Mistakes (Liam Payne)

Chapter Twenty-Three: Who Thought it Could Get Worse?

Sierra’s POV

My eyes snapped open when I felt Liam’s hand tense. I looked at him and see his eyes flicker open, squinting against the light.

“Liam?” I whispered anxiously. He turned his head so he was looking at me. I couldn’t help but smile. “Hi.”

He gave me a lopsided smirk in return. “Hi.” He said. I felt tears fill my eyes. I was an emotional train wreck. I was happy, relieved, still kind of scared, nervous, angry, upset, guilty… it was ridiculous.

“I’m sorry.” I said, my voice cracking as I squeezed his hand. He squeezed my hand back, but pulled it away afterwards. He extended his good arm and cupped the back of my head, pulling it towards him. He pressed his lips to my forehead. I let the tears drip down my face.

“Don’t apologize.” He told me, looking me in the eye. “And don’t cry. I’m here now. I’m okay.” He told me and used his thumb to wipe away my tears. “I love you.” He said.

“I love you too.” I responded. He moved his arm so it was around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest in a one armed hug. I cuddled up to him as best I could without touching his bandaged shoulder. I balled my fists into the hospital gown he was wearing and clung on to him as if my life depended on it. Maybe if I held on tight enough, I would never lose him.

“I was so scared.” I whispered.

“So was I.” he admitted. I looked up at him, not believing he could have been more afraid that I was. I thought Nick had killed him for God’s sake.

“I was afraid that Nick would hurt you. I was afraid that I would die and never see you again… and that he would be able to do whatever he wanted with you.” He explained. I nodded and just held onto him tighter, not knowing what exactly to say.

“I just wish he was gone… out of the way.” Liam grumbled, referring to Nick. I smiled slightly and  looked up at him.

“He is.” I said. He looked at me confused.

“I thought he got away.” He said.

“No… the guy from the front desk actually… shot him.” I explained. He gave me a shocked and still confused look. “He heard the fighting and banging so he called the police and then he heard…” I paused and swallowed, “the gunshot when Nick shot you, so he told the paramedics to come and he grabbed a shotgun… I don’t know where he got it from, and came into the room. He told Nick to get off of me and let me go, or he would shoot. Nick panicked and went to shoot him, but I hit his arm, so the bullet missed, and the guy… fired… hit him right in the chest.” I finished. Liam stared at me blankly, trying to absorb what I told him.

“He’s dead…” he breathed and leaned back against the bed, looking at the ceiling. He closed his eyes briefly. “I should not be this happy about someone’s death.” He chuckled, and looked at me. I smiled weakly and nodded.

“It’s sad, isn’t it?” I replied. He nodded and looked at me, grabbing one of my hands and traced circles on the back of it with his thumb.