(Lily)

To be back in my childhood home after several weeks feels weird. Even more so considering the situation and the company surrounding me.

While Mom sits at the head of the long dining table we've shared so many family dinners at, I sit to the right of her. It's the seat Calla always had growing up, even when Dad was still alive. But without her here, the spot's been lent to me, and I can't say I'm happy about it. Not when it means I'm the daughter on display tonight, like some kind of fancy trinket up for auction.

Now I get why Calla hated dinners that involved us having company over.

Tonight's guests are spread out along the table. To the left of the table is Arthur King, the Don of the King family, his wife Vivian, and their son Richard. To the right and beside me is Cruz, along with his father and family Don, Salvador Perez, as well as Cruz's mother, Reina Perez.

Normally, siblings are included in these kinds of dinners, but due to Mom's worry over potential threats, no siblings were allowed. Hence, I'm here alone, and Calla was able to say back at Dominick's. I should count my blessings, though. If Cruz's eight siblings and Richard's three were here tonight, this small dinner would've turned into a chaotic mess. I've already got one headache to deal with; I don't need that, either.

Of course, there are others here, like the house staff and Mom's security team. Each family brought two of their own men as well, and even Kwan was required to be here as my personal bodyguard. The scary squad of men dressed in black who could take someone out with their pinkies stand around the room like human statues, each one posted behind their employer. Lucky me, that means I have Kwan standing against the wall behind me. It's weird. More so than being back in this house and sitting in Calla's seat.

Besides Mr. Perez and Mr. King, Kwan's the highest-ranking man in this room. Yet he's positioned like he's just any bodyguard simply because of me. It has me dying to tell him to take a seat at the table with the rest of us. Hell, I'll pull out his seat myself if I have to, even if things have been weird between us all week.

"I'd like to thank all of you for joining us tonight," Mother says as she holds up her wine glass, snapping me from my thoughts. "It means so much to us Monroe's to have two well-respected families so interested in our Lily. Here's to a nice dinner and mutual cooperation between our families."

Everyone around the table holds up their drinks in a silent cheer to her words before taking a sip. I don't bother touching my glass, glaring at it in defiance of this whole thing. I have water instead of wine anyway, considering Mom doesn't believe in drinking until you're old enough. Hate to tell her, it's too late for that.

As everyone places their glasses back down, Mom continues with her prepared speech for the night. "I know having two men court one bride is unconventional among our circle but I appreciate you understanding the extreme circumstances. My husband, bless his soul, would have done this himself long ago if he hadn't been taken from us so soon. But our time of mourning has long since passed and with the new threat on my daughters' lives, it's not only overdue but needs to be decided as quickly as possible."

"Of course, Josephine. We all understand," Mrs. King says with a sympathetic look that's almost convincing.

Mr. King nods from beside her. "Excactly, and we're more than appreciative that you would consider Richard for Lily."

"Same goes for us," Mr. Perez adds with a nod, thumping a heavy hand on Cruz's shoulder. "It's an honor to have Cruz considered for such an exceptional young woman."

I barely manage to hold back an eye-roll with all the ass-kissing going around the table. Maybe if Mom stood up, it'd make things easier for them.

"So, Lily," Mr. King says, turning his attention to me from across the table just as the kitchen staff enters with our meal. "I hear you attend Langbridge University with Richard. Are you enjoying your classes this year?"

I offer the maid who sets my plate in front of me a smile before nodding to the question. "Yeah, LU's nice. Classes are tough but not impossible with enough studying."

"Lily's been spending a lot of her time studying at the school library," Mom speaks up, earning a narrowed look from me.

How the hell would she know what I've been doing lately? I've barely seen her since moving into Dominick's.

"Do you two share any classes?" Mrs. King asks with a sickly sweet smile.

But before I can say a thing, Richard answers for me. "Unfortunately, no. Lily's only into her second year, so the chances of our schedules crossing paths isn't common. Besides, she's majoring in finance with a minor in public relations and communications." His muddy green eyes land on me as he shoots me a confident smile. "Right?"

As I push my food around my plate, I thinly press my lips together and nod.

"That makes sense." Mr. King nods after swallowing a bite of his steak and looking at Mom. "Richard's a Political Science and Business major," he tells her as if she doesn't know.

I'm not sure why anyone is bothering with this kind of talk. Everyone in the six families is well aware of what the other does and what majors are required of their children.

