I'd memorized all of Patrick's hobbies. But I'd memorized theirs even better. Every holiday, I'd send expensive gifts, just to get them to help me leave a good impression.
Looking back now, I truly couldn't fathom who I used to be.
I simply hadn't known any better.
"Look, Patrick's engaged now. You've lost your shot. You just can't measure up to your sister in his eyes. That's a fact."
"But... it's not completely hopeless."
The man leaned closer. The stench of cigarettes and liquor filled my nostrils.
"Spend one night with us, and we'll put in a good word. Maybe we can get you a spot in Patrick's bed too. How's that sound?"
I tried to pull away.
But fingers clamped down on my chin. "Don't be shy. We'll keep it our little secret."
"Oh? Patrick?"
Someone spotted Patrick walking past.
"Patrick!" I scrambled to my feet, but one of the men yanked me back down onto the couch.
Patrick had heard everything.
"Patrick! Tell your friends to back off!"
A flicker of nervousness crossed their faces. They glanced at each other.
But Patrick just slid his arm around Effie's waist.
His expression was completely blank.
He turned and walked away.
"Patr—"
"Hey, princess." The man pulled me into his arms, gripping my chin. "How are you still not getting it? In Patrick's world, your little sister ranks above us, above a dog, and above you."
My expression went cold.
"So be a good girl. Keep us happy, and we'll put in a word with Patrick. Maybe he'll let you stick around as his little lapdog."
"Yeah, relax. We'll keep your secret, princess."
The champagne flute tightened in my grip.
Crack.
It shattered in my hand.
They stared at the broken glass between my fingers.
Stunned.
"Who exactly do you think you're messing with?"
Bam.
My fist connected with the temple of the man holding me. Hard.
I hadn't just outworked Effie in academics and credentials over the years.
I'd outworked her in athletics, too.
Boxing was one of my skills.
Blood sprayed from his nose.
"You crazy b—"
A bottle smashed against the back of my head.
My vision swam.
But years of disciplined training kept my legs under me. I gritted my teeth and stayed standing.
I grabbed the throat of the one who'd blindsided me and slammed his head into the table.
"You wanted to ruin me?"
I looked down at him. "You're not even close."
Slap.
A hand struck my face out of nowhere.
I stumbled two steps and caught myself on the back of a sofa.
Patrick stood there, brow furrowed.