Chapter 79

• Clearing his throat, Jace tried to gather himself. "I fail to see how any of this is your concern, Aunt Linda. All that counts is that Avalynn and I are married. We courted each other through common friends, and our relationship wasn't so smooth. Since we are both fairly private individuals, we didn't see the need to make a big deal out of our relationship."
• Under Aunt Linda's gaze, Jace stayed calm even though he felt the lie land awkwardly on his tongue. Her knowing stare unnerved him, but he prayed she couldn't see right through his façade.
• "Oh, my dear nephew," Aunt Linda grinned, as though reading his thoughts. I'm not deaf. I can see the fissures in the facade you constructed. Though you and Avalynn may believe you're being shrewd, I assure you that the truth will eventually out."