Chapter 7: David

The room begins to cave in around me. I shut my eyes as a whirlwind of emotions swirl around my head. My hand continue to tremble under Liam's grip. My stomach drops as if I'm falling. Panic is setting in. Yet a thought stands out and I'm not sure which is worse. The embarrassment from the thought of how much about my past Liam might know or the fear that David might be...

I try to keep the tears back. When I feel Liam's thumb wiping them from the corner of me cheek. I look at him and quickly look away.

He gently grabs my chin turning me to face him.

Liam: it's ok. I know you are a strong woman, and maybe a little stubborn.

I huff out a short breath.

Willow: How much do you know?

The look of anger and concern returns as he clenches his jaw muscles.

Liam: I know that your pathetic ex husband was a controlling abusive piece of shit that put you in the hospital.

I take in a shaky breath as tears threaten once more. Liam takes my hands in both of his, looking into my eyes.

Liam: I promise, I will protect you.

Feeling comforted by his touch and reassured by his words I manage to breath again.

There's s knock on the door.

Erika: Willow it's time!!!

Liam goes to the door whispering something to Erika. I dart into my private bathroom to freshen up.

Standing looking at my self in the mirror I place a cold cloth over my eyes in hopes to reduce the reddened puffiness. I hear his foot steps enter the bathroom and all I want to do his hide so I keep my face buried in there cool towel.

His hands wrap around my upper arms gently as he comes up from behind standing but a few inches from me. I can feel the heat of his breath along the back of my neck turning the trembles into shivers of pleasure.

He removes the towel from my face and i meet his gaze in the mirror as he brings his head down next to mine.

Liam: You're beautiful.

I close my eyes shaking my head. He runs a hand along my jaw turning me to face his charming smile.

Liam: You are the most beautiful women I've ever met. I will not let you out of my sight.

He places a gentle kiss to my temple and takes a step back.

Liam: Shall we

He gestures for the door with one hand while placing the other along my lower back. I take a deep breath and follow his lead down the hall to the main lobby. Pausing for a moment at the sight of the crowd much larger than anticipated. I feel Liam's hand swirl around giving a reassuring squeeze to my side before giving me a gentle nudge as he whispers in my ear.

Liam: I'm right here.