Page 54 of Sinfully Yours

Liam was supposed to be a problem. A necessary headache. And now? Now, he's something else entirely.

But admitting that to them? Absolutely not.

I scramble for an answer, but Nate—who is clearly enjoying my suffering—leans back and snickers. "Careful, Ava. If Liam breaks your heart, we'll break his legs."

Ryan, nodding, clinks his water glass against Nate's. "Glad we're on the same page."

Dean says nothing, just takes a slow sip of his coffee, but his silence is more terrifying than anything.

I scowl. "You guys are ridiculous."

Ryan shrugs. "We're your brothers."

I shove another piece of bread into my mouth to keep myself from saying something I'll regret.

This conversation is officially over as food arrives. Thankfully, we're all hungry, and the seafood bisque is excellent, savory and rich and decadent enough to keep us from talking.

After eating, I make an excuse about a work deadline and leave the café with my head still spinning.

The Riverwalk is as lively as ever, with people strolling along the waterfront, wrapped up in their own little worlds. The sun is high, bouncing off the water, making everything shimmer.

I wish I could share the easy joy of others around me, but I can't.

And then my phone buzzes.

I pull it out, barely glancing before swiping to open the new message.

Unknown Number.

I freeze in place.

You really should tell your brothers the truth. Or I will.

My pulse spikes, an electric current zipping through my veins.

12

LIAM

Igroan frustratedly, which I've been doing a lot since I returned from Ava's at an ungodly hour last night. It's morning, Tyler is here, and he's cooked a mean omelet, but my mood is still foul. "So, we have nothing."

"Pretty much."

Perfect.

Tyler leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "Liam, this isn't some bored socialite with too much time on their hands. Whoever this is, they're good. And if Vanessa's involved?—"

"She is," I say flatly.

He watches me for a beat. "Then you're running out of time to get ahead of her."

I know.

I lean back in my chair, fingers drumming against the desk. "We need to force their hand."

Tyler tilts his head. "How?"

"Set a trap."

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