Page 23 of Teased By My Roommate

It was great to hear her laugh, even for a few seconds, but then her expression became stony again. "So you can see why I can't let them find me," she said. "I'm not going to be a pawn in my mother's weird manipulative games. I don't think that's how society is supposed to work, and her insular group of friends doesn't interest me in the slightest."

"I understand. My family are extra opinionated and constantly digging into my business. But that's only a shred of what it seems like you must have gone through."

I pulled into the parking lot behind our building.

"I'm so sorry it was so bad for you, baby."

Lila shook her head, sending her hair cascading around her face. "Just before I left, there was a screaming match. Mom said that I had to get in line, or else." She hesitated, biting her lip. "That was three months ago. I haven't spoken to any of them since."

"We can find a way to fix this," I said.

"I don't see how." Those big, beautiful eyes were full of tears.

I went around to help her out of the truck, but she would only take my hand for a split second before dashing into the apartment and her bedroom.

Once again, I made dinner and left her some, then hid out in my own room, brainstorming how to make things right.

When a text came in, I grabbed my phone eagerly, but it was just Dad sending me the full details of tomorrow night's party.

A plan began to form. After what my poor angel had been through, I could understand that she might never want to be among those people again. But it might be the best thing for us.

I just had to convince her to put us first, and trust me completely.

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