Unshakeable

by Abby Reynolds

  “Good.” I finished my tacos then pushed the plate aside. We were at our favorite place, Surf Taco. This was the first time I’d seen my cousin in a while. I was too absorbed in Liam after our breakup to think of anything else.

  “I’m glad you worked it out. Liam is the perfect guy for you.”

  “I know he is,” I said with a smile.

  “What’s next?”

  “A lot,” I said. “He’s teaching me how to fight.”

  “Really?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “You?”

  “Well, he’s trying…”

  “I’m guessing you took off?”

  I nodded. “I panicked.”

  “I assumed. Why are you doing this?”

  “He says it will help me move on. I feel perfectly safe with him, but when he’s not around, I’m still a little paranoid.”

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I think it’s a good idea. If anyone can put you back together, it’s Liam.”

  “He already has. But now he has to make me stay that way.”

  “I know you can do it, Keira.”

  His confidence warmed my heart. “He wants to go back to fighting.”

  “Why?”

  “He hates school.”

  He nodded. “I always had that impression.”

  “He says he’s the best at what he does, and he says it will give him the opportunity to help others in the way he wants.”

  “You’re okay with that?”

  “I said I was even though I’m not.”

  He eyed me, waiting for me to elaborate.

  “I want him to be happy, and I know Liam would never hurt me. So I’m forcing myself to be supportive. But he said he won’t do it until I’m better in our training program. He says when I’m truly not scared and don’t run away, then he’ll go through with it.”

  “I’m glad you’re willing to compromise. Liam really is the best at what he does, and it would be a shame for him to walk away from that. And it’s not a brutal fight like you think it is. It’s a sport. It’s totally professional.”

  “I know…”

  “You can’t let your fear control everything. I think you made the right decision. Liam has been incredibly patient with you, and you need to support him in return.”

  I knew that was true. Never in my life had I known someone so amazing. He was the sweet guy I needed, but he was always a hard-ass and pushed me when I needed to move forward. Even if I didn’t like it sometimes.

  “How’s the house?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “Quiet.”

  “You miss me?” I asked with a smile.

  He laughed. “I wouldn’t say that. But it’s not nearly as clean.”

  “You’ve been taking care of my plants?”

  He rolled his eyes. “I water them everyday.”

  “Good.”

  “Have you brought your habit to Liam’s?”

  “No. But I will.”

  “Poor guy.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Liam wants to hear me sing to my plants.”

  “To make fun of you,” he teased.

  “Liam doesn’t make fun of me.”

  “Which is why I’m here.”

  My cousin would always tease me. There was nothing I could do about that.

  “Did you bring…your other habit over there?”

  He was referring to my drinking. “No. I’ve stopped since I moved in with him. Frankly, I don’t need it anymore.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “So, are you seeing anyone?”

  He shrugged. “I see a lot of people.”

  “I mean, seriously.”

  He shook his head. “Not my scene.”

  “I just hope my house hasn’t become a brothel.”

  “Well, I don’t charge them so it can’t be.”

  “God, you’re gross,” I said with a laugh.

  “Guilty.” He had no shame.

  “I can’t believe Liam was ever like that…” It still made me sick when I thought about it.

  “Don’t judge him for it. He’s a good guy.”

  “Well, of course you think so,” I teased.

  “He just hadn’t found the right person yet. And when he did, everything changed.”

  “I hope you find the right person someday.”

  His eyes darkened and he looked away. “I’m not getting my hopes up.”

  Sadness washed through me.

  He tried to lighten the mood. “Besides, I like pussy too much.”

  I cringed. “Why do you have to be gross?”

  “I’m a guy. I’m gross.”

  I shook my head then swallowed the bad taste in my mouth. “I’m glad Liam doesn’t talk like that.”

  “Because he’s a pussy.”

  “He’s not a pussy! If he’s an MMA fighter, it’s impossible. My man is a bad ass.”

