VINDICTIVE

Episode 2

If looks could kill, I'd be rotting six feet under. “Give. me. that. ring.” She spat each word as if it was sour in her mouth. With no satisfying response, her hand swiftly raised high above ready to strike. My eyes shut tightly, reveling in my last painless seconds.

Liam forced himself between us, invoking a squeak from her throat. “How - How dare y-” He stepped into her, their faces mere inches apart.

To my left, even the officer averted his gaze with a silent whistle. “If you so much as touch a hair on her head. I swear mother, you will live the rest of your days without a son.” Leaving her mouth open, gaping like a fish out of water.

Before the color in her face had a chance to return he took my hand, leading me away. Not a drop of hesitation in his step.

Once she began to protest, the officer blocked her path. Allowing us to leave. The wails of frustration only escalated the further we got. It was then I noticed, his hand shaking around mine. “Liam..are you-”

“It's fine.” The drying blood smeared around his face would suggest otherwise, but as he continued to pull me along urgently, I sensed it may be best not to push him.

We walked in silence for what felt like hours before he slipped his phone from his pocket. After hastily dialing, a mumbling voice picked up. It was extremely hard to make out. I leaned closer, attempting to hear what was being said but whoever they are, they sounded pissed.

“Ok. ok. Just...when can you get there?”

Confused, I stopped walking for a moment, drawing his attention. He merely glanced back at me, confused that I stopped but didn't comment and continued his call. I winced softly when his grip hardened around my fingers.

“Yea, I guess- No. Hey. Look, there's nothing I could do about that.“ His face tightened. The voice on the line continued to shout incoherently. “Alright! alright, well be there. Just give us a minute.” With a click, the voice was gone. My hand, finally released. “Who was that?” I asked, rubbing at my sore hand.

Liam only smiled, putting his phone away with a shrug. “Called in a little favor.” Confusing me. That's not what it sounded like to me.

“What favor?” Tilting my head up gently, my question was silenced with a soft kiss. How is it he always smells like fresh pine? With a hum, I returned the favor.

My arms laced around his neck of their own accord. Pulling me from my thoughts, he leaned into my ear. “It's a surprise.” He whispered. That voice sent a warmth up my body like even a fire never could, making my mind melt. “Ok.” I smiled.

With his arm over my shoulder, we continued walking. The path stretched on far ahead. I don't know exactly where we're going but if it's with him. I'll go anywhere. Finally away from the public, we can relax.

Seagulls squawked above our heads, my senses soon drowning in the delightfully salty smell. Just ahead, the concrete path ended at a pier. Waves crashed below reaching desperately from below, making the wooden docks along the harbor moan.

Collecting my hair from the wind, I turned to Liam. His face plastered with that big goofy grin. Stretching his arms above his head, he cracked his neck. At least now we can relax with the knowledge that everybody knows about us.

We don't have to hide our relationship anymore. Not from anyone. Liam checked his watch. Prompting my question. “So, who are we waiting for?”

He raked a hand through that dark unruly mane of his. “Should be here any minute now.” Taking out his phone again, he opened the camera. Inspecting himself. Laughing at the mess he saw. “Oh man, really got tussled back there didn’t I?”

Hesitantly he touched his lip. The bleeding stopped and is only partially swollen. I winced at the sight. “I'm so sorry about that. I knew he'd be mad. But I never expected that.” With a shrug, he continued to fiddle with his lip. Poking at it with his tongue.

“Ah, don't worry about it princess. I went easy on him, don't you worry. Wouldn't want anything to happen to my dear father-in-law now, would I?” Coaxing an involuntary smile from me.

Having fixed himself up, he took my hand gently. Kissing my fingers. My cheeks flushed at the sudden affection. “My girl...” he hummed quietly.

Lifting my arm up, he twirled me around. Drawing me close to himself. That gaze was intense and burning. Cold fingertips grazed my cheeks, brushing aside the flailing loose hair that clung to the corners of my mouth.

Oh my god, I hope I'm not drooling.

Those hazel eyes drew down to my mouth, paralyzing me with anticipation. The warmth of his breath drew me in. My eyes fell closed by themselves, eagerly awaiting that euphoria of affections one can only receive in a moment like this.

A sudden obnoxious honking jarred me from my thoughts. After holding back a scream, I managed to gather myself together. Quickly wiping the corner of my mouth. I watched intently as Liam immediately left and approached the vehicle. “There he is.” The sudden change in mood makes me feel like the lost moment was just in my head.

“Took you long enough.” With a knuckle, he knocked on the nearly black windows.

The window scrolled down slowly, just enough for Liam to see inside. Maybe it's one of his friends? or security guys? Yea, that makes the most sense probably. Especially if they're doing him a favor like this. If they're going to take us somewhere warm, I don't really care who it is. Giving up on my speculation for the moment, I turned to the water. Watching the waves roll and curve like a dark fabric.

Now that everyone knows, I wonder what it's going to be like? It'll be strange walking in public like a regular couple after all these months of secrecy. And with our parents reacting the way they are, the wedding will certainly be nothing like I thought.