She was still in the gym. I walked down the stairs and saw her lay on the mat. She was staring at the ceiling.
“Baby, what are you doing?”
She didn’t speak for a while. “I know my parents would be happy for me.” Her voice came out barely above a whisper.
My hard-on disappeared at her words. Now wasn’t the time. I walked down the rest of the stairs and reached her. She stayed on her back, her hands at her sides. I lay beside her then held her hand. I waited for her to elaborate.
“My dad hated him and said he was trash. He said I’d find the right guy someday, but, of course, I didn’t listen to him. But he turned out to be right. Because he was right about everything. I know if my father met you, he would love you.”
I squeezed her hand. I never knew what to say in serious moments like these. I cared about everything she said and felt and wish I could say just the right thing to make her feel better. But I knew those words were non-existent. These wounds were too deep to be fixed by words.
“I still feel guilty for what happened. When it comes down to it, they died because of my poor decisions. But I know they would want me to be happy, not miserable for the rest of my life. You were the man my father predicted.
“You’re making me stronger, making me enjoy life again. When I want to run away from my fears, you force me to face them head on. You’re patient with me every step of the way and you never give up on me. I guess what I’m trying to say is…thank you.”
I balanced myself on one elbow and leaned over her. “You healed me too, Keira.” I brought my hand to her lips and kissed every knuckle. “Our paths were meant to cross.”
“You’re so wonderful. Sometimes I can’t believe you’re mine.”
“Well, I am. You should get used to it.” I rubbed my nose against hers. “And you made it pretty clear to Adrianna.”
She smirked. “Well, that cunt needs to back off.”
“Whoa…feisty.” I chuckled at her use of profanity. Even when she was aggressive, she was cute.
“I’m feisty when it comes to you.”
“I like it when you’re feisty.”
“Good. You’re going to get more of it in a second.” Her fingers clutched the back of my neck and pulled my lips to hers. When we touched, we both shivered at the flood of heat. My cock returned to life and twitched for her. She could feel it against her thigh. My shorts were thin, making it impossible to hide anything.
Her legs wrapped around my waist and squeezed. Even though we were both sweaty, neither one of us cared. It would be our cool down for the afternoon. She pulled my shirt off then dragged her nails down my back, touching me the way I liked. When her nails dug deeper, I knew she liked what I was doing to her. She pulled my shorts and boxers down, letting me pop out.
Hungry for her, I removed her clothes then kissed her body. I always kissed the skin over her collarbone, cherishing her body with the love she deserved a long time ago. She was embarrassed by the marks on her body, but I made sure she felt beautiful despite her insecurities. Nothing could tarnish her big heart, the thing I loved most about her.
When our naked bodies were wrapped around one another, I moved inside her then gasped. I was never prepared for how good she felt. Our lovemaking was slow and sensual, and that made my nerves tingle in a fire of longing. This was the first time I had sex in my gym, and I was glad I shared this moment with only Keira. It was the place I was making her stronger, the place where I would make her feel completely safe. I wanted to separate our romantic relationship from our session, but now I realized that was possible. The only reason she stayed in the room was because of the love she felt for me. Without it, she would run.
I glanced at our reflection in the mirror and saw her writhe underneath me. Her legs were wrapped around my waist and her breasts shook as I rocked into her. It was the hottest thing I’d ever seen. I loved watching myself please her.
I returned my look to her then kissed her, parting my lips with hers. Keira never lasted long when I made love to her. She would tighten around me and reach her threshold in record time. I loved knowing I pleased her in the way she deserved.
She wasn’t coherent. “I…oh.”
I watched the heat flush her face. She bit her lip as she rode her high, savoring it as long as possible.
I panted as I thrust into her, reaching my threshold and falling over the edge. I filled her like I did every day, relishing the sensation as I finished. Sex was amazing with her, better than all the fucking I did with all the others.
I kissed her forehead then pulled out. When I lay beside her, I gripped her hand and caught my breath. There was no doubt that Keira and I loved each other in a significant way. We were a team, always putting the other first despite the consequences to ourselves. She was my rock, my everything. I protected her and made her strong, but she put me back together. We were broken pieces, but together, we were a completed puzzle. But we hardly said those three little words. They were rare and meaningful. Besides, I said them everyday, just not with my lips.
She and I brushed our teeth and washed our faces before we turned off all the lights and headed to bed. Our routine had been established silently, but we followed it religiously. Whenever she wasn’t there, I was totally thrown off. It reminded me of our time apart, but I tried not to think of that. It made me depressed.
Keira was restless that night. She tossed and turned, finding a new position around my body. I suspected something was on her mind.
“Baby, everything alright?”
“Yeah.” She ran her fingers down my chest, feeling my muscles. “No. I don’t know.”
“Tell me.”
Her hand moved to my shoulder and stayed there. She placed a gentle kiss on the surface then sighed. “I was wondering about…the others.”
“The others?”
“All the women you slept with.”
