Chapter 24: It’s over

Distant voices become louder and clearer.

The feel of familiar strong arms scoop me into an assuring embrace bringing me face to face with anguish filled eyes.

Liam: Willow..keep your eyes on me.

Liam's voice echos as he carries me out of the hotel room. I glance back over his shoulder to see David's lifeless body lying on the bed in a pool of blood.

I cling to his neck with my face buried into his chest blocking the blinding flash of lights outside in the parking lot of the hotel. Liam carries me to an ambulance but at the feel of other hands touching me I tighten my hold around Liam.

He mumbles something to the paramedics before setting me down on the gurney in the back of the ambulance.

Liam: Willow!

Doors slam shut causing me to jump.

Liam: I got you baby.

Sirens blare as I'm rushed to the hospital.

Willow: I just want to go home.

I plea refusing to let go of Liam.

He gently strokes my hair with one hand, rubbing my back with the other.

Liam: Baby you need a Dr. your going to need stitches for the cut on your forehead and....

I can feel him clenching his jaw as his chest raises and deflates with anger. I pull away enough to lift my face to his. His eyes are red and moist. He has a few butterfly bandaids closing a small cut on the left side of his temple with some bruising.

Willow: And?

Liam: And You've been through a lot tonight I just want you to see a Dr. make sure your ok.

We arrive at the hospital and I reluctantly let go of Liam as the paramedics wheel my into the emergency room. He doesn't let me out of his sight until they send me to cat scan and X-ray.

A few stitches a lot of bruises and some sore muscles later I'm ready to go home.

Once home all I can think is taking a long hot shower to cleanse myself of the blood and David's smell.

Liam unwilling to let me out of his sight insists on caring for me and assisting me in the shower. We wash away the accident and all that remained of David.

After words he just holds me in bed until I am asleep.

When the morning light wakes me from a deep sleep I find my self still wrapped in Liam's arms.

His thumb stroking the back side of my hand letting me know he is still there.

Liam: how do you feel my love?

Willow: like I've been hit by a truck.

I faintly laugh at the irony of the joke only to be reminded of bruised ribs.

Liam holds me gently and kisses me softly. His body remains tense. I can hear him opening his mouth to say something then closing it.

Willow: What is it Liam.

Letting out a frustrated huff he remains still for a moment before finally finding the words he was holding back.

Liam: Did he...?

I roll over lookin at Liam with questioning eyes.

Willow: Did he what?

He hesitates biting the inside of his lip with flared nostrils and tear threatened eyes. I know what it is he wants to ask.

Willow: He didn't rape me. You stopped him just before he was about to.

His eyes squeeze shut and a tear escapes the corner. He is relieved and yet still angry. I wipe the tear away with my thumb and kiss his cheeks flashing a bright smile hoping to deflect the guilt he forces upon himself.

Willow: None of this is your fault. You kept your promise. You protected me.

Liam: I told you I wouldn't let you out my sight till he was back in New York. I failed you. He took you right from under me and he was.....i thought I'd lost you.

His breath becomes sporadic. Till I pepper him with kisses reassuring him that it is over.

Willow: You saved me Liam. It over now. David can never hurt us again.

There's a knock at the front door. Jerking is from our embrace.

Liam: Stay put.

He throws on a pair of pants and heads out the door.

Hearing a familiar voice I slowly make my way out to the living room.

Willow: Dad!