Unstoppable (Forehead Kisses #4) (20 page)

I guess I should have thought of that. “I want to respect Livia’s privacy as much as possible. I doubt she wants everyone to know what happened to her. That’s not right.”

He sighed. “I get that. I do. But I can’t lie to my fiancé. Of all people, Keira wouldn’t judge her or think less of her.”

“Can you just tell her you’re doing something but you can’t tell her what? That’s not lying.”

“No…it’s not.” He pondered the question for a while. “I guess I could do that. I know she trusts me and wouldn’t question it.”

“Then that’s what I prefer. And don’t say a word to the other two—especially Bran.”

“Your secret is safe with me, man.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Well, are you ready to go?” Liam asked. “I have a fiancé waiting for me.”

I looked at my beer, wanting to drown in it. “I’m going to stick around for a while. I’ll see you later.”

He eyed me for a moment. “Is there something I can do?”

“No…there’s nothing anyone can do.”

He placed his hand on my shoulder and let it rest there for a few seconds. Then he pulled it away before he walked out.

I sat alone at my table, wanting to drown in all the alcohol I could drink. Livia was such a beautiful person and she didn’t deserve that horrific fate. Images kept flashing across my mind, a guy holding her down and ramming himself inside her. It made my head want to explode and tears to stream down my face. Why would any man want to do that to someone? It was despicable.

It was a constant burden on my heart. When I watched Livia sleep in my arms, I imagined how frightened she must have been. She was so small, so delicate, and the idea of a man using his size to overpower her sent me into a rage. How could someone hurt something so beautiful?

It didn’t change my attraction to her. If we ever made love, I know I wouldn’t think about her past. The moment would be different than any other she experienced. It would be tender and loving, soft and gentle. My heart would be open to hers, and I would kiss every inch of her body. I would erase what happened to her, making her scars fade. And with enough time, I would erase the tragedy from her heart.

But it pissed me off nonetheless.

When it happened to any girl, it made me livid. But since it was Livia, it was a whole new ball game. I wished she would just open up to me, just tell me. I wouldn’t judge her or think less of her. Somehow, it would only make me fall harder for her.

“Scotty?”

I was broken from my trance by Ash’s voice. “Hey, man.” I couldn’t hide the melancholy from my voice.

He moved to the seat across from me. “So, I talked to my sister today…”

“Yeah?” I had no idea what that meant.

“So, she stayed with you all weekend?”

Okay…this could go either way. He might be pissed I was getting close with his sister, or he might be thrilled about it. We’ll see. “Yeah. We went out to dinner then we went to the zoo the next day.”

He nodded slowly. “She slept over there?”

I wasn’t going to lie about it. “Friday and Saturday night.” He probably thought I had sex with her. I didn’t bother denying it because he probably wouldn’t believe me. And I didn’t want him to think I was a liar.

“You’re serious about her?” The threat was in his eyes. “Because I know what type of guy you are.”

The accusation stung a little bit. “I’m very serious.”

“Which is why you’re sitting alone in a bar?”

He was playing hardball. “I shared a beer with a friend. He just left.”

“Are you her boyfriend?”

“I am.” Thankfully. I worked hard for that title. “Not only do I care about her, but I respect her. You don’t have to worry about me playing games. I would never hurt her. There are no words to describe what she means to me.”

He studied my face for a moment before he finally let up. “Okay. That’s all I wanted to know.”

I’m glad that was over.

Then he smiled. “I’m glad my sister finally has a boyfriend. God, she’s such a loser.”

I smirked. “She’s not a loser. She’s just picky.”

“I thought she was a lesbian for a while.”

I laughed. “No, definitely not.”

He raised an eyebrow.

I just realized how that sounded. I didn’t bother rectifying the situation.

“She told me about that creep my parents set her up with.”

My mood suddenly turned sour.

“And that you scared the shit out of him.”

“He’s lucky I didn’t break both of his legs.”

“I wish you had.” He leaned back in his chair. “I don’t understand my parents. Sometimes I’m not sure if they even like Livia.”

“It doesn’t matter if they do. They aren’t her family—I am.”

He studied me. “I’m getting the impression that you don’t just like my sister.”

I knew what he was implying. “And you would be right.”

Approval was in his eyes. “Does she know?”

“I haven’t said it…but if she paid attention she would know.”

“I’m glad my sister has a man in her life, a good one, I think.”

I wasn’t going to compliment myself.

“You’re training to be a fighter?”

“Yeah.”

“You’ve gained like ten pounds since the last time I saw you.”

“I train every day. And my trainer is psycho.”

He laughed. “Sounds like it.”

A blonde approached Ash then moved into his lap. “Baby, I’m tired of waiting…” She was all over him, her lips moving to his neck.

Ash seemed annoyed. “Wait by the truck and I’ll be there in a second.”

She pouted her lips. “Come now.”

“I said in a second.” He gave her a firm look then practically shoved her off.

She rolled her eyes then walked outside.

I smirked. “You’re a dick, you know that?”

He laughed. “I’m the biggest dick you’ll ever know.”

I guess I wasn’t any different.

He stood up then shook my hand. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Now I don’t have to babysit her all the time.”

“She’s actually a very cool person—she just doesn’t show it to the world anymore.”

“And why is that?” he asked. “Six months ago, she just changed. It literally happened overnight. She’s never told me and I haven’t been able to figure it out. Did she tell you?”

