Unstoppable (Forehead Kisses #4)

by Abby Reynolds

“Anytime. If you need someone to vent to about your parents, you have my number.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled then walked away.

  As soon as she was gone, I felt gloomy.

  Once she was out of the building, the gang rushed over.

  “Getting serious?” Tony asked.

  “We’re just friends,” I said miserably.

  “Friends who fuck?” Bran asked.

  “No.” I shot him a glare. “We’re friends. Real friends. Not friends with benefits.”

  “Well, that sounds lame,” Bran said.

  “You are not just friends,” Keira insisted. “She likes you.”

  “You think?” My heart picked up in joy.

  “She has to. She spends all her time with you.” Keira seemed confident.

  “I hope you’re right,” I said. “Because I’m falling for her and she has the power to crush me like a bug.”

  “Ask her why she’s so withdrawn,” Keira said.

  I shook my head. “I don’t think she’d tell me. She’s very selective on what she reveals to me. When she trusts me enough, she’ll open up.”

  “True,” Liam said.

  “Is she coming to the BBQ?” Keira asked.

  “Yeah,” I answered.

  “Dude, that girl is wicked hot,” Bran said. “If you aren’t going to make a move, I will.”

  With just a look, I threatened to snap his neck. “She’s. Off. Limits.”

  Bran rolled his eyes. “If you aren’t fucking her, someone should.”

  My hand shot across the table and I gripped him by the throat. Everyone froze, unable to believe I made good on my word. “Talk about her like that again and I won’t let go.” I squeezed his windpipe before I relaxed my hand.

  “Damn…” Tony eyed me with a fearful look. “Scotty is in love with this girl.”

  I didn’t confirm or deny it.

  “Or he’s just crazy,” Bran said.

  Keira smiled. “Maybe both.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Livia

  I wasn’t looking forward to this.

  At all.

  Sometimes, during my darkest moments, I admitted I hated my parents. I immediately felt guilty just for thinking it but I couldn’t help it. I was so different from them. I didn’t care about my money or appearances. All I wanted was to paint.

  After I got ready, wearing a nice dress and a cardigan, I waited for Ash to pick me up.

  My phone vibrated and my brother’s name appeared on the screen. You’re going to kill me…

  That didn’t sound good. What? You better not be bailing.

  I’m sicker than a dog. I think I have alcohol poisoning.

  Suck it up!

  I can’t stop throwing up. If I go to dinner, I’m going to puke all over your food.

  That’s fine with me.

  Livia, you’ll be fine.

  Don’t leave me alone with those psychopaths.

  Then you better cancel right now because they are probably almost to your place.

  They are picking me up? God, I hated my life.

  I’m sorry. I would go if I could. You know that.

  I groaned. My brother wouldn’t leave me high and dry unless he had no choice. I’ll bring you soup later.

  Don’t bother. I’ll just throw it up.

  Well, get better.

  Good luck. Don’t let them get to you. You’re way better than they’ll ever be.

  Sometimes my brother could be sweet. Thanks.

  As soon as I put the phone down, they knocked on the door.

  Kill me now.

  It was awkward in the car. No one spoke. I wondered if my parents were just as uncomfortable by Ash’s absence. I sat in the backseat of the BMW, wishing I could just disappear.

  We arrived at the restaurant, and my snooty parents walked inside like they owned the damn place. My mom approached the stand and didn’t smile. She didn’t even give a greeting. “Reservation for James.”

  The host nodded. “Right this way. Your other guest has already arrived.”

  Other guest? What was he talking about?

  We walked to the table in the corner, and I spotted a guy my age sitting with perfect posture. He wore a buttoned shirt with slacks. He had money written all over him. As we came closer, I felt a warning in my heart.

  “William, how are you?” My mom approached him and let him kiss her on each cheek.

  “Well.” He looked down at her. “You look beautiful this evening.” A perfect smile was plastered on his face. His teeth were unrealistically straight and white.

  My mom waved off his compliment. “Thank you, dear.”

  William shook my father’s hand. “It’s nice to see you, Bruce.”

  “You too. How’s your father?”

  “Well. Thank you.”

  My mom grabbed my hand and pulled me forward. “This is my lovely daughter, Livia.”

  Lovely? They’ve never called me that—ever.

  William took me in with his eyes. Judging the gentle smolder in his eyes and the way his sight lingered on my petite waist he liked what he saw. He stepped closer to me. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  I wasn’t cut out for this pretentious fruity-tooty bullshit. “It’s nice to meet you.” I extended my hand to shake his.

  Instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and kissed the surface.

  Was this a Shakespearean play? I took my hand back and wiped it on my dress, thoroughly turned off by his lack of charm.

  We took our seats at the table, and my parents forced me to sit across from William.

  God, this was awkward.

  I didn’t want to look at him because every time I did he was staring me down. I felt like a bug under a microscope. And he didn’t try to hide his gawk. He just kept staring like I was a new toy he wanted to buy.

  I didn’t like this one bit.

  “So…” My mom turned to William. “Livia is a student at the university.”

  “So I’ve heard.” He kept looking at me when he spoke. “Impressive.”

