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wasn’t interested in hearing it but he continued despite how I felt. “She saw you today with the black beauty riding on the back of your horse. She asked if you were involved by her behavior towards you but I did not know the answer.”
    I don’t know what came over me but my head snatched up and my words with it. “She’s keeping tabs on who I sleep with?!”
    “You’ve slept with her already?”
    I tightened. “No, father but—I’d like to.”
    It got a smile out of him if only for a moment. “And I’ve seen why. She has lovely curls.”
    I smiled back but kept my stance solid with respect. “It’s not just that. She’s got a witty personality and a sense of humor unlike I’ve ever seen.”
    “Yes, well, just be careful with her. You just got back you know?”
    He was right and I started to lower my head. “I know, father and I will.”
    “Good. So, what shall I tell your mother?”
    Just the word made me tighten up even more and I became angry again that we were still talking about it. “To back off will suffice.” I cupped my left hand over my right fist and bowed before turning away.
    I only made it a few steps before Izin bellowed out my name, nearly shaking the very stone under my feet. “Troy!”
    I stopped before I got too far away and let Izin come to me.
    He spoke more quietly but still with anger. “I didn’t take you in because I approved of you turning your back on your mother. I took you in because your father was my friend. I wanted to see his son turn into something that would make him proud. This country still misses their General and you can’t forget about that; about who you are or where you came from.”
    How could I ever forget? I never would but that didn’t change how things are.
    “I haven’t.” I slowly turned around and met his eyes with confidence. “But that life has long been over. You’re my father now.”
    Izin pulled me closer and embraced me like the true father he’s always been to me. “And you’re my son. You’ve already made me proud.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Now go. Be with her. I’ll be very vague if she happens to ask again.”
    I bowed to him and walked back into the bathhouse.
    “Is everything all right?” I looked up and Jaylyn was watching me, trying to hide her worry.
    She must have heard when he yelled my name but I put a smile on my face and got back in the pool next to her. “Yes. Fine. The yelling had nothing to do with you or any of this so don’t worry.”
    “Okay.”
    I kissed her forehead just to seal out her worry for sure but everyone was still looking at me. “What? Aren’t you going next?”
    Darius nodded and started to get up. “Yeah, I guess.”
    I felt for him. I knew Izin wasn’t talking to us about this but other things of other natures that may seem worse, especially for Darius.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
     
     
    Darius
     
    I didn’t know what they talked about but by the yelling, I knew it must have involved his mother and I was almost fearing what he would bring up with me. Yes, I do fear and it’s only ever been with Izin that I’ve truly felt it. I wasn’t quite sure why but my demeanor changed when I heard his lightened tone address me.
    “Of course. Darius.”
    “Did you want something in particular, father?”
    “Just a little run through of what’s happening. Planning on getting through all of them tonight or have you already?”
    I shuffled for the correct response, trying to wrap my mind around the answers to these unexpected questions. “Ah, no. I actually—”
    I didn’t get to finish before Izin started to smile from my hesitation. “There’s a certain one?”
    I started to smile back, trying not to have it rush too quickly across my face. “Maybe.”
    “She’s simply gorgeous.” Izin moved so he could glance into the bathhouse probably at Ruby. “I’ve never seen anyone that fit you so well then again, I never thought you would want to stick with just one.”
    If he only