Page 61 of Arranged Devotion
Liam’s right. I’m a warm body at best.
But perfect little Regan knows her duty. I’m supposed to laugh at bad jokes and make my father proud.
I’m not supposed to light cars on fire, fuck strangers, or sneak out.
Who the hell am I right now? Still the same girl desperate to do everything right? I feel unmoored, lost, like I’m staggering through thick fog.
Liam’s the only solid thing in my life right now.
Which is pretty messed up.
I grab his arm. I dig my fingers into his muscle, wanting something firm and warm. He doesn’t seem to mind, only slips a hand onto the small of my back. I meet his gaze and there’s nothing malicious in the way he’s looking at me. Why does he even care? What’s he get out of this, anyway?
I know why everyone else wanted us to get married. I even know why I’m doing it.
But what’s he here for?
“If you can get me out, now’s the time,” I whisper, desperate, afraid, and not sure who I am anymore.
“Right this way, Mrs. Lankshear.”
Oh god.
I stagger after him. We skirt the main group as it moves toward a reception area on the side of the venue. There are halls cutting back toward kitchens and Liam seems to know them well. We make a big loop and end up back at the front of the building, hurrying down the big, elaborate staircase. At the bottom, several men in dark suits are standing together and smoking cigarettes. They seem confused when they spot us.
One detaches himself. He’s older than the rest, his sandy hair speckled with gray. “Sir, is everyone okay?” He seems ready to grab something from his jacket.
Liam gestures for calm. “Taking my wife for a walk, is all. She needs some fresh air.”
I give him a glassy smile. Which isn’t hard right now.
The man frowns at us. I’m guessing he’s head of security. “I wasn’t informed of this. You’re all supposed to stay inside for your protection.”
“We’re fine, Ethan. For fuck’s sake, everyone important is still in here.”
He glances over his shoulder. “I don’t know?—“
“It’s fine. If anyone takes the fall, it’ll be me.” Liam pats him on the chest. We take another step down onto the sidewalk. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my wife and I?—“
He doesn’t finish that sentence.
It happens so fast.
One second, I’m feeling overwhelmed, but there’s a glimmer of hope. I’m already picturing getting out of this stupid dress, letting my hair down, taking a hot shower, pulling on sweats,drowning myself in cheap wine, when several men come hurrying toward us down the sidewalk. I count five, but that can’t be right, it’s probably only three. Ethan’s moving forward, pushing me sideways, and Liam’s the one who catches me in his arms. His lips are hot against my ear and he’s eerily calm.
“Stay down,” he whispers.
Before the shooting starts.
I scream at the deafening pops. They’re brutally loud this close. I’ve never heard guns like this in my life. Liam’s body covers me and the concrete of the sidewalk digs into my dress. I keep thinking: wow, this is so weird, as the screaming starts and my ears ring like a bell got smashed in my brain. Liam’s breathing is calm, and for some reason that keeps me together, until he’s sitting up on his knees and shaking my shoulders.
“Regan! Are you okay? Regan, talk to me!”
I blink at his face. It’s splattered with blood. I touch his cheek, trying to make sense of it.
“I think… I’m fine…” Nothing hurts at all, but that can’t be right.
Liam snarls and turns. That’s when I see.