  “She’s on the honor roll and she’s diligent in her studies.” My mom was trying to sell me off.

  Unbelievable.

  “Beauty and brains,” William said quietly. “What a rare find.”

  This guy was a creep.

  I decided to piss off my parents. “My major is art and I’m an aspiring artist. There’s nothing else I want to do with my life besides doodle with crayons all day.”

  My mom shot me a glare.

  William took a moment to respond. “The greatest artists of our civilization were some of the most intellectual people, geniuses really.”

  My mom tried to repair the damage. “She’s choosing another major…she just hasn’t found the right one.”

  “No,” I interjected. “This is my major. I’ll gladly pay for it with my own money if I have to.”

  My mom’s cheeks were starting to redden.

  Take that, Mom.

  She decided on a new tactic. “William’s family is the founder of Cobalt Industries, that biotechnology company right in town.”

  Was I supposed to be impressed by that? “Cool.”

  “I’m almost finished with my biochemistry Ph.D.,” William said. “And I intend to take over the company.”

  “Good for you.” He was a spoiled brat born into money. That didn’t exactly get me hard.

  My mom kicked me under the table.

  I winced but didn’t react in any other way.

  “William is a little older than you,” my dad said. “He’s twenty-seven.”

  I knew where this was going…this guy was looking for a prissy, respectable, I do yoga all day long and hire a nanny to take care of my kids, wife. Yeah…not me. “I’m just a child compared to you.”

  My mom shot me another glare.

  I had to sabotage this meeting so my parents would never try to pull this shit again. Like a dog that pissed in the house, I had to shove their face in their ow
n mess so they wouldn’t make the same mistakes.

  We ordered dinner and things started to calm down. When I had delicious food in my face, it was hard to be too upset. And luckily, there was wine on the table.

  My savior.

  Every time I looked up, William was gawking at me.

  “Is there something in my teeth?” I blurted.

  He looked uncomfortable. “No…” Then he kept his eyes on his own plate.

  That’s what I thought…

  At the end of the meal, my parents stood up. “We put our credit card down, so make sure you two order some dessert.” My mom wrapped her shawl around her.

  Um…I don’t think so. “No. I’m full.” I tried to stand up but my mom put her hand on my shoulder, making me stay. “William will give you a ride home. Won’t you, dear?”

  “Sure.” He gave her a light smile.

  “Great.” She patted my shoulder. “You two have fun.”

  I hated my parents. I didn’t even feel bad for saying it this time.

  When we were alone, the awkwardness set in.

  “I’m sorry about my parents,” I said. “They are crazy.”

  He ignored the comment. “You’re very beautiful.” His heated eyes bore into mine.

  My natural response was to say thank you, but that would encourage his behavior.

  “I’m surprised your parents are trying to find you a boyfriend. You can have whatever guy you want, I’m sure.”

  “But I’m not looking for a guy—which doesn’t make my parents happy.”

  “Well, you should make an exception for me. I come from a wealthy and prestigious family.”

  Don’t care.

  “I’m going to be the recipient of a billion dollar industry in a few years.”

  Still don’t care.

  “I’m good company and respectful.”

  Not really.

  “And I think we’d be a good match.”

  “Based on what?” I blurted. “You don’t know anything about me.”

  “I know everything I need to know.”

  What was that supposed to mean?

  “You’re defiant to your parents. They clearly disapprove your passion for art. Your resilience is…refreshing. You have your own mind and form your own beliefs. You’re independent and strong. And frankly, I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman. Call me shallow, but I want a gorgeous wife to have my children.”

  “That is shallow.”

  He shrugged. “Be that as it may. No guy in the history of civilization said I want a hideous wife.”

  “No, but real men value other traits too.”

  “I never said I didn’t.”

  As fun as this argument was, I was sick of having it. “Let me save you some time. I’m not interested in dating you.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m seeing someone.” Wait…did I just say that? Scotty was just a friend… Well, I thought he was. The revelation hit me hard in the face. I had feelings for him. Damn it. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

  “Your parents made it clear you were single.”

  “I don’t tell my parents about my personal life.”

  He didn’t seem convinced. “Give me a chance. Let me take you out to dinner on my yacht.”

  “Yacht? I don’t even like boats.”

  “Then my jet.”

  “I like staying on the ground.”

  “I have a condo here in San Diego.”

  “Okay…a dinner would be just fine. But no, I’m not interested.”

  He wasn’t backing down. “When I want something, I get it.” The threat was in his voice.

  “Excuse me?” I was about to throw my drink in his face.

  “I’ve laid my eyes on you and now I’ll have you.”

  My body suddenly went cold. Those words made the adrenaline pump through my body by the gallon. This guy was dangerous and I needed to get away from him. “This dinner is over.” I grabbed my purse and marched out of the restaurant.

  When I came outside, I realized I didn’t have a car.

  Fuck.

  He came out the door behind me. “Let me drive you home.”

  Ha! You think I’m stupid? “I’m good. Have a good night.” I kept my distance from him.

  “Get in the car.” His eyes contained his rage.

  This was getting scary.

  I need to call my brother and have him get me. Wait, he was sick. Fuck.

  He stepped closer to me, making me panic.

