Page 43 of Twisted (Never After)

Chapter15

Julian

“What’s this?”

Ali’s voice comes from the far corner of the kitchen, but I don’t break my gaze away from Yasmin’s face. In fact, I tighten my hold on her jaw, my thumb possessively caressing her cheek before releasing her and jumping back like I’ve been caught red- handed.

“Ali, I— ” Running a hand through my hair to leave it tousled, I shake my head. “I can explain.”

Ali’s face is rigid as he stares between the two of us, his arms crossing over his chest. “Explain fast.”

“Baba,” Yasmin starts.

I cut her off. “I…I love her.”

Ali’s brows shoot to his hairline, and he steps farther into the room, his hand jerking out to steady himself on the counter. Although today he looks fine, I’m reminded how much weaker he is than normal.

“I’m sorry, old man,” I continue, forcing sympathy into my voice. “This isn’t how we wanted you to find out.”

“Is this true?” His voice is incredulous, like he needs a second opinion. He turns his sallow eyes to Yasmin.

She doesn’t reply for what feels like an eternity, her teeth digging into the corner of her lip instead. I step in closer to her, grabbing her hand and tangling her clammy fingers with mine.

Our eyes meet, and I swear to God I can feel the hatred radiating from her stare. I allow my grin to widen as I look down at her and wink. She frowns, tearing away her gaze until she’s staring at the TV that’s still showing Alexander’sunfortunatecrash.

Slowly, she turns her head until she’s staring at her father.

“Yes,” she whispers.

Satisfaction rushes through me like a waterfall.

Ali looks at me, his face scrunching in displeasure. “But you’re soold.”

I let out a chuckle. “Not as old as you, at least. We didn’t mean for it to happen, Ali, but the heart wants what it wants.” Bringing up our combined hands, I press a kiss to the back of hers. “Tell him, gattina.”

She stiffens. “We didn’t mean for it to happen, Baba.”

“Whendid it even happen?” he asks. “How? Why didn’t you say anything before now?”

She glances down at her lap, her voice breaking as she speaks, but her nails dig into the back of my hand until they slice through my skin. “I was afraid of disappointing you. And…I didn’t want Julian’s position in your life to be harmed.”

Ali sighs, walking closer to her and taking her free hand in both of his. “Andthisis who you love?”

She swallows, glancing up at him and then looking away after only a few moments like she’s unable to hold his gaze. “It is.”

He blows out a slow breath and nods, leaning in to kiss her forehead before he steps back and looks at the two of us. “Then he’s who you’ll marry.”

I grin, my body buzzing with the thrill of success.

Yasmin visibly slumps, and I move my hand from hers, sliding it up her arm until it grips the back of her neck. She straightens immediately, pasting a wide smile on her face.

Leaning down, I press a kiss to her temple, speaking low so her father doesn’t hear. “You’ve been a very good girl.”

“What’s wrong, Yasmin? Is this not what you want?” Ali asks.

Tears spring from her eyes, dripping down her face, and while I know they’re most likely out of sadness or frustration, she does a good job at pretending they’re from joy.

“I’m just happy, Baba.” She shakes her head, reaching up to wipe the wetness from her cheeks. “I expected for you to be angry with me.”