Chapter 21
Liam just watched her, that tiny smile still tugging at his lips, even as she glared at him.
The more he acted like this, the angrier Esme got. “Liam, we’re divorced. You need to stop following me. If you keep showing up, I won’t even be able to keep this shop open.”
He just stood there, head bowed, looking like a scolded kid.
“Esme, I’m not going to chase after anyone else. This is just who I am. It’s how I won you over in the first place.”
Esme hesitated for a second.
Liam really didn’t know how to pursue someone. All he ever did was cling to her in that awkward, stubborn way–using his name, his presence, to keep everyone else at bay. She used to find that clumsy devotion kind of sweet. She’d thought he’d always be like this with her, only her. But who could have guessed that even a guy like him could end up hurting her so badly?
“Liam, don’t do this.” She let out a cold laugh. “I’ve told you. There’s nothing left between us.”
She took a breath, steadying herself. “I’m marrying Neil. Please don’t come around anymore.”
“Marrying?”
It was like someone dropped him into an ice bath–he could barely breathe.
“Marrying? You and Neil?” He stepped closer, grabbing her wrist so tightly it hurt.
Esme winced but refused to back down. “Yes. We’re getting married. You need to let us live our
lives.”
“No. I won’t let you.”
He yanked her into his arms, crushing his mouth to hers, desperate and wild. No matter how much she fought, he wouldn’t let go.
His kiss was rough and hungry, as if he wanted to pull her into himself and never let her go.
“Liam, you’ve lost your mind!”
“Yeah. I think I lost it the second I lost you.”
The sharp, clean smell of his cologne wrapped around her, dizzying her senses. His lips grazed her neck, his eyes trailing down to the barely–there strap of her dress, full of heat.
“Everything that happened before, it was all my fault. I never should have let my love for you get divided–not for a second.”
“Esme, just give me one more chance. I swear, I’ll only ever love you. Only you. Always.”
Tears stung Esme’s eyes. She pushed against him, trying to ignore the sick feeling curling in her stomach, but the more she struggled, the harder he held on.
Chapter 21
“Esme!” Neil’s voice cut through the chaos.
“Neil!” Her voice cracked as she called out to him.
Neil stormed in, swinging a fist straight into Liam’s chest. Liam staggered, loosening his grip, but didn’t let go completely.
Neil grabbed Liam’s wrist, twisted hard, and there was a sickening crack as he dislocated it.
He pulled Esme behind him, shielding her.
Face dark with fury, Neil shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, wrapping her up in a fierce hug.
“It’s okay, Esme. You’re safe. Don’t look back, just go home. Leave the rest to me, alright?” He shoved his car keys into her hand. “Go on, honey. I’ve got this.”
Esme nodded, clutching the jacket tight as she rushed outside.
Neil only relaxed when he saw her car pull away. He turned back to Liam, eyes hard and cold.
“Liam, this has to stop. You’re not helping her–you’re just making everything worse.”
“Do you even realize what you’ve done? She still wakes up in the middle of the night, screaming from nightmares. Nightmares where crazed horses trample her, or she’s abandoned in a blizzard, about to be buried alive–all because of you.”
Liam froze, all the fight draining out of him.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry…” He kept repeating it, lost, as if those were the only words
left in him.
“If you really mean that, let her go.”
Neil hit him again, sending Liam stumbling, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
But Liam didn’t fight back. He just stood there, shattered, mumbling his apologies.
Neil didn’t say another word. He turned and left.
No one knew h
Liam stood in that empty shop. Time seemed to stretch on forever
the next day, there was a new sign hanging in the window:
stared at it for what felt like an eternity, then finally turned and walked away.
