His Paradise

“She’s been in a fit. Tried to report your city boy missing. When she showed me a picture of him I brought her on over,” Cyrus says, looking annoyed.

“What was I to suspect?” she wails.

“Kathy,” Liam says in warning. “I talked to you this morning.”

His body is tense and I can tell he’s pissed. It’s a side of him he shows to everyone except me. With me he’s always soft and sweet. But when it comes to everyone else he’s direct and comes off as cold.

“With how you sounded I thought maybe you were kidnapped. To top it off, I hadn’t heard another word from you. You haven’t even opened one work email!” She says it like an accusation. Like not opening his work emails means he’s dead. “Last I heard, you wanted out of this place as soon as possible.” She turns to look at me and raises an eyebrow. If looks could kill I’d be dead. “Are you going to sell the place already, or are we taking it out from under you?”

The urge to vomit rises in my throat. Who is this woman to Liam? The whole room goes quiet until Liam breaks the silence.

“Nicole,” he says, reaching for me, but I dodge his hand.

“Armstrong,” I say, the word tasting bitter in my mouth. “As in, Mr. Armstrong, the owner of Luxury Resorts?” I ask as everything begins to click together.

Peter makes a whistling nose. “That explains that black Amex. Wait, he’s the fucker that’s been sending you all those emails to sell the Mermaid?”

All I can do is nod because I think if I open my mouth again I’m going to be sick. But not Peter. He’s in motion before I can blink. He’s over the desk with his fist in the air and punches Liam right in the jaw. Liam doesn’t do anything. He only staggers back a step but doesn’t retaliate. Cyrus runs in and grabs Peter.

“Damn it, Peter, calm down. I don’t want to take you in.”

“I’m not pressing charges,” Liam says as his eyes stay locked on me. I look away, unable to stand the sight of him.

“Get out,” I tell him.

“Blondie.” His voice is soft.

“Don’t call me that,” I snap.

“Don’t worry,” I say, looking to the woman who just barged in. For all I know she’s his lover or wife or whatever. It’s clear Liam is one good liar and I bought it all. I can’t believe I fell for his bullshit about going to live with him. He made me feel like I was safe. All of it was just to get me to sell. “Send over the offer. I’ll sign the papers.” The woman smiles at me like she’s won.

I take a few steps back, and Liam tries to follow me. But both Cyrus and Peter block his path.

“Let him go right this second! Do you know who he is?” The woman rushes over.

“Yeah, and we don’t fucking care,” Cyrus retorts.

“Listen to me. Just let me explain,” Liam pleads.

I shake my head as the tears begin to form. Why does this betrayal hurt worse than losing the Mermaid?

“You slept with her?” Kathy hisses, and I can hear the jealousy clear in her voice. Great. Definitely a lover. Like this wasn’t hurting enough already.

“Don’t cry.” He jerks out of the guys’ hold and ignores everyone else as he fights his way towards me. His big hands cup my face. “Please, baby, don’t cry. Just listen to me.” I jerk back from him. I hate how soft his touch is. I can’t take it. Luckily, both Cyrus and Peter are there to pull him back.

“Get your things and get out. The place isn’t yours yet.”

Liam breaks the hold once again, but I put both of my hands out to stop him.

“Don’t touch me!” I scream. He doesn’t move, and I swear all the blood drains from his face. It’s then I realize the tears have broken free.

“I can’t believe you slept with her. How could you do this to me? I thought…” Kathy trails off. I don’t know if I feel bad for her or want to smack her.

“Please. Please just leave,” I beg him. My voice is quiet and pained.

“He’s leaving, Nikki. Why don’t you go to your room? I’ll call Sammy,” Cyrus says in a gentle voice.

Liam opens his mouth to say something, but Cyrus cuts him off. “Don’t, or I’ll throw you in a cell for days and you really won’t see her. Get the fuck out of here and let her get herself together. You’re making it worse.”

Liam’s whole body sags and it makes me almost believe he feels some remorse for what he did. But my heart is breaking and I can’t think beyond the pain. I gave him my virginity and now I feel betrayed.

I turn around and walk to my room, and I hear him call my name from behind me. I don’t turn around. I just focus on getting away from him.