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More composed, my ass.

“For now, I’ll allow it.” He releases me roughly, and I hit the wall again, properly chastised. His glare could cut diamonds. “But don’t get any wrong ideas. I promised her, and I always keep my promises. Even if it means she’s getting with a Barron and having to hold back my brother.”

“I take it as a compliment.”

“What is it about you cocky Barrons?” His tone drips with disdain.

The guy’s a real piece of work, but I can’t blame him for being protective of his sister. I’d do the same in his shoes.

“Look, man.” I straighten my shirt. “I get it. You don’t trust me. Hell, you probably think I’m just another spoiled rich kid looking for a good time. But that’s not what this is.”

Levi raises an eyebrow. “We’ll see. Enjoy your party.” He strides off into the darkness.

Well, that was terrifying. I can’t deny the guy has a presence. Despite his lean build, he radiates menace like a feral wolf. Now I understand why Lil doesn’t mention them.

One thing’s for sure—they’re watching. Do they have someone following her?

She has no idea the secrets being kept from her, the lengths her own family will go to supposedly ‘protect’ her. She deserves to know the truth.

Still, I meant what I said. Lil will remain ignorant about her past as long as she doesn’t want to discover it herself. She’s been through enough already. I want to shield her from further pain, not cause more. Levi doesn’t trust me, but I’ll prove myself in time.

She deserves happiness, love, and all the things she’s been denied. I intend to give them to her. Everything.

Brandon nudges my shoulder. “Who was that guy?”

“Nobody important.” I wave him off. “Let’s go.” I got a princess to kidnap.

“Ah, yes.” He rubs his hands together. “The glorious celebration awaits.”

The party is in full swing by the time we arrive, pulsing bass and drunken shouts spilling onto the front lawn. The living room is packed, and my teammates clap me on the back, congratulating me for the win. I nod and walk past them because I just want to have my princess.

Where is she? My mood sours at the prospect of facing a Lil-less celebration.

“Drinks are in the kitchen. I’m gonna find Naomi.” Brandon winks before disappearing into the crowd.

With an aggravated sigh, I head to the kitchen and fix myself a drink. May as well take the edge off if the night won’t improve.

I down the tequila, the burning warmth chasing away my cares and the tension in my shoulders.

Did Levi intervene?

I’m contemplating another shot when Brandon returns with Naomi in tow. She’s got her signature scowl, and Brandon’s grinning like he’s won the lottery.

“Well, well, look at that.” I pour them each a drink.

“Don’t.” Naomi jerks her thumb at Brandon. “He’s following me like a lost puppy.”

He clutches his chest in mock hurt. “Ouch, cupcake. I thought we had something special.”

“Special, huh? Is that what you call stalking now?” Naomi takes a swig of her drink.

“It’s not stalking if you enjoy the attention,” Brandon says.

Naomi mostly acts like she doesn’t like Brandon, but she does. Not even she can resist his charm, he always had a way with women.

These two have been flirting for months. It’s about time they accept and roll with it.

Speaking of… Where the hell is Lil? I shoot her a quick text.

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