We never spoke of that. After I admitted my past to her, she never brought it up again. I was disgusted with myself and didn’t like thinking of my past. I may have enjoyed it at the time, but I was severely depressed. Now I was happy. “There’s nothing to wonder about. They are called the ‘others’ for a reason. They have no names because I can’t remember them. They have no memories because I forgot about them as soon as I had them. There’s nothing to discuss.”
Keira fell silent. Several minutes passed and she didn’t speak. I thought the subject was dropped. “They really meant nothing to you?”
“Yes.”
“How can that be possible?”
“It is.” I didn’t want to talk about this.
“They just slept with you knowing you didn’t want a relationship?”
“They were sluts. A lot of girls are.” Where was this going?
“You’ve never loved anyone but me?”
“You’re my one and only.” I was growing impatient. “Keira, why are we discussing this?”
“It just bothers me…”
“Then don’t think about it. They were literally warm bodies that got me off. That’s it. I never kissed them, told them they were cute, gave a shit about them, or called them ever again. I was a cold jackass.”
She fell silent, processing my words. “And you never slept with Adrianna…?”
“No.”
“Not even when we broke up?”
“I already said I wasn’t with anyone when we were apart.”
She turned her face away.
What was I missing? “Baby, what’s going on?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me,” I snapped. “Now tell me what’s on your mind. Why are you asking me all these questions? They should be left in the past. Now I’m in this bed with you, where I sleep every night because I’m a monogamous man who would die for you. That should be enough.”
“It is,” she whispered.
I stared at her and waited for her to speak up.
“Adrianna told me…” Her voice was weak and shaky. “That you slept with
her when we were apart.”
Anger flooded my body. I was pissed. No, I was livid. I got out of bed then pulled my clothes on, not sure what I was dressing myself in.
“What are you doing?” Keira sat up, alarm in her voice.
“Getting the fuck out of here.”
She scrambled out of bed. “Liam, I—”
I got in her face. “I’ve never hurt you and I never will. It kills me every time you get that look on your face like I’m going to punch you. How many times do I have to tell you I won’t hurt you until you finally believe me?
“I already said I didn’t sleep with anyone while we were apart. Are you calling me a liar? I’ve never done a single thing wrong in this entire relationship. I’ve been patient with you, even when I had no idea what scarred you so much. I’ve done everything to keep you, to prove how much I love you. I told you about my past, introduced you to my family, took you back without a fight after you dumped me, asked you to move in with me. What else do I have to do, Keira?”
“I didn’t mean—”
“I’m not done.” She flinched at my anger. “How dare you ask me if I slept with Adrianna. How can you not trust me this far into this relationship? How dare you doubt me? I’m getting sick of it, Keira. I’m a patient man when it comes to you, but every man has his limits. So you think about this while I’m out for the night.” I grabbed my wallet and keys and headed to the stairs, unable to look at her.
She followed me until I reached the front door. “I do trust. you I do.” A panicked look was in her eyes. “I just…she kept saying things to me. I guess she got into my head.”
That just pissed me off even more. “You and I are in this relationship. Not Adrianna.” I opened the front door but she grabbed my arm.
“Don’t go.”
“Keira, I’m really pissed right now. I don’t deserve to be doubted like this.”
“I know,” she said immediately. “I know. I’m sorry.”
I pulled my arm away. “I’ll be at Scotty’s if you need me.”
“No!”
I walked out and didn’t look back. I expected her to chase after me, but when I got into my truck she was nowhere in sight. I started the engine then took off.
I was angry for the entire drive. I was Prince Charming to Keira and wanted the recognition for it. She and I were a team, at least I thought we were. She didn’t need to be insecure about me. If I wanted to go back to my previous life, I would. After everything we’d been through, how could she possibly ask me that?
I got to Scotty’s then pounded my fist against the door. When he didn’t answer, I knocked again. He finally opened the door, shirtless. His hair was messy but he didn’t look like he was sleeping.
“Is everything alright?” he asked immediately.
“Can I crash with you tonight?”
“Um…” He looked over his shoulder then turned back to me. “I guess. What’s wrong?”
“Keira pissed me off.”
“I hope everything is okay…”
“We’ll be fine,” I snapped. “I’m just pissed at her right now.”
“Okay.” He opened the door wider and let me enter the house. “The couch is yours.”
“Thanks.” I plopped down on the couch then pulled a blanket over me. I was too angry to sleep but I lay down anyway. Scotty walked back into his bedroom then shut the door. My phone was in my pocket and it vibrated. I knew it was Keira and I shouldn’t even look at it. But I did anyway.
Plz tell me you’re okay.
I shouldn’t respond, but the soft side of me typed a message. I’m at Scotty’s. Night.
I love you.
I stared at the screen, reading the words over and over. We hardly ever said those words, so I knew she meant them and she was scared. She needed affirmation that I was still her man. That I wanted to be with her. I love you too. I just need my space right now.
She didn’t say anything else. I returned the phone to my pocket and closed my eyes.
