His words had my pulse slowing some, but not entirely. I stared at him, waiting for him to explain more. When he just kept staring, I let out my breath, knowing I couldn’t use my usual intimidation tactics on Jude. He was family.
“Is that all? You’re dating?”
“Um, yes, I mean no. Yes, we’re dating, but the favor I wanted to ask was if we could go on a date. I know that Topher will have to accompany us, and I’m okay with that, but I figured we wouldn’t be allowed to do something on our own without your permission first. So, that’s what I’m asking. Can we?”
I observed him for a moment, mostly so I didn’t respond out of anger. The brother in me wanted to lock Imogen away and never let her meet another boy. But that wasn’t practical. I knew if I did that, she’d rebel and end up doing more dangerous things than dating a nice young man like Jude.
In all honesty, he was the best option, even if I didn’t like it. Jude had the courage to come to me and ask, while also understanding our family. He appeared to prioritize safety by knowing they’d need a guard. When I broke it down like that, he was the best-case scenario. The family thing could be a little complicated, but that never stopped us before.
Sitting forward, I clasped my hands together as I peered at him. “You’d stay with the guard the whole time?”
“Yes, sir.” He nodded, his face serious.
“You wouldn’t try to leave or lose them?”
“No, I swear.”
“And you won’t try any funny business? My sister has been through a lot already, and I don’t want to see her progress falter because of a hormonal teenager.”
“To be fair, Mr. Mascro, I’m not ready for that either. I know teenage boys tend to make stupid decisions, but I hope you see that I’m not like my peers. Until I met Loren, I had to fight just to survive each day. It was more about making sure I had food and clothes to wear than getting naked with someone. Plus, I’ve seen what that can lead to, and I know we both have plans for our future. It doesn’t mean that we won’t want to cross that line someday, but I can assure you it’s not now.”
I tapped my fingers on the desk, studying him. I didn’t like the thought of my baby sister having sex at any point in her life, but I knew it was unavoidable. Everything he said was honest, and I appreciated that Jude was mature and able to understand things I hadn’t even been able to at his age.
“Just one thing,” I said, giving him a critical eye. He sat up straighter, nodding. “I think you can call me Atticus now. You’ve earned it.”
His body sagged with relief and it felt like his whole being brightened with that one comment, and it brought a feeling of warmth I hadn’t let myself feel for anyone outside my circle in a while.
“Okay, Atticus.” He grinned wider, moving to stand, and I knew I needed to say something else to him.
“Jude, wait.” He stopped, looking at me in that way where he gave you all of his attention. “I hate that the marriage thing was done without you. That hadn’t been my intention. I wanted to talk with you about it, actually.”
“Me?” He touched his chest, his mouth open in surprise.
“You’re Loren’s son and I wanted to make sure you were okay with the arrangement. We’re going to have a huge reception once everything with Dayton is dealt with, and I’d like your help with something.”
“Anything,” he said, his face lighting up.
“Perfect.” I told him my idea, and he nodded, his face filling with curiosity and interest the more I spoke. When he left a few minutes later, I sat back, hopeful about the future for once.