“Liam?” Annika repeats as I tilt my head to her in confusion. “Never thought I’d see the day.”
“I did,” Ayla offers.
“Same.” That’s Sariah. “And the woman who gets his love…” She whistles.
You can say that again. “Yeah.”
Ayla’s hand runs down my arm from my biceps to my own hand that she squeezes. “Love this for you, Lorien, and love you for us.” Turning to Corinne, she adds, “We need to celebrate.”
“Of course, Mrs. Barone.” The older woman wanders off toward the butler’s pantry and returns with wine, champagne, and sparkling apple juice, and pats Ayla’s hand. “For the nursing mamas.”
“There’s no room for bubbles in drinks these days.” Annika taps her belly. “But I’m celebrating in spirit.”
I don’t know what to do with these women. My own sister knows nothing of my life. I know very little of hers. And here I am, surrounded by friends, maybe even family, who want to celebrate Liam loving me and our not-an-arrangement anymore.There are babies and puppies, and even a little black kitten somewhere in this house.
And my parents. What will I tell them?
“Excuse me a minute.” I lift a hand and head to the back door off the deck.
It’s summer, and the sun’s still up, so it’s hot, but there’s a lovely breeze. The fresh air is exactly what I need. I’m not panicking. I’m happy, actually. Like Liam.Happy.
But there’s so much going on, so many unresolved things that even love—fresh, exciting, new love—won’t protect me from.
“Well, hello.” A man sidles up from the garden hedge. He must be one of the Barone’s men. This place has security like the Pentagon. Or I assume so.
“Hello.”
“Mr. Barone and Mr. Murphy don’t want you out here exposed. Please follow me.”
“Liam sent you?”
“Mr. Murphy sent me, yes.”
It feels off. He’s too dark. It’s not the suit. It’s his demeanor. Not aloof like Fitz or stoic like Ren, but cold.
“I’m good, but thanks. Liam can take it up with me himself if he has a problem.”
I turn away from him, trying to recenter myself. I’ve felt different at Christian and Ayla’s but never unsafe and this man gives me the heebie-jeebies. I pivot to head back inside when a sickly-sweet aroma hits my nose. It’s cloying, almost like antiseptic, and….
59
on autopilot
Liam
“Hey, where’s Lorien?”
My sister beams a smile up at me from her spot on a bar stool as she feeds Sophia and tilts her head to the back deck. “She stepped out a few minutes ago.”
I turn toward the door, but my sister grabs my wrist, stopping my movement. Turning back, I look from my hand to her face.
“I’m happy for you, Li. You deserve it.”
I dip my chin.
“I’m serious. Somehow you two make sense. She’s as good for you as you are for her. I see great things.” Her face is open and her smile is mischievous. “You might get a wedding after all.”
I gently release my hand from hers and flash my ring to her. “Already married, sis. I don’t need the getup to keep my promises.”
