Chapter 10 - Mandla

# Chapter 10: Mandla

"If you try to tell me I'm overreacting, I'll throw something at you," Naledi says as soon as I close the door.

"I should've told you about the arrest sooner."

Naledi folds her arms over her chest, her glare so potent I half expect to burst into flames at any moment.

"I meant to tell you, the night I came home after the fire. And then again before we headed to the Middelburg Show. After that, I honestly just forgot. The guy was locked up, and you were safe. That was what mattered most to me."

"But I stayed with you because you told me I wasn't safe. You get that's why I'm mad, right?"

"Yes." I've never been one good at swallowing my pride, but it seems like the easiest price to pay to ensure this relationship isn't over before it starts. "I was scared that if you went back home too soon that you'd pretend nothing happened between us. You'd call it a mistake again and shut me out."

"So you took my choice away from me?"

"You didn't exactly seem miserable, Naledi."

"That's not the point. If you want a girlfriend you can control, you need to find someone else."

My eyebrows draw in confusion. "You think I want to control you?"

"Don't you?"

"No." I dare to take a step closer, well aware she might smack me if I get too close. I take the risk anyway. "The last thing I would ever want to do is control you. But if you want to be with me, you'll have to accept that I'm going to protect you. Even when it annoys you."

"I don't need saving."