Page 80 of Pretty Threats

I swallow, trying to blink back my tears. “Your mom’s the best. She’s been wonderful to me.”

“Sit back down, Raine,” Liam says, moving so he’s between me and the door as he ushers me toward the chair.

“Okay. Give me a sec.” I walk to the window and stare out, trying to be as subtle as possible as I dab my eyes. “Sorry.” Finally, I’m composed and turn and sit. My hands grip my knees tightly.

“Killian’s obsession with you has been going on such a long time, I stopped seeing it as a cause for concern.”

My brows rise as I lean forward. “You knew?”

“Of course. He’s not subtle about it.”

Glancing down, I stare at my thumbs, which press into the grooves under my kneecaps.

“Aiden and I assumed you liked the attention. Well, until this past year, when you seemed to be moving on.”

So people had noticed… at least the part that played out publicly. I smooth down the hem of my dress and fold my hands in my lap. “I care about Killian. He cares about me, too. In his own way.”

“But it sounds like things have gotten out of hand?” Liam nods. “Men can become ruthless when they’re pursuing a woman they can’t stand to lose. Especially if she’s ever given them a reason to think she likes it.”

I press my lips between my teeth and listen to my heartbeat in my ears. Did I ever give Killian the impression I wanted him to stalk me? I don’t think so. Sure, maybe he sensed I had a crush on him, way back at the beginning. But the rest of what happened was tainted with coercion. He was already in my room and even in my bed, when I let him convince me to touch him. Pressure from Killian… after a while, it’s impossible to resist. But giving in isn’t the same as inviting.

I’ve been different recently because I believed he’d changed. He conned me, and I fell for it. Again, my behavior can’t be considered voluntary. Once again, he coerced me into it. This time by pretending to be a version of himself that he’s not.

“I wouldn’t tease a lion, Liam,” I say softly but firmly. “Not even if he was behind glass or across a river. Because a lion might decide to prove he can get through glass or across a river. And he might kill you. Even if he only meant to play with you. Anything that powerful is dangerous.” Exhaling softly, I shake my head. Then, I repeat, “I wouldn’t tease a lion. It’s not safe to play with one.”

“So, he’s doing things that scare you. Have you asked him to stop?”

A small, sad smile forms, and I glance out the window.

“Ah. Of course you have.” His voice is resigned as his thumb slides over the edge of his desk. “You’re a smart girl. And a careful one. You wouldn’t be here unless you felt you were out of options.”

“I can transfer. He has work ties now. He might not follow me. At least not physically.” Rising, I shrug. “Sorry for coming here. I swear the last thing I’d ever want to do is come between Killian and the people who care about him.”

Liam stands and puts a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t start the transfer process yet. Let me talk to him first. He owes me, so he’ll at least hear me out.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“And try not to worry. Killian’s a very smart kid, and his goal isn’t to drive you away. If he realizes that’s what he’s doing, I’m sure he’ll rein himself in.”

I was feeling hopeful right up until his last sentence.

When Liam says he believes Killian will restrain himself, I’m reminded there are only two people in the world who really understand Killian.

Killian himself and me.

32

KILLIAN

I’ve eaten. I’ve slept. Now, I’m sitting at a picnic table in the quad with my laptop and a pair of binoculars. In between doing work, I check her dorm room. The curtains are open, but there’s been no movement. It’s too late for her to still be in bed. She must be out.

I’ve chosen a table between some trees, so she shouldn’t see me easily from the walking path when she returns. It’ll give me a chance to reach her before she realizes I’m here.

My phone rings, and I scowl at the cracked screen. I need a new one.

I swipe to answer the call from my oldest half brother.

“Hey,” I say, turning my back to the wind, so there’s less noise.

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