Chapter 41 Bait and Switch

Chapter 41 Bait and Switch
Chapter 41

Liam

The engine of my Mustang growled as I tore away from the curb, leaving Daisy’s shrinking figure in my rearview mirror. My hands gripped the leather steering wheel tight, knuckles turning white.

I felt... something. A flicker of something that felt dangerously like guilt, but I shoved it down. I was Liam Martinez. I didn't do guilt. I did win. And right now, the bet was the only scoreboard that mattered.

I didn't head back to the mansion. Instead, I punched in the GPS for the Heights. I needed to see the architect of that little locker surprise.

The Garden Meeting

Tiffany’s apartment complex was the kind of place where the air smelled like expensive perfume and old money. I didn't bother calling. I just pulled into the private lot and headed up.

To my surprise, Mr. Thompson’s silver Porsche was in the driveway. Great.

The "King of Real Estate" was home. I smoothed my features, shifting into the 'Golden Boy' persona that everyone expected.
"Liam!

Good to see you, son," Mr. Thompson boomed as I stepped into the foyer.

"Looking for Tiff? She’s out back. Butler!"

A silent man in a crisp suit appeared and gestured toward the glass doors leading to the garden. I nodded politely, playing the part of the perfect boyfriend-to-be.

The garden was an oasis of blue water and white marble. Tiffany was in the pool, floating on a designer raft, sipping something bright pink through a straw. She looked like a queen surveying her kingdom.

The butler cleared his throat. "Miss Thompson, Mr. Martinez is here."

Tiffany slid her oversized sunglasses down her nose, a slow smirk spreading across her face. She stood up, the water glistening off her skin, and stepped out to wrap a damp towel around her waist. She walked over and threw her arms around my neck.

"Liam," she purred, her lips finding mine.

I kissed her back. It was practiced. Familiar. But for a split second, I thought of the way Daisy had looked on the pavement.

Shielded.

I pushed the thought away and sat down on a lounge chair.

"You know, Tiffany?" I said, my voice smooth.

"I didn't know you had such a great way of doing things."

Tiffany sat across from me, crossing her legs.

"Well, you know me, Liam. I always get the job done. I saw the way you were looking at that... girl at school.

I figured she needed a little reminder of where she belongs."

"The photo was a nice touch," I lied, leaning forward with a shark-like grin.

"But you almost blew it. She’s spooked, Tiff. If she quits tutoring me now, I lose my leverage. My dad is already breathing down my neck about my grades."

"Oh, please," Tiffany said, rolling her eyes.

"She’s a nerd. She’ll do whatever you say if you give her a little attention. Just keep playing the hero.

It makes it so much more delicious when we finally crush her."

"Exactly," I said, my eyes cold. "She’s coming over tonight. I’m going to make her believe that you are the villain and I am her only protector.

By the time I’m done, she’ll be so deep in love with me she won't even see the floor falling out from under her."

Tiffany laughed, a sharp, brittle sound.

"God, you’re a devil, Liam. I love it."



I made it back to the mansion just as the sun was dipping below the horizon. I didn't go to my room.

I went straight to the library, pulling out my textbooks and scattering some notes to make it look like I’d been working for hours.

I heard the heavy oak door creak open. Daisy stood there, her backpack slung over one shoulder, her expression still that impenetrable mask.

"You’re late," I said, not looking up from my notebook.

"I didn't realize we were on a schedule," she replied, her voice clipped. She sat down across from me, the air between us thick with tension.

I waited. I let the silence stretch until it was uncomfortable. Then, I closed my book and looked at her. I softened my eyes. I made sure my posture looked defeated, not aggressive.

"I went to see her," I whispered.

Daisy paused, her hand frozen over her highlighter. "Tiffany?"

"I told her to stay away from you," I said, putting as much 'sincerity' into my voice as I could muster. "I told her that if she ever touches your locker again or sends another threat, we’re done for good. Not just as a couple, but as friends. Everything."

Daisy’s eyes searched mine. I could see the gears turning. She wanted to believe me.

Every girl at Oakwood wanted to believe that the bad boy would change for them. She was smart, but she wasn't immune to hope.

"Why do you care, Liam?" she asked, her voice trembling just a fraction.

"Why go to all that trouble for the girl you used to call 'The Blob' in freshman year?"

I winced a fake, perfectly timed flinch.

"Because I was an idiot, Daisy. Because seeing you stand your ground against my dad... seeing you actually care if I pass or fail... it changed things."

I reached across the table, my fingers just grazing the back of her hand. She didn't pull away this time.

"I know I’ve been a monster," I continued, lowering my voice to a husky, intimate tone.

"But give me a chance to be better. Let me protect you from her. Just... stay with me. For the tutoring. For everything."

Daisy looked down at our hands. I could see the walls cracking. She was falling for the 'Hero Liam' act hook, line, and sinker.

"Okay," she whispered.

"Good," I smiled. It was my best 'nice guy' smile.

Inside, my heart was a block of ice. I was already thinking about the victory party after the championship. I was thinking about the moment I’d stand on the stage, take the money from Marcus, and tell the whole school that the 'romance' with the house tutor was nothing but a long con joke.

I’d win the bet. I’d win the girl. And then, I’d destroy her.

"Let's get to work," I said, opening my math book.

"I really need to understand these functions."

"Actually," Daisy said, her voice regaining some of its strength.

"They're called limits, Liam."

"Right," I chuckled, leaning back.

"Limits. Show me where they end, Daisy. I’m dying to know."

I watched her start to explain the problems, her hazel eyes lighting up with that nerdy passion she had.

She looked almost pretty when she was focused. It was almost a shame I had to ruin her.

But a bet was a bet. And in the Martinez house, we didn't just play the game.

We won it at any cost.