**GRACIE**
"So wait, you got married?" My friend Jessica's voice pitched high enough that several students in the library turned to stare. "Like, actually married? And you didn't tell anyone?"
I twisted the ring on my finger- a nervous habit I'd developed over the past week. "It was really small. Just family."
"But we're friends, Gracie. I thought..." She trailed off, hurt evident in her eyes.
Guilt twisted in my stomach. How could I explain that my wedding had included more armed guards than guests? That my husband's "family" consisted of men who'd killed for him without hesitation?
"It happened fast," I said quietly. "We just... we didn't want to wait."
"Because you're pregnant?"
"What? No!" I shook my head quickly. "No, nothing like that. We just love each other."
Jessica studie
