Always Mine (Roommate Duet 5)

“You did so well!” Lennon says.

“I loved it!” Sophie tackles me next.

Joel weaves his way over to my side. “Guys, this is my dance partner, Joel. He wanted to meet you.” I introduce him to everyone, and when I get to Liam, he stands with his hands in his pockets like a statue. His lips thin into a firm, unapproving line, which has me holding back a smile. It’s then I realize Joel has his arm wrapped tightly around my waist, and Liam doesn’t like it one bit. Liam gives a curt nod when I introduce them but remains silent. When no one’s looking, I roll my eyes and scowl at him.

“Stop being a jerk,” I whisper. It’s been a few days since he returned from Vegas with two black eyes, and though the bruises have faded, I still cringe when I think about what happened to him. I know he’s lying, but getting Liam to tell the truth about this will be nearly impossible.

Joel and I say our goodbyes, then he walks away to find his family. Lennon and Hunter are the first to leave, needing to get the kids from Mrs. Locke. Before Mason and Sophie head out, they ask if I need a ride, but Liam chimes in and offers to wait for me as I change and get my stuff.

“You sure?” I ask. “No plans on a Saturday night?” I taunt.

He shrugs as if he hadn’t thought about it.

“Okay, fine. Then I guess you two are off the hook. Go have your hot date night,” I tell Sophie.

“You mean looking through wedding magazines and bickering over appetizers?”

“Sounds like foreplay to me,” Mason teases, and Sophie nudges him in the gut, causing him to cough.

“That’s what you get.” She laughs.

I give her one final hug before they leave.

“You sure you don’t mind waiting?” I ask Liam as he takes a seat in the mostly empty theater.

“Nah. I’ll be right here.” He sits firmly with his arms folded in his lap.

“Okay, I’ll be quick. Then you can take me to get food.”

He arches a brow, shifting and resting one ankle on his knee. “I don’t remember being asked.”

“Do you want me to ask, Liam? Is that all it takes to get a response out of you?” I bat my lashes and smile sweetly. “Because in that case…”

He rolls his eyes with a groan. “Just get out of that tiny thing you call a dress so we can leave.”

I pucker my lips and salute him. “Sir, yes, sir.”

As he shakes his head, I walk back to the dressing rooms. Joel’s things are gone, which means he left already, along with most of the other dancers.

When I grab my pile of clothes, I notice a note folded on top. Furrowing my brows, I open it.

Watch your back, little dancer.

Not everyone is who they seem.

What the fuck?

Looking around, I don’t see anything suspicious, but it’s not like someone’s going to come out from the shadows and say it was them. This is fucking weird.

I like to think I have quite a few friends at school, but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve encountered a jealous enemy. But this note almost seems as if I’m being warned about someone.

But who? Joel? He’s my closest friend on campus, but why would this be left knowing he could’ve seen it too?

Anxiety creeps in as I change and grab my shit. When I walk back into the auditorium, Liam’s still seated, and when he sees me, he stands and meets me in the aisle.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Uh, yeah.” I nod, lifting my bag, but Liam grabs it and slings it over his shoulder. The folded note I shoved in a side pocket falls out and drops to his feet. I quickly reach to grab it before he can, but as soon as I stand, he yanks it from my grip.

“What’s this you’re so eager to get?” He holds it up, out of my reach, laughing.

“It’s nothing. Can I have it back now?” I hold out my palm, standing firm.

His lips curl into the annoying I enjoy pissing you off smirk that I see so often.

“What is it?”

“It’s a note, Liam. You know, on paper. Now, hand it over.” I hold out my hand, keeping my gaze on him. The moment he reads it, he’ll ask a dozen questions, and I don’t have any answers for him. The last thing I need is for him to worry about me even more. He already acts like a protective big brother.

“Hmm…I think it’s a love note. From Joel?” He snickers.

I narrow my eyes and glower. “You find the thought of someone writing me a love note funny?”

Liam shrugs, showing off that asshole grin again. “Depends who it’s from.”

“Well, it’s not, so just give it back. Please.” When he doesn’t budge, I continue, “I will junk punch you if you don’t do what I ask. It’s none of your damn business, so stop acting like a jealous boyfriend!”