Page 31 of Claiming Pretty

“Well…” Lisa sighed, leaning back against the pillows. “If those secret society bastards don’t kill you for threatening to expose their asses, I can tell you this much; walking around with those two is going to do it. The girls on campus would gladly dig out your windpipe with their Louboutins just to get close to either of them.”

I barely heard her. Something had distracted me—a distant noise I wasn’t even fully conscious of registering until it sharpened into focus.

Lisa smacked my arm. “Bish, are you even listening to me?”

“Shhh,” I hissed, grabbing her wrist before she could hit me again. “Listen.”

I strained, trying to make sense of what had drawn my attention, but the room was filled with nothing but the muffled sound of Ty and Ciaran’s arguing outside, the creak of the old house settling beneath us, and the faint noise of students returning to campus.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, shaking my head. “I must be getting para—”

The balcony door rattled, the faint scrape of movement shattering the illusion of safety. My breath caught as my eyes darted toward the curtains.

Beyond them, I saw the shadow of a figure, crouched low, their dark clothing blending with the dusk as they bent over the lock.

Someone was trying to break in.

THE SHADOW

As soon as the door to Ava’s bedroom closed behind her and Lisa, I turned to Ty, my fists already clenched at my sides.

The bastard leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, his expression maddeningly composed. He didn’t even have the decency to look guilty.

“So, you manipulated your way in here without telling me,” I said, my voice sharp with anger.

Ty arched an eyebrow, his calm demeanor like a splash of ice water against my fire. “I could say the same about you, brother. Hacking the system? Very subtle.”

“More subtle thanblackmail. Besides, I’m herboyfriend,” I snapped, taking a step forward. “You have no right to be here.”

His lips curled into a faint smirk, and he tilted his head, regarding me like I was something small and amusing. “What Ava and I have is bigger than something labeled as juvenile asboyfriend.”

“You’re delusional,” I said, my voice low and sharp asTy’s presence grated against every nerve I had. “And you have ten seconds to get out.”

Ty didn’t even look at me. Instead, he crossed the room with maddening calm, his eyes scanning the front door. He tested the handle, the lock, and gave it a jiggle, his lips tightening in thought.

“We need a better lock,” he muttered, almost to himself. “This one’s flimsy. Probably wouldn’t hold up to a strong kick.”

I stared at him, my fists clenched, heat rising in my chest. “I’m serious, Ty. Get the fuck out.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said smoothly, his tone dismissive as he moved to the window. He tugged at the latch, checking its sturdiness. “Ava needs me.”

“She doesn’t need you,” I growled, my voice rising with frustration. “I’m protecting her. And when she comes to her fucking senses from whatever brainwashing bullshite you’ve fed her, I’m taking her away from here, just like we planned.”

Ty turned, one brow arched as if amused by my outburst. “You’re not taking Ava anywhere. Butyoufeel free to turn tail and run.”

His words felt like a slap, and anger bubbled to the surface, hot and uncontrollable.

I followed him to the window, practically breathing down his neck. “I’m going to protect her from the Sochai, from her past, and especially fromyou.”

He didn’t flinch, didn’t even meet my glare as he peered out the glass, his gaze sweeping over the grounds. “The windows are too exposed. We’ll need bars here. Something discreet but strong.”

“Are you even listening to me?” I snapped, my voice cracking with fury. “You’re going to get her killed.”

Ty turned his head slightly, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. “Ava doesn’t need protection. Ava is a strong woman who needs someone to fight alongside her.”

“Are you fucking crazy?” I spat. “You’re going to encourage her delusional and frankly suicidal idea of taking down the Sochai?”

“Yes,” he said simply, moving past me and heading for the next window. He opened it, glanced outside, and frowned. “And if you knew what she’s capable of, you wouldn’t be treating her like a helpless child.”

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