TWO

Walking the halls of the school had me head towards my locker I stop to see my best friend making out with her boyfriend. I only smile and shake my head.

Effie's and my locker are close so we would walk to classes together.

Aphrodite Reid or we call her Effie, she and I became friends since we became partners in our drama class with Mrs, Bloomfield. She was in her P.E uniform because her clothes were drenched. It seems that Paris was out at it again. Everyone in school knows how Paris Blake treated her and it made my stomach hurt to have a person bully another person who survived a car accident at such a young age.

I remembered when I was six, my dads were looking through the newspaper, and I just came out of my room wrestling my pink fairy princess costume Dad Nicky made for me, and the look on their faces was in shock. I asked them why are they sad then Dad told me that a couple and their child my age were in a car accident; the parents died but the child survived, and that child was Effie.

I knew her from grade school and ever since that accident she changed. I couldn't approach her or say anything to console her because other kids were bullying her more than they did with me. They switch targets and I felt bad.

Really bad.

I pin the combination, open my locker, and started taking out my history textbook and while I was doing other things I need for the next class. I took a glimpse at the two couples next to me, who has been the talk of the school now. Ever since Heather psychotic breakdown other students thought she and her family moved in Europe permanently, that's the coverup story Odin had told not to let people get suspicious, and her friends have not contacted her since.

I shift my gaze at Paris and her posey as they walk by Effie and Logan surprisingly did not say a word but pull on a small smile at Effie.

Huh?

I continue to watch Paris and the others behind her walk away down the hallway.

Why did she smile? Did Effie talk to her or something?

Have they become friends now that Effie is the new Queen Bee?

I mean, people have started talking to her regularly and not ghosting her like they usually do because of Heather and Paris.

"Oh! Hey Lil," I turn to hear Effie's voice. Logan hides his face in her neck. Probably kissing it. "I didn't see you there. Babe, stop." She giggled slaps lightly on Logan's arm.

"Hey, Lily," Logan said to me when he looked up then went back down wanting more.

It seems Logan wasn't done from their make-out session and was now kissing her neck. It was easy for him to have access since Effie but her hair. I was shocked to see it that style and she did it herself. I asked after that day at her grandfather's house and she told me she wanted to start fresh in her life. Now that she is no longer in danger she wanted to make a new life with her family, Logan, and her friends - which includes me.

"Didn't want to bother you guys since you're doing that in public," I told her and shut my locker. "Hey, why did Paris smile to you?" Changing the topic.

Effie pushes Logan telling him to stop. When he groaned, maneuver his body behind her and wrapped his arm around her, and rest his chin on top of her head.

"This morning she and I had a talk." She tilts her head to the side. "Oh, don't worry. Logan was here when Paris approached me."

"Talk about what?"

"She said she was sorry to me. I was confused and shock but then she told me she was all doing that just to be in Heather's crowd."

"Wait," I cut her off before she continues. Looked around as if someone might hear. "Does she know...you know...?"

"No," she shook her head. "Paris and I use to be best friends until she changed or when I changed. I guess she wanted to have that friendship back. I wasn't sure what's her game but if it does involve getting Logan for herself," Effie with one hand hit her other hand and cracked her knuckles. "I'm training with Terry and he taught me a lot of moves."

Oh yeah, after the whole Heather thing. Effie wanted to take a martial art class and her grandfather insisted her to train with Terry, who is Odin's personal bodyguard and a hitman.

When I first met Terry, I would have never thought of meeting a man who has a beautiful face, dirty blonde hair, and hazel green eyes I was seeing a real prince. But his effectiveness didn't throb my womanhood between my legs like what Liam does to me.

Speaking of the devil, I don't see him around.

"So, Paris and I are starting slowly as we build back the friendship we had, but I'm cautious," Effie continues, and I snapped my eyes at her.

"Huh?"

"Lily, are you okay?" She asked in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just..." I eye on the students passing by the hallways wishing one of the male students was him. But sadly, he wasn't among them.

I sighed and hug my textbook.

