Page 224 of Now and Forever

“No!” I shrieked. “Don’t do that. I’m not going to have someone’s unhappiness on my hands.”

His confession beyond panicked me, so much so that I was ready to spout whatever lies I had to in order to sway his belief. I knew it was wrong, and I had already made up my mind where he was concerned. I couldn’t backtrack now. I had to see it through until the very end.

Hiding the pain in my heart, I sought his eyes, hoping he would see there was nothing special between us. “Besides, I don’t like you like that. I mean, it was fine before, you know. It was fun, but it meant nothing.”

Discernibly, he was offended by my rational reasoning.

“So it was just a game to you, then?” he hissed in pure disbelief.

My heart thudded so loudly it rang in my ears. I knew I was in uncharted territory, but I had already pulled the trigger, and it had shot through his skin, resulting in his wounded pride. There was no going back after this.

As calmly as I could, I murmured, “Sort of, yeah.” Although it hurt me to say such horrible lies, I felt as if it was justified, as if his momentary pain would eventually be for a good cause for everyone involved.

He observed everything that crossed my eyes, my face. “Why do I get the feeling you’re lying to me, Serena?”

I was guilty. I knew it; he knew it, but I would never admit to it. If I had to stick to my lies and appear to be the biggest liar of all, then so be it.

Standing my ground, I barely blinked as I prepared myself to keep lying through my teeth. “Think what you like, but if you don’t have anything work-related for me, it’s best I go. Good day, Mr. Elliot,” I huffed out before sending him one last look. Then I spun on my heels and exited his office with fake bravado.

My body shook as I strutted back towards my desk. However, before I could even warm my seat, my phone beeped, indicating a message from Archer Elliot.

“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, feeling as though I couldn’t catch a break from these brothers.

Unlocking my phone, I tapped on the text.

Can you be my date tomorrow night?

I was surprised he didn’t sound pissed off since I hadn’t sought him out after I left Cruz in the basement. Truth be told, I was such a wreck afterwards that I took a sleeping pill and decided to sleep the rest of the night away.

What’s happening tomorrow night?

It’s my mother’s birthday. No one informed you?

I wouldn’t have asked if I had known. Besides, I had been avoiding the people around the house, even the lovely Anne, because I felt too ashamed for keeping a secret from all of them where Cruz was concerned.

Tapping my reply, I took a steady breath before hitting send.

No, not really.

My phone beeped in less than a minute.

So is that a yes? Maybe? I’m not settling for no. I’m kind of a nice asshole like that.

His reply made me grin. Unlike Cruz, who seemed to have a sexy fixation with his brooding, which was so fucking sexy and suited him…

God.I had to stop thinking about him before he decided to break off his engagement with Ivy. This was the best route to go. It wasn’t as if Archer was a second choice. He was just harmless fun.

Yes, asshole. It’s a yes.

My choice was made. There was no going back. After all, it was his mother’s birthday. How bad could this turn out?

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