He tugs on his shirt and hoodie, and I open the door, her boyfriend barreling inside.
He smirks, his eyes red rimmed and he crowds my space for no reason, sending me trapped against the wall.
“Thanks, Dani baby.”
A low, subtle growl comes from Liem as he pushes Stella’s boyfriend with enough force it knocks him into the cabinet behind him. Liem barricades himself between me and no name. He’s wearing his cut now which douchebag notices because he’s gone a weird shade of gray and the earlier smirk he wore has dropped to a frown.
“Oh fuck,” he says in a low tone laced with fear. “You’re screwing a biker member?” Instant regret because his mouth parts in terror.
It’s too late though because Liem throws a firm punch straight into his nose.
“Holy shit. What the fuck?” No name stumbles, holding his broken nose. “I’m bleeding, man!”
“What the fuck is going on?” Stella appears in the doorway and falters in step after seeing her boyfriend in shambles. “Ethan? What happened?” She lays a hand on his arm taking us both in. A look meaner than I’ve ever seen on her. When I see her that is.
My palms lay flat against the bathroom wall.
“He punched me! It won’t stop bleeding!”
Liem causally walks up to Ethan, grabs him by his shirt, and drags him over to the sink. He smacks the faucet up, forcing Ethan’s head underwater.
Stella stands in horror and to be honest, I can’t move either. Not because I’m afraid or repulsed but I just don’t know what to do. Ethan’s an asshole so… whatever, I guess.
He brings Ethan up for air. Water sprays everywhere as he thrashes and chokes. “What the fuck… are you doing, man?” He stutters, his shirt soaked and he’s still leaking blood everywhere.
I’m officially sick of seeing blood but this is enjoyable.
“Why are you doing this?” Ethan chokes sounding like he might cry.
Liem brings him up closer to him. “Because I don’t like you.” Then sticks his head under again.
I don’t particularly like violence. Not really. Especially after living through the worst of it but seeing guys like Ethan getting what’s handed to him is satisfying. And letting someone help fight my battles for once is a relief I can’t explain.
“Your boyfriend is crazy!”
I stare at Stella, but I don’t say anything. The only thing that happens, which I find no control over, is grin.
Liem finally pulls Ethan out of the water, shutting it off and tossing him aside. “Don’t go anywhere near her again or I’ll kill you. And I promise you. I will. Kill. You.”
My heart is in my throat as I watch Ethan struggle to gain awareness. Stella launches herself on the floor as he falls. “It’s okay, baby. You’ll be okay.” She glares at me. “Get out! Get the fuck out now.”
Liem takes my arm, pulling me in front of him but it’s not toward the door but to my bedroom. “Which drawer?”
I’m assuming he’s asking where my pants are. But instead, I grab them myself and shimmy on a pair of leggings while snatching my coat.
I grab a bag, stuffing clothes, and things inside I’ll need for at least the next few days then we make our way to leave.
Ethan and Stella have both moved to the kitchen. He’s hunched over the table while Stella holds a washcloth to his face. He whines like a child, and my mouth lifts in satisfaction.
Fuck him.
I’m glad Liem punched him.
I did catch an eye roll from my roommate when her boyfriend starts complaining about it scaring up his beautiful face.
I’ve seen scars.
Lived through scars.