  He smiled. “Sounds like you’re warming up to the idea a little more.”

  “Well….I know it’s what he wants.”

  “Just admit it. You’re a little turned on by the idea of him being a professional fighter.”

  “No,” I said firmly. “I hate violence in any aspect. Liam’s patience, love, and understanding are what turns me on.”

  “Sure…” He winked at me.

  My last client needed tutoring in advanced algebra. I explained the different rules to him and told him to make a cheat sheet. Whenever he worked through a problem, he looked at his guide for extra help. In time, he would understand it. I loved tutoring even though it was pretty repetitive.

  After he left, I gathered my stuff in the library then packed my bag.

  “You’re a tutor?”

  The feminine voice immediately irritated me. “You’re very observant,” I said sarcastically.

  Adrianna wore jean shorts that were practically underwear, and her top showed the flesh of her stomach. Her stomach was lean and flat, and a bellybutton ring hung from her navel. I couldn’t deny her beauty. That would be impossible. But the ugliness underneath always put me on edge.

  She flipped her hair over her shoulder then crossed her arms over her chest. “How’s Liam?”

  I didn’t bother responding. I shoved my books and binder into my bag.

  “I asked you a question,” she said firmly.

  I ignored her.

  “Looks like you’re scared.”

  I met her gaze and glared at her. “I’m not scared.”

  She approached my table then placed her hands on it, leaning over. “He’s good, isn’t he?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Liam. He’s good in bed.”

  “Like you would know,” I snapped.

  She smiled. “What do you think he was doing when you were broken up for weeks?”

  My heart kicked into overdrive and the blood pounded in my ears. I kept a straight face but I felt sick to my stomach. The idea of him being with anyone was sickening, but imagining him with Adrianna was even worse. She was my enemy the moment I met her. She was a liar, a manipulator, and a tormentor.

  I stood up and shouldered my bag. “Put your skills to better use. Maybe you should be a lawyer. They need to be talented liars.”

  She smiled. “You’re scared. I can see it on your face.”

  “No. I’m annoyed.”

  “Believe Liam if you want, but I know what happened. Horny and alone, he came to my house and fucked my brains out. And he was so good at it.” She gave me an arrogant smile, knowing she got a rise out of me. “I know he’ll come back for more.” She sauntered off and waved. “See you later.”

  I felt the doubt and fear course through my body. What if she wasn’t lying? I knew how Liam was before I came into his life. Would he go back as soon as I was gone? Did he lie to me when he said he wasn’t with anyone else?

  No. Liam wouldn’t lie to me.

  I left the library then headed home, where my man was waiting for me.

  When I walked inside, Liam was wearing basketball shorts and a gray t-
shirt.

  “Hey, baby.” He embraced me and gave me a scorching kiss. “How was your day?”

  I wanted to vent about Adrianna, but I held it back. That’s exactly what she wanted me to do. I wouldn’t give her that satisfaction. “It was fine.”

  He rubbed his nose against mine. “Are you sure? Because you seem tense.”

  “It was just a long day…”

  He kissed my forehead. “Okay. I’m playing basketball with the guys. Change and let’s go.”

  “You want me to go?”

  “I always want you to go,” he said seriously. “And this time, you’re on my team.”

  I smiled. “That wouldn’t be fair to everyone else.”

  He chuckled. “Someone’s cocky.”

  “No. We are decent separately, but together, we’re a powerhouse.”

  His eyes softened. “That’s the truest thing I’ve ever heard you say.”

  I put down my bag. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Can I watch?”

  “We’ll be late…”

  He stepped back. “You’re right. I should stay here.”

  I went upstairs and changed into running shorts and a baggy t-shirt. I still hid my body from the world, not wanting to be noticed. It was a habit that would never go away.

  Liam eyed me when I returned. “You look cute.”

  “Cute?” There was that word again.

  He rubbed his nose against mine. “You’re adorable.”

