Page 5

Liam: …

Frustrated with myself for letting images of Nick with other women invade my mind this early, I throw my phone on the pillows and head to the bathroom. I need a hot bath, one that will melt away both my tension and Nickolas Hardy.

Five hours later, I’m still nervous, but ready to face that stupid dinner. I’m wearing a very short, black, backless dress with red high heels. I put on a lot of makeup and let down my long, curly black hair.

This is the first time Nickolas will see me in ten years. I want to be sexy.

The last time he saw me, I was a teenager, and he was with a girl on his arm, ready to go home and have fun with her.

I don’t know what to expect from tonight, but I really hope I can make them change their mind about me marrying Nickolas—if they’re even serious about it.

Let’s pray they’re not.

After a two-hour drive, I arrive at the gate to my parents’ and the Hardys’ houses. I enter the security code and wait for approval to pass. After scanning my fingertips too, the gate opens and I drive down the alley, between palm trees, straight to the Hardys’ house.

My parents and the Hardys decided eight years ago to buy this property, where they built two modern houses with glass walls. The Hardys’ house is on the left, my parents’ on the right, with a huge yard and a massive pool between them.

I park the car in a free spot in front of the house and take a moment to compose myself. I’m not shy—never have been—but I can admit to myself that I’m nervous.

When I feel like I have it all under control, I get out of the car and enter the house.

Everyone’s here, except Nick. Maybe he couldn’t come tonight. Maybe he’s traveling again with his team. That thought helps me breathe easier.

“Ser, baby, you made it. How was your drive?” Mom asks, pulling me into a warm hug.

“Ser, wow, you look stunning.” Sara winks and blows me a kiss.

After I hug and kiss everybody, I take a seat near my best friend, Kai.

Growing up, the two of us were always together. I love them all like brothers, but he’s the closest to me. We talk about anything and everything, every day, and we see each other at least once a week.

He’s a playboy—like the rest of them, including my brothers—and I don’t want to know details about his sex life, but that’s the only subject we never touch.

Putting his arm behind my shoulders, he leans in and whispers, “Babe, you’re gorgeous. It took me two seconds to realize it was you who walked in.”

I don’t even get a chance to respond before Ryan chimes in, “Ser, I missed you. Come here.”

“Hey. She’s staying where she is. If you need someone, go and find a best friend. This one is mine.” Kai glares at him and flips him off.

“Assholes, she’s our sister. If you want one, ask your parents to give you one. You can’t take ours. Ser, please, come here.” Liam reaches out and pulls me to him.

Laughing, I stand up and make my way to where John sits, at one head of the table.

“OMG. What are you, five? I think I’m going to stay right here.”

As I’m about to reach the free seat next to John, Noah grabs my hand and takes me into his arms.

“Ser, I didn’t see you in ages. Let these kids argue and come stay with us.”

After a couple of hours, I’m sure Nick won’t show up, but I don’t dare ask. The only thing I need to talk about is what my parents said yesterday. But Liam beats me to it.

“So… shall we clarify the topic we discussed last night? We don’t know what to believe and I’m not happy with that suggestion,” he grounds out, trying to keep his frustration in check.

I’m back in my seat, next to Kai, with Zayn on my left.

“Liam, it wasn’t a suggestion. The nine of you will continue to be in charge, but Nick and Ser will get married. I wanted to wait for Nick to arrive to have this conversation, but I understand you want answers.”

Dad shakes my life one more time. He avoids my gaze and I feel like a little girl whose father makes decisions for her.