22. Liam

22

LIAM

I tried to focus on Val’s conversation, but I couldn’t really hear the other person on the line. He was clearly someone Val was close to, someone who wasn’t the least bit concerned Val had killed a second man this week.

This time though, what would have happened if Val hadn’t been there? Would I have been able to get away? I wasn’t sure. I was stronger than I looked, but the man’s grip had been so tight.

I liked to think I could defend myself, but I didn’t have the skills Val did. I didn’t even know how to shoot a gun. If Val hadn’t saved me, I’d be with that asshole right now, being assaulted and possibly killed.

Instead, he was dead, and his blood was on me.

I realized I was shaking. I might be in shock. “I want to get cleaned up. I need a shower and some real clothes.” If only I had a real home to go to.

“You can change in my car, and I’ll drive you home,” Val said.

I shook my head. “You’ve got this to deal with. I can’t stay here.” The more I distanced myself from this place, the better.

“I have people who can deal with this. I want to take care of you.”

“You can’t keep doing that.”

Val scowled. “I can and I will.”

Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? “You said we’d couldn’t be together outside the club.”

“That doesn't mean I can’t drive an employee home.”

“I will be fine on my own.” That was a stupid statement after what had just happened, but I couldn’t stay with Val. I was going to want things from him that weren’t possible. I had to keep our relationship professional.

Why had I gotten myself into this situation? Ava told me she could work and return to school later, but I was too fucking stubborn to let her because I believed the situation we were in was my fault.

“I’m going to drive you home,” Val said. “You’re in no shape to drive yourself.”

“I just want to be alone.” That wasn’t true. I wanted someone to take care of me, but I was scared of becoming dependent on Val.

“If I hadn’t left you alone earlier, I would have walked you out and that man would never have even approached you. I won’t let something like this happen again.”

What could I say? I couldn’t risk him finding out I was staying at a storage facility. I didn’t need Val offering me even more. I had to figure out how to get out of this situation, not fall deeper into it.

I tried to push away from him. He held onto me for a moment, then let his arms drop. “Please understand. I need some time.”

“I’m not letting you drive away from here alone. It’s too dangerous.”

I glanced at the dead man and then quickly away. “You just killed the man who was after me.”

“That doesn’t mean you’re safe. You’ve got to be more aware of your surroundings. You’ve got to look out for people.”

“So it’s my fault?”

“What? No. You know that’s not what I’m saying. I just want you to be careful. I’m not always with you, and where you live isn’t safe. I should help you find a new place.”

His offer was so tempting, but if I ever wanted to be free again, I couldn’t accept it. “No. I’ve taken enough from you. I’m working off my debt, not adding to it. Besides, I’m not in that apartment anymore.”

He frowned. “Where are you living now?”

I waved my hand dismissively. “I’m staying with a friend.”

“What kind of friend?”

“I’m not fucking them if that’s your concern.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “God, Liam. Would you just let me help you?”

“Letting you help me is what got me here.”

Val blew out a long breath. “Why are you so fucking stubborn?”

“Why are you?”

“Because I intend to get what I want.”

“And what is that exactly? Killing everyone who comes near me?” I looked down at the blood on my robe and bile rose in my throat. I was trying to make light of this, but I couldn’t. “How many more people are going to die because I’m close to you?”

“It doesn’t matter. That man was scum. He put his hands on you.”

“And the other one? He hired me.” I could more easily accept this man’s death as Val defending me from attack, but the man in the private room had needed to be thrown out, not killed. That was too extreme.

“Not for what he was trying to get. Your body is not for sale, and you made that clear.”

“I did, but when you want to hire me, somehow that’s not a problem.”

“That’s because—” He froze.

“Because why Valentino? What the fuck is going on with us?” When he didn’t answer, I started to walk toward my car. “I’m driving home.”

“Liam. I?—”

“Make an appointment with me. Reserve the room. I’ll see you then.” I bit down on my lip and forced myself not to let tears fall. I’d cried enough tonight, I wasn’t going to cry anymore.