He is the reason why I smile Again

he phone almost slipped from my grasp. My entire body ached from the relentless beating Liam had

y above a breath. But the call went unanswered, and the o

become my prison. Every piece of expensive furniture, every luxurious

A stranger stared back at me-a woman with hollow eyes, bruised skin, and lips swo

ink for support. I took deep breaths, trying to steady myself, but my mind was a storm

ork. The downpour soaked through my thin blouse in seconds, but I didn't care. My heels clicked again

ed an

of the street. It looked like the perfect place

ide. The scent of alcohol and cigars filled the air, and faint jazz music played in the background. It was a

l as the bartender approached. "What can I get

ould second-guess them. I wasn't a drinker, but to

a figure sitting alone in the VIP section. He exuded an aura of dang

al Ti

y his gaze lingered on me, as if he could see straight through the mask I wore. Or may

r. He held a glass of bourbon in his hand, swirling the liquid idly as if lost

k, but I could still feel his gaze on me. I

?" a smooth

overwhelming up close. My breath caught in my throat. He was tall

murmured, fingers tigh

e seat next to mine. "I don't usually offer company to

at my lips. "And what

dropping to a murmur. "Maybe I

umorless laugh. "I

hat's the biggest lie

to retreat back into the shadows where Liam's ghost couldn't find me. But another part-one I

breath and mad

the battered wife. Tonight, I wa

the perfect