I stared down at my hands, fidgeting in my lap. “Thanks,” I whispered. “I really do appreciate it.”
“No problem,” Victor grunted. He paused, then scratched the back of his head. “And I should be the one apologizing for freaking out earlier. It wasn’t your fault and I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
It was a huge relief off my shoulders, knowing I didn’t do anything wrong, but I was still too nervous to ask what set him off. “Oh,” I said. “It’s okay, really.”
But Victor shook his head. “No, it’s not.” He turned and looked into my eyes. “I shouldn’t make you feel like that. I care about you, Liam.”
I couldn’t stop my cheeks from turning pink, which made me embarrassed, which made them even more pink. I prayed to God he didn’t notice. “Victor, I – I don’t know what to say.” I swallowed hard. “I care about you, too.”
Victor’s dark eyes softened. The room suddenly felt very warm and small. My heart leapt into my throat, beating a mile a minute. I desperately hoped he didn’t notice the way my entire body was shaking.
Was he going to kiss me?
10
Victor
Iwantedto kiss Liam so,sobadly. His big eyes bore into mine, wet with hope, and his hands trembled in what I could only assume was anticipation. His lips were slightly parted and perfect looking. I wanted to take his soft face in my hands and take his lips against mine.
But I couldn’t.
I tore myself away before this could go any further. I stood. Liam was left wide-eyed and confused on the couch.
“I’m sorry, I can’t do this,” I said.
I heard Liam sigh quietly. “It’s okay.” He paused, then spoke again. “It’s about Tristan, isn’t it?”
A fire sparked within my chest. I whirled on him. “How do you know about Tristan?”
Liam looked startled. He rubbed his arm and gestured to the picture frame next to the TV. “I – I asked Nick who the man in the photo was. Your ex-boyfriend, right?”
Deep in my soul, my bear roared. I swallowed hard, keeping the sparks of anger down.
“Yes,” I growled. “He was my boyfriend.” The wordwascame out bitter, like poison on my tongue. The wound was still fresh. I didn’t want to believe it.
Liam’s eyes avoided mine but he spoke again, quietly. “I asked Nick why you guys broke up, but he said you wouldn’t tell anyone.”
A snarl rose in my throat. “What?” Before he could answer I stomped towards him. “You had no right to pry about my relationship!”
“I – I didn’t mean to, I didn’t know!” Liam cried. “We were just talking.”
I exhaled, staring down at him. I shut my eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Liam said. “I didn’t know it upset you.”
He stared at his hands, fidgeting. I could tell he was about to keep prying. I narrowed my eyes.
“Nick said it might be good for you to talk about it,” he mumbled.
“Nick doesn’t know anything,” I growled.
“He only wants the best for you,” Liam countered. He was forcing himself to hold eye contact with me. “I... I want what’s best for you, too.”
“How would you know what’s best for me?” I snapped. Hot pain and anger burned in my chest. I threw out my arm. “Nobody knows how I feel!”
Liam stood, tears lining his eyes. “We would if you just told us!”
I stopped and stared at him. He was breathing heavily, his fists balled at his sides. He might have even looked cute if I wasn’t so pissed off.
