Page 31 of Liberty
Taking in our shocked expressions and our breathless silence, her brows rose then she smiled at us. “Dinner is on, but I can see you two finally answered a different bell. It’s ‘bout time… yessiree, it’s ‘bout time.” She grabbed a box of extra forks from the shelf and left.
We slowly turned and looked at each other.
Then with a gasp, Belle rushed out of the pantry like her panties were on fire.
I slowly smiled because I knew they really were on fire…for me. God damnit! I wasn’t sure how to feel about this. Except I was hard as nails and I needed to face the fact that I wanted this girl in the worst way. Swiping my hand downward from my forehead to my chin, I let out a long breath.
The fuck was that?
I paced for a minute or two in the pantry then took a deep breath and left, heading to the dining room.
When I got there, I spotted Belle sitting next to her sister. The seat on the other side of her was empty, so I headed right over. Then I pulled up as Fate sat in that very seat.
Looking up at me, he grinned.
I found myself wondering why I hadn't kicked his ass lately. I sat next to him on the other side as I knew Justice would want the seat next to Scarlet. I noticed Belle did not look up when I came by, nor had she spoken a word. Well, that was fine by me. I needed time to process that kiss first, before I even said a word to her, or anyone else for that matter.
Of course, no one told Fate about this. “So, where were you?” he asked in a sly tone.
“In the pantry,” I replied honestly.
He opened his mouth to speak.
Raising my napkin, I flapped it out, cutting him off. “Not a word, Fate.”
He shook his head.
I set the napkin on my lap. Then I filled my plate. I poured myself some sweet tea and I proceeded to enjoy my dinner.
Fate had tried to speak to me a few times, but every time he opened his mouth, I would jab a fork at him or raise my glass to his face.
Finally, I was done eating and I turned to him. “Ok, so what is it that you have to say now?”
He turned his head and glared at me, then he drank from his tea glass.
I chuckled. “Come on Fate, don’t pout. It’s not masculine, ya know?” I teased.
He scoffed. “You are about to get a serious ass kicking and you don’t even care.”
“Is that true?” Belle asked Fate. “I mean isn’t Liberty BBA or something?”
“It is MMA,” I corrected her as I laughed.
“All I know is that it is always abbreviated,” Belle said with a shrug. “UF this or WW that. But I don't care right now.” Sheleaned forward so she could see me better. “I don’t want you to get hurt over me Liberty.”
I shook my head at her. “I need him to apologize to you, Belle. He had no right to accuse you of being selfish or any of that other shit he said.”
“It isn’t worth it, Liberty,” she replied.
“It is to me,” I grumbled.
“Besides, he can't back down now, Belle,” Fate informed her. “He would break the man-code and look like a chicken shit.”
“Gee Fate, make up your damn mind, will ya?” I said in disgust. “You have been trying to talk me out of it for an hour. Then now you are telling me I can't back out?”
“Timing, brother. You just had to shut me up during the time we coulda backed outta this. Now, you’ve let it sit in. No going back.”
I laughed. “I’m kidding anyway. I don't plan on backing out.”