"I know that look."

"What look?" I deadpanned my answer to Effie.

"The look," She retorted. "I had that same look when I think of Logan and right now you are thinking about Liam." She paused then said. "Is this about what my grandpa said that weekend at his house?"

"No," I lied, and she knows I am.

Because she was in the same state as I am when she and Logan were having a difficult relationship. Well, they weren't boyfriend and girlfriend but they both had feelings for each other since the day they met.

My situation with Logan's twin brother is totally different. Logan wanted Effie but Liam...he didn't want a committed relationship.

"I'm sorry Lily, I don't do relationship."

Those words have been stuck into my mind I felt my world coming to an end. Then there is Odin voice up next as he says -

"You and Liam are now engaged."

I groaned in irritation, turned around, and banged my head against open steel lockers.

"Hey, Hey!" Effie pulled me back before I could crack my skull. "Lily, are you okay? Let me see."

I slap her hand away before she could touch me. That reaction stun her. I gasp and sigh.

Shit!

She hates me now. After what I did, she would totally hate me.

Way to go, Lily.

Even my conscious hates me.

"I'm sorry, Effie. I'll see you in class." I pivot my feet avoided eye contact and head the other direction to class.

I didn't mean to snap at Effie it's just asking if I was alright over and over again was giving my brain a headache and I just snapped.

Speaking of a headache I think that prickling feeling is starting to build up. I stopped and hissed. All this stress is making my headache. When the class bell rang I just stood there in the hall while students passed by me not even caring, which is fine.

With this headache, I decided to go to the nurse.

After I have been examined by Mrs. Smith, the nurse of the school. She has given me an aspirin and allowed me to lay down for a while and if I still don't feel well I can go home. The nurse left the office for lunch and I was stuck here alone.

I only lay there for about ten minutes just staring up at the ceiling while I wait for the headache to ease. I groaned and massage my head wishing to go away.

While in severe pain I heard giggling next to the bed. There are two beds provided for the infirmary, and they were white curtains that surround the beds from having the privacy for the students.

The giggle grew louder more in a purr. I sat up on my knees even with a headache and lean forward.

"Oh my god, stop it." A female voice with a high pitch tone giggled.

"Come on baby," said a male voice.

A male voice with that smooth chocolate tone. I frowned. I got off the bed, step slowly towards the other with the large curtain in the way. There was a small opening but big enough for one eye to see.

No more giggles but moans erupted from the female voice. Panting and moaning. The bed was squeaking as I could hear them having sex.

Being noisy and curious - basically the same thing. I wanted to take a look. Oh god! I sound so perverted. I mean why would two students decided to have sex in the nurse's office. There's a place call home, a bedroom with a locked door. Obviously, they couldn't wait for that.

Why of all places?

I closed one eye and with the other peak through, and the minute I look through seeing two people having sex I saw the boy's ass covered with the covers bouncing up and down while thrusting inside the girl. They moan, and grunts have made me my heart jittery, and my legs quiver.

Now not the time to get horny Lily!

I watch them having sex made me bring images of Liam and I do it in a dark alley near the dumpster. Unsanitary, but him being inside me, with a hard kiss was worth it.

"Oh my god, yes," the female moaned.

"Shhh, we are going to get caught," the male whispered with a grunt. "Yeah, does that feel good, baby."

The female moan in response.

As he continued to thrust and letting out moans. The covers that hid the male ass finally fallen and I saw the dimple on the right side of his butt cheek.

I froze.

My heart stops too.

Liam?

I took a step back only to hit the bed I was in, turned around to have my feet get caught by the edge of the bed, and fell face first.

"Shit," I hiss.

I heard a moment, as I stayed on the floor, wished I was invisible, but it was too late once I listened to his voice. "Lily?"

Words left me as I stay on the floor and put in a sour face that I've been caught. After hearing his prince-like voice, I rose off the ground and felt a sharp pain in my ankle.

Fuck!

I got a sprang ankle.

"What are you doing here?"

Was that all he has to ask?

