Chapter 42: The Last Mark
(Trigger Warning: This Chapter contains explicit content and is intended for mature readers.)
“They are caught up in work,” Liam explained. “Dad’s got them doing some extra paperwork, and I was the only one who could head off early.”
I nodded in understanding. Lucas surely had the bulk of the work, while Levi still needed to learn the ropes. It was understandable that they couldn’t leave early. Liam, on the other hand, had always been a fast learner.
Liam worked in silence. Once he was done applying the salve, I swallowed and said, “Liam, I’m sorry for flaring up at you about my parents.”
Liam didn’t respond at first. Instead, he pursed his lips before he stood up and led me to his room. He closed the door behind him with a quiet click. Silence surrounded us. I was perched on the edge of his bed. Liam, on the other hand, leaned against the door. He watched me as though I was going to vanish right before his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly.
My eyes widened.
“For what?” I asked, even though I knew.
He exhaled. “For everything. For letting things get that far. For not showing up sooner. For not telling you everything about your parents when I should’ve.” He pushed off the door and crossed the room slowly. “For hurting you, Hazel, even when I didn’t mean to.”
I let his words settle, each one chipping away at something brittle inside me.
“I was angry,” I admitted. “At you. At Lucas. Even at myself.”