The Kings hold political offices throughout the city, securing power and providing legal protection for our circle. The Sullivans run a large private airport as well as a decent-sized construction company that helps front for their stolen items and basic-grade weapons imports. The Perez's own nearly every bar and club from the suburbs to downtown Langbridge that helps cover their drug imports and dealings. The Hoffman's are the oldest family with two major casinos and a string of spas while also dealing in human trafficking as well as helping others hide or finding those in hiding.

The Songs, as the newest family in our ring, are a family of many talents from having to do for themselves for so long. On the outside, they deal in high quality and expensive art imports and showrooms, but underneath that is their imports for advanced grade weapon technology and trained hackers, while also having some of the strongest fighters and hitmen that help advance their underground security business. And finally, there's us. We Monroe's operate the biggest reality company around that helps hide our money cleaning services and loan sharking. Though now, with mine and Calla's minor celebrity statuses as Langbridge socialites, local models, and brand endorsers—a new means of earning both money and respect for our family—we have to focus on our public images as well. Hence, my public relations and communications minor.

"Well, Cruz just finished getting his Masters in Business Administration," Mr. Perez informs the room. "He'll be taking over management for our downtown clubs next week."

"We're very proud," Mrs. Perez adds with a smile that's hard to read through all the botox in her face.

Even I can't help but smile at that, though. Cruz worked hard to get to where he is and that's something to absolutely be proud of.

"So, we have two hard working and intelligent young men," Mom says, sending me a grin. "Aren't you lucky, dear?"

"Mmhmm." I nod with a sarcastic raise of my eyebrows. "Super lucky."

"And handsome too," Mom adds.

Both families beam with that compliment while I'm unable to hold back the eye roll. I mean, she's not wrong.

Richard isn't a bad-looking guy. His smile is nice, and his neatly cut, golden hair compliments his slim face and softer features. He hasn't fully grown from his boyish good looks to that of a man, but the potential is there. Still, it's the way he carries himself that has always bothered me. He's always held himself on this pedestal as if he's better than everyone else around him. It irks the shit out of me.

As for Cruz, his dark brown, wavy hair is kept at a medium length but still smartly cut, giving him a ruggish yet professional kind of look. His features are wide and sharp, while his figure is clearly well-kept from days in the gym. Everything about him is manly, with the exception of a set of dimples that flash with his brilliant smile, hinting at the teddy bear underneath. He's gorgeous, period, but he's also been my closest friend within our circle since we were children. It's hard to transition from that to a possible romantic partner.

"I have to ask," Mr. Perez speaks up after a few moments of silent eating, his eyes finding the person standing behind me before landing on my mother. "During this duel, six month courting period, do you plan on Lily continuing this charade of a relationship with her bodyguard?"

I nearly choke on the one bite of food I've managed to take so far and reach for my glass of water. The whole time I wait for Mom to answer, I can feel tension rise up my spine. I'm not sure if its coming from inside me or behind me, so despite my better judgement, I glance over my shoulder.

Standing completely still against the wall with his hands clasped behind him, Kwan doesn't even bat an eye. That said, even as he keeps his gaze blankly, staring at the wall across the room, I can still see the tension in his body. His lean muscles strain against his black-on-black suit, and his jaw pops as if he's gritting his teeth. The sight is both alluring and anger-inducing.

It's one thing to talk about me as if I'm not sitting right here, but to do it to him is so fucking wrong.

"Lily...Lily." My mother lightly touches my hand, finally getting my attention and making me realize the death grip I have on my fork. "Are you alright, dear?"

Her words sound genuinely concerned, but the look on her face is telling me to get my shit together.

Dropping the fork, I turn back to the table. "Yes. I'm fine.

"Good." She nods before looking at Mr. Perez. "Yes, I believe it's in Lily's best interest to continue the arrangement with Mr. Song. It'll keep away unwanted attention from other men and ensure her safety during this dangerous time."

Mrs. Perez manages to look puzzled as she asks, "Is the threat a real concern though? From my understanding, neither of your girls have been attacked as a result of it, right?"

"They haven't," Mom agrees, sitting up straighter with her head high. "But I contribute that to the girls being so well protected by the Songs. Without their protection, lord knows what could have happened to them by now."

It's rare for me to agree with Mom, but this is definitely one of those times. I might not be positive we're in any actual danger, but Dominick and Kwan have done pretty damn well at keeping us safe. Even if they are oblivious to us sneaking out from time to time.

Mr. King finishes his current bite before announcing, "I think the arrangement between Lily and Mr. Song is a smart one.You can never be too careful and it makes me feel better to know she'll be well protected until a contract is signed with one of our families. At that point, the charade won't be needed anymore and one of our boys will be in charge of her safety."

