Page 134 of A Very Merry Enemy
“I always have,” he tells her. “As weird as it is, you two were always meant to be together. Anyone with eyes can see that.” Sammy’s expression softens. “If Dominic tries anything—and I mean anything—you tell me. Lucas isn’t the only one who’ll protect you.”
“Thanks, Sammy,” Holiday says, moving to her brother and hugging him.
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t get all emotional on me.” He squeezes her.
“And what if I told you I gave Lucas my virginity?” she asks, and my mouth twitches.
Sammy’s jaw tightens as he looks between us. “What the fuck?”
The silence draws on.
“Yeah, I thought I might go ahead and rip that Band-Aid off since we’re here together,” Holiday says, her arms still around her brother.
Sammy slowly turns his head to look at me. His expression is unreadable, but I can see the calculation happening behind his eyes.
“What the fuck, Lucas,” he says, pointing at me.
“Yeah, so about that,” I confirm, not moving.
He releases Holiday and takes a step toward me. Then another. His hands ball into fists at his sides.
I don’t move, just wait for whatever’s coming.
Sammy gets right in my face, close enough that I can see the vein pulsing in his temple. He draws his fist back like he’s about to punch me.
I don’t even blink.
His fist stops an inch from my face. We stare at each other for a long moment.
Then Sammy drops his hand and steps back, shaking his head. “That explains a lot.”
“What does?” Holiday asks.
“Why you were both so fucking weird when I got home from camp.” Sammy runs his hand through his hair. “Why you”—he points at me—“couldn’t move on. And why you”—he points at Holiday—“always asked about Lucas when you were engaged to someone else.”
Holiday touches the silver star at her throat instinctively.
“You were both each other’s…first?” Sammy looks at me.
“Yeah,” I say.
Sammy takes a step back. “I’m shook.”
“Sammy—” Holiday starts.
“No, I want to know. When did this happen?”
“Fourth of July,” I tellhim.
Sammy stares at me. “So, all that talk about some tourist was a fucking lie?”
“Look. I made him promise not to tell anyone. Not even you,” Holiday says. “So, if you’re pissed at someone?—”
“Bros before hoes,” Sammy says.
Holiday scoffs. “I am not a ho! What the hell!”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” I offer. “It’s weird to talk about with you.”