This is a fucking nurse's office, not your room so anyone could be here.

I didn't say a word; I didn't want to turn around.

I always knew he will be with some other chick but catching him having sex with another female student. I shouldn't be surprised. It's Liam after all, he and Logan may be twins but their personality trait is totally off.

I grabbed my bag off the bed and took a step only to hissed from the hard pressure point on my right ankle. "Damn it!" I mutter.

"Lily, you okay?" I looked up to see Liam in front of me, fully clothed only his shirt was backward and hair messy. "You sprang your ankle."

"Liam, what is going on? Oh, Lily." When the voice of the female appeared I looked over my shoulder to find Ms. Sydney Howard, who is my gardening club's teacher assistant putting in her shirt, zip her pants, and fixed her light brown hair into a ponytail. "Why are you not in class?"

Is that all she has to say to me when she's fucking with a student?!

I know Liam is eighteen and Sydney is in her early twenties who is trying to finish her teaching credentials. She is our club's teacher, Allison Howard's younger sister.

I could not believe Liam is with her, here! Fucking at school. It's no wonder I didn't see him with his twin brother. I thought he didn't want to hang around while Logan and Effie who was getting too intimate and probably didn't want to see me. And here I am caught them in the act.

I can not believe this.

I thought I could tolerate Liam with other girls, but here he is with my club teacher's younger sister.

"You two know each other?" Liam asked, his collage mask my nose I could feel my head fuzzy from his intoxicating scent. My eyes then drift onto his gorgeous blue eyes.

"Yeah, Lily is one of the Gardening club members that my older sister advise," Sydney replied with joy in her tone. "She's very talented with her fingers when it comes to gardening. Oh! I love the flower arrangement you gave to Ally. Can you make me one as well? I want to set it up at my new apartment." She sounded so thrilled and forgotten that she's having sex with a student!

Like hell, I would.

I hiss when I put force on my foot.

"Here let me look at-" I pushed him away from him, he fell back with a thump. "What the hell, Lily?"

My mind was blank, but suddenly anger took over.

"Don't touch me."

"I...think that's my cue to leave," I heard moment behind me as Sydney walked past me. "I'll see you around Liam," she purred and had him a long kiss - on the mouth before walking out leaving the two of us here.

I don't want to start something. I calmly stand on my two feet with the stinging pain on my right foot. I thought my headache would be gone but it came back. I felt my vein popping out from my rage. I could feel my body heating up with anger, I tried to suppress it but my mind just pisses me off more of their lovemaking. I closed my eyes trying to shut out those images but it made it worst. Fueling the fire that burns inside me grew larger.

I glare at Liam, giving him how pissed, angry, and frustrated look at him that I'm tired of his behavior.

I don't care if I have to pretend to be his fiancé. What kind of man would do that? None I guess, not that I know of but with Liam, he would make that kind of a man.

Liam got off from his feet and brush off. "Look, Lily, I already told you that you and I," He sighed as if he got a full on his place and it's probably about me. "We can never be together. I know that you have to do what Odin said but it's all an act."

I scoffed.

Then turned into laughter.

Laughter turned into a hysterical laugh.

I laughed like crazy as if the words coming out from his mouth was true. "An act?" I inhaled hard. "Okay, so, beating up Kareem was just an act as well?" I held up a hand to shut him up. "As I said before to him, you and I are nothing. You can fuck every girl in this town if you want and I don't give a shit if the last bitch has AIDS."

"Sydney doesn't have aids."

"Oh, so, you two are first name bases now," I scoffed with laughter. "Oh my god, Liam. If you don't like me, just say it so I won't have to try and make you like me."

"Why are you trying to make me like you? I already have..." Liam paused, shut his mouth, and let out a sigh.

I knew what he was going to say, but he won't admit me it. Like those words are a disease for him to say.

"You know what?" Cutting him off. "Don't say it. Every word that comes out from your mouth would just piss me off."

My lips trembled. Eyes already moist with tears. I inhaled trying to hold back the pain in my heart. I thought I could change his mind. I thought he and I share something so special. But I had it with him. "I'm tired of this. I should have just gone off and married Kareem."