"Exactly," Mom agrees with a bright smile.

The rest of dinner goes by in a blur of boring conversation, ass-kissing, and questions that everyone already knows the answers to. I'm barely able to stomach more than a few bites before mom is placing her napkin on the table and pushes her seat back.

"How about us parents finish off the night with a drink in the study? It'll allow Lily, Cruz, and Richard some time to talk among themselves," she suggests, already getting up from the table and walking off without waiting for an answer.

Mr. and Mrs. King, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Perez, don't hesitate to follow. Even their bodyguards walk out with them and Mom's security team, leaving me alone with Richard and Cruz. Well...not completely alone. Kwan holds his position against the wall, and with the sudden lack of others in the room, it's as if I can literally feel his presence growing behind me, sending a prickling sensation down my spine. It's unnerving, yet strangely comforting too.

Richard is quick to get up and make his way to the end of the table, my mother's now empty seat in his sights. Other than my father, mom is the only one who has ever sat there. It was his spot before it was her's, and if Richard thinks he's sitting in it, he's dead wrong.

Cruz opens his mouth to say something, but I quickly hop from my chair to Mom's before he can.

Richard stops in his tracks as a cocky grin slithers across his face. "Oh, you're one of those girls."

"And exactly what kind of girl is that?" I ask with a smirk of my own as I cross my arms under my chest.

"It better not be an insult either, King," Cruz threatens, moving to sit in the seat I've just vacated.

"Relax, Perez." Richard waves him off. "It just means she's the type of girl that's a challenge. It's a compliment really. Who wants to marry a pushover?"

"And what kind of challenge am I?" I ask, with a bit more bite than I intend.

Richard ignores the question, though. As he turns for the dessert cart left against the wall, Cruz reaches out to gently rub my arm. It's a casual move, one I'm sure he's done a dozen times before, but the intentions behind it feel different now. Either that or the sudden sensation of his eyes burning into my skin is making it feel that way.

With the slightest turn of my head, I glance at Kwan, still standing where he was before, now behind Cruz and to the right of me. Only, unlike before, his stare isn't on the wall but on my arm, where Cruz's hand softly caresses my skin.

Kwan's dark eyes narrow on the spot for what feels like forever before flicking up to meet my gaze. There's a warning in that look, but I can't seem to figure out what. Especially considering he's barely spoken to me since our argument days ago over Cruz. He pulls off the fake boyfriend act fine at school, but that's it, no words of any substance outside of public appearances.

What the hell does he want from me?

But even as I try to brush off the demand in his gaze, my body acts on its own, pulling away from Cruz's hand. Cruz is quick to notice, even shooting a look over his shoulder at Kwan, who is now back to staring at the wall.

As Richard leans against the wall with a plate of pie in his hands, I try to refocus the conversation. "Are you going to answer the question?"

"What question was that again? I forgot while you were ogling your bodyguard," Richard says with a grin before taking a bite of his pie.

My jaw nearly falls to the table, but I'm quick to stop it. Richard loves to get a reaction out of people, and the only way to win is not to react—at least not much.

"Asshole," Cruz mumbles from beside me.

"Speaking of your bodyguard," Richard begins with that smug smile still in place. "Mr. Song, why don't you join us. The family heads are gone and besides, outside of tonight, your a higher ranking man than us, at least for now."

"Sit down, you're being obnoxious," I snap.

Richard shakes his head. "I couldn't possibly sit down before a second in command does. That would just be rude."

Kwan's dark glare flicks to Richard, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. Richard isn't wrong. If anyone should be seated at this table right now, it's Kwan. Even if Richard is being a total child about it. But to accept an offer like that from someone like him is as if you're admitting he has the power to make such an offer in the first place. That or you're admitting you're above him, and that will only start trouble of its own.

It's a catch twenty-two, and the only one who has the power to trump Richard's offer is someone with more power, either by rank or by ownership of the property. It might not be completely my home anymore, but it is a Monroe house, and I am the only Monroe in the room.

"Kwan," I say softly, keeping my eyes forward, trying my best to seem aloof to Richard and Cruz while hoping Kwan knows my words are genuine. "If you'd like to sit, you can. There's plenty of seats."

From the corner of my eyes, I find him watching me carefully. But it's only when Richard stops leaning against the other wall and takes a step forward that Kwan finally moves. His steps are quick but smooth, like someone who doesn't appear to be rushing despite crossing the room in mere seconds. The moment Richard's hand lands on the back of the chair to my left, Kwan slides in and sits down.

