I shake my head. “Seek your revenge elsewhere, Liam.”
“What can I do? I’m so fucking sorry, Roxy. Give me a chance. Let me prove to you that you can trust me.”
I shake my head. “That ship has sailed. But ifyou’re set on proving your worth, there is something you can help me with.”
It’s the worst idea ever, but it’s a low-hanging fruit at the moment.
“Anything,” he rasps, his gaze penetrating my soul.
The hope in his eyes is heartbreaking, but my heart hasn’t been whole in a long time.
“Marry me,” I say.
He blinks a few times. “Pardon?”
“You heard me. I need to save Tee, and the easiest way is to give my father what he’s after.”
He steps back, flexing his fingers. “That’s ridiculous. You don’t want to play your father’s game.”
He’s right. It is a ridiculous plan.
Still… a part of me is disappointed he didn’t accept immediately.
It’s not a genuine marriage I’m proposing, but his rejection stings. It feels more real than it should.
God, I really need to sleep, because my emotions are disorienting.
“I have little choice, Liam,” I argue.
“You don’t want to marry me,” he almost accuses.
Again, his voice shakes with hurt, but I don’t let that distract me.
My father would sell my sister off, but my union with a Stone would put that off long enough to come up with our escapeplan.
“Of course I don’t want to marry you, but better me than my sister.”
His gaze shows so much confusion, pain, and regret, I need to look away. His scent keeps me a prisoner, so familiar and welcoming. I wish I could curl into his arms and forget this fucked-up situation.
But I don’t have that luxury, so I step away.
The room spins violently, making my stomach revolt. I barely make it to the sink before the delicious soup finds its way out.
Liam’s hand is on my forehead, supporting it while his other one soothes my back.
When I finally stop dry-heaving, my stomach completely empty, I lean into his comfort.
But everything blurs, and the floor tilts. I sag into his arms, and he scoops me up bridal-style.
“Fuck, Thunder, I’m taking you to the hospital.”
Chapter 21
Liam
Ifucked up.
I fucked up.
