Page 88 of Perfectly Naïve
“That was really brave.”
He laughs and it turns into a half-sob. “Fuck,” he growls, scrubbing his face. “I’m such a baby.”
My hand tightens on the steering wheel. “No, you’re not, and George is an asshole for making you feel like emotions are weak. We’re humans, Liam. Physiologically speaking, tears help regulate emotional responses by releasing stress hormones, reducing physical and emotional tension, and restoring emotional balance. Denying them is fighting human nature, and that’s just stupid.”
“Physiologically speaking, huh?”
I glance at him. “Yes.”
He nods, letting a tear fall without batting it away. “Look, I’m not stupid.”
“And you’re not a baby,” I tell him sincerely, then refocus on driving. “We’re almost there. Do you need to scream or hit something before we get there?”
“I’m good,” he says, squeezing my hand and taking a breath. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“Always.” I turn into the neighborhood with mansionsand expensive cars, anxiety fluttering around in my chest. I hate confrontation. This isn’t my own, and still, I’m a bundle of nerves. I can’t imagine how Liam must be feeling. All I can do is be here for him.
“You can park in the driveway.” Liam straightens in his seat, scowling at the Tudor-style mansion.
I pull into the brick-laid drive and park, cutting the engine and climbing out. Liam waits for me at the front of the car. Jaw muscles tight. Shoulders bunched together. I’ve never seen him angry, but right now, he’s livid. “Are you going to be okay?” I don’t want him to do something that’ll end up with him in jail.
“As much as I want to punch him, I won’t. I’m here for Cici. That’s it.”
Nodding, I link my hand with his. “Let’s go get her.”
We head to the front door. Liam bypasses knocking and lets himself inside. Laughter carries from deeper in the house, but we move toward the helical staircase, traversing up to the second level. Soft cries carry out from under a closed door. Liam releases a heavy breath and gently taps on the door.
“Who is it?” a strained, feminine voice calls.
“Liam.”
Feet shuffle over carpet, and the door swings open, revealing a younger, girly version of Liam. Her brown eyes are watery, and she hurls herself at him, wrapping her scrawny arms around her brother.
My chest squeezes. I can’t imagine how scared she must be after hearing that discussion. My mom trying to matchmake me is one thing. Arranging a mating is another level of despicable.
Liam cradles her head. “It’s okay, C. I’m here.”
“I’m only eleven.” She sniffs. “I don’t want to get mated.”
“You’re not,” Liam promises. “Grab your stuff, okay? You’re coming to stay with mefor a while.”
She pulls back, noticing me for the first time. Her eyes widen, and she swipes at her cheeks, as if she can erase the evidence of her breakdown. “Who is she?”
“Cici, this is Liv.”
Cici gasps. “The omega you’re in love with?”
My gaze skips to Liam, stomach fluttering. He’s in love with me?
Liam’s cheeks flush and he clears his throat. “We need to go.”
Cici gives him a look. “I want to know everything.” Then she gives me a small smile. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I say, waving and then cursing myself for being awkward. “Uh, do you need help packing?”
“No, I’m ready.” She retreats into her room, which is covered in bursts of pink and purple. “Okay,” she says as she pulls a large suitcase alongside her. “I’m ready.”
“You have your backpack?”
