Liana's Apartment – Late Night
The moment Adrian slammed the door shut, the apartment fell into a suffocating silence.
Liana stood still, her back pressed against the wall.
Her chest was heaving, her breaths sharp and uneven.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she pressed them against her lips, trying to still the shaky exhale that escaped.
But no matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling of his touch on her skin.
Her wrist still throbbed slightly where he had held her.
And her neck—
It felt as though his breath was still lingering there, haunting her.
Her eyes burned slightly, but she refused to let the tears fall.
No.
She wouldn't give him that power.
Her fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms.
She pushed herself off the wall and slowly walked over to the window.
The streets below were almost deserted, except for a few passing cars.
Her eyes scanned the darkness instinctively, but she saw nothing.
And yet… she felt it.
That unsettling prickle of awareness along her spine.
As though she was still being watched.
She clenched her jaw tightly and yanked the curtains shut.
Her hands were still trembling slightly as she turned away.
Her apartment suddenly felt too small, too suffocating.
She sank down on the edge of her couch, her head falling into her hands.
Her chest tightened painfully.
Her breath caught in her throat.
And then, before she could stop herself—
Her body shook with a silent sob.
Just once.
Her shoulders heaved slightly as she fought against the tears, swallowing them down.
She wouldn't cry.
Not for him.
Her lips pressed into a thin, trembling line.
But no matter how much she fought it, the memories were already flooding back.
---
Flashback – Five Years Ago
The dim light of the hotel suite cast a golden hue over the room.
Liana stood by the window, her arms wrapped around herself.
She could feel his eyes on her back.
She didn't turn around.
She knew if she did, she would fall apart.
The sheets were still rumpled from their previous entanglement.
Her skin still burned from his touch.
But the warmth that once comforted her now felt suffocating.
"You're leaving."
His voice was low, calm.
Too calm.
She flinched slightly at the cold detachment in his tone.
But she didn't turn around.
Her eyes stung.
Her throat burned with unshed tears.
"Say something," he demanded softly.
Her fingers tightened against the fabric of her dress.
She knew she was being a coward.
She should have faced him.
But she couldn't.
Because if she did, she knew she wouldn't be able to walk away.
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Goodbye, Adrian."
And then she walked out—
Leaving him behind.
---
Present – Liana's Apartment
Her eyes snapped open, her breath catching sharply.
Her heart was slamming against her chest, her body trembling slightly.
She ran a hand through her hair, her fingers tugging harshly at the strands.
She needed to get a grip.
She couldn't keep falling apart every time he came near.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, determination flickering in her gaze.
She wouldn't let him win.
With shaky hands, she grabbed her phone and quickly dialed Lucas' number.
It rang once.
Twice.
And then—
"Liana?"
His voice was slightly groggy, as though she had woken him.
She squeezed her eyes shut, suddenly feeling guilty.
She shouldn't have called him.
But she couldn't help it.
Her voice was low and uneven.
"Lucas…"
He immediately picked up on the waver in her tone.
The warmth in his voice sharpened slightly.
"What's wrong?"
Her throat tightened.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Her fingers curled tightly around the phone.
"He was here," she finally whispered.
There was a beat of silence.
And then—
Lucas' voice was suddenly low and lethal.
"Adrian?"
She closed her eyes, exhaling sharply.
Her hands were still trembling slightly.
"Yes."
There was a pause on the other end.
And then his voice hardened.
"I'm coming over."
Before she could protest, the line went dead.
Liana lowered the phone, her fingers still trembling.
She didn't know whether she felt relieved or ashamed.
Lucas had already done so much for her.
She hated that she was dragging him into this again.
Into her mess.
Her arms wrapped around herself, holding on tightly.
But no matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling of Adrian's hands on her skin.
Of his voice in her ear.
---
Thirty Minutes Later – Liana's Apartment
There was a sharp knock on the door.
Liana quickly walked over and unlocked it.
The moment the door opened, Lucas stepped inside, his eyes sharp and alert.
He was dressed in a black hoodie and jeans, but the dangerous glint in his eyes was unmistakable.
He didn't say a word.
His gaze immediately scanned the apartment, his posture tense.
Like he was searching for any lingering threat.
When he finally turned to her, his eyes softened slightly.
He slowly reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
His voice was low and gentle.
"Are you hurt?"
Her throat tightened slightly.
She shook her head.
"No… just shaken up."
Lucas' jaw clenched slightly.
His hand lingered against her cheek, his thumb softly stroking her skin.
The warmth in his touch was soothing.
Grounding.
But his eyes were still hard and cold.
"I swear to God, Liana…" he muttered darkly.
"If he comes near you again, I'll—"
"Stop," she interrupted softly.
Her voice was almost pleading.
"Please, Lucas. I can't handle both of you destroying each other."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
But he said nothing.
Instead, he suddenly pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly against his chest.
Her breath caught slightly, but she didn't resist.
Her fingers slowly curled into the fabric of his hoodie, clutching him tightly.
For the first time that night, she felt safe.
His arms were strong and secure, his warmth slowly seeping into her.
Her racing heart gradually slowed.
Her breathing evened out slightly.
Lucas slowly pressed his lips against the top of her head, holding her tighter.
His voice was a soft, fierce whisper.
"I'm not going to let him hurt you, Liana."
Her eyes squeezed shut.
She didn't say anything.
She just held onto him.
Silently praying that he would keep his promise.
But deep down… she knew.
Adrian Knight was not the kind of man who simply let go.
And this was only the beginning.
---
See you in next chapter