Chapter Twenty Seven
1110 Words
The door chimes softly as we exit, the air outside feeling charged.
"That was awkward." Liam shakes his head, frustration lining his features.
"Yeah, but I'm not letting her ruin our day." I glance up at him.
"We'll find somewhere else," Liam replies, his jaw set. "What do you feel like doing?"
"How about that ice cream place we passed?" I suggest, a smile breaking through the tension.
Liam's eyes light up. "You mean the one with the crazy flavours?"
"Exactly. I need a sugar rush after that encounter."
"Let's get going before she spots us again."
Liam leads the way, striding purposefully down the sidewalk, the warmth of the afternoon sun flooding over us.
"I can't believe she had the audacity to just waltz in like that," I mutter, shaking my head at the audacity of Poppy.
"She loves a scene. Ignore her," Liam replies, his eyes narrowing slightly with focus.
As we approach the ice cream shop, the sweet fragrance of waffle cones wafts through the air, coaxing a smile from my lips.
"Once I get my hands on a scoop of mint chocolate chip, I'll forget all about her."
Liam chuckles. "You're on a mission, aren't you?"
"You know it," I say, stepping inside the shop.
"Alright then, what's your flavour?" he asks, his gaze scanning the colourful display. "I'll take the mint chocolate chip," I announce, determination lacing my voice.
Liam smirks, glancing at the whimsical selection. "I'm going adventurous—give me that lavender, honey."
The server hands us our ice cream.
"You have to try mine. It will blow your mind," he says as he digs into his cone.
He brings the ice cream towards me, and then he smears it across my nose.
"Heyyyyy," I scream
"Not fair." I giggle
I wipe the ice cream of my face and taste it with my finger.
"Oooo, that is nice."
Liam bursts into laughter, his bright eyes dancing.
"You still have some on your nose,"
Oh, um, this is embarrassing.
He leans closer and wipes it off with his sleeve.
I see my chance and shove my ice cream in his face.
Liam gasps, the cold treat splattering across his cheeks.
"Really?" he laughs, wiping the remnants away.
"Consider it payback," I declare, grinning wide.
"War declared, then," he replies, eyes sparkling with challenge.
"Bring it on," I retort, heart racing with exhilaration.
I start to run, laughter spilling from my lips as I glance back at him, eager to see his reaction.
"Hey, you can't escape that easily!" Liam shouts, his competitive grin igniting my adrenaline.
I dart around the corner, the thrill of the chase pulsing through me, i run straight into the triplets. f**k my life, not now.
I skid to a halt, ice cream cone barely steady in my hand.
"Well, well, if it isn't the runaway princess," Brett sneers, folding his arms.
"What's wrong? Ice cream too messy for you?" Miles chimes in, a mock grin plastered on his face.
I take a step back, glaring at them. "What do you want?"
Jax shrugs, glancing between us. "Just enjoying the show."
"Yeah? Can't this be a solo act?" I shoot back, heart racing.
Liam steps up beside me, a protective stance tightening the air between us. "Leave her alone."
Brett's smirk falters, and I brace for their next move.
Brett narrows his eyes, leaning closer.
"You really think you can protect her, Liam?"
Liam stands firm, chin raised. "She does need protection from you."
Jax smirks, a hint of mischief glinting in his gaze. "Aw, how sweet."
Liam shifts his weight, muscles tensing.
"Don't get cocky," he warns, voice low.
Brett shrugs, stepping closer. "What's she to you, anyway?"
"Someone worth fighting for," Liam replies, eyes locked on Brett.
Underneath the tension, I feel a surge of strength.
I swear I see eyes glowing again, I think I'm going mad.
"STOP IT," I yell, shocking myself.
The words echo between us, halting the standoff.
Brett raises an eyebrow, surprise flickering in his gaze.
Liam stands tall beside me, a fierce determination in his eyes.
"I'm done letting you bully people, especially me," I add, resolve, hardening my voice.
"You put on this act when you're around your brothers, Brett. You seem to have multiple personalities."
Jax sniggers , I shoot him a look, " and you, your no different acting all sweet to me the other day."
"You all need to leave me alone," I say whilst pointing at each of them.
"Sure, if you want to forget, you ever knew us," Miles taunts, stepping closer.
"You're not that important," I fire back, heart racing as Liam shifts protectively by my side.
"We're all just kids, right?" Jax smirks, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"We're see you around Liam." Brett sneers.
Liam clenches his jaw, ready to retaliate.
"Don't think you can just walk away," he warns, his voice steady but low.
I step closer, glancing at him. "Let them go. We have our own lives to live."
Liam nods, resolve hardening.
Wow what a day, this f*****g town doesn't give you one minute of peace.
"You reckon they'll actually leave us alone now?" I ask, scanning the sidewalk for any lingering shadows.
Liam shrugs, a flicker in his eyes. "For now, but let's keep moving."
We pull up outside Rose's, he unclips my seat belt and pulls me in for a kiss.
The warmth of his lips sends a spark through me, igniting the tension from earlier.
"Wow," I breathe, pulling back slightly.
"Just wanted to remind you I've got your back," he replies, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "I'll text you" he says as I hop out of his truck.
I just smile and nod, oh gods what a day.
The moment I step inside, the warmth of Rose's laughter floats through the air, easing the tension from earlier.
"Mauve! How was your day?" she calls, glancing up from the kitchen where the rich scent of baking fills the room.
"Eventful," I reply, shaking my head as I plop onto a stool. "You won't believe the chaos." Rose glances up, wiping her hands on a dishcloth. "Chaos? What did you get into this time?"
"I ran into the triplets. Brett was breathing down my neck."
Her eyes widen. "Seriously? Did they say anything?"
"Just the usual nonsense. But then Liam—" "—stepped in and defended me," I continue, the warmth of his presence lingering in my mind.
Rose beams. "Good for him! Sounds like he's serious about you."
I nod, a smile creeping onto my face. "I hope so" I mutter to myself.
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