Debt of Desire

t a dinner party. That wa

," she had said. But the way she smoothed my hair, t

and shining gowns. Laughter filled in the air, mingling with the sweet smell of wine and r

s Andrea-the man everyone expected me to marry-held ou

rich with the confidence of a man

er rise a little from his chair, his chest puffing with pride. My mother's smile st

reath caught

ing that looked less like love and more like possession. I

lips shaking. "Andrea

rble floor. His cologne strong, woody-filled my lungs until I almost coughed. "Amara, everyone k

n louder this time, as if

ed, screaming insi

ed, but I forced it ou

all f

waiters dropped a tray of glasses; the shatte

didn't reach his eyes anymore. His

on't want t

r hand clutching her pearls. "Amara!

and furious. "Enough of this no

. "Papa, I can't. I can't live wi

pocket. His face was calm, too calm, but his eyes burned l

done? Do you know what this r

ered back, "It means I won't cha

think love pays debts? You think love feeds families? Wi

into buzzing. I caught words "sh

"Amara, please, don't do this. You will destroy us. Do you

at his side. "This is madness. Andrea's father ha

e was above the drama. "Ladies and gentlemen, forgive th

sly, though no one misse

uld step away, a voi

her a

, his eyes blazing. He was only sixteen, but in that moment, his courage s

My father barked,

hoose what's best for business, Papa.

whispering. Andrea's jaw clenched, h

t Daniel. My sweet, stubborn brother, t

d at Daniel for a long second before turning back to me. "Thi

him like waves around a rock. His exit was slow

ering, my parents drowning in embarrassment. My father buried his

my chest achin

ust a refusal