Predator

20

As if afraid she would run away, Liam pressed a fist against her waist, pulling her closer. "Sleep."

His sharp eyes gave her one last glance before slowly closing. The night was so quiet that Amelia felt she could hear his steady breathing. For the first time, she observed Liam's body. She realized he had always kept his clothes on during their previous encounters. His body looked more like a weapon designed for killing than a human one—a scar ran from his neck down to his chest, numerous bite and scratch marks from beasts, and a burn mark on his abdomen the size of half her palm, vaguely in the shape of antlers, partially covered by a blanket.

Suspicious, she pinched a corner of the blanket, planning to take a closer look—

"What are you doing?" The cool voice above startled her, making her hand freeze.

"I..." Amelia's mind raced, unable to find a plausible excuse as she saw the dangerous glint in his eyes.

Her relief came from a sudden, terrifying scream from the factory, breaking her awkward situation. It was a desperate, helpless elephant's call. Amelia shivered, forgetting her nakedness as she tried to rush outside, only to be pulled back by strong arms.

Liam, displeased with her impulsiveness, pinched her cheek, trying to push her back to sleep. His hand throbbed with pain as Amelia bit it, panic-stricken, her initial stubbornness returning.

"I'm not running away. I just want to see..."

"See what?" Liam asked, feigning ignorance.

"See... the things you keep in the factory," she cautiously tested.

"Relax, they won't die," he replied coldly, intending to withdraw his hand when a tear fell on his palm, warm and glistening, filled with anxiety.

"Liam, I just want to take a look."

"Please."

This was the first time she called his name, her voice dragging a hook that tempted him to bite. But he wouldn't be that foolish. Time passed slowly, his expression unchanged, but he pinched her reddened nose. "Put on some clothes. Who are you trying to show off to, running around naked?"

Amelia was stunned for a moment, feeling a few pieces of the man's clothes thrown onto her head.

Liam's voice was gruff.

"Put them on. I'll take you."