Chapter 7 A Dangerous Joke

• MILENE
• Rina got up from the couch and came toward us. “I was only joking, for heaven’s sake!” she said, trying to step between Liam and me, but Adrian caught her wrist and pulled her back.
• Jake stood by the door, watching without getting involved. Amelia’s eyes were wide as she took in the scene. “Let go of me, or I’ll break your fingers,” Rina snapped.
• Adrian lifted his hands in surrender, a grin on his face. “Come on,” Liam said, placing his hand on my lower back. I swallowed, trying not to react. If he noticed, he said nothing.
• “Which one is your room?”
• My heart skipped a beat as I pointed to the door on the left. Liam guided me in that direction, ignoring Rina’s protests. “I’ll tell Dad! You can’t do this!”
• We walked into my room, and Liam shut the door. I felt so afraid at that moment. Rina shouldn’t have said those things.
• Before he could say anything, I blurted, “Rina was just kidding. I haven’t even kissed anyone, I swear.”
• My face flushed with embarrassment, but I didn’t want Liam to get upset over something that wasn’t true. His gray eyes held mine with intensity. “I know.”
• My mouth fell open. “Oh. Then why are you upset?”
• “Do I seem upset to you?”. I decided not to answer. He smirked. “You don’t know me that well.”
• “That’s not my fault,” I mumbled. He touched my chin, and I froze. “You’re like a frightened deer caught by a wolf.” He didn’t realize how close he was to my real thoughts.
• “I’m not going to hurt you.” I must have shown my doubt because he laughed, leaning his head closer to mine.
• “What are you doing?” I whispered, nervous.
• Liam’s eyes held mine as he spoke. “I’m not going to touch you tonight, if that’s what’s worrying you. I can wait a few more days. I’ve already waited three years.”
• I could hardly believe he’d said that out loud.
• Yes, I knew what people expected on the night of a wedding, but a small part of me had almost believed Liam wasn’t interested in me in that way. “You called me a child the last time we talked about this,” I whispered.
• “But you’re not a child anymore,” Liam replied, a confident smirk on his face. His mouth was just inches from mine. “You’re making this difficult. I can’t kiss you when you give me that look.”
• “Maybe I should save that look for our wedding night,” I teased, testing his reaction.
• “Then maybe I’ll need to take you from behind so I won’t have to see it,” he said with a hint of mischief.
• The playful smile dropped from my face as I stepped back, hitting the wall behind me.
• Liam sighed and shook his head. “Relax. I was just joking,” he said in a softer tone. “I’m not a monster.”
• “Aren’t you?” I whispered, regretting the question as soon as it slipped out. His eyes grew cold, and he straightened up, looking taller and more imposing.
• I wished I hadn’t said it, even if it was true. “I wanted to talk about your security,” he said, his voice void of emotion.
• “When you move into my penthouse after the wedding, Nero and Jake will be in charge of your protection. Until then, Jake will stay by your side.”
• “Jackson’s already with me,” I argued. Liam shook his head. “Apparently, Jackson’s been taking too many bathroom breaks. Jake will not leave your side from now on.”
• “Will he stand guard when I take a shower too?” I asked, sarcasm lacing my voice. “If I want him to.” I lifted my chin, trying to hold back my frustration. “You would let another man see me without clothes?
• You must really trust Jake not to cross the line.”
• Liam’s eyes flashed with anger. “Jake is loyal.” He leaned in closer. “And don’t worry, I’ll be the only one to see you like that. I’m looking forward to it.”
• His eyes looked over me, making me blush. I wrapped my arms around myself and looked away. “What about Amy? She and Rina share this suite with me. You saw how Amelia acts.
• She will flirt with Jake, do anything to get a reaction. She doesn’t understand the risks. I need to know she’s safe.”
• “Jake won’t touch your sister. Amelia is just a playful girl. Jake prefers women who are older and willing.”
• “And you don’t?” I nearly said, but I bit my tongue and nodded instead. My eyes drifted to the bed, and a wave of fear washed over me, reminding me of what was coming.
• “There’s something else. Are you taking birth control?” Liam’s question made my blood run cold. “Of course not,” I replied, feeling my face lose color. Liam’s gaze was unreadable.
• “Your mother might have put you on it to prepare for the wedding.”
• “She would never do that,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “She can’t even talk to me about things like this.” One of Liam’s eyebrows lifted. “But you do know what happens between a man and a woman on their wedding night, right?”
• He was taunting me, the jerk. “I know what normal couples do. In our case, it feels more like force.” Liam’s eyes flashed with something unreadable.
• “You need to start taking these,” he said, handing me birth control.
• “Don’t I need to see a doctor first?”. I asked.
• “We have a doctor who’s been with the family for years. This is from him. Start taking them now; they take two days to be effective.”
• It was hard to believe how serious he was. The thought made my stomach twist. “And if I don’t?”