Fake Dating The Enemy

21

Elizabeth

"Conrad?" My heart almost stops as I see him standing on the other side of the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Elizabeth, we need to talk." He glances at Thomas standing behind me before looking back at me. "Alone."

"Whatever you have to say to me you can say in front of both of us." I say, feeling Thomas' arm wrap around my waist.

"Fine." He takes a breath before continuing. "I feel awful about how things ended between us. I wish I could go back to that night and change everything, but I can't. I was stupid. I was so caught up in my jealousy towards Thomas that I let it ruin the one good thing in my life."

"It's a little late for your apologies, Conrad." I say, holding back my emotions. "As I told you on the phone, I'm with Thomas. There was no need for you to waste your time or mine by driving here. Goodbye, Conrad." I try to shut the door, but he keeps it open with his foot.

"I'm not leaving so easily." He says, pushing the door back open, and Thomas steps forward.

"I think it's best if you go." Conrad scoffs, looking Thomas up and down.

"And if I don't?"

"You don't want to find out." Conrad shakes his head, an evil look on his face.

"You know, it's just so convenient that she moved on so quickly. I guess she's just as big of a slut as I thought she was." I can see Thomas tense his muscles.

"What did you just say?"

"You heard me."

"Say it again. I dare you." I reach out to touch Thomas.

"This isn't worth it, Thomas."

"No, I want him to say it again. I want him to know what happens when he or anyone disrespects my girl." My heart skips a beat.

"I said... your girlfriend is a slut." Before I know it, Thomas' fist connects with Conrad's face.

"Thomas!" I shout, not believing what I just saw. In seconds, a full on fist fight is happening. "Oh my God, Luke!" I shout, trying to call for my brother. I see him and Ashley rushing over as I try to break up the fight. "Conrad, stop. Both of you, stop." I say, trying to grab Conrad off of Thomas. In the midst of this, Conrad's elbow makes contact with my face, and I stumble back. I fall to the floor, and see Luke rush to my side.

"You alright?" He asks, and I nod.

"Lizzy." I look up, Thomas' eyes filled with worry. Conrad tries to attack him again, and Luke steps in.

"Fucking stop! Both of you!" He shouts. Thomas tries to take another step toward Conrad, but Luke holds him back. "Thomas, enough." They hold eye contact.

"No one gets away with calling my girl a slut, Luke."

"He what?" He turns to look at Conrad. "You called my sister a slut?" He takes one step toward him, and Conrad puts his hands up in defeat.

"I- I'm sorry. I never should've said it."

"You have no business being here. You need to leave. Now." Conrad takes a quick look at me before looking back at Luke. He nods, making a quick exit.

Thomas rushes to my side, helping me up. His eyes scan rapidly over me, examining me. He cups my face, holding eye contact.

"Lizzy, I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Thomas. I'm more worried about you." I say noticing his bleeding lip. "You're bleeding."

"It's nothing. I want to make sure you're okay." I nod, and he pulls me in for a hug. 

"Uh, doordash for Luke?" We all look at the door to see the delivery driver holding our pie. Luke takes the pie, handing the driver a tip. He shuts the door, looking at Ashley.

"So much for nothing ruining the perfect night." He hands her the pie, walking away.

"I'm going to check on him. Are the two of you alright?" We nod, and she rushes off after him. Thomas focuses his attention back to me.

"Lizzy, I-"

"You don't have to say anything, Thomas." I say, but he shakes his head.

"No, I need to say this." I nod, letting him continue. "I'm sorry I let my anger get the best of me. Because of it, you got hurt, and I'll never forgive myself for it."

"Thomas, I'm fine. I promise you, I am." I run my thumb over his bleeding lip. "Let me clean you up." We head to the stairs to go up to the bathroom, and Luke and Ashley are standing at the top.

"Tonight has been eventful, and I think it's best if we all turn in for the night." Luke says, and I nod. "Are you two alright? What the hell was he even doing here?"

"I don't know why he was here. This was such a crazy situation."

"Agreed. Well, try to get some rest. We can all catch up tomorrow." Ashley says, and we say our goodnights. I guide Thomas to our room and into the bathroom. He sits on the toilet while I dampen a washcloth. I gently rub it over his lip, his sad puppy dog eyes staring up at me.

"Hey, now. What's that look for?" I ask, cupping his face. I place a gentle kiss to his swollen lips.

"I'm so sorry you got hurt." His voice cracks.

"Thomas, listen to me. This is not your fault. I'm the one who should be sorry. I should've just sent him away the second I saw him. I never wanted any of this to happen."

"Don't apologize. You have nothing to apologize for." I lean down to kiss him, his hand reaching up to cup my face. He stands as the kiss deepens, wrapping his hands around my waist, pulling me closer to him. His lips travel across my jaw and down my neck causing me to gasp.

"Thomas." This was it. This was the moment. In a weird, fucked up way, tonight has led us to this moment.

"Hmm?" He hums against my skin.

"Thomas, I want you." He looks at me, his eyes searching mine for confirmation. "I need you." Those three words were all it took for him to crash his lips to mine, hungry for all of me.