He stilled as I blocked him out. “She said she doesn’t want to see you.”
“We aren’t breaking up,” I said firmly. “If she really wants this relationship to end, she’ll have to come here and get her stuff on her own. I won’t change my mind.”
Scotty stepped back. “Okay.”
“How is she?”
He shrugged. “Depressed. She cries all the time.”
“I know how that is,” I said bitterly.
“I’m sorry, man. I don’t know what else to say.”
I stepped out of the house and locked the door behind me. “You don’t have to say anything.”
“Where are you going?”
“To talk to her.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea…”
I headed to my truck. “I’m not letting her go. I’m the best damn thing that’s ever happened to her. And she’s mine.” I got inside then pulled out of the driveway.
When I arrived at her house, I knocked on the door loudly. Her car was in the driveway so I knew she was home. And I knew her better than anyone. She would stay locked up in the house forever if she could.
I heard footsteps stir behind the door. When she looked through the peephole, she gasped.
“Open the door.”
She didn’t respond.
“Open it, or I’ll use my key.”
Silence stretched for a minute. I waited for her to open the door.
“Don’t call my bluff,” I said. “You gave me this key and said I was welcome to come and go as I please. You can’t take that back. I’ve given you a few days to think things over. But now I want to talk.”
She fidgeted with the door then finally cracked it open. Her face was pale, and her lips were lifeless. She looked dead, like she hadn’t eaten or moved in days. Her eyes were downcast, unable to look at me. “There’s nothing left to say.”
I pushed the door open then barged into her house. “I have plenty to say.”
She flinched then stepped back while I moved forward. But she didn’t cower away from me or scream. She didn’t put her hand up to shield an attack. Reason had settled on her in the past few days. I would never hurt her, and she knew that. “We’re over,” she said weakly.
“No.” I grabbed her hips and pulled her to me. “I don’t accept that.”
“I don’t see you in the same way. You’re different to me now.” She pushed against my chest, but I kept her in place.
“Hurting innocent and helpless victims is a lot different than professional fighting. There’s no comparison. It doesn’t make me a monster or a distrustful person. And I’ve given that up forever.” I placed her hands on my biceps, making her squeeze the muscle. “Do you feel that?”
She stared at my chest.
“This is yours. I’m stronger than any man you’ll ever meet. You’re safe with me. You’ll never have to worry about someone hurting you or making you feel scared. These will protect you. Think about it that way.”
She closed her eyes.
“Keira, look at me.”
“No…”
“Look at me,” I commanded.
Hesitantly, she did.
“We love each other more than words could ever say. I know keeping the truth from you was wrong, but I just wanted to protect you. I’m still the same man. You can’t throw this relationship away. We’re perfect together. Don’t do this.”
She pulled away and stepped back. “I’m sorry.”
“Keira, you’re making a mistake.”
“It’s my mistake to make. I don’t feel the same way. I…I used to respect you, but now I’m just scared of you.”
I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. It was impossible to have a logical argument with an illogical person. Her emotions and her past were clouding her ability to reason.
“I want you to leave.”
Fuck. This couldn’t be the end.
“Go,” she said firmly. “And I want my key.”
That was a knife to my chest. “What…?”
She extended her hand. “I want my key.” She sniffled while she waited.
I breathed deeply before I pulled it out and handed it to her.
She took it then shoved it into her pocket. “I’ll get yours.”
“I don’t want it,” I said firmly. “Keep it.”
“No.”
“Then you’ll have to come to my house and hand it over.” I headed toward the door. “And I’m not letting Scotty come into my house. If you want your shit, you’ll have to face me and watch the light leave my eyes as you walk out on me.” I stepped out then slammed the door behind me.
18
Keira
I stayed in the house for another week, too afraid to go to Liam’s house and retrieve my belongings. I had to do the laundry every other day because I had limited clothes here. I bought new hair supplies and a toothbrush, but I missed my old things.
I was scared to go to his house again. There were too many beautiful memories there. It would only break my heart. I wished I could work this out with Liam, but I couldn’t. Flashbacks of his fight came to my mind. The evil glint in his eyes would haunt my dreams forever. The power behind his attack could break me into pieces. It was too frightening. How could I be with someone so violent? His anger was inside him, dormant and hidden. But what if it came out in a heated argument? Finn was the same way. The signs were all there, but he exploded one day. I promised myself I would never be in that situation again.
But I missed him.
Our tender moments would come into my mind. I missed the way he held me through the night, the way he would watch me brush my teeth, and the nights we played poker with Skittles. I would always miss that.
For me, Liam was the only man I would ever love. He was my one special someone who came into my life and left a noticeable mark. But I couldn’t go back to him and act like everything was okay. There were good things about him, but the bad outweighed it.
When I finally got my bearings, I drove to his house and sat in the driveway. The house looked quiet. Maybe he wasn’t home. I could use his key and get inside. I could take all my belongings before he noticed anything.
