Page 44 of Without Fault

“How come you don't follow anyone on Famoura?”

He shrugs as I unlock my door. “I don't like anyone enough to care about what they post.”

“But you followed me?” I say with a laugh, and when I look over at him, his eyes are already on me, but he doesn't say anything and a smile creeps onto my face. “Is that you saying youlikeme?” I tease, and he rolls his eyes at me, but I swear I see him biting back a smile as he steps into my apartment.

“It's just social media.”

“Hey, they're your words, not mine.” I put a hand up in defense as I smile over at him. “Just admit it.” I tilt my head to the side, and he shakes his head at me as he closes the distance between us.

“I followed you to see these pretty dimples.” He kisses my cheek, and with him being so close, I steal a kiss on his lips.

“And because you like me,” I add, and a smirk tugs at his lips.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, pretty girl.”

I feel my brows furrow when I notice a bruise forming under his eyes, but he walks over to my couch, and I decide not to probe him about it.

“Do you want to watch a movie? I saw this video of a girl reciting Bling’s and Cyrus’s entire rap battle, so now I want to rewatchLet It Shine. Have you seen it before?”

He nods and takes a seat on my couch. I tell him I’m going to change out of this dress and rush off to my room. I think of putting on regular clothes, but I don’t plan on going anywhere, so I throw on the pajamas I wore last night, and it’s a little revealing, but it’s nothing he hasn’t seen. I walk into my kitchen and put some popcorn in the microwave before pulling out my phone to order some food.

I’ve been following Helena’s meal plan, so I make sure I get something on her plan. I’ve still been hungry after every meal since her suggested portions are smaller than mine, but I don’t mind. It’s sort of like a diet.

When I walk to the couch, I notice Liam on the phone. “I told youI can’t,and after last time, I don't want to.”

My brows furrow as his voice morphs between concern and annoyance, it sounds as if he's having the same conversation from the studio.

I pick up the control and turn to the TV.

“I’ll send her some flowers or something. Tell her it’s from me.” He definitely sounds annoyed now. I steal a glance at him, and he looks a bit worried again. “Fine, I’ll go see her.” It sounds like the other person is saying something, but Liam hangs up.

“Everything okay?” When he doesn’t respond, I turn to him, and he’s nodding as he types something into his phone. I have no idea who thesheis that he was talking about, but she clearly made him upset, and I really, really hope he doesn’t have a girlfriend, and if he does, I hope they only recently got together because I would feel so bad if he cheated on her with–

“Why are you making that face?”

I change my face as I turn to him. “Are yousureyou don't have a girlfriend?” I blurt out, and he studies me for two whole seconds before looking back at his phone.

“I don’t have a girlfriend. It's family.”

I nod in return as he looks back at his phone, but it's clear something is upsetting him.

“Is there anything I can do?” I ask gently, and he shakes his head before turning his phone off and turning to me. “You look like you need a hug.” I open my arms out to him, and he watches me with a confused look.

“You really are too good for this world, beloved.” He almost sounds disappointed, but I don't respond and hug him instead. He feels tense at first, like he's never been hugged, and doesn't know what to do, but I squeeze him tighter, and his arms immediately come around me.

Chapter Eleven

Sage

“Thank you SO much!” Ihug Annet again, and she laughs at me.

“Stop thanking me, Sage. This is literally my job.”

I look in the mirror and touch my hair again. With the Moore event tonight, I really wanted a new hairstyle. I know this is Annet’s job as my personal hairstylist, but I'm grateful she pulled off this new hairstyle.

We always have my hairstyles planned out a few days in advance, but I told her I wanted a blonde wig last night and she made it happen.

“I know it’s your job, but seriously, you’re the best for pulling this off so fast.”

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