I would never betray her secret. “No.”

He sighed. “Well, when you figure it out, let me know.”

“Sure.”
Never.

“See ya.”

“Bye.”

He left the bar and I was alone once again. When I felt heated eyes bore into my skin, I knew someone was watching me. I glanced over and saw Amanda making eyes at me. Sex was clearly on her mind.

This bitch wouldn’t quit.

I tossed my money on the table and got out of there quick.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Livia

The weekend with Scotty was one of the greatest times of my life. I couldn’t remember the last time I had fun, the last time I laughed, the last time I smiled, or the last time I hung out with someone besides my brother. Scotty brightened my life, making me forget about my past for just an instant in time.

I was falling hard for him.

How did that happen? I wasn’t sure. I should have rejected him and stayed strong, but I couldn’t. Those hazel eyes pulled me in, and his large hands made me feel safe. When he cuddled with me in bed, I never slept better. When Scotty was in my life, I was a better person.

In the back of my mind, the guilt kept coming back. This wasn’t fair to him.
You should either tell him the truth or let him go.

But I couldn’t do either.

He was the first good thing that ever happened to me. I didn’t want to lose him. I wanted him forever.

When I told Ash about my Scotty, he seemed thrilled. My brother was usually protective of me, but I think he was relieved I was actually getting out of the house and doing things. When I told him we went to the zoo, he noticeably relaxed. Even though my brother teased me, I knew he cared about me.

Which was why I could never tell him. It would break his heart and make him depressed. I could suffer the pain but I couldn’t imagine someone I loved suffering too. Which was another reason why I didn’t want to tell Scotty. It would hurt him, shred him into pieces. How could I hurt someone I cared so much about?

When I came home from school, I immediately began work on a new piece. I was inspired and I knew exactly what I wanted to create. My heart was guiding the brush.

The dark colors of my palate weren’t touched. Only pastel colors, bright hues touched my paintbrush. It usually took me weeks, sometimes months to finish a piece, but my hand was working vigorously, too excited to stop.

The doorbell shattered my concentration.

Who was it?

Irritated, I threw my brush down then marched to the door. When I looked through my peephole, I saw my mom.

The devil.

What did she want? I’m not even going to bother answering the door. All she did was cause me grief.

“Livia, open the door now.”

I gritted my teeth.

“I said open the door.”

I growled then pulled it open. I didn’t speak first because I knew I wouldn’t say anything nice.

“I talked to William.” The anger burned in her eyes.

“So?”
Why would she be mad at me? He was the psychopath.

“And he tried to take you home, but some gangbanger showed up, slammed him into his Range Rover and dented it, and then stole you away.” Her hands were on her hips and her eyes were wider than I’d ever seen them. “What the hell is wrong with you, Livia? William is a nice boy and you treat him like that?”

I never thought I would slap my mom but I was extremely tempted. “He is not a
nice
boy.” My anger seeped through. He threatened me, and when I didn’t want to go home with him, he threatened to knock me out. He’s a psychopath disguised in a suit. I was lucky Scotty was there.”

“Scotty?” She said his name like it was disgusting. “The gangbanger?”

“He’s not a gangbanger! He’s a gentleman that rescued me.”

“He didn’t sound like a gentleman.”

“Well, he is. You shouldn’t have set me up on that date. I have a boyfriend and I’m very happy with him.”

“A boyfriend?” she asked incredulously. “A man that doesn’t know how to use words to resolve a dispute. Is he an ape?”

I steadied my hand before it smacked across her face. “Who I date is none of your business.”

“I think it is.” She stopped her foot. “All you are is a confused girl that can’t think for herself. Your life is nothing but a string of bad decisions. Every choice you make is the wrong one. You need your father and I to help you.”

I was fed up with this. “I pay my rent and my bills without your help. I paid for my car without your help. Now I pay my tuition without your help. If I can afford to be independent while I’m a full-time student, then I’m clearly doing something right. So step off.”

Now she looked like she might slap me. “Excuse me?”

“All you ever do is make me feel bad about myself. You have no idea what I’ve been through. You don’t know me at all. All you have is one son, not a daughter. If you can’t be nice to me or respect me, then I don’t want to see you anymore. Now get off my property.” I slammed the door in her face.

I can’t believe I just did that.

God, I’m a horrible person.

I just yelled at my mom and told her to step off.

Where did that come from?

I was just so mad that I couldn’t control my anger. Everything built up until I couldn’t hold it back any longer. I exploded.

But…it felt kinda good.

I really am a horrible person.

I sorted through my emotions while I sat on the couch. I felt liberated but I felt evil at the same time. I found it hard to believe that my parents wanted to make my life miserable. Deep down inside, they must have thought they were doing the right thing. Every villain believed what they were doing was right, and my parents thought the same thing.

I got back to work and finished my painting. What was done was done. And now I had to live with the consequences.

I need a ride
.

It was midnight on a Wednesday.
Why are you partying on a weekday?

Coming 2 get me or what?

My brother had a drinking problem. He got wasted at least three times a week.
Have one of your whores come get you.

No. I don’t talk to them after we fuck.

TMI. Where are you?

The Sigma Pi frat house.

My body went cold. That was the last place I’d ever go. Chills ran up my spine, but not in a good way, not in the exciting way when Scotty touched me. My breathing became labored. I was practically hyperventilating.
I can’t.