Unshakeable

by Abby Reynolds

  I stepped on his stomach hard, making him heave. Then I spit on his face, my saliva mixing with the blood. “Don’t even think of coming near her again.” I stepped on his stomach and made him wail in pain again. “Piece of shit.”

  “Liam!”

  I stilled when I recognized Coach Irwin’s voice.

  “Get back!”

  I moved out of the way, knowing I was in serious shit.

  Coach Irwin came to Derek then helped him sit up. He eyed the other two boys then looked at me with wide eyes. “Don’t. Move.”

  I stepped away then breathed through the adrenaline. I was still coming down from my high. I knew I would be expelled for this. My parents would be pissed.

  “I’m taking him to the nurse.” He helped Derek to his feet then checked on the other two. They were still on the ground, wiping the blood from their faces and moaning. After Coach Irwin gathered them, he left for the nurse’s office.

  I stayed in the locker room, knowing my high school career would be over. I’d be kicked out, and no university would ever take me because of the marks on my permanent record, not that I judged them.

  I wasn’t sure what happened. I just got so angry and I channeled that rage into my movements. The red descended over my eyes and mind, and I went crazy, lashing out and ripping everything apart. I’d never taken fighting seriously. All I knew was stuff I learned from my friends or TV. But I never thought I could actually utilize it. Somehow, I beat the shit out of three guys. I was that angry. I sat down on the bench and waited for Coach Irwin to return. I’d probably be put in police custody because my actions were so unforgiving.

  He finally returned, his hands on his hips. He stared at me for a long time, his face unreadable.

  I didn’t look at him. I rubbed my palms together and stared at the concrete below my feet.

  “What the hell happened, Liam?”

  Where do I begin? “In my defense, they deserved it. That’s all I have to say.”

  “This isn’t the time to be stubborn,” he said firmly. “Now out with it.”

  I finally looked at him. “Derek is an asshole to my sister. He lies to her, cheats on her, and uses her. He came into the locker room to taunt me with his two friends. Then they tried to jump me.”

  “But that didn’t work out.”

  I kept my mouth shut.

  “Because you took them all down by yourself.”

  That’s about right. “It was self-defense.”

  “No. It sounds like you kicked their ass.”

  I raised an eyebrow. My coach hardly cursed.

  “I saw it.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”

  What the fuck was going on? “Am I in trouble?”

  “You bet your ass you are,” he said with a laugh. “But…I don’t think it will be that bad, not when I tell them my side of it.”

  “Well, what did you see?”

  “The words right before the fight. I didn’t intervene because I was so shocked by what I saw. Liam…you’re a powerhouse.”

  Was this really happening?

  “Where did you learn to fight?”

  “Nowhere…I just got mad and started moving.”

  “Does that happen a lot?” he asked. “When you get mad?”

  “No. I’ve never been mad like that before.”

  “Are you angry during practice?”

  I imagined how this conversation would go, and it was nothing like this. “A little, I guess.”

  He nodded then rubbed his chin. “You have some serious talent, Liam.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He shrugged. “You got a fighter inside you. There are sports that give you an outlet for that. You’re a fine football player, but maybe your talents would be better suited in a different area…like boxing or martial arts.”

  Was I having a career discussion with my school counselor? “So…what’s going to happen to me?”

  “You’re going to get in trouble. There’s no way I can get around that. You’ll probably be suspended for a few days, but it’s better than expulsion. But calls to your parents will be made and this will be on your permanent record. But I will attest it was self-defense.”

  I guess that was something to be thankful for.

  “You should channel your anger into this. It seems to calm you.”

  I smiled. “Well, it felt really good.”

  Coach Irwin smiled too. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”

  “That would be best.”

  He sat beside me on the bench. “I’ve never been a fan of Derek. He’s not exactly my favorite kid. But I can tell you’re a good guy. I would hate for something irrevocable to happen to you as a result of this.”

  I was never particularly close with my coach, but now I realized he cared about me all along. “Thanks.”

  He patted my back. “Now let’s go to the office. Your parents are on the way.”

  I sighed. “I bet they aren’t happy.”

  “Nope.” He laughed then headed out the door.

  Chapter Six

  Keira

  Liam pulled off his shirt then tightened the gloves around his hands. My heart raced just watching him. And not in a good way.

  The gym in the basement never felt more terrifying. Weights and machines littered the room, and the center contained a mat that surrounded the punching bag. This was where he released all his anger. And now I was there.

  Liam fitted his gloves then looked at me. “I would never hurt you.”

  “I know.” I swallowed the lump in my throat.

  “Then you shouldn’t be scared.”

  “It’s not that. It’s just—”

  “No.” His command halted me in mid-sentence. “You shouldn’t be scared. Period.”

  I took a deep breath when I felt the room spin. I was terrified of what was about to happen. I tried not to be but I couldn’t help it. I wanted to run and scream. I didn’t want him to be violent with me. Unable to look at him, I averted my gaze.

  “Baby, look at me.”

  “I don’t want to do this. I—”

  “Look at me,” he said firmly.

  I closed my eyes tightly then looked at him.

  “You trust me?”

