The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Thirteen - Part Two

Part Thirteen - Part Two

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To me, men — excluding Adam — are just a bunch of fools who treat breaking hearts like it's some kind of twisted game. Seriously, it's like they have a secret club where they earn points for every heart they shatter. Feeling the storm brewing in my stomach, I sigh, grab the clothes off the hangers, and storm out of the cramped fitting room.

Liam's face twists in surprise, his eyebrows pulling together in that rare expression of concern. His umber eyes, usually so full of mischief, suddenly soften like he's just seen a puppy stuck in a tree.

"What's up? You didn't try on the suit?" he asks, his voice unusually calm as he points at the suit in my arms.

I glance down at the suit briefly, then shrug. "Let's just get out of here before I lose my mind."

Liam looks genuinely confused, concern still etched across his face. He doesn't protest, though, and just follows me out of the store.

But then, something catches my eye—a denim shirt with matching pants to complete the look.

I can't help but reach out, running my fingers over the fabric. Turning the price tag over, I almost choke on my spit.

"Buy it," Liam says from behind me. "It's different. Like you."

If only.

I shake my head. "No, I'll find something else."

As we exit the store, I waste no time whining about how hungry I am, dramatically claiming that my stomach might jump out of my body.

"Let it jump," Liam says nonchalantly, which earns him a sharp slap to the back of his head. He spins around, rubbing the spot. "What was that for?"

"For telling my stomach to jump."

He throws his hands up in mock surrender. "Oh my God, let's just get something to eat."

Food is probably the only reason I'm still alive right now. And maybe part of my dignity too, because when Liam turns around to throw something at me, I let out an ear-piercing scream that startles everyone around us.

Liam's umber eyes widen as he chuckles. He smiles sheepishly at the people around us, mouthing apologies before turning back to me with a raised eyebrow. "The hell are you screaming for?"

"You threw something at me!" I say, jabbing a finger into his chest. "What was it?"

"Oh, this?" he asks, pulling something out of my hair. My eyes narrow as he dangles it in front of me, and I let out another scream. "Calm down! It's just a plastic spider!"

I deadpan. "I am terrified of spiders, you dipshit. And you knew that because you stole my diary."

He grins, all smug. "I didn't steal it. I paid my best friend to find it for me."

My jaw drops. "You and your stupid best friend have no idea what your funerals are gonna look like."

Liam just laughs, and we finally find a place to sit and eat, the food I've been craving since we got here. As we eat, Liam suggests I go ask random strangers for their numbers, maybe even score a date.