  That made me feel warm inside. I liked when he made me feel sexy late at night, or when he said I was beautiful over dinner. But there was something about that compliment that made me feel elated. I felt cherished in a different way.

  He grabbed my hand and we headed to his truck. I sat in the middle seat and Liam placed his hand on my thigh for the drive. He massaged me gently, being affectionate like he always was. I was glad he bounced back into a better mood since last week. The anniversary of his sister’s death really took a toll on him. I tried to support him as much as possible, but there was only so much I could do.

  The guys were at the court when we arrived. And unfortunately, so was Adrianna.

  “Why is she here?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “I think Tony is fooling around with her. Just ignore her.”

  I’ll try. I wasn’t in a good mood when I saw her earlier.

  We left the truck then joined everyone on the court. Scotty dribbled the ball, doing cool tricks between his legs. Liam embraced his friends but acted like Adrianna didn’t exist.

  I grinned at her then talked to his friends.

  Tony came to me. “You really shouldn’t be on Liam’s team. It’s just not fair.”

  Liam hooked his arm around my waist. “We’re a set. Deal with it.” He glared at Adrianna. “And any pushing will automatically ban the player for life.” He held her gaze for a long moment before he stepped away. “Now let’s start.”

  Bran jogged to me then opened his arms to hug me. “Hey. Haven’t seen you in a while.”

  I stared at him, unsure what to do. I didn’t like to hug anyone but Liam or Scotty. It just freaked me out. I stepped back, unsure what to do. “Uh, it’s nice to see you too.”

  When he realized he wouldn’t get a hug out of me, he lowered his hands awkwardly. “Okay…”

  I felt guilty for rejecting him like that but I couldn’t physically embrace anyone. Liam had to explain how to give a hug to begin with, and I only did it because I felt something special for him. Hopefully I’ll be able to be normal someday, but in that moment, I couldn’t.

  Liam came to my rescue. “My baby knows how jealous I get.”

  Bran smiled. “Because you know I’m a stud.”

  I was glad the awkwardness had been dissipated.

  We began the game, Liam, Scotty, and I against Bran, Tony, and the wonderful Adrianna. Liam and I had great chemistry, and not just in the bedroom. We could read each other’s thoughts before they even formed. Liam would fake the ball my way then sprint to the hoop. At the last minute, he would pass it to me and I would make the final shot.

  Bran rushed me and stayed on me, trying to stop me from sprinting away. When I looked at Adrianna, she was blocking Liam, but she was practically on top of him. Her arms were in the air and her breasts were pushed out. I knew exactly what she was doing. Liam didn’t look at her. He scanned for someone to get open. But it still pissed me off.

  Our team was ahead by a few points, but the competition was close. Bran took the game seriously and tried his hardest, but that made the game more interesting. Scotty was a good player, and he got open more often. Every time I scanned the courts to locate the players, Adrianna was always on Liam. Every single time.

  Fuck, it was annoying.

  When the last quarter was almost over, I snapped. “I’m switching teams with Adrianna.”

  “What?” Liam asked.

  “This stupid bitch won’t get off you, so I’m taking her place.”

  Everyone’s eyes widened at my words. I never talked like that, but that’s how mad I was.

  Adrianna smirked at me. “Someone’s insecure…”

  “I’m just tired of watching you act like a desperate dog.”

  Liam laughed at my words.

  She sauntered to me, getting close. “Or it’s because you know he preferred me in his bed over you.” She moved to the spot next to Scotty, a grin on her face. I tried not to let her words bother me.

  “Let’s finish this.”

  Liam eyed me. “You going to cover me, baby?”

  “Yep.”

  “Oooh.” He winked. “I like that.”

  We started the game again, and I stayed on Liam as much as I could. But he downed his speed and agility. And most of the time, his hands were on me when they shouldn’t be. We giggled and laughed together.

  “Dude, we’re playing a game,” Scotty snapped.

  “Sorry,” Liam said. He leaned toward me. “Not really,” he whispered.