"Thanks," Kwan says, sounding as if he's appreciative of Richard pulling out his seat while his eyes find mine.

"A seat thief," Richard says, opting for the chair next to Kwan. "I like it. It's bold."

"God, can you shut up already?" Cruz groans and leans back in his seat, only to pull a flask from his jacket pocket. After unscrewing the cap and taking a sip, he tilts the container in my direction. "Want some, Lillipop?"

I'm already about to shake my head when Kwan speaks up instead. "She's not old enough."

Cruz rolls his eyes. "She's only a year off, and it's not like she doesn't drink on her own from time to time. Or do you not know that?"

Kwan doesn't answer, but if looks could kill, Cruz would be dead on the floor right now.

"Come on, Song, if you're going to be someone's bodyguard, it would probably be a good idea to get to know them." Cruz leans back in his seat with a crooked smirk, pulling at his lips. "Here, I'll help. Lily's not much of a partier but she likes to have a drink once in a blue moon to take the edge off. She's been like that since she and I ditched an event when we were teenagers and snuck into my father's liquor cabinet." His soft brown eyes find me. "Remember that, Lil?"

I do. It's a fond memory of mine. The two of us snuck off with a bottle of whiskey and hid out on the roof the rest of the evening, talking about what we would do if we didn't have to work for our families one day. I hadn't even realized the event was over until Calla came looking for me and dragged me home.

But...talking about it now creates a knot in my chest. Especially while Cruz smugly grins at Kwan like he has something he doesn't.

"Yeah, I remember," I finally say before turning to Kwan. "Speaking of parties, I heard one of the sororities is throwing a halloween party soon. I wanna go."

Kwan drags his daggered glare from Cruz to me, the look in his dark eyes softening as he nods. "Then we'll go."

I can't hold back the smile that takes hold of my lips while genuine excitement bursting through my veins. I haven't been able to attend a single college party yet. The only other person I'd go with is Raven and she's working all the time.

Cruz grunts his annoyance before taking another sip from his flask.

"I'll be there too," Richard adds. "Save me a dance?"

Kwan instantly shakes his head. "Not happening. At school we have to look like a couple. Lily dancing with another guy could ruin that."

This time, Richard's the one to grumble a complaint while Kwan shoots him a smirk. Even Cruz has a hint of a smile on his face.

Unfortunately, Richard's sour mood doesn't last long. After a second of sulking he pulls himself together while a mischievous glint flashes in his eyes. "It's fine. At least we can all rest assured that this situation comes with an expiration date. After six months, Madam Josephine will make her selection and sign the contract, than Lily will belong to one of us."

A thick tension laces the air with his words, and with it, Richard and Cruz both focus their attention on Kwan, waiting to see how he'll react. But while they're waiting for a statue to move, it's me who struggles not to throw my glass at Richard's head.

He makes me sound like a piece of property to be owned, and that alone makes my skin crawl. Yet even as I shudder from the horrible idea, Kwan's words from the other day echo through my thoughts.

"But until then, you're mine!"

What he said isn't that far off from Richard's own statement, but that gross feeling that's now stuck to me like glue doesn't feel connected to it. What Kwan said was...comforting in a way. Maybe it's not a bad thing to belong to someone...if it's someone you actually want to belong to.

God, Lily, you have issues.

I shake off that thought, knowing damn well that's not what Kwan meant the other day. He was simply saying that as far as others are concerned, we're together. Plain and simple. It doesn't go deeper than that, and the cold shoulder he's given me proves it. Hell, his behavior tonight is the friendliest he's been to me all week, and most of that time was spent standing with the other guards.

"I'm no one's property. I belong to myself," I finally say, snuffing out the staring contest between the three men in front of me. Getting up from my seat, I look to Kwan. "I'm ready to go. How 'bout you?"

He nods and pushes his chair back. "Night fellas," he offers to Cruz and Richard before following me out.

Of course, neither of them can just stay seated and get up to walk us out. Though just as the four of us reach the grand foyer, Mom appears with the others, a look of confusion washing across her face.

"Where are you going, dear?" she asks, stopping in the center of the room.

I nod toward the door. "Home. It's late."

Her gaze flashes to where Richard and Cruz stand just a few feet away and then back to me. "Don't you think it's a little impolite to walk out on your own dinner party?"

"It's your dinner party, Mom. I was just a guest." The frustration in my voice is clear as day, and I don't even feel bad about it. I've had enough for one day, and the only thing I want right now is to curl up in my bed and forget all of this is happening.

When I can tell Mom is about to try again, I add, "Plus, I have a lot of school work to do tomorrow. I really need to get some sleep before than or else I won't be able to focus."

