#Chapter 154: Protector

Ella’s POV The hope in Liam’s eyes made me say it before I could think twice. “Sure. We can grab a drink sometime.” Liam looked relieved, even if he was completely oblivious to the turmoil swirling within my chest. Dammit! I shouldn’t have agreed to do anything with him no matter how badly I wanted to spend time with my old friend. That was the problem—Liam was my friend. If I got too close and accidentally told him the truth about my curse, then I would be condemning him, just like I had condemned the farmer. I’d never be able to forgive myself for that. I already wasn’t forgiving myself for the farmer. “Oh, good,” Liam said, grinning. “When are you free? I can pick you up—” “I’m, uh, always so busy with Lucien,” I blurted out. “So I’m not sure when I’ll be free. He’s still got health problems, and he needs me. Maybe we can discuss it another time?” Liam blinked at me, and I bit the inside of my cheek and desperately hoped that that would be t