The air I breathe smells tainted.
The lights are too bright.
Staring out of the window, it feels as if someone dug my insides out. I feel hollow.
I can’t comprehend the attack. It doesn’t feel like it happened to me. As if I’m not in this body.
Wrapping the blanket tighter around me, I cover my mouth with some of it.
Finn stripped me of everything I am. Everything I was.
Mom.
I peek at Liam. “Will my mom be safe?”
His eyes leave the road to find mine. “Yes. I have men guarding her.”
My throat closes up, but I squeeze the words out in a strained voice, “Thank you.”
My eyes keep darting between the window and Liam. I’m scared if I look away for too long, he might disappear. It’s stupid, but I can’t help it. Right now, I need someone stronger than me by my side.
Just until I’m better and I can fight for myself again.
Flashes of the ordeal bombard my mind, and I quickly smother a sob that escapes before I can stop it.
“Almost there,” Liam murmurs as he turns the SUV up a street.
I nod and bury my face deeper in the blanket.
I’ve never been hurt like this before.
My face aches as if a second heart is pulsing in my cheek.
I can still feel Finn’s hands on me. Groping. His teeth on my breasts.
Oh, God.
I shake my head to rid myself of the traumatic flashback.
“We’re here.” Liam brings the car to a stop, then he tugs at the blanket. I lower it from my face and lift my eyes to his. “You’ll be safe with me. I promise.”
I nod, not doubting him for a single second.
When I move to open the door, he says, “Sit still. I’ll come around and get you.”
My eyes follow Liam as he climbs out of the SUV and walks around the back to come open my door. “I can walk,” I say, my voice hoarse.
“I know.” Still, he slips his arms beneath me and lifts me to his chest, bridal style.
Two men step forward where they’re standing by an elevator in the basement, and it has Liam saying, “Stay at your posts. Everything’s fine.”
Assuming they are guards, I hide my face against Liam’s shoulder until I hear the elevator door close. Lifting my head, I whisper, “Really, I can walk.”
When Liam looks down, it puts his face closer to mine. “Are you uncomfortable?”
“No, but you have to be.” All the touching must be getting to him.
“I’m fine.”
The doors open, and I’m carried into a sea of luxury. The first thing I see is a raindrop crystal chandelier, followed by cream leather couches that form a half-circle facing floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
It’s breathtaking.
Liam sets me down on one of the couches, and I notice the kitchen to my left, the white marble countertops sparkling from the overhead lights.
“I’m just going to get a first aid kit,” he says, and I watch as he walks up a spiral staircase.
Glancing around his home, it hits that Liam brought me to his penthouse. He hugged me and carried me. He saved me.
He shot Finn.
Finn.
The trauma washes over me, threatening to drown every ounce of life from me.
Pulling the blanket and jacket away, I peek down at my bare breasts. The sight of the red blotches and bitemarks has my chin trembling, and I quickly cover up again.
Hearing Liam coming down the stairs, I quickly wipe away the tears forming beneath my eyes.
He sits down next to me, and opening a bag, he takes antiseptic wipes out. When he lifts his hand to my face, I quickly say, “I can clean myself. I really don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
Liam pauses, then locks eyes with me. “I’m not uncomfortable, Kiara. I want to do this.”
He does?
When he dabs over my jaw and cheek, I lower my eyes to his chest. Seeing the bloodstains on his shirt, I mutter, “I’m sorry for ruining your shirt. I don’t think the stains will come out.”
Liam glances down, then shakes his head. “It’s nothing. Tell me if I hurt you.”
Even though it burns, I sit still and keep quiet.
Liam leans closer as he wipes over my ear, then he murmurs, “The skin split, but it’s stopped bleeding.” He dabs some balm onto the broken skin.
Having him so close to me, my emotions begin to spiral, and I can’t keep the tears from flowing.
I’ve always been like that, the second someone shows me kindness, I can’t hold the tears in anymore.
Liam’s arms wrap around me, and I’m gently pulled to his chest. I press my lips together to keep the sobs in. Fighting to regain control of the mess left behind by the assault, it takes minutes before I calm down.
Pulling back, I whisper, “Sorry.”
“It’s understandable. You’ve been through hell,” Liam says, his tone brisk, as if he’s angry.
He takes hold of my chin, lifting my face, then wipes the tear tracks away with his fingers.
My eyes dart to his, and we both freeze. After a couple of seconds, I ask, “Are you really okay with all the touching?”
The corner of his mouth lifts, softening his features. “Yes. You don’t have the same effect on me as other people.”
Meaning?
His gaze lowers to the blanket. “My clothes won’t fit, but we’ll have to make do.”
“Your clothes?”
Liam gets up, then holds his hand out to me. “I’ll show you to the bathroom so you can shower.”
Climbing to my feet, I place my hand in his. His fingers wrap warmly around my cold ones, then he leads me up the stairs. I’m taken to a bedroom that’s half the size of the living room. The décor is white leather with gold finishings, a glass wall separating the bedroom from a walk-in closet.
Holy crap.
“You have a beautiful home,” I murmur, feeling a little awestruck.
“Thanks.” Liam pulls me into a bathroom that’s half the size of my apartment. An oval-shaped tub stands in front of the windows, and I can see the city from here.
Letting go of my hand, he says, “I’m just going to get you something to wear.”
I stand still, glancing at the marble counters and huge shower. A minute later, Liam comes back with a black t-shirt and gray sweatpants.
He sets the clothing down on the counter, then looks at me. “Take your time. Okay?”
“Yes, sir.” The second the word ‘sir’ leaves my mouth, I feel awkward as hell.
I’m standing in my boss’ bathroom.
“Just Liam,” he corrects me before walking out and shutting the door behind him.
Letting the blanket drop to the floor, I take hold of the jacket and slowly open it. The second I see my naked body, I have to glance away, shame hitting me hard.
Finn saw me naked. He touched me.
God. Liam saw me naked too.
Crouching down, I bury my face in my arms.
