Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 328

"No worries, let's go," Mandy said, grabbing Normand by the arm and heading for the exit.

But behind them, Liam's cold voice cut through the din. "MANDY!"

Her heart skipped a beat. Guilt flickered across her face, but she pretended not to hear him and kept walking.

Suddenly, Liam's hand clamped around hers, stopping her in her tracks.

"You're one of Crestview Tech's brightest, and you're really going to hang around with someone like him?"

Normand bristled, stepping forward to retort. "What's wrong with someone like me? I'm Mandy's boyfriend. Our relationship is none of your business."

Liam shot Mandy a sharp look. "He's your boyfriend?"

She hesitated for just a moment before answering, "Yes, he is. Now let go of me."

Instead of releasing her, Liam's grip only tightened. His lips curled into a bitter smile. "If he's really your boyfriend, then why did you come crying to me for help when you were desperate? Why did you need me to bail you out?"

"This is my life, not yours," Mandy snapped, wrenching her hand free.

"Mandy!"

if steeling herself for something. "Don't believe

grabbed Normand by the collar, and pulled him close, standing on tiptoe until

eyes widened in shock; he stood frozen, completely caught off guard. From

hands clenched

her shoulder

face darkened, jaw clenched so tight it looked painful.

his gaze, took Normand's hand, and strode

together, fury simmering in

loud bang, he slammed

really outdone

lips pressed into a thin line, his mood as stormy as

'kiss' had been nothing but an act; their lips hadn't even touched. He could see it now-she'd used

it gnawed at

Mandy if she wanted to head back to campus. Instead, he pulled up in front of the bar and killed

grabbed her by the wrist and, without a word,

pounding music, bodies

shoved Mandy onto a sofa in the corner, then

raised her foot and pressed it firmly against his

features into sharp relief, danger

had mustered evaporated under her glare. He let out a defeated sigh and flopped onto the sofa beside her, their shoulders

coming to rest on her