  “You know I do.”

  “Then prove it.”

  “Liam, it’s not you. It’s just…everything. I can’t help it. I’m weak.”

  His eyes leapt in flames. “You are many things, but weak isn’t one of them. Don’t ever say that again.”

  “I am.” My voice came out faint.

  He stepped closer to me. “Keira, you’ve been through more than any normal person could endure. You were scared. You ran. You closed off from the world. But that’s normal. We all fall down and lick our wounds at one point. But the people who rise again are the strong ones, not the weak.

  “You wanted a better life for yourself, to start to believe in the beauty of the world again. And you took a chance on me. I understand how hard that was for you, but you did it.

  “And I know how strong you are.” He placed his hand on my bare thigh then squeezed. “You may be small, but you’re unbreakable. You will do this. You will get through this.”

  But I didn’t want to. I just wanted to wrap my arms around him and fall into his embrace. I didn’t want to conquer my fears. I already made so much progress. I didn’t want to make anymore.

  He watched the fear in my eyes. “How can I possibly be a fighter again when you’re this terrified of me and what I do?”

  “It’s different…”

  “No, it’s not.” His eyes darkened. “You will be just as strong as me. And you’ll know you have no reason to be afraid because you can take care of yourself and kick some ass. Maybe if my sister had learned a few things, her fate would have been different. You will grow, Keira. Together, we will be unbreakable. But alone, you will be unshakeable.”

  “You make it sound so easy…”


  “Because it is.” He put his hand under my chin and lifted my face. “I’ll never hurt you, Keira. I promise you that.”

  “Liam, I know.”

  “Then let’s get started.”

  The fear kicked in again.

  “If you ever want to stop, just say so.” His voice was calm. “And we’ll stop.” He grabbed the gloves then tightened them around my hands. I didn’t know what he planned but feeling the gloves tighten around my palms scared me.

  When they were in place, he stood back and gave me a minute to adjust. I stared at his strong chest, trying to match my breathing to his. I wanted to run to our bedroom and pull him under the covers, hiding in his embrace. But I didn’t.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  “I think so…”

  “You ready?” he repeated.

  “Yes…”

  He stared me down. “You ready?” he said louder.

  I knew what he wanted. I found the confidence then used it in my voice. “Yes.”

  “Good.” He raised a palm. “Give me your best hit.”

  I stared at him incredulously. “You want me to hit you?”

  “And hit me hard.”

  “I…I don’t want to hurt you.”

  He smirked. “Baby, you won’t hurt me.”

  “But I never want to even try.”

  He gave me a firm look. “You can’t hurt me. It’s impossible. Now do as I ask.”

  I stared at his palm then moved my fingers in the glove.

  “Keira, I’m waiting.”

  I took a deep breath then pulled my fists to my chest. I stared at his hand then swung at it. His hand didn’t move at all.

  “Again.”

  “I—”

  “Do it!”

  I flinched at the anger in his voice but recovered. I threw another punch.

  “Is that the hardest you can do?”

  “Yes…”

  He pulled my gloves off. “Make a fist.”

  I tucked my fingers into my palm.

  Liam placed his hand around it then pulled out my thumb. “Never put your thumb inside when you make a fist.” He did a demonstration then punched his other hand. “With enough strength, you could break your thumb. Always leave it out.”

  “Okay…”

  He eyed the fear on my face then brought my hand to his lips. He gave me a long kiss before he put the glove back on. The sweet affection calmed me slightly. He stood back. “Again.”

  I gave him a few of my hardest punches, but he wasn’t impressed by any of them.

  He walked behind me then placed his hands on my shoulders, pulling them back. “Posture is important.” He tapped my right thigh. “Place it slightly behind you.”

  I moved into the form he wanted.

  “Your stance is important. In fact, it can change everything.” He walked back around me. “Go again.”

  I punched his palm repeatedly, using my right arm over and over.

  “Now the other.”

  “I’m right-handed.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Now do it.” He was different in this context. He was a teacher, not a lover.

  When I used my left arm, I immediately felt awkward. It wasn’t my dominant side. I knew my punches were substantially weaker as soon as I made them.

  “Okay.” He lowered his hand then took a stance before me. He towered over me but bent his knees slightly. He raised his fists, holding them near his chin like he was going to take a jab at me.

  The panic set in when I realized what he was going to do. He was going to hit me. Finn came into my mind. I remembered the way he slapped me across the face, and the way he stepped on my collarbone and snapped it in half. The fear and pain flooded through me.

  “Get away from me!”

  Liam’s eyes widened. “Keira—”

  I sprinted out of the room then dashed up the stairs. I fell into one of the stairs then hit my knee. It hurt but I needed to keep going. He ran after me, a look of concern in his eyes.

  “Stop, Keira. I’m not going to hurt you!”

  I scrambled to my feet then kept going. Panic and adrenaline pumped in my veins, throbbing in my eyes with every beat of my heart. I reached the door then ran into the house. I didn’t know where I was going but I had to get away from him.

  When I reached the kitchen, an arm grabbed me and held me back.

  “Stop running!”

  I tried to squirm out of his embrace but he wouldn’t let me go. “Leave me alone!”

