Page 170 of Marks of Rebellion

She stops our kiss. "Can I ask you something?"

"Whatever you want."

She grins. "You're that easy, huh?"

"Definitely."

She pecks me on the lips then strokes the side of my head. "When did your girlfriend move out of your house?"

My pulse increases. "About six months ago. We hadn't been together in two years."

"She used you for money?"

"Yeah," I quietly admit.

"I'm sorry."

"Is what it is. I've had time to get over it."

"But you wanted me to go to Australia with you?"

"I still do."

"Why?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I think most guys would be a little leery bringing another woman into their home."

"Maybe. But you aren't her, are you?"

"No. But—"

"It's just money, Flower. Do I like the fact she used me and I had to pay her? No. But that doesn't have anything to do with you and me. I love it there. I love you. I want you to be with me. You still want to go when we can, right?"

"Yes. But when we're able to access my bank accounts, I want to contribute to things."

She still is worried about Tinker's comment.

"Flower, I wish you didn't hear my conversation with Tinker. He doesn't know you and shouldn't have said that."

"But he did."

"Yeah. But he's not me. And if he knew you, he never would have said it because he would realize that it was an inappropriate comment to make."

She stays quiet.

I trace her jawline. "What are you thinking?"

"That I'm not a gold digger, but it might not even matter soon anyway."

"What do you mean?"

Vanessa sits up, and so do I.

"When the Global Leaders get what they want, economies will collapse. Who knows what currency will reign? And bank accounts and property will be seized."

"So, we should put everything in gold and hide it?" It's a comment meant to be sarcastic, but part of me thinks maybe I should.