Page 173 of Fatality

The moment Jules opens the door, he bursts inside, nearly in tears, equal parts terrified and furious—just drunk enough to throw himself into my arms.

Just fucking great.

I'm not in the mood. I can't do this.

I hug him and feed him the same lie I told the girls.

He clings to me like he's afraid I'll disappear again.

“I thought you were dead,” he chokes out against my shoulder. “Do you have any idea what you fucking put me through?”

His voice cracks.

“You disappeared. You left me.” His chest heaves. “I've been losing my fucking mind while you were just... gone.”

His voice hardens.

“You don't just disappear for days without saying a word.” He starts pacing. “You don't get to leave whenever you feel like it.”

His hands rake through his hair before he points a finger at me.

He's crying, he's furious and terrified.

And somehow, he's making this about him.

The realization leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

That isn't how I should be feeling. Liam loves me, I really think he does, everyone would freak out, but I wasn’t expecting him to react like that.

After everything, the first thing he wanted was an explanation instead of asking if I was okay.

Neither of us says anything for a while. He just continues to pace, looking at me like I murdered his parents.

I just lower my gaze, avoiding his.

I feel terrible for something I didn’t choose.

Eventually, Jules gives me a quiet look.

“Take him home.”

I nod.

The streets are calm at this hour.

I have no idea what time it is, but sooner or later we’ll pass one of those giant buildings with the massive hologram clocks plastered on them.

I’m practically dragging him with my arms, still exhausted from all the work I had to do on that damn car.

Liam is a big man.

Not Varek big, thank God, but I’m only five-foot-four.

I can barely keep him upright. Especially when he’s dead weight, refusing to come with me and doing absolutely nothing to help me.

“Liam,” I grunt, trying not to collapse myself. “Please, help me here.”

And all I can think about is how tired I am. I’m barely holding myself so how am I supposed to drag my tipsy-furious boyfriend?