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“You’ve been acting like you’re seconds from bolting as soon as we got in the car.”
I place my hand on his biceps and give it a small squeeze.
“Everything is fine. I’m just excited about announcing our engagement.” I’m unsure how my voice remains unwavering, but I thank God it does.
He brings his hand to cup my cheek, bringing his face inches from mine.
“Good. Tonight is going to be perfect.”
His lips touch mine and I force my body to relax into his touch. We haven’t slept together and I’m dreading the day he expects that of me. At some point, I will need to accept that my body doesn’t belong to Liam anymore.
His lips are firm yet soft, but the kiss doesn’t make my heart race. It doesn’t make my head swim in a cloud of lust. My stomach doesn’t flutter like it does when someone else’s lips are on mine.
He let you go.
My spine tingles with awareness and I pull away from Ryan so quickly, I stumble back. He catches me by my arm and furrows his brows.
My head whips to the right and my eyes clash with Liam’s. His hazel eyes swim with rage before he schools his features. Bruises are splotched over just about every inch of his beautiful face. My heart threatens to burst out of my chest and run to him.
Oh God. He saw me kissing Ryan.
You owe him nothing. He pushed you to Ryan.
My mind and heart fight for control. Logically, I know kissing Ryan isn’t wrong. He’s supposed to be my husband. But emotionally, letting anyone but Liam touch me feels like a betrayal.
Liam snaps his gaze away from mine and strides to the open bar. My chest constricts and I swallow tightly.
“Mo stór!You’re here.” My father’s voice cuts through the crowd. Clearing my throat, I straighten my dress and lean into Ryan’s side.
He wraps his arm around me and pulls me in closer.
A huge smile spreads over my da’s face when he sees us standing so close.
“Hi, Daid,“ I say quietly, and he pulls me into his arms. When he pulls away, he nods to Ryan.
“Evening, Ryan.”
“Evening Conor,” Ryan reaches out a hand which my father accepts. They shake firmly.
“Come. Come. Let’s have a seat and eat before we make the announcement. Emily, your mother is here. She’s at the table.”
Shit.
It’s been easy lying about how I’m feeling over the phone or text, but she’s going to take one look at me and know I’m full of shit.
The burn of the whiskey going down my throat does absolutely nothing to tame the rage that courses through me. Seeing Emily in Ryan’s arms, seeing his lips on hers, instantly boiled my blood.
I wanted to stalk over to him and rip him limb from limb.
She’s mine.
Only, she’s not. And after tonight, there will never be a chance for that to change.
A hand grips my shoulder and I turn to see Rhys taking a seat on the stool next to me.
“You going to be a sulking bitch all night?” he holds a finger up, gesturing to the bartender.
“Piss off, Rhys.” I shrug him off.
