“We aren’t kids playing at marriage anymore, Ray,” her tone was conciliatory, soft and almost apologetic. “I’m not that girl you called butterball, and I won’t be manipulated. So, I want you to go back to whatever hole you crawled out of and think about this offer. You become my man. You have my back.” He didn’t respond, his arms falling slack at his sides, wary. “I don’t want to hear from you again, unless it’s you swearing fealty to me.” Adelaide lifted her chin, glorious strength. My heart thumped double time with awe. Steel and fire. She was strength and fury. Ray launched to his feet,
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