Contentions(A Liam Payne AU)

Chapter 16 - Shadows

Faster.

Faster...

FASTER!

I pushed myself to a sprint until I made it to my car, my hands shaking so bad that the keys slipped out of my grip. I leaned down to grab them, but as I did, a shadow dashed threw my peripheral vision, my heart leaping into my throat. Someone was there.

“HEL-,” I began when a hand clamped over my mouth, effectively cutting off my scream. My body was dragged up and against a hard body, my limbs thrashing when I finally realized I was being held captive. Tears slipped down my cheeks and I bit the hand, trying desperately to get him to let go but nothing was working, I was screwed.

“You done yet?” a voice sighed, my body bristling when I recognized the familiar accent…

Liam. A wave of anger slipped over me but was soon replaced by fear, my body shaking with tremors as I went limp, sobs rising in my throat but unable to escape my mouth.

“Brinlee?” he asked slowly, almost fearfully. “Babe, why…why are you crying? What’s wrong?” He released me, going to turn my body to face him but I quickly whipped around and my hand collided with his cheek. He didn’t even flinch, his jaw twitched and he just stared, confused.

“Did I do something to make you mad? I mean, why did you run out on me the other night? I thought we were getting along,” he mumbled, hurt shining in his eyes. Guilt started to weigh on me as I saw that almost dejected look he was displaying, as if my leaving bothered him.

“You-you just wanted me to be another one of your girls,” I whimpered, my cheeks filling with red as embarrassment coursed through me. “I’m not that kind of-I don’t-I’ve never even-“

“You thought I was some pimp?” Liam questioned, his eyebrow cocking up. I simply nodded, expecting him to lash out when he started laughing, clutching his sides as he became breathless. I couldn’t help but feel humiliated, my chest tightening with that awful feeling.

“Brinlee?” Liam quickly sobered up, his brow drawing together in confusion. “I’m not a pimp; far from it, actually. When I said my girls I meant my students-“

“What!” I squeaked, eyes widening.

“Oh! Nonono!” he blurted. “That sounded bad, um, my boxing students, love. I teach self-defense to a handful of girls your age, some even just kids.”

“S-self defense?”

“Yes, self defense. I don’t sell girls off to guys or anything like that. Hell, I want to kill people who do that,” he grumbled. “So is that why you ran? You thought I was going to rape you or something?”

“Yeah…” I mumbled. “I was scared. I’m sorry, Liam.”

“I understand,” he reassured, rubbing the side of my arm. “But I am curious as to why you were running just now. You looked terrified.”

“J-just paranoid,” I lied through my teeth, leaning down and grabbing my keys off the ground. “Nothing serious.”

“Are you sure, babe? That didn’t look like paranoia-“

“I’m fine!” I snapped, running a shaky hand over my face. “Look, I have to go.” I struggled to get my shaky hands to turn the key in the lock, once again dropping them.

“Brinlee, something’s up. Talk to me,” Liam begged, grabbing the tops of my arms. “What’s scaring you?”

“Please,” I begged, my eyes wide. “Just leave it, Liam.” He just stared for a second, thinking, before he nodded, taking a step back.

“Alright…” he resigned. “Alright, I’ll leave it, but if you need anything, just ask.” He started to walk away when I did something I probably should regret but couldn’t bring myself to.

“Wait!” I called shakily, watching him stop and turn to look at me. “Do-do you know where my sister is?” His brow knit together and he strode back, gaze intense.

“She hasn’t come home?” he asked seriously. “You haven’t seen her?” I shook my head, watching as he let out a low growl, the muscles in his neck bunching.

“I can’t believe her,” he spat. “I told her but she just won’t accept anyone’s advice.”

“Do you know where she is?” I repeated, growing more and more anxious.

“Yeah, I have a pretty good idea,” he seethed. “Have you been staying alone this whole time?” When I nodded he seemed to grow angrier in .02 seconds, his face growing red and loud profanities leaving his mouth. I scrambled backwards, quickly grabbing my keys and unlocking the car door, about to slip inside when a large hand rested on my shoulder.

“Brinlee,” Liam spoke evenly, obviously trying to keep his anger under wraps. “I’m going to get your sister for you. My number is in your phone, call me if anything happens and for the sake of everything good in this world, lock your door.”

And with that…he was gone.