Therapeutic Relations by RaeLynn Blue, Shara Azod Read Free Book Online Page A

and I can’t do it again.
    Tak grew still against her. His body language posing the question his lips refused to ask. “I, we, I need to be alone,” Tanya said, the cold, sobering words falling from her mouth
    awkwardly. “I mean, I, I, can’t be the person you need.”

    Tak stepped back from her, eyes full of something Tanya couldn’t quite catch or read. Wordlessly, he removed his hands and allowed them to drop to his sides.
    Quiet. Not good. He’s pissed.

    “I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but you need a good Japanese woman. Your parents have been pining away for that for decades. As their only son, it is your family duty. You told me that. Your honor.”
    Tak’s blank face held the tiniest hint of emotion though his voice did not. “I was in my third year of medical school.”
    “I was too.”

    “I have since matured and have become my own person,” he explained, eyes burrowing into hers.
    ”I’m sorry, Tak,” she whispered, and hurriedly slipped her key into the lock and turned.

    Entering her loft, she immediately felt his presence behind her once more. “Go home,” she called over her shoulder.
    The door clicked closed behind him and as it did, Tanya sighed.

    She glanced over her shoulder and to her surprise, he hadn’t left, but had dropped to one bended knee.
    A tremor rippled through her stomach and she hesitated a bit before spinning around completely to face him. There, on her hardwood mahogany floor, Tak raised a raven jewelery box toward her in one hand. Across his heart he’d draped his other hand. Eyes shone with unshed tears and his Adam’s apple bobbed nervously.
    “You can’t be serious,” Tanya gasped before she realized the words were out of her mouth. She clasped a hand over her lips.
    “Oh, but I am,” Tak said, clearing his throat. “So, here goes. Tanya, since the day I laid eyes on you in med school, I have known without doubt you were my soul’s mate. Throughout these many years, I have loved you from afar, much too far. Please, I love you. I always have. I always will, because we are meant to be together as one. Listen to your heart and speak true. Be my wife. Please.”
    He held the position flawless, unwavering like a stone statue. Only his eyes shimmered with the uncertainty he felt, and Tanya marked those flashes of fear on his behalf with a growing awareness in her own. He did love her, true. She had always loved him too and the words he spoke could have easily come from her about her adoration for him. Tak had always been his own person, and she knew deep within how his parents would react to their union.
    Still…

    After last Friday night, Tanya understood too. No one would ever make her feel the way he did. Ever. Emotionally or physically. He had been her BFF and who better to share her life with until death? The man who already knew and loved her quirks. The man who she trusted and found faithful, dependable, trusting, and nurturing. He had been her rock, her salvation, and her friend.
    How could she not be with him forever?
    “Are you sure about this, Tak?” she asked, hands twisting in front of her. A grin spread across his face.
    “I have never been more certain of anything in my life, Tanya.” And Tak would never lie to her.
    “Yes,” she said quietly, studying the expression on his face. Tak’s eyebrows rose.
    “Was that a yes ?” he inquired, standing up. She nodded.
    “Hell no, baby, I need to hear it,” Tak said excitedly, eyes locked on hers. “Say it!” “Yes,” Tanya repeated, the reality crashing down on her. She was going to be Tak’s
    wife. His bride! “YES!”

    “Hell, yes!” Tak shouted and scooped her up into his arms. He spun her around and she giggled from the quick twirl.
    When he sat her down on the sofa, the room was spinning, but Tanya didn’t care. She held out her hand and watched, somewhat loopy with happiness, Tak slip the diamond onto the finger of her left hand. He kissed each finger and her palm