Book III - 35

I let the running water flow continuously as I washed my hands, letting myself cool. I looked up and then looked at my reflection.

What are you doing, Julia? Haven’t you had enough of this? Why did I have to be caught up in this situation all the time? I shook my head, then took a handful of water and wet my face.

“You're marrying him?” a deep, dangerous voice abruptly spoke behind me. I looked back in the mirror and found Adam’s perilous stare. He was seething.

“Do I need to get your permission?” I asked as I continued to dampen my cheeks.

“Is that true what he said out there?”

“Why does it matter to you?”

“It does matter to me,” he said tightly. “You said you wanted me, but when I didn’t answer, you’re already running to Henry?”

I dried my face with a napkin, then I faced him. “Then what is your answer, Adam? No matter what we do, we can’t be together.”

“But you can't marry him.” He grasped my shoulders, shaking his head.

“What made you think that I will? Now, please leave me alone