Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 327

The moment Liam said, “I want him,” Mandy’s heart skipped a beat—no point pretending otherwise.

She hadn’t spent much time around Liam, but there was no denying it: she was drawn to him. There was something about that sharp, handsome face—elegant but with just enough edge to make her pulse race.

There were plenty of good-looking guys at college; Mandy saw them every day. But none of them interested her. Only Liam did. That’s why, the first time she spotted him at the bar, she’d set her sights on him right away, playing the part of the temptress to get his attention.

But when Mandy discovered he was into men, she’d forced herself to let go.

Now, she placed the bank card gently in his hand. “Relax, I don’t want anything from you,” she said quietly. “And I’m not about to tell anyone what happened between us.”

She hesitated, then added, “Just… please don’t mention any of this to my mom or Claire. Especially Claire—her health isn’t great, and I don’t want her worrying about me.”

Mandy looked up, meeting Liam’s gaze. His eyes were bright as stars, his eyebrows strong and striking, and with every second their eyes locked, her heart stirred a little more.

She turned away and stood, ready to leave.

Suddenly, Liam reached out and grabbed her wrist.

Mandy stopped, startled, confusion flickering in her eyes.

“Are you in some kind of trouble?” he asked. “If you are, you can tell me. For May’s sake—and Ms. Linwood’s—I’ll help you.”

His head was tilted up to look at her, his pale, graceful neck exposed, Adam’s apple moving as he spoke. There was a quiet confidence about him that was hard to ignore.

Mandy’s gaze darkened as she forced her emotions down, reminding herself: He’s gorgeous, sure, but he’s also gay. She wasn’t that desperate.

She let out a short, derisive laugh and yanked her hand free. “What trouble could I possibly be in? Worry about yourself. My life isn’t any of your business.”

The abrupt shift in her attitude caught Liam off guard. Just moments ago she’d been as docile as a kitten—now she was baring her claws.

But honestly, Liam found this side of her even more intriguing.

He stood up, his tall frame casting a shadow that seemed to swallow Mandy whole.

He kept pressing in, forcing Mandy back until she hit the wall.

What the hell was his problem? If she didn’t know for a fact he liked men, she’d swear he was actually into her.

Mandy was rarely at a loss for words—nobody at school could ever get under her skin. But right now, facing Liam, she didn’t have a clue what to do.

Just then, a frantic knocking shattered the tension.

Bam, bam, bam—the door rattled, and Normand’s anxious voice shouted, “Mandy, are you in there? Did that bastard do anything to you?”

“Open up!”

Mandy recognized Normand’s voice and immediately shoved Liam aside, rushing to open the door.

Normand stood outside, visibly frazzled. The instant he saw her, he grabbed Mandy and pulled her out of the room, checking her up and down in a panic. “Mandy, are you all right?” he asked, his voice tight with worry.