Chapter 26: Education, Part 1

I shift my weight, and leaves crunch under the soles of my feet. My heart is heavy, and my stomach is twisted and sick. I knew this was coming, of course. I just didn't expect to be paired up with Albert Knowle. How old is he anyway? Much too old to be desiring an eighteen-year-old. He was much too married with children to desire anyone other than his wife.

"It makes you happy? Sharing me with others?" It's a question I didn't intend to ask, but it flies from my lips anyway.

Kade stares at me, his jaw suddenly tight. "It does not make me happy, no, but it's a sacrifice we both must make, a hardship we must endure." He clears his throat. "We have time to build your confidence, to make you comfortable and ready."

I don't think all the time in the world will make me comfortable with what he's asking of me. I swipe at my forehead, clearing a sticky spiderweb from brushing the bridge of my nose. "How long?"