~LIAM.

Pain. Fierce, pulsing, vindictive pain.

It radiated through me like a curse as I doubled over, slipping from the couch and crashing onto my knees, hands instinctively guarding what was left of my dignity. Speechless, I stayed down: breath knocked out of me, furious, stunned, and aching in places a man should never ache.

"This is the last time you ever lay a hand on me," she said calmly, still seated like nothing had happened. "Next time, I won't be so nice."

Air wouldn't come. Thoughts scattered. But her voice pushed through the fog, clear and unshaken.

"I think it's time for you to leave now, neighbor."

That smile-smug,...