“The bride was missing as well.” Liam snaps a napkin open.
The dance the two of them are playing would be fascinating if I was an outside observer.
I dig my nails into Liam’s thigh, shooting daggers at him with my gaze. Instead of coming to his senses, he squeezes my hand.
I wish I was wearing heels. Stabbing his foot would be extremely satisfying right now.
“Tawny was there,” my father counters.
“Victor,” Liam gives my father a lazy smile. “May I call you Victor? As lovely as Tawny is, I believe she has years before she should marry.”
“That’s not your decision, boy.” My father’s nostrils flare.
“You’re correct.” Liam smirks. “It’s hers.”
The whole room falls silent as all pairs of eyes bore into Liam. Does he have a death wish?
Because if I don’t kill him for whatever game he is playing, my father will for talking to him this way.
I don’t think my father actually kills people, but he considers himself above law or morals, and he certainly won’t tolerate Liam’s opinions.
“What are you doing here, Liam?” The bun crumbles to pieces in my father’s hand.
“I thought your birthday would be a great opportunity to celebrate another joyous occasion. Roxy and I are getting married.” He lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles.
I don’t think I ever saw my father shocked or speechless. I can’t enjoy the sight because now I’m staring at Liam.
What the fuck has he just done?
My father clears his throat. “Is that true?”
I turn to him, ready to deny. But I catch Tee’s hopeful gaze, and something inside my chest breaks.
As reckless as Liam’s proposal is… as much as I don’t appreciate him blindsiding me like this… this is a solution for Tee.
I sit up and meet my father’s eyes. “It’s true.Obviously, you will be busy solidifying this union for the benefit of the family, so Tawny’s future can wait.”
I measure my words, so they land clear and pristine like the cold ultimatum they are. I challenged my father plenty before, but never with such conviction.
My father glares at me, the vein on his temple ready to pop. His jaw is so tight, he must be swallowing his enamel by now.
Ignoring me, he turns to Liam. “Do you know each other?”
“Of course,” Liam responds, sharp. Final. “We’ve been dating for a few months.”
My father’s fist descends on the table, the cutlery rattling. “Why did I not know this?” he roars at my brothers.
All of them stare at their plates.
“You know now, Victor, and I hope we have your blessing,” Liam says nonchalantly. “You can discuss the details with my father, but if you don’t mind, we will take our leave. Roxy has an important meeting tomorrow morning.”
I widen my eyes.
“An important meeting?” Father scoffs.
“You didn’t tell them, sweetheart?” Liam kisses my hand again. Since when did he become such a comedian? I don’t know anymore whether to thank him orbe mad at him. “Roxy is being named as the fourth Merged partner tomorrow.”
Now all eyes snap to me. My heart beats in my chest like a spooked horse. The pride in Liam’s voice, the scoff on my father’s face, the surprise on Rowan’s, the excitement in Tee’s eyes… it all brings heat to my cheeks.
