Free Uncrushable (Forehead Kisses #3) by Abby Reynolds Page A

fast spit was flying out of her mouth.
    “He asked for the news, not the weather,” I jabbed.
    “Shut the hell up unless you want to get slapped.” She glared at me, her eyes dilating.
    “Just be aware I’ll slap you back,” I threatened. “And believe me, I can do more than slap.” The meaning of my words was unmistakable. I held her gaze firmly, not backing down.
    She turned back to Liam, bored with me. “She’s not even pretty. She wears man clothes and there’s nothing good underneath.”
    “Then you clearly haven’t seen her naked,” Liam said with a bored voice. He took a bite of his enchiladas and continued to not look at her.
    I felt the warmth move into my cheeks.
    “What the hell do you see in this girl? I’m the one who’s always been supportive of you. I’ve been in love with you for years. What’s wrong with me?” Her eyes conveyed the emotion of her words. She was really worked up over this.
    “Someone’s desperate…” The words left my lips before I could stop them.
    “If you don’t want to look even uglier than you already do, I suggest you shut your mouth,” she spat.
    “If I’m so ugly, why does Liam prefer me to you?” I challenged. “Then you must be really hideous.”
    That just pissed her off even more. She turned back to Liam. “Why would you want to be with a girl that let her boyfriend beat her—”
    Liam was on his feet faster than I could process. He grabbed her wrist and squeezed. He towered over her with his height and projected a shadow that stretched across the floor. The menace in his eyes burned holes in her skin. “Fuck. Off.” He shoved her back gently, making her stumble. He stood his ground and told her off silently.
    She massaged her wrist with tears in her eyes then stormed out of the cafeteria.
    For just an instant, I actually felt bad for her. Liam was an intimidating guy, and if she really loved him like she claimed, feeling him push her away like that must have been heartbreaking.
    Liam sat down and studied my face. “Don’t feel bad for her.”
    “How did you know…?”
    “I can see it in your eyes.” He continued to eat his food like nothing just happened. “She’s always been a bitch. When she started hanging around me and the guys, I knew she just liked getting the attention from them. And of course, they didn’t mind because she showed off her ass all the time. It’s clear she has self-esteem issues if she flaunts her way through life. She’ll never be my type and she knows it.”
    “But…isn’t that the type of girls the others are?”
    “Yes,” he said bluntly. “But she’s also annoying as hell. And I guess I saw her as a friend at one point…now I can’t remember why.” He finished his burrito then pushed it away. “It’s still pisses me off that you think I’d ever sleep with her.” He shook his head and clenched his jaw. “I couldn’t get it up for her if I tried. I loathe her and despise her. And if I’ve ever loved you, how could I be with a woman that was so vicious to you?”
    Now I felt horrible. I wasn’t seeing clearly when all that happened. I couldn’t explain how Adrianna knew about my dark past. Liam was the only answer. “I’m sorry…” I didn’t know what else to say.
    Liam brooded silently for a while, staring out the window in silence.
    I knew our magical day was over. It would take him a long time to move on from what happened. Now the warmth was gone from his eyes. His hand didn’t touch mine.
    “I need to get to class.” He stood up then grabbed the trays.
    I sighed in sadness. “Okay.”
    “Bye.” He didn’t kiss me goodbye or acknowledge me. He just left.
    Back to square one.
     
    When I was finished with my last class, I went straight home. After the way Liam got upset earlier today, I knew our date was over. He didn’t want to see me and he needed his space. I knew it would take patience and time to put our relationship back together.
    Scotty walked inside and slammed the