Yet, Liam spoke so casually about it all this morning. Like filling me in on clan business was no big deal. But it is. It is a very big deal. I knew the business involved clubs. I assumed drugs. Maybe prostitution. I kind of thought that was the core business of all our competitors as well. So, when he mentionedtraffickingwomen? My problems don’t seem so big anymore.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to marry Liam. But, I was distracted after he shared more about the Greeks with me. I wouldloveit if our clan brought them down. If only there were a way to shutter their business in addition to keeping them out of ours.
I’m still pondering it all when my phone pings.
Sam: Hey. Just checking in. Making sure you’re okay.
I groan. The last twenty-four hours have not gone well for Sam and me. He was right this morning when he said we were friends. We are. Or, at least, wewere. I’ve really given him the runaround lately. He deserves better.
Me: I’m as good as can be expected. Thanks for checking in. I’m sorry about last night. And this morning.
Three dots bounce for a few seconds. And then:
Sam: I was serious about offering help. If you want to move your money around, let me know. We could liquidate it sooner than planned if you need to run. I could help you get set up.
I suck in a breath. Run? In the middle of my senior year? I bite my bottom lip. Tears fill my eyes because it’s an option. One I hate, but still, an option.
Me: Thank you. I’ll let you know.
I trudge up to my bedroom and flop onto my bed. I can’t really run, can I? That’s a different proposition now. It would be actively and openly defying my family. My future husband’s family. I couldn’t go to Stanford. They’d drag me home. I’d have to find somewhere else. Somewhere remote. I sicken at the thought. I hate that I’m in this position.
I also hate that Liam is not the absolute tool that I expected. Him being a semi-decent person almost makes this worse. As if I’m wrong to be upset at my family.
I think about that kiss, which is a mistake. Now, I can’t get it out of my mind. I ghost my fingers across my lips. He barely touched me. Unfortunately, I am now wondering what it would be like to really kiss him. How would it feel if he pressed that hard body to mine? I groan into my pillow. What the hell is the matter with me? I mean, he’s obviously easy to look at, and he smells amazing. His smile is… I need to stop this. Jesus. I’d like to think I’m better than my hormones. No wonder Liam sees so much action. I can hardly stand him and I’m lying here, salivating over his lazy confidence and impish smiles. It’s no wonder so many girls have fallen into his bed.
My phone pings again, and I look down to see what else Sam has to say.
Unknown: You should wear green tonight. It’s definitely your color.
What?
Me: Who is this?
Unknown: Who do you want it to be?
Oh shit. No. It can’t be?
Me: Liam?
Unknown: I’m glad you wanted it to be me. I’m thinking of you too.
Of all the…
Me: How did you get this number?
Unknown: You realize we are getting married?
That’s not an answer.
Me: You’re supposed to be finding a way out of that for us.
Unknown: Ah, yes. I’m brainstorming as we speak.
Is he making fun of me?
Me: Good. I look forward to my father telling me tonight’s event has been canceled.
Unknown: Don’t hold your breath, beauty. I like you in green. Not turning blue. See you tonight.
