Page 89 of An Inevitable Marriage

“No!” Swiping my hair away from my face, I pushed the strands behind my ears. “No more.”

I couldn’t, wouldn’t, keep doing this.

Determined strides took me to the corner of the room where I’d stacked my books in front of the mirror. Gently pushing the piles aside, I stepped forward and looked at my reflection.

My first instinct was to find everything I didn’t deem perfect and tear it apart. It was the most challenging thing I’d done, but somehow, I found it within myself not to say derogatory things to the girl in the mirror.

I took it further, pulling my shirt over my head and tossing it on the floor. More tears streamed down my face as I stared at my reflection again. This time, it took more work to avoid those imperfections.

All I saw were big boobs, a soft stomach, and wide hips. Nothing like the girls on the covers of glossy magazines or the ones on social media with millions and millions of followers.

No, these were the kind of curves girls like me were insulted for. We were the ones who heard things like: Miss Piggy with makeup is still Miss Piggy.

We were the maids of honor, the bridesmaids, the best friends. Never the lovers.

Then why did Liam kiss you like he couldn’t get enough? No, like youwereenough.

A new, unfamiliar voice made her appearance.

Closing my eyes, I thought of the way his mouth had moved over mine. Of how his touch brushed over my skin. Never once did he pull back. And he’d touched me in places where I was most vulnerable.

My waist.

My thighs.

My butt.

He’d felt my soft spots, and still, he wanted more.

You’re safe with me.

His words from earlier rang in my ears. So steady, so sure. Over and over again as I stared at the girl in the mirror and promised to do better. To love her better, starting tonight.

With one last glance, I took a deep breath and snatched my shirt from the floor. Tugging it over my head, I hurried out of my room.

My heart thundered while I moved through the house, in search of Liam. He wasn’t in any of the usual spots, which left only his room. My steps faltered, but determination pushed me straight to his door.

Afraid I’d come to my senses; I didn’t pause to take a breath. Simply lifted my hand and knocked. The door flew open seconds later, and just like that, I forgot how to breathe.

Liam’s shirt and pants were completely undone, revealing not only his broad, muscular upper body but the thick elastic of his briefs. The man was built to perfection. His muscles so defined, he probably didn’t have an ounce of fat on him.

But that wasn’t why I was speechless.

The way his brows dipped low and the concern burning in those steely blue eyes stole the air from my lungs.

“Snow? What’s wrong?”

A great big ball of nerves lodged itself in my throat. It took three tries to swallow it down, and even then, my mouth was still drier than the damn Sahara.

“I…” Slowly, I slid my tongue over my lips.

Liam immediately followed the action. And if I weren’t staring at him so intently, I would have missed the desire swirling around in those blue irises.

I was glad I didn’t. It gave me the little push I needed.

Taking a step closer, I tilted my head to meet his stare. “I don’t want the night to end like this.”

Understanding washed over his features, and my legs almost gave out at how quickly his gaze darkened.