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But I’m done with the good girl act.

I’m a strong, young woman and I want them all to respect that.

I’m the manager of our marketing business—I think I’m perfectly capable to manage my own life.

Right?

“This isn’t necessary. We’ve handled the company very well until now. We have plenty of new businesses and clients, and we never felt the need to seek a more trustworthy representation,” Kai tries to save me.

I glance at our parents and, seeing their serious expressions, I know they’re not playing any games—like I so foolishly hoped. I sigh and rise to my feet.

Let the show begin then.

I grab Kai’s hand for support and force a fake smile on my face as I look each one of our parents in the eyes.

“It’s funny you think you can make decisions on my behalf,” I say, getting everyone’s attention. “What I plan to do with my love life is up to me. Only me.”

When I pause, Kai squeezes my hand, grounding me.

“I understand you love the company and maybe this seems like a good idea, but why would you sacrifice our lives? Even if it helps the business grow, is it worth it? I want to fall in love. I want to have a family someday. I want a man who truly loves me and can’t imagine a life without me. I want to be respected. Cherished. And you know damn well I can’t be any of those things with Nick.”

Liam interrupts me. “I’ll never accept to sacrifice my sister for anything—and I mean anything—in the world,” he practically growls. “You taught us to protect her, and now you expect me to sit here and watch you decide who she should marry?”

FOUR

Nick

I check my watch as I rush into my parents’ home.

Shit, I’m two hours late.

After the bomb my father dropped on me last night, I hit the gym to blow off some steam, then went home and spent the whole night rewatching the games we’ve played so far this season. I slept all day, which means I’m now late to the dinner my parents planned, hoping to convince me to change the way I live.

Normally, I’m very punctual and I hate being late anywhere, but this isn’t a normal day.

This is the day my parents want to use as a reset button—to shape me into someone they think I should be. They’re about to find the hard way that this is a lost battle.

As I near the corner of the living room, I can hear voices. From the volume, I can tell the discussion about Sierra’s and my wedding has started.

Just as I’m about to step into their view, I’m stopped in my tracks by the view in front of me. Right here, in my parents' living room, in front of my eyes, stands the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.

Jesus.

The breath rushes out of my lungs, leaving me lightheaded.

I can’t pay attention to what she’s saying so animatedly because I’m too busy devouring her with my eyes.

Those brown eyes. Those full lips. That body that could bring any man to his knees.

Every thought, every voice, every sound fades away until there’s nothing left but her.

When the fuck did that teenage girl grow up to be this stunning woman?

My dick stirs in my pants and I try to make it understand this isn’t appropriate—this is Sierra. My best friend’s sister.

Speaking of my best friend, as I always expected, he’s making it clear that his sister is not to be sacrificed for a damn thing in this world. And I know he'll do whatever it takes to prevent her from marrying me… or anyone else, for that matter. But I can’t help but feel like no one should have a say in this.

Where the fuck did this thought came from?