple

ke we were alone, like the universe was conspiring against me. My mother would hate me

mother joined us at the table again. Alexander puttin

t live with the guilt and shame any longer and he is playing my

thing," I said, my voice

xander looked at me, c

voice shaking with emotion. "On our w

e, and I could feel the we