Voices were heard in the other room.
“I guess Liam and Keira had a fight so he’s crashing here.” It was Scotty.
“A fight?” a woman said. I recognized it but couldn’t believe the identity.
“That’s all he said,” Scotty whispered.
“Did they break up?” she asked hopefully.
“No.”
“I hope they work it out.”
It was Adrianna. And I knew she didn’t mean those last words.
Chapter Eight
Liam
Five Years Earlier…
When my parents found out what I did, they weren’t happy. I was suspended from school but the altercation wasn’t placed on my permanent record. But that didn’t matter. They were livid with me.
“They attacked me!” I kept telling my parents over and over but they weren’t listening. “What was I supposed to do? Let them kick my ass?”
“Don’t curse!” my mom spat.
“Run?” I asked. “Do you want me to run like a pussy?”
My dad’s eyes widened at my words. My mom grabbed my shoulder and slapped me across the face.
I took the hit but didn’t feel the pain.
“Don’t talk like that!” My mom glared at me then stepped back. “I’m so disappointed in you.”
The words hurt more than the slap. “Derek is using Eva. He cheats on her, he treats her like shit, and he’s a fucking jackass! I’m not letting him near her.”
My mom didn’t bother yelling at me. It was clear I would keep cussing no matter what she did. I was that pissed.
My dad shook his head. “Derek has been polite every time he’s come over here.”
“Because he’s acting. Obviously.” God, why were my parents so stupid? “You’re okay with him fucking your daughter as soon as you leave?”
My mom was about to explode. “STOP CUSSING!”
My sister came in when she heard the racket. Judging by the glare on her face, she was still pissed at me for ratting her out.
My dad pointed his finger at me. “You broke one boy’s nose, knocked another unconscious, and cracked the rib of another. You think that’s okay?”
“It’s not my fault they can’t put their money where their mouth is. If anything, you should be proud of me. I was jumped by three football players and I took them all out.”
“Proud?” he asked incredulously. “Proud is definitely not the word I would use.” The disappointment was heavy in his voice.
“I don’t feel bad for what I did.”
Eva was more upset than the other two. “What did you do to Derek?”
My eyes narrowed at her. “Your boyfriend tried to jump me with two of his friends. And you only care about him?” That hurt more than anything. Why was she so brainwashed by this guy?
Her eyes softened. “He did?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
I shook my head. “The intent was pretty damn clear.”
“No,” she said. “He wouldn’t do that.”
“Do you want to talk to the principal yourself?” I asked sarcastically. “My coach saw the whole thing.”
Eva tucked her hair behind her ear then stormed back to her room. I heard the door slam.
My dad stared at me the entire time. “You’re seeing a specialist.”
“A specialist?” What the fuck was that?
“You clearly have anger issues, and they need to be addressed. The last thing we need is for you to get kicked out of school.”
“What?” I snapped. “I don’t have anger issues. I was attacked by three guys. I’m the victim in all this.”
“Eva said you beat up Derek when he was here.”
That just pissed me off even more. “And it should have been you! Protect your daughter. What kind of father are you? I’m telling you, I don’t like this guy. If anything, he’s the one with the anger problem.”
My dad’s face turned red in anger. “Don’t talk to—”
“I
hate you! You’re a miserable excuse for a father. You won’t take care of Eva, so I will. I don’t give a shit if she hates me for it. That’s what a real parent does.” I headed toward the door.
“You aren’t going anywhere!” My father came after me.
I left the house then slammed the door. I sprinted to my truck then jumped behind the wheel. Without looking back, I peeled out and hauled ass.
I didn’t want to be around anyone, so I parked off the street and sat in my truck. The radio was off and the windows were up. I couldn’t hear anything besides my own breathing. My thoughts gave me company.
I was frustrated. My parents didn’t support me. After being jumped, I was the one getting the punishment. If I were anyone else, I could have died in that locker room or been severely beaten.
But my parents didn’t care.
I’ve never hated anyone the way I hated Derek. I was sick of the rumors I heard about him. He yelled at my sister, made her cry. I didn’t like him coming over and fucking her when he thought no one was home. It was disrespectful. How could my sister be with someone her brother despised so much?
How could my parents force me to see a psychiatrist? Wasn’t that premature? I had real emotions. I actually cared about my family and their well being. If I were pathetic and weak, I would have run for it. But I have no doubt I would have regretted that far more later. I kicked Derek’s ass twice. Now he should back off. If he came near my sister, I’d rip his throat out. Hopefully, he would get tired of the bullshit and dump her. She would hate me, probably forever, but that didn’t matter to me. As long as she was happy with a better guy, I could continue forward.
I finally went home past midnight. I knew everyone would be asleep and I could creep into my room. I would stay out here all night but that would accomplish nothing. I had to face reality at some point.
When I came back to the house, it was dark. No one was in the living room, and I heard the distant sound of my parents snoring. I locked the door behind me then used the light from my phone to guide me.
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