I open my eyes gently at the gentle tap of my shoulder. “Wake up, princess, we’ve arrived.” The caller says. I assume it to be the one who tapped me. I moan, taking my time to adjust into the sleep-to-awake transition phase, stretching without lifting my arms. We’ve arrived? When did we ever leave? I don’t remember even moving a finger to go anywhere. But I can tell I’ve had a really good, short lived sleep. I somehow wish I wasn’t woken up. My vision grasps a look at the face peaking in front of me. It’s Liam. He has this smile on his face that hints that he looks intrigued by what he’s looking at. I almost want to turn to witness the sight possibly behind me because there can’t be anything intriguing about my sleepy face but I’m too tired to do so. I let out a soft yawn, squeezing my eyes tight then opening it back shortly after. This is when I notice someone walk out. It’s Killian. I don’t need to be awake to know what he looks like from behind. My eyes are now nearly fully awake. He left without saying a word to me. I swallow. That hurts. He didn’t even spare me a smile. Not even a gaze. I press my thighs against each other. He’s the reason I even had a good nap to begin with and now, he just acts like he doesn’t know me. “Ignore him.” Liam breath. My emotions must’ve reflected on my face for him to notice. I press my already shut lips into a line, now focusing my gaze on Liam as Killian has walked out of the van. “He’s just jealous I get to be with you and he can’t.” Liam winks at me. His words make the end of my lips curl slightly. I admire the effort to make me cheery. Liam stretches his hand out to me. “Come, let me be your companion today, darling.” I wish the word I heard was ‘kitten’, at least then, I’d know no one else would be before me except from Killian. I clench my fingers onto the blanket spread across my shoulders and take it off, grabbing onto Liam’s hand. He helps me up, carefully handling me like I am fragile. I follow him out of the van. Waiting for me outside is Kate, with Killian by her side. Oh yes, the brunch! I remember. It’s the reason I got out in the first place, how could I have forgotten? How could I not have forgotten? I scold myself. Anyone would forget anything important when they have Killian between their legs. My cheeks tint a pinkish hue, I can tell because I can feel the burn. I am standing by Liam’s side, my hand warped over his arm as he walks me to meet his brother and my best friend. Killian barely looks at me. I couldn’t help but notice the nonchalant gaze he flashed my way even when our eyes met briefly. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novęlfire.net This made my brows furrow with worry. Did I do something wrong while I was asleep? What’s with the coldness towards me? I swallow, trying to occupy my thoughts with other things. I keep my eyes on Kate. Liam was saying things that made her respond nicely to, things I didn’t hear because apparently, I zoned out of the conversation the moment I stood in front of Killian. “Thank you so much for taking care of my brother, even for this short period of time, Kate, we shall bid you away now.” Liam winks. I take the hint and take my hands away from his, this gives him the advantage of reaching for his brother. Even now, Killian did not spare me a single gaze. “I’ll catch up with you later, honey.” I call out softly as they waltz past us. I know who my words are actually directed at and I’m sure he knows that too. However, Liam being the good brother that he is turns to blow me a kiss. Killian didn’t even budge to that. He just pretended my words were a passing breeze. I can’t understand this and it frustrates me so damn much. “So, tell me, what naughty deed did you two get into?” Kate asks, gripping onto my arm with both her hands the moment they were out of sight. I shove her presumption off, huffing and waving my hand in the air as a form of declination. “Awful? Us? No way.” I murmur, my tone sarcastic. Kate leans closer to me, so close that I can see the pores of her skin. It’s smooth. “You forget that I know you. Have lived with you for so long. Spill the juice and don’t leave the people thirsty!” She pushes. “People is me, by the way.” She says, as a matter of factly. I sigh, a subtle smile painting across my face. I don’t have to go into graphic details anyway, my gaze narrows, nor do I have to mention a name. His pronouns will do. “Well,” I begin. “What is the botanical name for climax induced via the lingua?” I take a short, deep gasp, aiding my performance. Kate’s fingers pinch into my skin. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she’s trying to hurt me. She folds like a worm, dancing over my arm. “Tell me more. Go into detail. What was it like? What was he like? Is he good, good? Like really good? Insanely, heavenly, God please take me now good?” These questions almost make me cackle. I hesitate for a moment, pretending like I am giving it a thought. “Yes, all of them combined.” Her body falls back slightly as she places a hand to her head in mock ecstasy.”God bless men with good tongue game.” You can say that again. There are so many things I wish I could say to her but I can’t. I guess that will just have to do in our friendship for now, till my relationship is not a secret anymore. Till I have the courage to open up to her. Whenever that may be. I just need to be sure that when we cross that bridge. . . she adjusts to the information without trying to sever my head, which is highly possible, knowing her. “Should we go ahead and meet with the girls?” I ask. This is when Kate lets go of my arm. I lower my gaze to stare at where her fingers just left. She has imprinted her finger prints into my skin. “Sure, I’ll take you.” Kate chirps cheerfully. I smile in return. Good thing because I’m starving. I walk hand in hand with her, going where ever she leads when I hear my name. I turn my head back, preying my eyes at the environment as I look for who called me. I stop the search when I see Liam walking towards me. “We’re over there.” Kate points at a door. “I’ll see you in a bit.” She winks at me. I don’t even want to imagine the thoughts going through her head with the naughty glances she passes our way. I wait for Liam to get close to me. “I want to invite you to something.” He holds out an envelope. “Please, ensure you make it.” My brows crease as settle my eyes on his hand then back at his face. Why do I feel nervous already? I take the envelope away from him, maintaining my smile. “Should I be worried?” I ask, without opening it. I plan to check out what’s inside waster he’s left. “Not literally.” He responds, his voice filled with warmth. Liam takes a step closer to me. I feel my nose flare up. His weight drops on my shoulders, an alarming move that leaves my heart racing in my chest. As he clings onto me, I feel his arms tighten around my back. “Stay still.” Liam mutters, his voice sinister. That is something I’ve never witnessed before with him. After what seemed like a while, he finally let go, a grin plastered on his pretty face. “Ensure to be there.” He utters. “You’ll get a gift from me. Please, put it on for the occasion.” Liam winks, advancing backwards while keeping his eyes fixed on me. My brows curl in confusion as I weigh the envelope in my palm. I guess this leaves me no choice.