"You don't fucking mean that," his voice was low in a growl. He took a step closer. I walk limping back use this leverage to get closer to me. "You don't fucking want to marry that guy."

I look away.

"Lily," his voice change into a whisper. "Marrying him would that make you happy?" I wasn't sure it was a question or advice.

I choke on the delicious scent as it somewhat calms my headache.

"Princess." He whispered that name to me, my body quiver at his soothing voice.

I shudder from the name he called me when he and I were intimate. He called me 'princess' as my dad's would call me. I was delighted and special but hearing that nickname for me was nothing more to get into my pants.

I pushed him off lightly this time. "Enough, Liam. Don't call me that. It's not worth a girl like me to be called that coming from you." I spat and looked at the clock on the wall. I step ever so slowly beside him and paused. "If you need another booty call. Call someone else. I don't want to deal with you ever again."

I could hear my voice broke out as I said those words and walk towards the door. I limp out and closed the door shut. Tears were already falling from my eyes once I was outside the school and with every step I take made me cry even more of the pain. I didn't bother to get into my car but instead left the school grounds and headed to Effie's house.

Rang the doorbell once and heard footsteps on the other side and Athena opens the door with a surprising look. "Lily? School isn't out yet." She didn't question further but sees the expression of desperation on my face. "Okay, come in."

She let me inside and I could see the left side has been destroyed because they are planning to build a bigger kitchen for more than three people that connects two homes into one. "Something wrong?" She asks closing the door.

My eyes were invisible from crying as she could see it clear as day.

"Nothing, I got a headache and I sprang my ankle. I left my car at the school's parking lot and..." I sniffled, wiping my nose. "Can I stay here and wait for Effie."

I could see my best friend's older sister's expression as she wants to ask but she didn't. "Okay, you can stay in Effie's old room. We are still renovating the two houses and the boys aren't home yet. I could ask Rex to fetch your car while you wait."

Thank the almighty God!

I don't want to deal with another Wolfe brother not after what happened at the nurse's office.

"That's fine," I told her with a wry smile. Not my genuine one because I wasn't in the mood. "Thank you."

"You know," she manages to say before I head down the hall to where Effie's old room is stopped me from going. "I know I'm not your sister or family member but if you want to talk I'm here to listen."

I looked over my shoulder and saw the wariness in her eyes. "Thanks, Thea."

"I'll get you some ice for that ankle. Go stay in the room and I'll be there in a minute."

I nodded, and I walked down the hall and entered Effie's room.

I've been to her some time whenever I'm here. It still the same but there were boxes stacks with written names for different items. Effie told me once the houses are turned into one, she and Logan will be having one room. It was supposed to be separate rooms but since they are together it will be fine for them.

I closed the curtains to avoid the sun shining in the room and sat on the bed. I reached down touching the sore and with the pressure of my finger seems to be an annoyance. I can't believe I'm such a klutz. The pain throbs when I try to bend my foot; it deep and warm, but not in a nice way. It feels like someone has their hand in there and is squeezing my foot. There is no blood anywhere but my abdomen is purple and lumpy. Every step feels like a nail bomb exploded in my foot.

This is going to be a pain. A few minutes later Thea knocked on the door and came into the room with a large blue ice pack. It was one of those with a strap easily to wrap around my ankle. As she applied it I felt a jolt of pain but once the coldness sticking in made me shudder of relaxation. After applying it, she left me alone for me to despair. I know in her face she wanted to talk but right now I just want to lay down and stay quiet.

As I lay, I brought the image of Liam and Sydney. Those disturbing images raided my brain kept repeating like my grandmother's broke track record.

Nausea swirled unrestrained in my empty stomach. My heartfelt as if my blood had become tar as it struggled to keep a steady beat. A black cloud hung over me as if rain on my personal sorrow down on me where I went.

I know Liam is a guy and he has his needs but does he go around fuck every girl he sees. I guess I'm one of his checklist of girls.

