an asked carefully. Normally, he wou

iked standing right there,

ng's wron

er the place. What right did he have to be this ag

e played along - otherwise, she might've really

e of red, nearly purple, as he stoo

lling me to be serious

ore he could finish, his

serious - that's being reckless! All you see is her pretty face. What else do you even kno

kind of person," Fiona cut i

like he was trying to be the wise elder. "I'm just saying,

me try? People attract people like themselves - and if she's close with so

still firm, almos

y n

said so.

g bro was always strict, sure, b

le type - someone Ryan looked up to and admir

out of line. That harshness lit a flame in Ryan, and in one burst of

Liam's great, sure, he looks like you and acts like you, but he's not your real brother. I am.

ing called out like that made something click for him - maybe he had been a bit unreasonable

And the idea of her being with his o

dy had a boyfriend, that's the only reason I said

I had no idea. Where did you hear t

-she's beautiful," Lucian replied

had to be doing it on purpose, trying to stir up trouble

by lightning. That wasn't just a flimsy excuse

nd, right?" Lucian ignored Ryan

y no, he'd make

n had already asked Fiona, who'd s

ke the worry-what if F

o, but knew that'd be giving Lucian what he wanted. If sh

o dodge the ques

take care of. I need to go. See you gu

his feet too. No way he was stayin

ello thing-he could ha

anks," Ariella r

we can still be friends, right? A proper gu

cian and I have to head home anyway-we can

laying the gentleman. Ariella couldn't refuse

expression went ice co

la sat stiffly, her mood heavy. She kn

Is that okay?" Ry

end," she said firmly. She didn

Fiona

oesn't

er said. It's my life, and who I date has nothing to d

ss-related?" Ariella asked before she could stop herself

olved. But they love each othe

Ariella's phone buzz

ing for me in t