  At the end of the game, my team won. But I think that was because Liam was too distracted by me. When I looked at Adrianna, she rolled her eyes.

  Take that, cunt.

  Liam put his arm around me and held me close. We were both sweaty, but neither one of us seemed to care.

  “Let’s eat,” Bran said. “Something greasy.”

  “Pizza?” Scotty asked.

  “Excellent idea,” Liam said.

  We piled into our cars then left for the pizzeria. Liam didn’t start the truck. Instead, he looked at me.

  “What?” I asked.

  He smirked. “I liked how you claimed me back there.”

  “Well, you’re mine.”

  “I know I am.” He continued to smile at me.

  I was getting self-conscious with the look. “What?”

  “I liked how you stood up for yourself. You’re getting more confidence.”

  “No,” I said quickly. “I just wanted her to get off you.”

  “But you wouldn’t have said anything a few months ago.”

  He had a point.

  “And I loved that side of you.” He gave me a fond look, making me melt into a puddle in the seat. “Keep it up.”

  My cheeks reddened. “You liked it when I was a bitch?”

  “Bitch?” he asked incredulously. “You definitely weren’t being one of those. If any girls ever bother me, I wouldn’t mind it if you ‘acted like a bitch’ again.”

  “Are girls all over you?” I asked immediately.

  He shrugged. “It happens.”

  “It better not.” My feisty side came out.

  He smirked. “This is getting me hot.”

  My cheeks reddened again. How did he keep doing this to me?

  Liam pulled me to the middle seat then gave me a hot kiss. He didn’t use his tongue, just his lips. They caressed mine, saying what he could not. My lips were on fire from the touch. His tongue entered my mouth then lightly touched mine. Then he ended the kiss. “That’s just a sample of what I
want to do to you later.”

  “I want the whole thing now,” I blurted.

  He rubbed his nose against mine. “You’ll get it, baby. Believe me.” He started the truck then pulled onto the road. His arm wrapped around my shoulders while we drove. Even though I was sweaty in my ugly work out clothes, Liam made me feel sexy. Adrianna always wore her spandex shorts and a sports bra, looking like a model. But I somehow felt more attractive than she, at least to Liam anyway.

  After we parked, we walked inside, Liam’s hand in mine. We joined everyone at the booth. Tony was sitting next to Adrianna, trying to engage her in conversation. But she only had eyes for Liam—my man.

  I wanted to tear her throat out.

  Scotty sipped his beer then looked at me. “What took you so long?”

  “I’m a slow driver,” Liam answered.

  “We were screwing in the back seat.” That comment was aimed for Adrianna, not my cousin.

  Scotty cringed before he drank his beer. “Um, okay.”

  Adrianna was still wearing her sports bra and slutty shorts. Could she not afford real clothes? Every time I saw her she was dressed like a whore.

  Liam smirked at my comment then gave me a kiss. “She has a thing for public places.”

  Bran tapped his knuckles on the counter impatiently. “Dude, I’m starving. I could eat Scotty right now.”

  “Please don’t,” Scotty said.

  Tony turned to Adrianna. “Have you seen the new Godzilla movie?”

  “No.” She kept looking at Liam.

  “You want to watch it later?” he asked.

  How could Tony be interested in her when she was such a bitch? He probably just wanted to get his dick wet. She was clearly easy.

  “Sure.” She almost sounded bored.

  “Cool,” he said excitedly.

  I wasn’t sure what was happening between them. I thought they were just fooling around, but maybe Tony wanted something more. Why, I have no idea.

  They brought the pizza and we all pulled the slices onto our plate. Liam made my plate then handed it to me. He did it so often that it was routine at this point. Liam kept his arm over the back of my chair and ate with one hand. I snuggled close to him, practically sitting on his lap.

  Scotty leaned toward him. “How did you get into fighting, man?”

  Liam tensed at the question. A minute passed before he spoke. “We’ll talk about this later.”