Page 110 of Morally Black Betrothal

She’d heard everything my brothers had said.

I wanted to murder them both.

I set down my drink, then crossed the room. And before I could think twice about it, I kissed her.

She tasted like cinnamon, ice water, and tears. Luscious, slightly salty, and very sweet. Just the right balance as her lips parted to allow my tongue to touch hers.

Ironically, it was only in front of other people that I could get lost in that mouth for up to ten seconds. Fuck, I could get lost in this mouth forever if she’d let me.

Ten…nine…eight…

As if she were counting too, she pulled away right at one.

I wanted to tug her back and start counting all over again.

“Um…” She traced my tie with one finger. “Hello to you too?” Her eyes flickered nervously to the men behind me.

I cupped her cheek with one hand. “Ignore them. They’re assholes. They give me shit about everything I do.”

“It’s true, cupcake,” Ronan called from behind me. “Everyone in this family is a grade-A dick. You might want to get out now.”

“It’s okay.” She shrugged and flashed a brave smile. “I knew what I was signing up for.”

She was trying hard to keep her game face on. I had to respect her for that.

Ice clinked in a glass behind me. Owen still hadn’t said a word of greeting. He had just poured himself another vodka and was watching. Everything.

“Goddamnit, Liza!” Dad’s voice hollered across the hall.

Everyone in the room winced. Including the girl I’d invited here in the first place.

Suddenly, I was done. Done bantering with my brothers. Done waiting around for my father. Done dealing with my family’s needless cruelty and combating it with my own.

Fuckingdone.

“You know what?” I took Simone’s hand. “We don’t have to do this tonight.”

Her brow crinkled. “What? But I thought I was here to meet?—”

“And you have—these two, anyway. Shea bailed, my stepmother’s at her favorite spa, and Dad’s still in his pajamas while on a rampage that will probably last the rest of the night. We showed up. We can leave. Let’s go.”

Her blue eyes popped open and bounced nervously from me to my brothers, both of whom were watching this interaction intently.

“He’s going to chew you a new asshole tomorrow if you take off” Ronan remarked.

“Ask me if I care,” I said, still looking at Simone, waiting for her response.

Her brows lifted as if to say,really?

It was answer enough for me.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I didn’t even look at my brothers as I pulled Simone out of the room and back toward the exit.

“Brendan.”

As we put on our jackets, I turned to find Owen following us. I kept us moving to the door.

Just before we made it out, however, we were interrupted by my name echoing down the corridor.