"How did I change things?"
"You made me feel things I've never felt before."
"You didn't feel this was really about Dove?"
"No," Raphael mutters. "It was never reciprocated with her. And through the years, my feelings deteriorated into something malicious and ugly. I wanted to be with her just for the sake of taking her away from Nox. It took meeting you to realize how wrong that was."
“Why? What did I do?”
“It’s simple, sweet Willa. You are so very different.”
"How am I different?"
"In every possible way, trouble." He grins, kissing me on the lips with surprising gentleness. "You're nothing like Dove, and I love that. You're unpredictable. Whip-smart. You take chances, you live on the edge, you're a troublemaker. And you know Daddy loves troublemakers."
I can't help but smile at his words. They make me feel all warm and fuzzy, like he truly cares about me. "What about Elise?"
"That's over," he shakes his head resolutely. "I'll tell her today after I take you back home."
I furrow my brows. "I thought I was staying with you from now on."
His eyes find mine and I see worry in them as he says, "If your parents agree to that, I'd love nothing more. But I don't think they do. Which means I have to take you back. I can't be the reason you're arguing with Dove and Nox, Willa."
"But..." I pout, not liking his answer one bit. "I don't want to go back home."
"Why not?"
"Because." I stubbornly cross my arms.
"Because why? You have to talk to me, trouble. I can't help you if you don't."
"I don't belong there."
"Why are you saying that?"
I shrug, pouting still. "Dove and Nox have their twins. They don't need me. I never fitted in with them."