In Love With the Enemy’s Son

Chapter 5

Somewhere between days turning into weeks and weeks turning into months, Ryan stopped feeling like a thrill I was chasing or a secret I was protecting.

He started feeling… normal. Not in a boring way. In a way that made me pause one night and realize the crush I’d carried for so long had grown into something else entirely.

I was in love with him.

We had never said it out loud. Not once. Somehow, it felt safer to let it live between us, unspoken but understood. Until the night it finally came out in the most unhinged way possible.

Dinner was barely underway when Dad’s mood shifted. I didn’t need to see his screen to know who it involved.

“They put us next to the Prescotts at the charity gala,” he said, irritation thick in his voice. “Who thought that was acceptable?”

Mom sighed, shaking her head. “We’ll have to request a change. I am not spending an entire evening pretending to be civil with that family.”

I kept my focus on my plate, suddenly very invested in my food, hiding the quiet thrill I shouldn’t have been feeling.

Under the table, I shifted my phone onto my thigh and typed a message to Ryan.

Are you going to the gala?

The reply came almost immediately.

Yeah. You?

Yes.

What color’s your suit?

Black.

I smiled to myself.

Then I’ll match you. I’ll wear a black dress.

There was a pause. Just long enough to make my heart thump.

Then his message appeared.

This is why I love you.

I didn’t rush to answer. I just sat there for a second, holding the phone, letting the words settle. Then Eddy leaned over and snatched the phone before I could lock the screen.

“What are you doing?” he asked, already angling the screen toward himself.

I jumped to my feet. “Give that back.”

He stepped away, holding it just out of reach. “Why are you acting weird? Are you texting a boy?”

“I am not texting anyone,” I snapped. “And you’re my brother, not my parent. Give me my phone.”

I turned toward Mom. “Please talk to your son.”

She glanced up, amused. “Now he’s my son and not your brother?” A small smile tugged at her lips. “Eddy, give your sister her phone.”

Dad didn’t look up. “Both of you should behave.”

Eddy crossed his arms. “Dad, I’m serious. Liora’s hiding something.”

I folded my arms too. “Dad, remember that night Eddy borrowed your car and–”

Eddy’s eyes went wide.

He shoved the phone back into my hand so fast it nearly fell.

I sat down slowly and returned my attention to my plate, keeping my face neutral even as my heart raced.

That had been close.

Across the table, Eddy pointed two fingers at his eyes, then at me, mouthing, I’m watching you.

I smiled sweetly and took another bite.

Under the table, my phone felt heavy against my leg. As much as I wanted to reply to Ryan, I knew it would be careless to touch it again.

After that incident, I stopped pushing my luck.

I pulled back, not because I wanted to. Because Eddy wasn’t joking. And he wasn’t the type to warn twice. I took it seriously.

For the rest of the week, I avoided Ryan at school. I didn’t meet his eyes in the hallways. I didn’t slow my steps when I passed him. No brushing hands. No hiding smiles.

I stayed away from the library. From the orchid tree. From every place we ever felt safe.

Eddy wouldn’t have to look hard. He would notice anything out of place.

So I gave him nothing to find.

The night of the gala arrived.

My parents were still bitter about the seating arrangement, complaining all the way to the venue. I listened without really listening, my mind already on Ryan. On the quiet thrill of knowing we were both wearing black.

When we arrived, the Prescotts were already there.

The tension in the room was thick enough to feel. Polite smiles. Stiff greetings. Old resentment humming beneath expensive music.

I took my seat and kept my gaze forward.

My phone vibrated.

I waited.

Then, carefully, I checked it.

Ryan sent a fire emoji, then a heart.

Damn. You look gorgeous in that dress. Black is officially my favorite color.

I felt it in my face even before I smiled.

You look dashing yourself, I typed back.

Across the room, our eyes met for half a second.

Another vibration.

This time, it was June.

If the way you two keep staring continues, it’ll be a miracle if you leave here without blowing your cover. You’re practically drooling, Liora.

I excused myself to the bathroom, not trusting my expression anymore.

As I stepped out, a hand caught mine and pulled me back inside. The door closed. Ryan didn’t say a word. He just kissed me, covering my mouth, all urgency and restraint tangled together.

When he pulled back, he smiled. “I’ve been wanting to do that since I saw you tonight.”

“You ruined my makeup,” I muttered.

“I’m allowed,” he said easily. “You did it for me.”

I rolled my eyes, a smile sneaking out.

“With or without makeup,” he added, softer now, “I love you.”

I let myself look at him.

“Do you really love me?”

He laughed quietly. “I’ve been in trouble for you for months. What do you think?”

My voice came out quiet. “I love you too.”

His grin turned smug immediately. “Yeah. I know.”

I smacked his hand. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

Voices rose outside the door.

Eddy.

Then Rossy.

They were arguing.

“Why didn’t you wear the dress I bought you?” Eddy demanded.

“Because my cousin got me a better one.”

“Better?” His voice sharpened. “Do you even hear yourself? That dress wasn’t cheap, Rossy.”

“I know,” she replied coolly. “Still not the best.”

“That’s exactly your problem,” Eddy snapped. “Nothing is ever enough for you.”

“Why are you making this a thing?” she cut in. “You always do this.”

“I’m not,” Eddy said, frustration slipping through. “I just wanted it to matter to you.”

She scoffed. “You’re too sensitive. It’s just a dress.”

I stood frozen behind the wall, fingers curling into my palms. I could hear everything, listening as she brushed his feelings aside. And I hated that I couldn’t move.

Eddy went quiet for a moment.

Then his voice dropped. “You’re right. It’s just a dress.”

Footsteps moved away.

Rossy followed after him, calling his name like nothing had happened.

When their footsteps faded, Ryan let out a slow breath. “This,” he said quietly, “is why I think we should stop hiding.”

I didn’t answer right away. He had seen it too, how I’d stiffened, how every part of me had wanted to step out and tear into Rossy for the way she’d spoken to my brother.

“I’ll be leaving for college soon,” he continued. “I don’t want to keep doing this in corners and borrowed minutes.”

The space between us stretched.

I took a breath. “I’ll tell them. On my birthday.”

His eyes searched my face, like he was making sure I meant it. “You promise?”

“Yes.”

We didn’t leave together. Ryan stepped out first, blending back into the noise. I waited, counted a few breaths, then followed.

When I rejoined the room, nothing else held my attention. All I could think about was the line I’d just agreed to cross.

My birthday was only a few days away.

It could turn out to be the happiest birthday of my life, though I highly doubted it.

Or the moment I learned, up close, what heartbreak really feels like at sixteen.