Free Lovers and Reprisals (Lovers Series) by Lori Turner

what.
    Noah cleared his throat, then he said...
    “Ona--Geff’s family has invited us to supper tonight--to celebrate the beginning of this Philanthropic year.”
    Us, she thought to herself.  Us would mean, her, her parents, her adopted brother Caleb and Noah.  In truth, Geff’s invitation meant something else, and Noah knew this as well.  Before asking for a woman’s hand in marriage, it is common among the Samaritans to share special meals together--and to this philanthropic Sect, no meal is more special than the meal prepared for this day.  Also, since Geff doesn’t have any sisters, that would mean that this special dinner isn’t being hosted to win over Caleb or Noah--if not them, then that only leaves Ona.
    Ona’s brained raced with thoughts, and ways to politely refuse, when grace favored her.  White large letters scrolled across the screen, announcing her name.
    “Ona...”  Geff said... 
    “Yes...Ona.”  she replied.  Both men looked at her confused.  Ona beamed a smile, saying...
    “My name...my name is on the screen.  The council selected my proposal.”
    Noah corrected her...
    “The council wants to discuss your proposal--there’s a big difference.”
    Ona realized this, but being chosen was one of a few hurdles and Noah understood this as well.  Her brother clarified his remark...
    “Don’t be nervous.  I gather that you have the numbers that you’ll need to support your proposal?”
    She nodded...
    “Yes...I thought it would be worse...but regardless of the actual report, I’m certain that the council will agree that there is an urgent need in this area.  I really feel good about this.”
    Noah smiled, because he could recall the first time he’d submitted a proposal to the Conclave--his parents had waited in the rotunda, wanting to be the first to congratulate him.  He was certain that his parents would have done the same for Ona; had it not been for the dinner invitation offered by Geff’s parents.  His mother had to go straight home to prepare a dish, because showing up empty handed would break with tradition.  When two families shared a meal--for Samaritans, this was the first offer of a proposal to marriage.  This is followed by a dinner offer from the other parents--a meal that typically occurs within that week.  Noah knew exactly when his friend became attracted to his sister.  Over time, Geff had waited for Ona to reach the age of consent; then he would make his feelings known.  Yet, during all that time, Ona never showed a hint of interest in Geff--not even the smallest notice.
    Noah relieved his sisters hand of the coffee mug.  He nodded his head in the direction of the council chambers.
    “Our parents are Zachary and Aldeara Zelle--go make them proud to say that you are their daughter.”
    Ona adored her brother.  She thanked him with a kiss on the side of his face.
    “Wait for me at the coffee shop on the dock.  I’ll head straight there when I’m done here--and we can share my good news with mom and dad as soon as we get home.”
    “Yes...”  Geff agreed.  “On the first day of this new year we’ll have plenty to celebrate.”
    Ona inclined her chin, lowering her head so as not to meet Geff’s eyes. She was thrilled but not for the reasons Geff supposed.  Frankly, Ona had underestimated the man and she never imagined him approaching her parents before coming to her first.  In spite of his invitation, there were ways to deal with this problem--but for now, she had her project to consider.
    “Ona...”  Geff pointed to her wrist...  “Your band...”
    Ona lifted her arm and she noticed Noah’s disapproving stare.  Before he formed his first sentence, she tugged down her sleeve, covering the exposed area.  Noah said...
    “Ona...you left the house without wearing your band?”
    It was common practice for Samaritan’s to wear a band, etched with their communal Creed on the inside.  Wearing this band also signified that Ona was