Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 335

Liam's temples throbbed as Mandy drunkenly slurred out the word "monkey." The irritation was almost physical.

He grabbed her wrist, pinning her against the cold, tiled wall.

His Adam's apple bobbed twice before he barked, voice firm and resonant, “It's not 'monkey'—it's 'Monteith'! M-O-N-T-E-I-T-H!"

Mandy squirmed in his grasp, clearly annoyed at being restrained. She jerked her arm free.

"I don't care if it's 'monkey' or 'Monteith' or whatever..." she grumbled, snatching the bottle from the counter and tilting her head back for a heavy swig.

But before she could swallow, Liam lunged forward, hands clamping onto her shoulders. "Stop! Spit it out and go to bed."

Mandy had zero intention of listening. She fought him, shoving and twisting away. In the cramped kitchen, the two of them scuffled, bumping into cabinets and countertops. Suddenly, Mandy lost her footing-and crashed right into Liam, sending them both sprawling against the counter.

In that instant, their lips collided.

The entire mouthful of liquor Mandy had been holding spilled right into Liam's mouth.

His eyes flew wide with shock, disbelief etched across his face. His Adam's apple bobbed uncontrollably as he instinctively swallowed the burning liquid.

face flushed scarlet, like

trembling as he pointed at her.

he doubled

startled by his outburst, looked utterly pitiful, tears shimmering in her eyes. Her voice was

"You're disgusted by me."

one ever

spreading rumors at school, saying I'm some sugar

calls me a homewrecker or a gold-digger. They insult me

me, sure, but she never talks about her

up and deals with

now even you... you're pushing

tears streamed

as he watched Mandy sob, her tears

comfort her, but Mandy suddenly looked up, her drunken, red- rimmed

she started, slurring her words, "From the very first time I saw you,

The last word was

heart thudded so hard he