Page 6 of Meet Cute the Virgin

Killian, however, was very much a lone wolf even when he was younger. I have no doubt that was a big reason he was recruited. That can also make a personverydangerous. They have nothing to lose.

I once bought into that theory. I’m not so sure anymore. I used to be more rational and levelheaded. Now I find myselfbreaking my own rules and crossing lines I never would have before Lily. The girl that used to sweetly match her name. Her smiles and her laughter came easily. And I hate that I might be the reason that stopped.

Chapter Four

LILY

This is Groundhog Day. Every day is the same, and I’m slowly going crazy. Except Tristan has been around a bit more. Months ago, that would have been a dream come true. Now, when I’m plotting my escape, it would be beneficial if he weren’t lingering around. Of course he would choose now to do the exact opposite of what I want him to.

He even went in late to work today, using the gym when I did. I’m not sure what’s going on. I hope that he’s not on to me. That’s the last thing I need. Thankfully he’s out of the house right now, which is perfect because I told Teddy I’d hop online to make sure we’ve got everything lined up for the big day.

The possibility of this plan truly working makes me excited and sad at the same time. I don’t let myself delve too deep into the whys of that. It would be messy and painful. I already lost my father, the only person in my life I had, and now I’ll be losing Tristan too, but honestly, you can’t lose what you never had. He’s all I’ve known since my father died, and I’ve depended on him, so there’s also a comfort I’ll be losing.

I grab a few snacks to take to my room when I hear the sound of the elevator opening. Shit, he’s back home already? That thought evaporates when I hear the sound of heels clicking onthe marble. A second later, Sasha appears with the normal stank expression on her face. I swear her face is permanently stuck like that.

We both hate the other and make jabs, but she’s better at doing them when Tristan isn’t around. He believes she’s this innocent angel. I thought he was better at reading people.

Sasha is a freaking snake, and she thinks I’m pure trailer trash. To her, you’re wealthy or poor. Those are the only two options, and I’ll never be wealthy. Sasha was born into it. It’s not of her own making.

“Are you going to eat all that?” she asks when she sees the Cheetos and Pop-Tarts I have in my hands. I don’t work out because I enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong; jogging can burn off energy if you have too much, which I often do. That’s not the main reason I do it, though. It’s so I can eat Pop-Tarts and Cheetos.

It also takes me back to when my dad was alive. We often worked out together, but that was more sparring. He always wanted me to be able to handle myself. Dad put me on my ass a few times, but all those memories make me smile.

“No, I’m carrying them around as accessories,” I say dryly.

She rolls her eyes at me. “You’re always such a bitch.”

I bark a laugh. “And you’re always a thundercunt.” Her shiny pink lips let out a small gasp before she starts shaking her head in disgust. So I keep going to get in a few more jabs. “Don’t be all offended like you’re some prude. We all know you enjoy taking it up the ass but, girl, the ass to mouth.” I make a gagging sound.

Even I’m grossed out by my own words, but her expression makes it worth it. Besides, she’s been doing this forever. I’ve only started to slap back. At first, I didn’t want to rock the boat, but now I really don’t give a crap. I’m sick of all these people.

“You’re disgusting.”

“Hey, I’m not the one doing ass-to-mouth.” I shrug. “Just saying.”

“I don’t know how he tolerates you.” I want to tell her he doesn’t, but she’d enjoy that too much, so I keep it to myself.

“Ditto, and for your information, it’s him that keeps me here. Not the other way around.” I know he’s not keeping me here out of a secret crush, but I know those small comments annoy her because she hates me being here.

“Tristan is a good man, and he’s doing right by your father.” I’d rather her call me a thundercunt and bitch than say that shit because it burns, and I’m sure she knows it.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

“I thought I was meeting Tristan. Is he not here?”

“No.” I keep my tone flat. I thought he was working. Whatever.I don’t care, I lie to myself. Sasha pulls out her phone and then lets out a giggle like a high school girl with a crush.

“Oh, right. I’m meeting him at the restaurant.”

“See you later then,” I say, encouraging her to leave.

“Let me double-check. He might want me to pack a suitcase for his trip tomorrow.” Whoa, there wasn’t anything on his calendar, and when did she start packing his luggage? I suppose I assumed he did it himself. I grit my teeth as she laughs and clicks around on her phone. “Never mind.” Sasha gives me a sugary-sweet smile that’s as fake as the rest of her. “I’ve got to go.”

She hurries out on her heels, as annoying as ever. I bite back a growl and head toward my room. My phone starts to go off, but my hands are full, and it’s Tristan. He’s the only one who really calls me. I’ve done well keeping Teddy a secret.

We met years ago at this etiquette camp thing I’d gone to one summer. My dad thought it might be a good idea for me to attend it. During the summers if he had to travel for work, he’d send me to these different camps.

This one was around the time he’d been working deeply with the FBI, and I too would attend events with him. It was to teach me how to be more proper. I can admit, I probably didn’t have a ton of manners back then. My dad and I ate out of to-go containers and yelled at the television most nights.