But I felt wrong violating his privacy. He could have used my key to enter my house, but he didn’t. He knocked like I wanted.
After a long sigh, I approached the house and knocked on the door. A minute later, he answered it. He was wearing his sweat pants with no shirt. I didn’t look at his chest because I knew exactly how it would make me feel. I’d run kisses all over his body then melt into his embrace, telling him to never let me go.
He stared at me, waiting for me to speak. “Why are you here?”
I saw the hope in his eyes. I knew what he wanted me to say. “My things…”
The light left his eyes. After a deep breath, he stepped aside. “Then go get them.” The disappointment was heavy in his voice.
I stepped inside and kept my gaze glued to the hardwood floor. Then I headed up the stairs to his bedroom. Nothing in the house had changed in the past two weeks. It was the end of January, but the Christmas tree was still near the fireplace.
When I entered his room, it had the same smell. I inhaled it, knowing it was the last time. I went into the bathroom and gathered my toiletries. When I came out, he was leaning against the doorway, watching me. I tried to ignore him and get my things as quickly as possible.
I opened my nightstand drawer and stilled when I saw what was inside. My undergarments and socks were gone. Instead, there was a single ring—an engagement ring.
“I wanted to ask you on New Year’s,” he explained. “But that didn’t work out.”
I stared at the ring, my breathing heavy.
“And my offer still stands.”
My hands shook as I gripped the drawer. This was just torture. I pushed the drawer closed so I wouldn’t have to look at it anymore. I grabbed the rest of my stuff and shoved it into bags as quickly as possible. The tears leaked from my eyes.
<
br /> Liam didn’t move from his spot by the door. I felt his gaze drill into my back.
When I was finally done, I advanced past him and headed to the front door as quickly as possible. The tears fell down my face, and I didn’t bother hiding them. I tossed his key on the counter then walked out the door.
Liam followed me. “So, this is it? We’re done?”
I stopped in my tracks but didn’t turn around.
“I asked you a question.”
Slowly, I turned around and faced him. I nodded, unable to speak.
His eyes welled up with tears. He breathed heavily but didn’t speak. A full minute passed. “I’m always here if you need anything, Keira.” He walked back into his house then closed the door without looking at me.
* * *
A month passed, and the next semester began. I was already thin, but I lost more weight. I was practically a skeleton. Scotty was concerned, but he couldn’t help me. No one could.
When I was on campus, I was afraid I’d run into Liam. But a part of me hoped I did. I missed him like crazy. I missed those blue eyes I could stare at forever. His body was always so warm when he held me. I missed making love to him. It was when I was truly safe, knowing he would never hurt me.
But I never saw him.
I went through the motions of my life without any meaning. I did well in my classes because studying and homework occupied my mind and wandering thoughts. When I couldn’t sleep at night, I’d jog through the neighborhood, relishing the quiet world. I was so depressed that I didn’t care if anything bad happened to me.
I headed to the beach where Liam first held my hand. The memory was too painful, so I headed back home. No matter where I went, his memory was heavy in the air. Every part of me was tarnished with his presence. There was a vigil for Liam in my heart. And it would always be there.
I never asked Scotty about Liam, and he never brought him up. It was an unspoken understanding.
On Friday night, I was home while Scotty went out on a date. When he brought her back to the house, I stayed in my room and avoided them entirely. I didn’t want to get to know a series of girls I’d never see again. So I stayed hidden and gave Scotty his privacy. But I didn’t need him in the house anymore. I wasn’t scared someone would hurt me. Liam fixed that problem.
Even though our relationship didn’t work out, at least he gave that to me. I didn’t flinch around others, and I didn’t isolate myself. I just chose to stay home because I was too depressed to go anywhere.
A knock on the door shattered my thoughts. I didn’t know who would stop by at this time. And I knew it wasn’t Liam. He hadn’t called me or tried to see me in a month. He’d finally let me go. And to be honest, I was hurt he gave up.
I opened the door without looking on the other side. My depression made me careless and falsely secure. When I recognized her face, I stilled. “Pam?”
Her eyes were heavy with sadness. She looked at me like she thought I’d died, fading from this life. She immediately pulled me into a hug and held me close. “It’s so nice to see you, dear.”
I returned her embrace. “You too. But…what are you doing here?”
“Liam told me what happened.”
“Oh.” The tension settled between us.
“He’s a complete wreck without you. I know this isn’t my place, but please give him another chance. He told me what happened to you… I know he was just trying to shield you from it.”
I didn’t know what to say.
“And I miss you too. You’re the greatest thing that ever happened to my son.”
She was killing me. I felt the emotion bubble in my eyes. “Did he ask you to come?”
“No,” she said quickly. “He doesn’t know. He would kill me if he knew.”
I looked away from her eyes, unable to see the pain.
“He really needs you right now, Keira.”
“Why?”
“His father had a heart attack.” She took a deep breath. “It’s been hard on all of us.”
Alarm spread through my veins. “Is he okay?”
