Page 143 of Dream On, Liar

Keeping an eye on her, I moved in her flat without paying any attention to the rest of the space. In that moment, there was nothing more important to me than her.

Quickly filling the glass, I dropped back on my haunches in front of her, I offered her the glass. “Is it okay if I touch you? I just want to help you drink it.”

She nodded slowly again.

Cupping the back of her gently, I brought the glass forward to her mouth, holding it up for her as she drank the whole thing in a go.

Once done, she dropped her head back onto the wall, almost in relief. Placing the glass on the floor. I turned slightly to survey the room finally when she placed a hand on my wrist. I had barely moved my gaze from her, but the fear present in her eyes had been enough to tell me that she’d done that to ask me to stay.

Placing my other hand on hers, I squeezed it barely. “I’m not going anywhere.”

She gave a nod, stronger this time and slight relief went through me. She hadn’t hurt her head, or at least not hard enough that it made it hurt.

This time, I let my had stay there as I looked across the room again before it landed on the open door.

Turning my gaze back on to Maeve again, I asked. “Maeve? Does it hurt somewhere?”

She swallowed. “Mostly my back, and my right side.”

Relief coursed through me again, stronger this time at her voice. “Enough to get it checked at the A&E?”

“No,” She shook her head. “But I’m pretty sure it’ll bruise.”

A rough breath left me as I moved closer. “I’m going to pick you up.”

Her eyes darted frantically. “Why?”

“Because, I want to check if the front door is broken, and I don’t want to leave you alone on the floor like this.”

Her shoulders dropped at my words. “Okay. Slow please.”

“I promise.” I replied softly, before I pushed myself until I was in a better position. Instead of picking her up sideways, I offered her my open arms, knowing that at least it would act like a hug, and give her some comfort.

Without debating, she climbed easily into them, her grip stronger, and tighter than I’d expected. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pulled closer to me, slowly, before I pushed us both up and moved around her flat.

Maeve rested her head on my shoulder as I inspected the side of the door. Once I was happy the lock hadn’t been broken, I pushed it close and locked the door. The girls cleared had a few systems to ensure their safety.

What the hell had happened?

I felt something hot move beneath my skin.

“Maeve?”

“Hmm?” The muffled sound vibrated through my skin as her mouth touched the side of my neck.

I felt my heart race against hers like we were running a marathon.

“Do you want to go to you room or the couch?”

“Room, please.” She sounded so exhausted. So tired that it made me want to find the bastard who did this to her and make him feel ten times worse.

“Which one is it?” I asked, surprised by my own softness even though all I felt inside was rage.

“The opposite side of the flat.”

Opening her room, I moved until we were near her bed. But when she made no move to let go of me, I settled on the bed with her.

“Hey,” I whispered softly. “Look at me, please.”