The Compulsive Taking

Chapter 4

(Alicia's perspective) 

Liam pulls into a discount store a few blocks down from the hotel. He gets out quickly, coming over to my side of the SUV to open my door. He headed straight toward the swim trunk section. I followed him, but soon get bored. I start strolling through the other parts of the store, until I find the women's section. 

My eyes catch a burgundy two-piece bathing suit sitting on the rack. I l look around, making sure Liam was not anywhere to be found. I turn toward my right, spotting a burgundy maxi dress hanging of the rack nearby. I locate a dressing room to change into the outfits. I loved them both, but today was a day I decided to go without money. I left my wallet back at home. 

I step out, admiring the image that stared back at me. I was soon interrupted by the sound of Liam's voice.

"Does it fit nicely?" He asks. 

I run a hand through my hair before walking off. I change quickly trying to avoid his eye contact. 

"I'll just go put these back on the clothing rack." 

I feel his hand reach out of my own, as he tugs me back. "No, you won't" He then starts going toward the checkout line. 

"I will not allow this." I start protesting even more, but he had already snatched the clothes from my hand and placed them onto the checkout counter as I protested.

"Then, I'll allow it." He replies. 

As we leave the store, the little old lady from behind the counter calls after us. "Have a nice honeymoon!" 

I turn back around to her. "Oh, we-." I am then cut off by him. 

"Thank you, so much." He says, turning to wave at her. She gives him a cheerful smile as she waves back. 

~~~

A few weeks pass and I found myself spending more time with Liam every chance I got. We had become great acquaintances over time. The more time I spent with him, the more he seemed to relax and let me see parts of he was not too willing to show most people. In return, I did the same. 

One late night, I was working at the front desk at the hotel. I hear the front entrance doors open, Liam walks in. His gait seemed different than usual. His rosy cheeks were the tell-tale signs of an increased alcohol consumption. 

There seemed to be an extra gleam in his eyes once they landed on me. He attempted to strut over to me as he stumbled every other step. He comes over to the front desk propping up against the counter. "Hey stranger." 

"Hey, Liam." 

"What have you been up to?" He asks. 

"Working, you?" 

"Umm, just chilling out." He replies casually.

"How many drinks?" I ask him. 

"I don't know what you're talking about." 

I narrow my eyes at him. He takes the hint quickly; I was not falling for his lies. He begins to count up on his fingers before giving up. "Oh, I don't remember." 

"Well, come on. I'll escort you to your room." 

"Oh, you don't have to." He insists. 

"I am not a betting woman, but I bet you would not make it up to your room." 

"I bet you're right." He says, winking at me.