When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 230

And she wanted it for herself, too. What was she going to do?

As they neared the bedroom, Artina's mind raced. Then she remembered what Jethro had said: with a word from Yosef, no one in the country, or even the world, would issue them a marriage certificate. So, not only was he being disowned, but as long as Yosef stood in their way, they couldn't even get married. The thought sent a jolt of panic through her. That settled it. She had to sleep with him. It was time for a Hail Mary.

Jethro had never been in a serious relationship; he was inexperienced. He wouldn't know if it was her first time or not. As for the blood… that was easy to fake. After they were finished, he would be tired and asleep, and she could handle the rest. All she had to do was act nervous, scared, and pretend it hurt. She had experience with that.

Having made up her mind, Artina threw caution to the wind. She turned and wrapped her arms around Jethro's neck, her voice a mix of vulnerability and shy desire. "Jethro, can you… can you stay with me tonight?"

Her invitation was unmistakable. Jethro froze, momentarily speechless. Artina's voice dropped to a soft whisper as she pressed her body against his. "I want to be with you."

Still, he hesitated. What was this? Was this her way of choosing his side? Was she trying to prove her loyalty?

"Artina, you don't have to do this," he said, his voice husky as he gently tried to push her away.

His rejection terrified her. She thought he was turning her down for good. Her eyes reddened. "Jethro, don't you want me anymore?"

Her plea broke through his defenses. She hugged him again, tighter this time, her voice firming with a new resolve. "Jethro, stay with me. I want to be your woman, truly."

He paused. It seemed a little fast, didn't it? They had known each other for less than a week. But he reasoned that the night's dramatic events must have spurred this on. He saw her gesture as a declaration of her stance: to become his woman meant they would face everything together, for better or for worse. He had misunderstood her earlier. She wasn't against him; she had just been worried for him.

Her words, spoken with such childlike determination, moved him deeply. "Artina," he murmured, his own emotions surging, and then he kissed her.

...

Back at the Nash family estate, the evening continued in surreal tranquility. Yosef and Ryland were still drinking, laughing as if nothing had happened. After her conversation with Jethro, Henrietta had returned to the table and managed to eat a little more before putting her fork down for good. Her father-in-law seemed utterly unconcerned that one of his sons was about to be cast out of the family; he was cheerful and relaxed.

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