  He turned me toward him, forcing me to look at him. “Look at me, Keira.” His voice was calm. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

  I didn’t realize I was crying until a tear dripped down my chin.

  “I’m not going to hurt you,” he repeated. “Stop running.”

  I didn’t fight his hold but I was still shaking.

  Liam cupped my face and kissed my tears. “I would never hurt you. Ever.”

  When I felt his kisses, my heart slowed down. It was soothing. It was safe.

  He pulled away and pressed his face close to mine. “I wanted you to hit me so I could teach you how to block. That’s all.”

  “Oh…” Now I felt stupid.

  He kissed my forehead. “I’m so sorry I scared you.”

  “It’s okay.”

  His hands moved around my waist and pulled me to his chest. He held me for a long time, letting me breathe through the anxiety and stress. His fingers moved through my hair, reminding me he loved me.

  Liam scooped me in his arms then carried me upstairs. I was grateful we weren’t going downstairs. While I felt better, I wasn’t ready to go back. Not after that panic attack.

  He removed my clothes then tucked me into bed. After he set the alarm then checked all the locks and windows, he joined me. I liked feeling his naked body next to me. He was a natural heater, keeping me warm all year round. His skin was smooth and had a masculine scent to it. I loved the way he smelled and the way he tasted.

  His arm hooked around my waist and held me close. Our bodies were always combined in one way or another. My face was in the crook of his neck, and I felt happy being there.

  “It hurts me that you don’t trust me.” His voice carried his pain.

  I pulled away and met his gaze. “I do.”

  “It didn’t seem like it.”

  “It’s not you…I just see him. And it scares me.”

  “I’m not him,” he said firmly. “Please don’t compare me.”

  “I’m not comparing,” I whispered. “Just seeing you stand like that, your fists raised…”

  Liam stared me down.

  “I do trust you.”

  He took a deep breath then closed his eyes.

  I knew he was still upset with me. He was resentful toward me because of the break up, and now I made him feel horrible again. I hated myself. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. If that’s how you feel, that’s how you feel.”

  “It’s not like that…”

  “We’ll try again a different time.” I knew the conversation was over.

  He fell silent and kept his eyes closed. I stared at his beautiful face, studying every stubble and curve of his jaw. I loved Liam more than anything in this world, and I hated hurting him. It pained me a million times more. I knew I had to be better, had to be stronger for him. Because he deserved that.

  I rolled him onto his back then moved on top of him. I couldn’t go to bed when he was this upset with me. And I knew the best way to clear the air was to make love. When we connected on an intimate level, we forgot about our problems for a moment in time. And it reminded him how much I did love him. I wouldn’t be able to share something so beautiful with anyone but him. And that would always be his.

  I lay on him, pressing my breasts to his chest and kissing his neck. Immediately, his hand fisted my hair and he grew hard beneath me. If there was one thing a man wouldn’t refuse, it was sex.

  I sat back then pushed him deep inside me. I moaned when I
felt him reach far back. My body stretched to accommodate him but I would never get used to how good he felt. My fingers touched his stomach, feeling the layers underneath. He was hard and lean. Perfect.

  Liam’s hands gripped my hips and he helped me bounce up and down on his cock, moaning while I road him. Our heated sounds and movements excited us both even more. I knew how wet I was by the nonexistent friction between my legs.

  Liam rolled me over then leaned far over me. He stopped moving, his cock still deep inside me. His lips sought mine and he kissed me gently. When he breathed into my mouth, I felt a new burn deep inside me. My hands immediately moved to his back and my fingers dug into the skin.

  His mouth moved against mine gently then his tongue appeared. We concentrated on the movement of our lips and disregarded our joined bodies. He breathed fire into me because his kiss was so heated. I wrapped my legs around his waist and squeezed him, wanting all of him.

  As soon as he moved again, I fell apart. My hand moved to the back of his neck and I gripped him. Unable to do anything else, I breathed into his mouth, moaning and sighing as the sensual orgasm shot through me and tore apart my inhibitions.

  Liam rocked into me, making every movement slow and unbelievably satisfying. Even after my moment passed, I still felt on fire. Only he could make me love this. Together, we made something beautiful. It was nothing like I had with Finn. Our love and devotion for one another was said wordlessly, our bodies doing all the talking.

  Liam looked me in the eye while he prepared for his moment. I knew it was coming, so I ran my fingers through his hair then gripped his ass, pushing him further into me. His eyes darkened like they usually did before he released. His breathing was deep and strong. He moved his hand under my back and up to my neck, grabbing me gently. Then he filled me.

  I watched the pleasure enter his face while he made his final thrust into me. I liked the way he held me, claiming me in several ways. He caught his breath while he recovered from the bliss. Then he kissed my forehead, letting his lips linger longer than usual.

  When he pulled out and lay beside me, he pulled me on top of his chest, the usual spot I lay in. My size was insignificant compared to his, and his chest still rose and fell at the same rate. I sighed happily when I closed my eyes, knowing I was exactly where I belonged.

  “How’s it going over there?” Scotty ate his burrito then sipped his soda.