I’ve tried not to be home alone. Walking back with Ellie, or waiting for it to be later in the day to head back with Liam. I wish he’d ditch the mask. I don’t knowwhat it’ll take for him to trust that it doesn’t matter what’s beneath it.
But it’s the first day of the long weekend, and Ellie’s gone to her mum’s house. Or Sam’s. Both, maybe, but it’ll be almost a week before she’s home. And Liam’s been held up getting back into the city.
I cling to my heart stone, walking fast. It’s early enough in the day that it’s still light, and Liam’s got my dot on his screen.
It’ll be fine.
Liam’s name lights up on my phone, and I press it to my ear.
‘Hey.’
‘Thought I’d walk you home like this, to make sure you get back safe.’
Despite the fear I feel, I can’t help but smile.
‘You’re a big softie, you know. Under the muscles and the scars.’
‘That’s not what you said when I had you on the floor last night…’
My cheeks flush as I giggle.
‘I seem to remember you begging me to let you come around myhard cock.’
‘Liam! I’m in public.’ Talking to him has calmed my pulse. And made my panties a damn sight more damp.
‘Mmm, I felt how hard you came the last time someone heard you being fucked, Kat, I’m sure you can deal with a little blushing.’
‘You’re a devil,’ I laugh.
We’re still chatting when I reach the alley.
‘How long until you’re back?’
‘Twenty-four minutes according to the maps app.’
‘I’ll put the kettle on and get you a straw, shal—’ I’m brought to an abrupt halt by the scene that greets me as I near the door.
My bedroom window is painted in thick red letters.
I’M COMING FOR YOU.
‘Kat? Are you okay?’
I can’t answer. It looks likeblood. My hands grow clammy as I grip my phone hard.
‘Kat! So help me answer me.’
‘There’s blood on my window.’
Liam’s voice lowers, that dominant strain coming through hard. ‘Get inside. Right now.’
I don’t argue.
My keys tremble as I try to fit them into the lock, my heart thumping hard enough that I worry it’ll burst out of my chest.
The door gives, and I lock myself in, hanging up on Liam to text Ellie just to make sure she’s okay. I avoid saying anything that might scare her, but I just need to see her respond. The dot bubble pops up almost immediately, and within a minute, she’s telling me all about the evening she has planned with Sam.
Thank god.