  Scotty. I could call him.

  When a couple pulled up in their car, William backed off. I took advantage of the opportunity and pulled out my phone. I typed a message to Scotty. Please come get me ASAP. I’m at L’ Michelle. I need help. Please come. I knew he had training right now but I was desperate.

  The couple took their time walking inside, thankfully. William stared at me, ready to pounce once we were alone again. I dug my fingers into my purse, searching for my keys so I could stab him in the eye.

  I inched toward the door, ready to slip inside when I got close enough.

  William headed me off, cutting off my escape.

  “Leave me alone.”

  “Get in the car.”

  “No.” My phone went off in my purse but I didn’t answer it. It was probably Scotty.

  “You’re going to walk home?”

  “I’d prefer it.”

  “Let me take you home,” he insisted.

  “No. Just leave.”

  He kept his hands by his sides, but I knew they were going to lash out at me any moment. “You think I’m going to hurt you or something?”

  “Or something.”

  He relaxed. “I’m sorry for scaring you. I just want to take you home.”

  “And I don’t want a ride.”

  He was starting to get frustrated. “Why are you being so annoying?”

  “Why are you being a dick?” I kept my keys in my hand. Why did my parents hate me? Why the hell would they set me up with this creep? Did they even know him? Or did they just care about all the money in his bank account? I was an independent woman who could take care of myself. If I really needed money that bad, I would just change my major and milk my parents for all they’re worth.

  His face was turning red. “Get in the damn car!”

  How did this escalate so quickly? “No.”

  “I’ll drag you inside if I have to.”

  “And I’ll shove my keys in your throat, jackass.”

  Our voices were raised but no one came out of the restaurant. I hoped another couple would pull up for their dinner reservations, giving him a reason to hold back. But I wasn’t so lucky.

  “If you come any closer to me, I’m going to scream so loud your eardrums will pop.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Then I’ll have to knock you out first.”

  My hands became cold and clammy. This horrific blind date turned into a life or death situation. He clearly didn’t plan to kill me because my parents would know the last person I was with, but he had something dark on his mind.

  He stepped toward me and I stepped away, my keys held at the ready.

  A truck pulled up then slammed to a stop.

  William stepped away slightly, realizing we weren’t alone.

  The car door slammed and Scotty came out, wearing a t-shirt covered in sweat and running shorts. The crazed look in his eyes even scared me. His arms were by his sides but his shoulders were tensed. If I were alone with him down a dark alley, I’d be scared shitless.

  Like a massive cloud that just cast a shadow across an entire state, he moved toward us, ominous and threatening. I’d never seen him angry before, but he looked livid right now. His eyes bore into William’s as he came closer, silently promising to end his life if he moved.

  He stepped on the sidewalk then moved in front of me, blocking me with his massive size. In the past month, he’d gained so much muscle that he was a moving tree. All I could see was his back, but I could imagine his front.

&n
bsp; I actually felt bad for William.

  “We have a problem here?” His voice was low, darker than I’d ever heard it. It wasn’t his usual lighthearted voice, masculine but sweet at the same time. The venom was heavy. Even though he didn’t say much, he implied a lot more.

  “No.” William’s voice sounded weak.

  Scotty moved toward him, leaving me behind. When he stepped toward William, his arms flexed at his side. They bulged and tightened. William stepped back, clearly afraid of him.

  Scotty stopped and stared him down.

  Seconds passed and nothing happened.

  I stepped to the side, unsure what was going to happen.

  The seconds trailed until a few minutes passed.

  The tension was killing me.

  Quicker than the blink of an eye, Scotty grabbed him by the throat and shoved him into his Range Rover. He slammed so hard into the car that it made a dent. Then he fell to the ground, landing on his side.

  Scotty stood in front of him, staring him down.

  William didn’t get up. He stayed on the ground and breathed through the pain.

  “Come near her again, and I’ll break your spine.” Scotty came closer, his shoe almost touching his hand. “You understand me?”

  “Yes…”

  He squatted then pressed his face close to his. His cheeks were red. Then he screamed. “DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?”

  William flinched. “Yes. Yes.”

  I was even intimidated.

  “Now get in your car and drive.” He stepped back and watched William slowly get to his feet.

  William limped to the door then tried to open it. It wouldn’t budge because it was dented too far.

  Scotty grasped the handle then yanked it off with no effort.

  William watched him closely before he finally got inside and shut the door.

  Scotty crossed his arms over his chest and stayed still, waiting for him to drive off. I thought William might run over Scotty, but I had a feeling Scotty’s immense size would demolish the vehicle.

  William finally drove away, but Scotty watched his car until the tail lights were no longer visible. Then he finally turned around and came back to me. His defensive stance was dropped. The death threat in his eyes was gone, replaced by concern. When he reached me, he immediately wrapped his arms around me tightly, pulling me to him.

  Then he pressed his lips to my forehead, kissing me.

  My breath hitched in my throat and I suddenly felt dizzy. His scent came into my nose, and his chest was a concrete wall when it was pressed against me. Warmth radiated to the coldest places in my body. All the fear I had was gone, replaced by the safety of the steel cage he created with his arms.