Yeah, let me try fucking an orphan Indian girl that doesn't know much about her origin...blah...blah...blah.

I snort at my subconscious. What am I thinking?

Reading fairytales of brave knights, handsome princes, beautiful princess - all of that is a bunch of bullshit.

In the real world, none of that is real. I finally realized that when Liam told me he doesn't do commitments, he doesn't want a relationship, and... he doesn't want me.

I curl myself on the bed, hugging the pillow I had held like I do when I needed comfort. Just the thought of that shattered my heart once more. Everything around me seems broken, my birth, my mom giving up on me, Liam...I know I'm sound like a crying ass bitch but life isn't fair. Nothing is fair.

I closed my eyes as I remembered that day when Odin announced my engagement to Liam unexpectedly.

After Kareem left and I was standing unable to talk. My feet were frozen, and I couldn't look Liam in the eye until Odin called upon me to his office upstairs.

Now I was standing in Odin King's large office. Liam was called too and he did not look happy about the situation that was going on here.

Odin has himself standing in front of his window with his hands behind his back. "Lily, Liam, you already know the reason why I called you here."

Neither Liam nor I answered. I fiddled my fingers and had my head down avoiding eye contact with Liam whenever I take a glance at him.

"I'm sorry," Odin continued, he finally turned his back and faced us. "It wasn't my call to break off the engagement especially yours, my dear. I know you two felt very uneasy about my sudden announcement. But, I can not see a young girl in distress of having to marry someone who isn't the one she loves to be taking the love away."

"Oh sir," I glance at Liam. "I'm not in love with-"

"So, I'll make this proposition," Odin cut me off in midsection and took his chair behind the brown desk. "I know that Naval boy would inform his parents of the cancellation of your wedding by now. And as I know, your grandparents as well."

I flinched.

Mentioning the Naval family is one problem, but my grandparents as well are much worst.

"I will have one of my lawyers to your grandparents' house in five days to discuss this matter," Odin said. "They might not agree at first, but I'm sure they will approve with a bit of persuasion."

My heart jump. "You're not going to kill them - are you?" Although this settlement of my future with Kareem is insane they are still my grandparents.

"My dear, I'm not that cruel. It's just a symbolic speech," I relax my shoulders as he continued to say, "In the meantime, you and Liam are now engaged."

I can't believe this is happening. A mixture of happiness and despair are circling inside of me.

"Sir, may I have a say in this?" Liam was out of his silence mode and spoke up after hearing of Odin's proposal.

"You may."

"Lily and I...don't have to be together, right?"

I felt nervous if that puzzle question Liam asked as I waited for Odin's answer.

Odin cocked his head to the side and studied Liam. Then he shifts his eyes on me for a second before he lands them back on Liam. "You don't have feelings for this young lady?"

I swallowed hard, and my heart was beating.

"I'm not the committed type, sir," Liam replied in a serious tone, and I felt my heart crack into two pieces once again.

Odin played with his beard studied the both of us. "From reliable sources I,t seems you two have strong energies for one another but having difficult doubts about feelings."

"Well, your wrong sir. Lily and I are just...friends."

And the Grammy Award winner for the Best Loser in the World goes too...Lily Peters!

Can someone please come and shoot me before the world comes to an end.

"I see," Odin lean forward, place his elbow on his desk, lock his fingers and rest his chin on them. He saw me look at him and I just avert my eyes. I didn't want to show weakness to him, especially a broken heart. "Very well, you and Lily don't have to be intimate. But, when you are around her grandparents and the Naval you have to play the part of her fiancé until everything has been passed aside. We clear on that?"

"Yes sir," Liam replied militarily.

"Lily, you okay with this arrangement?"

I looked up at Odin and then at Liam who was waiting for my response.

So it's all a game.

And Liam isn't refusing. He does not like me.

I'm such a loser to think someone like him would stay in a serious relationship with a girl like me.

I wanted to cry, but I held back the tears. I looked up with a trembling voice. I say, "Yes, sir. I agree."