Her mouth closes, unable to argue with that. As important as this whole thing is, she values school more than anything. She won't put that on the line just for a few more minutes here.

"Alright, not a problem." She walks over to give me a hug, but as she pulls away, she keeps her hands on my arms and looks me in the eyes. "Just make sure to keep your schedule open and your phone nearby. Cruz and Richard will be contacting you to make plans."

"Plans?" I almost sneer the word, my patience running thin.

She nods. "Dates. The courting period has started and you need to spend time with both of them." Her eyes flick to Kwan. "I trust you'll accompany her during those times."

Kwan's body tenses beside me, but he nods. "Yes, M'am."

Her smile comes easy with those assurances before she gives me one last hug and whispers, "Don't forget to say goodbye to everyone."

The eyeroll is unavoidable, but I do as she says, saying goodbye to both couples before doing the same to Richard and Cruz. But while Richard is content rejoining his family, Cruz takes it upon himself to gently wrap his arm around mine and walk me out. I'm almost positive I catch a snarl on Kwan's face before he breezes past us and out the door, not stopping until he reaches his car parked along the curved driveway at the bottom of the stone steps.

"Lil," Cruz whispers, stopping me as we step outside. "I'm not sure about this."

A dark laugh escapes my lips. "Yeah, me either. This whole courting bullshit is going to drive me nuts."

I lift my gaze to find Cruz staring back at me; his soft brown eyes narrowed with the smallest sign of confusion.

"That's not what I mean." He shakes his head as he reaches for my hand, wrapping it with both of his. "If there's anything I'm sure about, it's you."

My stomach drops, and my eyes widen. I'm not even sure how to process this side of Cruz. It's not one I've ever seen before. I mean, sure, he's always been a sweetheart to me, but this is different. There's something more dancing in his eyes, making me step back just a little.

He licks his lips and pulls me closer, leaving just a foot of space between us as he continues to hold my hand. "I plan on winning your mother's favor. I want to be with you, Lily. Then we can be done with this courting stuff and just relax...together. But—"

His gaze drifts off, and I follow it to find Kwan standing at the passenger side door of his car at the bottom of the steps, his attention zeroed in on the two of us as he waits.

"It's him I'm worried about," Cruz says softly. "I get the feeling this whole fake relationship thing might get to his head."

Another short laugh bubbles up while I shake my head. "There's no way. It's not like that between us."

But when I meet Cruz's gaze again, I can see his very real concern looking back at me.

"Lily...I wouldn't blame him if he did have trouble letting you go. Lord knows I wouldn't be able to do it."

"We barely get along, Cruz," I insist, tugging my hand away. "He can't stand me and I can't stand him. That's it. He'll be happy to be free of me after the six months is up. Promise."

Cruz lifts his hand and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, a soft smile pulling at his lips. "You're delusional, Lillipop. I see the way he looks at you."

"And what way is that?"

"Like someone fighting his own desires and failing miserably. Like someone who will take on anyone who gets in his way to keep you by his side once he finally admits that's what he wants," Cruz answers, his smile suddenly holding a sad curve to it.

A knot tightens in my stomach, and it suddenly becomes hard to breathe. I can't imagine that's how Kwan really feels, but just the idea of it has my insides waring between hope and fear, desire and doubt. It's a nauseating feeling that makes my chest feel heavy and my head dizzy.

There's no way.

I force Cruz's words to the back of my mind. He doesn't know what he's talking about. If Kwan wanted me, he had plenty of times to try. Even years ago after we spent that party together, he fully admitted to hoping it wasn't me he was with. I'm the last person Kwan would want.

"I think you're the delusional one, buddy," I tell Cruz, finally stepping away. "But thanks for thinking I'm that desirable. It's sweet."

As I head down the steps, Cruz calls from behind me, "I know what I'm talking about, but if you won't listen, that's fine. It'll make things easier for me anyway."

"Goodnight, Cruz." I wave over my shoulder.

Once I reach Kwan, I hear the sound of the front door closing shut, leaving us two alone. Kwan opens the car door for me, but before I can slide in, he grabs my arm and holds me back, forcing me to look him in the eyes.

"What was that about?"

A smile I don't feel slides across my face. "Nothing. He just has a big imagination."

With that, I shake off his hold and slide into the passenger seat, not the least bit surprised that Kwan stays silent the whole ride back to Dominik's. And once he's locked away in his pool house, I slip out. If there's any night where I need a good dance session to let loose all my emotions, it's tonight.