Page 97 of Without Fault


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He studies me for something else before folding his arms across his chest. “What was she talking about last summer and meal plans?”

“Nothing.” I go to get my things for my dinner with Killian, but when I try to walk past him, he moves in my way. I look up at him, and he only stares down at me, neither of us saying anything.

“You’re really going to make me ask you again?”

“Liam, that was a private conversion, not to mention none of your business.” I move past him, but he grabs a hold of my arms before pulling me back to him.

“How come you’re suddenly so defensive?”

“I’m not. You’re just–”

“Let me see the meal plan you're following.”

I pull my arm away from him before taking a step back. “Why?”

“Let me see it, Sage.”

“Wh–”

“Sage Loana, enough with the back-and-forth. You told her you were following your meal plan, so tell me what the problem is.”

I feel my tears building up, and I try to blink them away, but in an instant, something happens, and his entire expression shifts as he takes a step towards me.

“You’re not following your meal plan are you?” His tone is on opposite worlds of his previous one and it only brings more tears to my eyes.

I don’t say anything. I don’t nod or shake my head. I don’t respond at all and use every ounce of my strength not to cry, but the minute his hands cup my face I feel a single tear trek down my cheek.

“Dory…”

“Please don’t tell her. They won’t let me model, and I need to, Lee.Please.” I squeeze my eyes shut, and all I feel is his arms as they come around me. I break into a quiet sob, and he doesn’t say anything as he holds me.

When I pull away, he wipes my cheek softly. “You ruined your pretty makeup.”

My broken laugh fills the room, and I walk to the vanity. Taking a seat, I take my makeup off, but I notice Liam watching me in the mirror.

“I need you to show me the meal plan you’re following, beloved.” His words come out so soft but somehow still hurt.

“I’ll go back to following my own.” I look at myself as I wipe away the last bit of makeup, but in the mirror, I see Liam close the distance between us. He kneels in front of me, and when I turn to look at him, I wish I didn’t.

“Do notlieto me.”

I try to respond, but he doesn’t let me.

“No, I don’t care. Don’t ever lie to me, Sage. There’s nothing on this earth I hate more than it, and it’s beyond disrespectful.”

“Okay… I’m sorry. I won’t.”

He rises to his full height and keeps his eyes on mine. “Show me it.” He keeps his tone gentle, and I briefly close my eyes, but when I open them, he’s unfortunately still waiting.

I get my phone and pull up Helena’s meal plan. I keep my phone on my chest and turn to Liam. “You don’t need to get upset.” I try to calm him before he even looks at it because, while he denies it, I know he has anger issues, and he’s totally going to blow this whole thing out of proportion.

“I’m already upset.”

See what I mean?

“Let’s not fight for the phone, Dory.” He holds his hand out to me and I give it to him before flopping onto the bed. Grabbing my iPad, I scroll through my list of upcoming errands and events.

“Sage…”