Dark and Dangerous

Chapter 25

I pulled my vibrating phone out of my back pocket, wiping my tears and willing my voice to be strong as I answered it.

“Jessica? It’s Liam.” I smiled. I should have known he was going to try to get hold of me.

“Hey, Liam.”

“Do you need me? I’m right around the corner. I didn’t know what was going to happen, so I didn’t go too far. When he passed me, I thought I’d call you. I can come over if you need me.” I thought about it. Did I need him? A friend couldn’t hurt, and he was already here. I’d text Ana and if she had the time she’d come as well.

“Sure, Liam. That actually sounds great.” I replied.

We hung up and I opened the door as he pulled into the drive. I had wiped away my tears as best as I could, but he still jumped out of his car and hugged me tightly. He left his arm around me and guided me to the couch, kicking the door closed behind him. I plopped down next to him and buried my head in his chest before I started crying.

“Thank you, Liam.” I muttered. I wasn’t sure if he heard me until he squeezed me tighter and kissed my head. I lifted my face and looked into his light brown eyes.

“Jess…” He trailed off as he leaned toward me. His eyes fluttered closed and his lips touched mine gently. He kissed me for a small moment before I turned away.

“I-I’m sorry. I can’t. Not yet.” I sobbed. All of it was too fresh. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close.

“I understand. I’m sorry. Shhh, it’s okay.” He comforted me, but the whole time I was thinking about how Liam could do this to his band mate. Sure, we were over, but I didn’t think he had it in him. Soon I fell asleep in his arms.

--

I awoke in my bed. I was working on Day Five After Niall. The pain I had felt the first few days was more of a numb throbbing now. But I did miss him terribly. I decided to skip class again today, as I had the two days before. Seeing Angel all over Niall was too hard for me. Instead, I got dressed in grey leggings and a white long sleeve. I slipped on my Toms and headed for the beach.

I left my shoes in the car when I got to the shore. I made my way through the sand to the spot where Niall and I had watched the sunset. I sat down, setting my head on my knees, and watched the waves.

A short time later, maybe ten minutes, someone came and sat next to me. I didn’t know who until he started talking.

“I’m sorry, Jessica.” Niall’s rough voice apologized. “I have absolutely no feelings for her. You know that.”

“Can we just, not?” I asked weakly. I didn’t have the energy to fight with him. He was quiet, but soon he reached over and took my hand. I let him. He traced patterns into my palm, first stars and circles, then hearts. He scooted closer to me and set my hand on his leg before continuing his drawings.

I’d missed his touch. Even after everything, I still craved him.

“This spot… why’d you come here?” He asked after what seemed like an eternity of silence.

“I could ask you the same question.”

“It holds significance to me. It’s the first place I’ve ever made love in the ocean. And I did it with my true love.” His hand moved to my thigh. I finally met his gaze, and we just looked at each other for a long moment.

“I love you, Jessica. I really do.” He whispered. My gaze dropped to the sand between us, and his hand moved up to cup my cheek. He leaned over and kissed me gently. I responded immediately, my body craving his touch. My hand covered his on my thigh. He rolled over me, causing me to move back until I was laying on the sand. His hand on my thigh moved up my stomach as our legs entwined, one of his between both of mine. His kiss became passionate, full of love. Somehow, I knew he’d never kissed Angel like this.

After another long moment, he broke the kiss and looked down at me.

“Does this mean we’re okay?” He asked, and I nodded. I missed him. I needed him. And I sure as hell couldn’t be away from him this long.

“But Angel’s going to be a problem for me.” I replied, my gaze burning into his. He nodded and smirked.

“Already covered.” He pressed his lips to mine again and kissed me sensless.