“Yes,” she said quickly. “He’s fine, and he’ll make a good recovery. But Liam has taken it hard. He feels guilty for all the time he lost, especially since his father almost passed away. He’s been even more depressed than normal.”
My heart squeezed painfully. I completely understood his feelings. “Thank you for telling me.”
She nodded. “Of course, dear. I sincerely hope you two can work it out.”
I didn’t speak.
“And I helped pick out the ring. He planned on asking you before the breakup, just in case you were wondering.”
That made me feel even worse. Now I knew it wasn’t a cheap trick to keep me around.
“Good-bye, dear. But I hope this isn’t the last time.” She smiled then headed back to her car.
I stood rooted to the spot, experiencing too many emotions to straighten out. I only knew one thing. I didn’t want to be at this house anymore. I wanted to be with Liam.
* * *
I drove to his parents’ house and saw Liam’s truck in the driveway. His father must be on bedrest, and I know Liam wouldn’t leave his side. He’d probably stopped going to school altogether. After I took a deep breath, I went to the door and knocked.
“I got it!” I heard Pam yell. She opened the door and stared at me. Her mouth broke into a huge smile, and tears glistened in her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
I nodded.
“Come in. Come in.” She ushered me inside then shut the door.
I looked for Liam, but I didn’t see him anywhere.
“He’s in his father’s room,” she explained. “I’ll fetch him.”
I felt my heart race in my chest.
Pam walked down the hallway and entered the bedroom. “There’s someone at the door for you.”
“Who?” he asked.
“See for yourself,” she said vaguely.
Liam came down the hallway then stopped when he saw me in the entryway. He looked at me for a long time, trying to determine if I was real. Then he closed the gap between us. When he was close to me, I saw the emotion in his eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“Your mom told me about your dad. I had to make sure everything was okay.”
“Oh.” The disappointment filled his eyes. “Well, I’m fine. Thanks for checking on me.” He opened the door then waited for me to walk out.
“That’s not the only reason why I’m here…”
He still held the door open.
“I don’t want to leave.”
His hand shook then he slammed it shut. “What do you mean?”
“I’m sorry about everything. I’m hurt by your actions, but I can’t live without you. I…”
His mouth was sealed over mine, and he angled me against the wall. He gave me gentle kisses then cupped my face. His other arm wrapped around my waist, squeezing me to his chest. My words were forgotten, and I returned his embrace.
His tears fell onto my cheeks, and I tasted them on my tongue. My emotions mirrored his. Suddenly, he pulled away and opened the door. “Let’s go home.”
“What about your—”
“He’s fine.” He took my hand and pulled me to his truck. “I finally got you back. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
* * *
When we arrived at his house, he pulled me into his arms and carried me upstairs. As soon as we were in the bedroom, we looked at each other, unable to fathom the presence of the other.
I wondered if he had been with anyone when we were apart. I knew he used to sleep around, and he probably reverted to his old ways as soon as I was gone. But I couldn’t hold that against him. “Were you with anyone—”
“No,” he said quickly. “You can ask the guys. I’ve been cooped up in my house the entire time.”
“I believe you.” I let the relief spread through my body.
“The sheets still smell like you. It was too hard to w
ash them.” The pain in his eyes went directly into my heart.
“Now you can wash them,” I said. “Because I’ll make them smell like me again.”
He smiled. “Let’s make them smell like you right now.” He lifted me to the bed then crawled on top of me. I missed a lot of things from our relationship, but I missed this most of all.
Slowly, I grabbed his shirt and removed it. When I saw the chest I loved so much, I placed a gentle kiss over his heart. My lips felt the vibration of his beating heart under the skin. Liam watched my every move, his eyes bright with joy. Then I pulled down his jeans and boxers. I wasn’t in the mood to procrastinate. I wanted him, and I wanted him now. When he was naked, I ran my hands up and down his body.
Liam tore my clothes away while kissing every inch of my skin. He paid more attention to the skin of my hips since it was his favorite area. When I was unclothed, he leaned over me and parted my legs.
We were both desperate for one another, so our bodies found each other like magnet and steel. He was inside me, and the immediate stretch felt undeniably good. He pressed his face close to mine and rocked into me. My nails immediately dug into his skin as our bodies and minds connected. All the pain I felt in the past month washed away when I felt Liam. He was the only man in my heart, the man who had everything I could give.
We kissed and touched each other, making love longer than usual. Tears spilled from my eyes, but Liam kissed them away. His hand moved into my hair and touched me gently. I’d never felt a love like this. After being hurt and abused, this was exactly what I needed. And Liam gave it to me. No longer was I scared of Liam or anyone else. When I was in his arms, I was unbreakable.
And he reminded me of that every day.
19
Liam
I belonged with Keira. Nowhere else.
Feeling her in my arms again was the greatest comfort I’d ever had. All the nights I couldn’t sleep were forgotten. I’d slammed my fists into my punching bag so many times, I’d broken a knuckle. I’d had to see an orthopedic specialist to correct it. The time apart had been unbearable.
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