Chapter 0096 She lifted her gaze to meet mine ; she stared at me for a long while as if she was trying to figure out if I was being truthful or not .


    Really ? She finally asked .


    Yes , I told her .


    Besides , your father would kill me if I overstepped .


    She smirked and then shrugged .


    He is very protective , she admitted .


    I just dont get where Ethans head has been attely .


    Hes hard to read .


    From what I remember , hes always been like that , I told her .


    I wouldnt take it to heart though , Irene .


    He loves you and wants to be with you .


    He chose you .


    She seemed to have rxed because she finally smiled a genuine smile , and then she nodded .


    The waitress gave us our meals and we talked mindlessly as we ate .


    I felt a bit hollow since the conversation though ; I didnt like lying to her about my history with Ethan and the fact that Ethan loves her .


    I knew he was only using her and if she found out about that , it would destroy her .


    Once dinner concluded , Irene grabbed my arm before I could go out the front door .


    Lets go out the back , she whispered , a devilish and humored look in her eyes .


    What ? I asked her , raising my eyebrows .


    Why ? Because the guards are out front and I just want a little longer without them , she said , ncing out the front door .


    Lets take a walk .


    I didnt argue with her ; I followed her out the back door and we walked through the dirty alley until we reached the street .


    I could see Leroys car and the guards car a distance away near the front door of the restaurant .


    Irene saw them too and we quickly hurried in the opposite direction .


    As we ran , I couldnt help butugh .


    I felt like a child sneaking around her parents .


    Irene was also chuckling , both of us gasping for breath and holding our stomachs as weughed around the corner .


    I leaned against the building we were near , sure that we were far enough away to rest for a minute .


    We cant avoid them forever , I chuckled .


    I know , she sighed .


    I just wanted to have some fun I wrapped an arm through hers .


    I get it , I assured her .


    Maybe we can hang out again ? She perked up , a look of pure happiness in her eyes .


    Really ? She asked .


    I had to admit , I liked hanging out with her .


    She was easy to be around and easy to love .


    It was no wonder Ethan wanted her and not me … it was more than just her status ; it was who she was as a person .


    She deserved better than Ethan .


    ter 0096  nted to tell her the truth , I hated lying to her .


    It didnt make me feel good and she was only going to hurt as a result .


    Gavin was wrong for keeping this from her .


    me on , she said, pulling me along with her .


    Lets get back before they send a search party out for ?dded but as we walked , I grew more apprehensive .


    I wanted to tell her the truth despite what Gavin ght want .


    But as I opened my mouth to speak , a white van pulled up beside us and a ton of men piled t of the car , surrounding us .


    ey were masked strangers with sickly scents , and they were huge .


    I got in my fighting stance knowing at I didnt stand a chance because there were so many of them and only one of me , he look of panic was clear on Irenes face .


    She went to scream , but she immediately passed out when meone stuck a syringe into her neck .


    Irene ! I yelled , trying to get to her , but I felt a sting in my neck and then arms wrapped around my mp body , just as everything went ck .