What? Why are you shaking your head? You?re not the only one
making this decision, you know.?
?Tricks like that won?t work, not unless you just want something
physical. Is that all you want from me? Sex?? he teased.
?Of course not, you know that!? Helen said in frustration, shoving
him away from her. ?I just told you I loved you!?
?That?s why it won?t work,? he said. He took her hands and pulled
her closer to him. ?If you and I were to be together the way we
want, or at least the way I want?? he began uncertainly.
?And what do you want, exactly?? Helen interrupted urgently.
?I want it all. Everything we talked about. I want us to go to
school, learn a dozen languages, live all over the world. Most of all,
I want us to be together.?
?I do, too!? Helen said excitedly as if she had found a way out.
?And we can do all that without ever getting married!?
?We?d share everything,? he said, shaking his head like Helen
wasn?t understanding him. ?And because of that, we?d be considered
a married couple in the eyes of the gods, regardless of who
took your virginity. I want a whole life with you, and because I
want that, you would be my wife. I can?t even pretend I would
settle for less.?
?You?re saying that it?s our commitment to each other that will
define us to the gods, not a white dress or a ring?? Helen asked,
already knowing the answer.
?Exactly,? he said. Then he suddenly laughed at a thought. ?Also,
it?d be kinda hard to be together if I was in prison.?
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?What are you talking about?? Helen asked, suddenly alarmed.
?Why would you go to prison??
?For killing the guy that took your virginity,? he replied. ?You I