Page 68 of Battered Moves

I furrow my brows.What the fuck does she want from her?

“Of course, I am more than willing to showcase my integrity to this college,” Liv says, remaining composed, her smile unwavering. “I’ve heard that the college is seeking funding for the renovation of the performance building. I believe I could help expedite this project significantly.”

“Are you suggesting that you could aid in advancing the renovation project?” the dean asks.

“You can inform the other board members that the entire project is accounted for,” Liv says, her smile frozen on her face.

The dean’s eyebrows lift, clearly taken aback by Liv’s offer. She stands up from her chair.

“That is a remarkably generous proposal, Ms. Michaels. I have no doubt that I’ll be able to persuade the rest of the board of your unique circumstances. Perhaps we can even consider naming the new facility the Baker Arts and Performance Center.”

“I’d prefer not to have special mention, Dean Thompson, as I’m more than happy to assist without seeking personal recognition,” Liv says, her smile faltering slightly. “Thank you for taking my situation into consideration. I hope I won’t cause you any further difficulties.”

As we rise from our seats, the dean extends her hand, and Liv accepts the gesture, shaking her hand firmly.

“Thank you. We’ll be in touch,” the dean says, a smile creeping across her face that sends a shiver down my spine. We exit the dean’s office, and make our way back toward the building’s entrance. Walking down a big stairway, I lean closer to Liv.

“What the heck was that? She acted like you just handed her a million dollars,” I whisper.Liv chuckles softly.

“Two,” she replies, her voice barely audible.

I turn my head to her. “Huh?”

“I gave her two million dollars,” she whispers. My steps falter, and I grip the railing to steady myself.

“You did what?” I ask, my voice a mixture of shock and disbelief. Liv tugs on my wrist, urging me to continue walking.

“Come on, Chase. I have to get to class,” she says, her tone laced with a hint of amusement.

Stunned, I follow her, my mind racing with what she just said. I mean, we all figured that she has money, but not to what extent. Jaxon and I invested the money from his fights, so we’re well off, but we could never just throw around two million dollars like it was peanuts. Questions swirl in my head, but I realize now is not the time. At least Liv’s actions seem to have secured her place at the college.

We get to the building where Liv’s classes are and notice only four reporters waiting outside. We quickly pass by them, ignoring their presence and not giving them any opportunity for comment or engagement. Inside the classroom, I take a seat beside Liv, grateful for the teachers who treat her as just another student, not drawing attention to her fame or my presence by her side.

Since I knew Liv’s major was dance, I wondered whether I should’ve chosen that subject instead of business administration and marketing, but after joining her for those two classes, I’m relieved that I didn’t. While I can clearly see it’s perfect for Liv, I would have been fucking bored and probably dropped out if I’d pursued it.

Just as we gather our stuff, getting ready to leave the classroom, two girls approach Liv’s desk. They resemble the type of girls I gravitated towards before Liv—easy lays.

“Hey, Olivia, how are you holding up after yesterday?” one of them asks Liv, concern in her voice. “It looked pretty intense.”

“Yeah, it must have been scary,” the other girl adds.

Liv lets out a frustrated huff and steps around them, walking towards the exit. As I move to follow her, the taller girl places a hand on my chest, her smile turning flirtatious.

“And you are?” she asks, and I raise an eyebrow, my expression flat.

“Not interested,” I reply curtly, removing her hand from me with two fingers before sidestepping her and catching up to Liv, who’s waiting for me by the door.

A smirk is on her face as I approach, and without hesitation, she pulls me into a passionate kiss. As the kiss breaks, Liv shoots the two girls a glare.

“Marking your territory, gorgeous?” I whisper in her ear, smiling. She links our pinky fingers.

“You’re taken, and they better get that quickly,” she says loudly enough for them to hear, her voice filled with a mix of possessiveness and playfulness.Fuck, why is that so hot?

We smile at each other as we walk out, but the lightheartedness of the moment had me lower my guard.

As we exit the building we get swamped by reporters, and Liv gets pulled away from me. I try to hold onto her hand, but it’s no use. The chaos is overwhelming, with flashing lights blinding my vision and the cacophony of shouted questions filling the air.

In the frenzy, I’m pushed even farther away. I desperately try to make my way back to her through the crowd. I shout her name, but my voice gets lost in the chaos. I hear her calling my name in return, but it’s impossible to locate her amidst the mob. It seems that now not only is the press gathered here, but also some of Liam’s loyal fans.

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