Page 4 of Liberty
I looked over at him finally as I asked, “What does that mean?”
He laughed now. “They don’t hide anything. What you see is what you get. They are also strong and determined and that’s why you are here.”
I felt immediately confused. What did that have to do with me being here? “What?” I asked.
He took a bite of his meatloaf and hummed as if he enjoyed the flavor. Swallowing, he replied, “If Justice wasn’t so damned bullheaded, he wouldn’t have ridden in that car trunk and almost got blown up just to rescue a girl that didn’t even want his help in the first place.”
I stared at him. “Scarlet didn’t want his help?”
“Not really, but then she changed her mind when she realized it was probably a trap. I am referring to you not wanting to be rescued.”
“Me?” I shook my head. “What does it have to do with me?”
“It was ALL about you!” he exclaimed. “Saving you. Man, she was a mess while thinking about how you might be hurt. She had kept it all to herself because she was so afraid to tell anyone. Then the whole time, you were all setup at a five star hotel with room service.”
I sucked in a breath and dropped my fork onto my plate. “That is unfair!”
“Really?” He took a sip of his iced tea and set it down. “Were you or were you not, hiding out in a hotel room? Did you get room service every day? Did you get wined and dined by a man who only wanted to use you?”
My mouth hung open in shock. “How dare you!”
“How dare I what?” he retorted.
“Accuse me of…of…”
“Yes?” Liberty replied. “What would you call it, Belle?”
I felt like slapping him, or tossing my tea into his smug face. I was literally speechless at his accusation.
“Oh?” He chuckled. “Nothing to say for once? It was a scheme Deacon hatched up and you played along. That is what happened.”
I slid my chair back as I stood and glared down at him. “You are a douchebag, do you realize that?” I cocked my head at him. “A big mouthed, opinionated douchebag.” I then paused as I heard no sounds at the dining table now. I slowly looked around.
Every pair of eyes in the room was on me.
Oh, wow.I suddenly realized I’d fallen right into their game as I heard sniggers and chuckling from his brothers.
“Belle?”
I looked a few seats down until I spotted her.
My mom stared at me. “What on earth?” she asked.
I felt my face flame as I was definitely a spectacle now as at least twenty people all stared at me. “This man needs to be taught some social skills. His mouth runs but his brain doesn’t work very well.” I set my napkin down on the table.
Some of the men in the room laughed at my comment.
Liberty now stood from his chair and looked right at me. “Just because I told the truth? That means I’m rude and stupid?”
“You said it, boy. It was stupid to make it sound like I was guilty of scheming to hurt someone and it was downright rude to say that I didn’t care what Scarlet went through. You twisted everything to make it the truth as you see it.” I braced my hands onto my hips. “I cared enough about her to leave my job and the life I had in order to save her. I am not this cold blooded bitch you have painted me to be, Mr.Douchebag.” I raised my chin at him and then headed away from him and the dining room.
I went out into the main room. Since everyone was at the table, I had the area to myself and that was just great with me.
“Belle!”
I let out a frustrated breath and turned around.
My mother was heading over to me with my drink and plate in her hands. “Baby girl, you didn’t even finish your dinner.” She motioned me to one of the tables they had there for guests. Setting my food and tea onto the table, she pulled out a chair and sat down.
