Part 2The Thorns We Bloom

Messy room. Tangled limbs. I pushed a heavy arm off me. I opened my eyes to see Liam sleeping. Without thinking, I traced the line of his brow. He twitched, then instinctively snuggled closer into my embrace.

I froze. Then, I carefully slid out of bed. My hand had just touched the doorknob when—

"Leaving without a word again?"

I didn't feel embarrassed at being caught. I turned and leaned against the door, watching him. Liam propped himself up on one arm. The sheet fell, revealing his chest.

My eyes darkened. "Do you want me to tuck you in?" "We aren't in that kind of relationship anymore."

He stared at me intensely. I didn't look away. I smiled. His hair was a mess. His voice was lazy, morning-rough. "So what are we?"

I raised an eyebrow. I didn't want to answer. I turned the handle to escape. Liam was across the room in a second. He slammed the door shut with one hand, trapping me. He caged me in his arms.

"Even a call boy gets paid. I get nothing?" His voice vibrated above my head.

I thought for a moment, then stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. The touch lasted a second. Liam's cool hand wrapped around my neck. He kissed me, stealing my breath. His desperate gasps filled the small space.

"Sarah, this is toxic. No couple breaks up and keeps sleeping together like this." His eyes were pleading.

I smirked. "I think it's working out fine. If you think it's toxic, don't unblock me next time."

Liam watched helplessly as I pried his fingers off one by one. I said each word clearly. "I used to think you were the only one for me, too."

He stood frozen. I left without looking back.

Leo was waiting by the car, arms crossed. He took my bag as I walked to the passenger side. "Why torture yourself?"

I looked at him over the hood of the car. I laughed coldly. "I can't handle his mother. Marrying into that family would be hell."

Leo frowned but said nothing. My hand paused on the door handle. I met Liam's gaze across the parking lot.