Noah and Justin come out of the kitchen and I run up to Noah to tell him what Cassie just told me. Noah's collected demeanor immediately goes astray, and I know that he's trying to remain calm for me, but I can also tell that he's freaking out inside. I've expressed to Noah how protective Liam is over me, and what's worse, is that Liam's mentality is just like my parents'. It's the same mentality that initially pushed me away from Noah. Now, it's going to forcefully push me away for good.

I hear the engine of a car shut off and don't have to peek through the window to know that it's Liam. Part of me hopes that Jacob is with him, but knowing Liam, he came alone because he knows that Jacob would have my back.

My paranoia is at an all-time high and I hear Liam's shoes shuffle in the mud. The creaking sound of the wooden stairs lets me know that he's only seconds away from pounding on this door.

Why is this happening?

For some reason, Noah doesn't run to the door like he did with Cassie. Instead, he waits for Liam to knock, and I think it's because he's in denial. He refuses to face what's about to happen. What's about to happen to us.

Liam slams on the door, and I already know the outcome of this situation. I turn to Noah, who's looking at me with sorrow in his eyes, like he knows that this thing that we have going on between us is already over.

He takes a deep breath in before proceeding for the door, and Cassie and Justin give each other a look like they know it's best if they go into the other room. I'm hoping that Maggie doesn't hear whatever's about to go down.

Noah stiffens his chest and nods to himself before turning the handle on the door.

It opens and Liam stands there in a rage. The anger in his eyes have replaced his soul, and I don't recognize my brother anymore. It's like he's a different person. His breathing is heavy and the expression on his face is full of anger, disappointment, and hurt. He takes one hard look at Noah before glaring at me.

Once we make eye contact, he walks in uninvited, purposely pushing his shoulder against Noah's like he's trying to make a point.

"Sophia, get your things. Now," he demands.

I swallow hard before thinking about my next move. Do I oblige or do I stick up for Noah? For myself?

"No," I shake my head and say. Liam's jaw is basically on the floor, and Noah looks just as shocked, but I can sense joy in his expression.

"Excuse me?" Liam says, squinting his eyes in disgust as his hands latch onto his hips.

He takes a few steps closer to me, which signals Noah to walk up from behind him. "I said get your things. Now," he reiterates, and instead of responding this time, I just stand there in silence. "Dammit, Sophia, don't make me tell you again."

"I'm not going with you, Liam."

"I'm not asking."

"I know you're not, but I'm telling you that I'm not going with you." This time, I state my words with conviction.

Liam turns around to look at Noah and then back to me. "Fine. You want to act like a child then I'm going to treat you like one."

I don't know what he means by that until he walks towards me and grabs my hand. At first, he tugs, but when he realizes that I'm not budging, he uses more force.

"Get off of me, Liam," I fight back, which causes Noah to get involved.

"Get off her," Noah yells, pulling at Liam's hand, which gets him to let go of me.

"You fucking trying to prove a point, huh?" Liam uses his free hands to shove at Noah's chest. "You think you're good enough for her? Look what you've done. She's lying to her family, acting irresponsibly — all for what? A good screw? That's all you are, kid. Nothing more. You think I don't know my own sister? She feels caged, so she's lashing out. But this isn't her. She'll come to her senses eventually and realize that you're just a piece of shit."

"Liam, stop," I cry out, allowing the tears to fall from my eyes.

"You want me to stop?" Liam turns away from Noah and back to me. "Then grab your things and get in the damn car."

Liam's not playing, and I'm not going to test him any longer, which is why I hastily make my way towards the stairs.

"She's not going with you," Noah follows me, causing Liam to chase after him.

"You don't get a fucking say in what she does," Liam spits.

"Liam, stop. Noah, don't," I try to hold them both back with my hands before facing Liam. "I'm going to get my things. Wait for me in the car."

Liam looks at me and gives Noah one final stare-down before walking out of the house.

I run up to Noah's room before he can stop me, but when I get back downstairs, he follows me to the door.

"You don't have to listen to him, Fee," he trails behind me and says.

"He's my brother, Noah. What do you want me to do?"

I refuse to turn around and face him, even though I know I owe him at least that.

He grabs ahold of my waist and pulls me towards him so that my back hits his chest. "Stay with me," he whispers into my ear. "Please."

I slowly turn around to face him, wishing that things could be different. But the sadness in my eyes let's him know that I'm about to disappoint him. Little does he know, I'm about to disappoint myself more.

"I have to go," I whisper, turning away from him and towards the door. I don't look back because I know that seeing his face will change my mind.

I turn the handle on the door and walk towards the running car that waits for me in the driveway. When I get in, Liam's eyes are purposely turned away from me.

"Liam, I..."

"I don't want to hear it," he says, lifting one hand in the air to silence me. When he reverses out the driveway, I take a mental picture of Noah's house, knowing that I'll probably never see it again.

What are your thoughts on Liam? Did he make the right move in coming to Noah's house? Is he just trying to be a protective older brother or is he crossing the line?