Page 47 of Icebound Attraction

I really don't get it. Am I really concerned by his sudden heroic and protective attitude?

It's definitely too much for me. I must leave.

As I make my way back to my room, my heart pounding, I send a message to Maddie and Cassy to let them know I am home. I say that my period has just come without warning and that I don't feel up to dancing anymore. Cassy replies that she'll probably spend the night at Maddie's so as not to disturb me if I'm asleep.

Once I'm alone, I turn over what's happened in every direction, struggling to sleep.

***

When I wake up, I'm still angry.

What possessed Liam to hit Lucas?

Without his intervention, I don't know how the whole thing would have ended. But all he had to do was stop the moment he pulled me to safety. There was no point in breaking his nose...

I look at my phone to check the time and see two missed calls and a message from him.

* Em, how are you? Can we talk?

I wrinkle my nose. It's absolutely too early for this, so I duck back under my blanket.

After a few minutes of staring frustratedly ahead, I hear the key in the door and Maddie and Cassy's voices. I sigh silently and extricate myself from the blanket that envelops me like a second skin.

When they see me, they greet me in chorus.

“Hi there!”

“Hi,” I grumble back.

“Oh, someone's in a bad mood,” says Maddie with a smile, and Cassy laughs heartily too.

Without a word, I drag myself to the kitchenette and make myself a coffee.

“Is it your period that's making you suffer?” asks Cassy sympathetically.

I feel guilty about my lie and sigh.

“I lied to you yesterday. I'm fine. No cycle on the horizon!”

Maddie and Cassy look at me quizzically, their faces both curious and worried.

“During our dance, Lucas became intrusive. He followed me when I went to sit down, even though I wanted to put some distance between us. It was really scary... Then Liam saw fit to step in and make a scene,” I continue.

“Wait... Liam? Like Liam Scott, the super-sexy captain of the hockey team?” asks Cassy, raising her eyebrows.

I nod.

“He didn't just intervene, in fact... He hit Lucas...”

Maddie exclaims, wide-eyed.

“They were both separated by security guards. It was too much for me, so I decided to go home,” I finish, hoping they won't ask me any more questions.

“Two sexy men fought over you, and you're only telling us now, like you're telling us about your trip to the library! Well, it's not as exciting to know that Lucas is a pervert and an asshole, though...” advances Cassy.

“You were having a good time and I didn't want to spoil your evening,” I say, sipping my coffee.

Maddie looks at me skeptically.

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