Turtle Matt Renee

The day we planned to come out, Daniel got a life-threatening task from my father. Before leaving, Daniel promised to marry me if he returned alive. For three years, I turned down all suitors and waited for him. Three years later, he came back. One leg ruined, a finger partially severed, a fresh scar bisecting his face. He dropped to one knee before my father. “Sir,” he said. “I trade my goods for your permission to marry Ava.” Ava stood beside him, one hand resting protectively on her pronounced belly. My father’s eyes flickered to me. Everyone knew that if I wanted to, I could burn this all to the ground. But I only looked at the girl and said, “Congratulations.” For three years, family match files stacked up all around my room. I pulled one out at random and decided to get married. On my wedding day, Daniel stood in front of my car, a gun in his hand. “If you marry him today,” he said, “I’ll kill him.” ... Of the seven most important men under my father’s command, Daniel Roman ranked last. He was the best-looking of them all, and I had been in love with him since I was a girl. My father later said that if he had known about us, he never would have given Daniel that assignment. Of the seven, Daniel was the best fighter. If even he couldn’t make it back, no one else stood a chance. But that job had been three long years ago. “Miss Willa, Daniel is back.” My eyes flew open. I ran from my room without even stopping for shoes. The butler intercepted me in the hall. “Miss Willa…” I took one look at his face and knew something was wrong. “I understand.” I grabbed an umbrella and went outside. The rain was coming down in sheets. I walked so quickly the hem of my dress was soon soaked through. The front hall was crowded. My father’s men were all standing under the portico. Some looked relieved. Others looked furious. I couldn’t tell what they were angry about. “Dad.......