I pulled away from our embrace and looked closely at Tahir. I didn't know how I never noticed it before. It was clear that he hated lying to me. The guilty expression was subtle, but it was there. There was a slight downturn at the corner of his mouth and a barely detectable lowering of his eyebrows. Whatever it was holding him back, it really bothered him.
“Why can't you tell me the truth?" I asked softly.
He looked at me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine as if for some sort of sign.
“There are some things you're better off not knowing about. I can't tell you this. It will be too much for you." His tone sounded defeated as he spoke.
“Tahir," I pressed. “I'm sure you think that you're being noble and protecting me, but it isn't for you to decide what I can handle. I'm a gro
