Page 12 of Fatality

I grab my bag and head straight toward Jules and Charlie, still lost and dancing.

“A bastard thought he could take whatever he wanted,” I tell them over the music. “I'm going home.”

Charlie and Jules look me over, their expressions shifting from joy to disgust, then anger.

Before either of them can argue, I raise a hand.

“Stay. Have fun.” I force a small smile. “Just text me when you get home safe.”

I leave before either of them can talk me out of it.

I should stay, I should force myself to forget about it.

But if I do, I'll probably smash a chair over that bastard's head and get myself banned from this place.

I don't want that, not for me and not for my girls.

The cab ride home is a blur of holographic lights streaking past the windows.

My breathing is uneven, adrenaline still boiling beneath my skin while the alcohol only makes it worse.

I can't calm down.

I wire the credits for the ride, step into the elevator and finally reach my loft’s door.

I press my trembling palm against the digital pad, a soft beep echoes and the door slides open with a soft hiss.

Darkness greets me.

I step inside, swaying faintly, kick off my shoes and ready to go to bed but then the bathroom door opens.

Liam walks out of the bathroom, fresh from the shower, water still beading over his lean, toned frame.

Droplets trail down his skin before disappearing beneath the towel hanging low on his hips.

His silver-white hair is slicked back, though a few damp strands have fallen loose around his face.

“Hey, babe. You're home.” Liam smiles as he walks over to me. “How was your night? Did you have fun with Jules and Charlie?”

“Yeah.” I answer, harsher than I mean to.

“You've been drinking?” he asks softly, taking hold of my upper arm.

His fingers dig into my skin, a sharp contrast to the gentleness of his voice.

“Come on,” he murmurs. “Let's get you cleaned up.”

I hiss softly, before following him.

Inside, he kneels in front of me, slips off my boots, then unfastens the belts around my waist before peeling off my bodysuit.

“Better, isn’t it?” he asks quietly.

I simply nod, pull off the tie in my hair and step beneath the shower stream.

Hot water rushes over my skin, washing away alcohol, sweat and the man hands on my waist.

He never really likes it when I go out, he's always worried some guy will come after me.