Page 86 of Manhattan Secret

“They’re staying.” He insists, firmly.

“Tell me truthfully, what’s he going to do?” I ask the moment Lachlan steps out of the door. He looks determined, pissed off, and sure of himself.

But arrogance is always someone’s downfall eventually and my belly hurt.

It’s Ethan who speaks, sober eyes watching me. Probably wondering what trouble his friend is getting into for me.

I’m wondering the same thing.

“He’s going to annihilate her.”

Oh, great. Is that all?

My worry triples as the seconds creep on, keeping company by two surprisingly sweet boys… my every molecule and beating heart is with Lachlan, hoping he doesn’t do more damage.

My fear of ruining his future is coming true and I don’t know how to stop it.

C H A P T E R 24

Lachlan

Meet me for a drink. My text to Riley stated.

She jumped at the chance, as I knew she would.

I prowl intoGinger Girl,already feeling the heat of my temper simmering beneath my skin as I pass underneath the AC, cooling me only a fraction as I stop a few times to talk to some friends.

I play nice.

I grin and slap hands.

Knowing she’s up at the usual table,watching.

All the while not giving away my true emotion. Not yet.

Though I smile at her overexcited greeting, I’m indifferent to her happiness or the way her eyes lock onto me.

There was a time I would’ve protected this girl from anyone else in this position.

I would have had her back.

Like I do with all my friends.

But she’s broken the cardinal rule by messing with mine.

I brush my knuckles against my jaw as I sprawl my legs out in front of me, several ticks working in my brain at the same time. I have to remember I will never hurt a woman. But I’m desperately seething inside to change my decree just this once.

“Are the others coming?” She asks.

“Nah, just you and me. Thought we could have some one on one.”

Her eyes light up like Christmas.

“Oh, yeah? So, you’re not… like with the girlfriend tonight then?” She tests, slyly.

“I told you that was nothing. Move over, you’re too far away, I can’t hear myself think in this place.”

She eagerly climbs across the half-circle seating; her leg presses against mine. I see from the sparkle and lust in her eyes she thinks she’s getting lucky tonight.

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