When we sit in the leather seat, I kiss him on the lips. He pulls back with a smirk, but the fake tenderness doesn’t work—my heart flutters hard. He pulls me into his arms. I feel the warmth beneath his long-sleeve dark shirt. My cheeks burn.
Raven and Lyrical exchange a look, and Raven’s smile widens. Lyrical watches us like a hawk, her eyes zeroing in on Irvin. I try to push myself off his lap, but he pulls me right back. I subtly shake my head at Lyrical, and she nods in return.
“Oh hey, Irvin,” Lyrical says. “So, how’s married life?”
Irvin tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. To others, it’s a tender gesture, but deep down, it’s possessive. His subtle way of claiming me.
“It’s been amazing. Being married to my favorite girl.”
My cheeks flush, and I look down at my hands. Things haven’t been pleasant between us, so why would he lie to her?Maybe itispleasant—for him. Knowing him, he probably doesn’t take me seriously. He probably loves the mind games he plays.
“Oh, that’s so sweet.” Raven’s eyes light up. “What are you guys doing for spring break?”
“Um… I have no idea,” I answer.
The waitress brings their meals, and Raven munches on her burger. “I’ve been avoiding Jameson. He’s always angry. Last night, he stopped by my apartment—drunk as fuck—wanting a blow job. I told him, fuck no.” Raven clenches her teeth, rolling her eyes. “My God, I can’t believe I’m stuck with his ass for the rest of my life.”
I understand that, but I don’t say anything.
“Snow and I are going to visit his mother in San Francisco,” Lyrical says.
“With the killings on campus, we’re lying low,” Irvin says. “You women need to be careful out there.”
“What are the boards doing about it?” I ask.
“They’re investigating a few men,” Irvin answers, and Lyrical side-eyes him. “But they don’t have concrete evidence on who did it. The American Billionaire Club doesn’t want anyone to know—that’s why they haven’t announced it publicly.” Lyrical finishes her burger. He kisses me on the forehead. “That’s why I walk with Lilac on campus at all times.”
I wish I could say he’s lying—that he’s a complete ass—but he’s not. He won’t let me out of his sight. In fact, for the last few weeks, he’s been acting like a good husband.
“You’re a lucky girl. I wish I were married to someone kind. But I had to get stuck with the asshole from hell,” Raven says.
“He’ll come around, Raven. He’s going through a lot with Bailey’s death. He still misses her. So do I.” Lyrical’s eyes water, and I hold her hand. She uses a napkin to dab the corners of her eyes. “It’s okay. I’m fine. Really. It just hurts like hell.”
Irvin leans down, his voice tickling my ear. “I don’t know what I’d do if something tragic happened to you, my princess. The thought of someone murdering you…” He swallows thickly. “I’d burn down the campus to get to the motherfucker who harmed you.”
I glance at him. He slides his hand into mine and kisses my palm. His words make me smile. They make me ache for him—yearn for my enemy.
His words shouldn’t warm my heart. His words shouldn’t make me feel special. His words should make me hate him.
I don’t know how I feel about him. I grip the edge of the table until my knuckles ache. This confused attraction—what’s real? My hatred? Or my desire?
He’s the one who tricked me into marriage. He’s the one who stripped me of my basic needs, preyed on me so I’d rely on him with nowhere else to go. I stare into his jade eyes.
He presses his mouth to mine, kissing me slowly, and I kiss him back. I want to say it’s just to convince him I want him—but is it really? I don’t know what’s real anymore.
I pull away, lips swollen. Lyrical and Raven stare at us with wide eyes.
“Excuse me. I need to step outside,” I murmur.
I avoid Irvin’s eyes as I feel them boring into me. Once outside, I inhale the sharp, crisp air.
My plan has officially blown up in my face.
I glance through the window, studying Irvin. His lips curve with satisfaction—he knows he has me exactly where he wants me.
Lilac
My phone buzzes on the nightstand. I tap the green button and hold it to my ear. The pale moon creeps between the heavy drapes. I glance at the other side of the bed—Irvin isn’t there.
