Chapter 6
“She deserved it. You only rate that I hit her, but don’t you want to know why? If it weren’t for
“Enough!” Before I could finish, 13am’s hand cracked across my face.
R
My cheek burned like fire, blood pooled at the corner of my mouth, and my ears rang like someone had struck a bell next to my head.
Liam had clearly put his full strength behind that slap.
Riley…”
After hitting me, Liam seemed shocked by his own action.
few seconds later, regret flashed in his eyes, and he instinctively moved forward to check my injury.
ut the moment I sensed his intention, I reflexively stepped back.
stared at him hard, refusing to let my tears fall.
hat slap had shattered any remaining feelings I had for him.
iam froze in place, his movement suspended.
oey had been enjoying the sight of me getting slapped.
ut when she noticed the regret in Liam’s eyes, her scheming mind quickly hatched a plan.
Ugh…” Zoey doubled over, clutching her stomach with a pained groan.
hat single sound of distress instantly reclaimed Liam’s attention.
Liam…” Zoey’s voice was barely audible as her body conveniently collapsed right into Liam’s arms.
iam’s face filled with panic.
Think about what you’ve done,” he snapped at me before scooping Zoey up and rushing toward the emergency room.
What he didn’t see was how the supposedly unconscious woman in his arms turned her head back toward me, her lips curving into a smug smile as she silently
mouthed a few words.
You lose, Riley.”
he was right.
had lost. Completely and utterly.
ut so what?
rom the moment I discovered Liam’s betrayal, I’d already decided I was done with him.
ack home, I started packing.
mportant things went into my suitcase. Everything else went straight into the trash.
ust as I was about to leave the place I’d called home for three years, Liam returned.
Does your face still hurt?”
‘I’m sorry. I lost control back there.”
‘But no matter what, you shouldn’t have hit her.”
Liam’s voice had returned to its usual gentle tone, his eyes full of concern yet somehow reproachful.
As if I were the one who’d done something wrong.
When he reached out to touch my swollen cheek, I slapped his hand away.
1 laughed bitterly. “I see Zoey’s feeling better.”
Why else would Liam have the time or inclination to worry about my injury?
“Riley, how can you be so cold blooded? Whatever else, she’s still your half–sister,” Liam sald with a disapproving frown,
“I don’t have a sister,” I cut him off sharply before he could finish.
I glared at him, my chest heaving with anger.
Liam knew damn well how much I hated Zoey and her mother.
My fierce reaction only made Liam more frustrated: “I see you still haven’t recognized your mistake.”
“Stay home and think about what you did. I won’t be back for a while. When you’re ready to grow up and apologize to Zoey, let me know.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” I said, ice in my voice.
“Unbelievable,” Liam muttered, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the walls.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.