The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Thirteen - Part One

Part Thirteen - Part One

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Liam pulls up to the curb, grinning like he's orchestrating a surprise party instead of a kidnapping. I protest, groaning as I slump into the passenger seat, but he waves off my complaints with a promise of food. A promise that, I grudgingly admit, works like a charm.

My eyes drift to the side of his face as he drives, his hand effortlessly shifting gears. "I told you, my clothes are fine. What's your problem?"

But Liam's indifferent to my attempt to persuade him to turn the car around. Apparently, I need to be stylish for Celine's party—Celine, who probably doesn't even want to see my face. He doesn't understand the unspoken war between us.

"This money's just going to waste," I argue, adopting his exaggerated hand gestures. "I could've spent it on something important, like bacon. Or a large pizza just for me."

Liam stays silent the entire drive—a rare occurrence. Not that I mind; it saves me from his annoying voice. The breeze from the cracked window tousles his light brown hair, and I keep up my rant, "I've been saving this money for something personal, you know. Something important."

He swings the car into the parking lot of Eastview Mall and finally speaks, his umber eyes gleaming with mischief. "You mean for that Ella Mai concert? It's not exactly a secret, Dalley. We all know how obsessed you are with her."

I narrow my eyes at him as he hops out of the car, leaving me with more questions than answers. But then it hits me—he's been snooping in my diary. Rolling my eyes, I follow him out of the car.

The mall is swarming with people. It's a long weekend, thanks to an accidental fire set by the electric students.

Liam, of course, is using it as an excuse to drag me here. With the big party just two days away, he's determined to make sure I'm dressed to impress. Not that it bothers him. He always does whatever he wants.

"Come on, slowpoke," he teases, flashing a grin as he weaves through the parked cars. "We've got a lot to do, so chop-chop."

I jog to catch up, glaring at him. "The only thing I'm chopping is your head. And what do you mean, 'a lot to do'? We're just buying something comfortable and getting out of here."

Liam's grin widens, a lopsided smirk showing off his dimple. "Nope. We're doing full-on shopping, Dalley! Aren't you excited? It's a girls' day out!"

I stare at him, deadpan. "No."

"Come on," he whines, stepping way too close. I push him back with both hands. "You're going to have to admit this is going to be fun!"

He's more excited than I'll ever be. I consider asking a stranger to put me out of my misery right then and there. Spending a day with him might just be my undoing.

Still, I ask, "okay, what's your plan?"

His eyes darken, and his grin turns wicked. "First, we're sorting out your underwear. Boxers with tiny red hearts? Seriously?"

I gasp, my arms crossing defensively over my chest. "How dare you! I wear those for Adam! And why are we discussing my underwear in public?"