Just a reminder that the last chapter ended in a flashback, so this is present time. Hopefully that doesn't cause any confusion.
Also, it's a lil shorter, so I'm sorry, but you deserved an update, and I decided that I really need to complete this story before I start Prey (Pet's sequel). This story should have been finished a LONG time ago, and yet here we are, with me slacking lol.
I love you all and can't thank you enough for the undying support. You make my darkest days bright again.
Chapter Twenty
"Liam," Niall whined. "Make her like me again."
I was sitting between Liam's legs as the two boys were playing Fifa, with Niall attempting to make nice with me. Liam set his chin on my head. "Ari, like Niall again."
"No."
He shrugged and glanced at his friend. "Sorry, mate. I tried."
I was still upset at Liam with the Zayn thing, but didn't feel like fighting about it anymore. And it was comfy sitting in his lap, even with the few jerky movements of his controller. "Besides, I'm still in the doghouse as well," Liam added.
Niall snorted. "What for?"
"I invited Zayn to our last performance," Liam mumbled. "And I haven't heard the end of it, huh, gorgeous?"
Niall smacked Liam's arm. "You deserve her scorn for that one. But me? I deserve her love and affection again."
I rolled my eyes and shook my head at the two of them, before looking at the clock and sighing. Liam kissed the top of my head gently. "You should go to bed. It's getting late."
Instead of answering, I just nuzzled myself deeper into his chest. As much as I hated to admit it, I was afraid of being alone in the dark. Phantom images of the man who was after me haunted the shadows of the room, taunting me. Liam must have known it too, because he never questioned me on it, but a look of pity always flashed across his face.
"Or you can come cuddle with me," Niall teased.
Liam, being the possessive jerk he is, grabbed Niall's controller and threw it across the room. Niall squealed and cursed him out, before running to retrieve it, while Liam took the distraction to get several points ahead in the game.
"That was mean," I told him, gazing up at his face.
Liam just kissed my lips softly, smiling victoriously. "You're my girl. And my girl cuddles with me."
Niall grumbled under his breath as he sat back down. "I didn't want to snuggle with you anyways. I have a much better snuggler."
"Oh? Who's that?"
"His left hand," I said under my breath.
Liam froze, and Niall gawked at me before turning bright red. "Oh my God I'm in love," Liam whispered, kissing the shell of my ear wildly, before trailing down to my neck, right where I was ticklish. "I like it when you're feisty."
An hour later, I was nodding off against Liam. The two were playing quietly, their focus on the screen. A blanket was wrapped around me, and I had changed into pajamas. "I better get her into bed," Liam said softly. "You want the guest room?"
