Liam’s POV
As soon as Ruth arrived I got my keys and headed straight for my car. I had no clue where Esme was but I did know that something wasn’t right about it. I started off by driving to the Tesco’s down the street; I know it’s a weird place to look, but I was ready to look anywhere and everywhere.
My next few stops showed no sign of her either. The only other place that I could think of was the park; it was my last choice. I started in the direction of the old Creek Park. I couldn’t get her out of my mind, and I wondered if this is what worrying felt like. I’ve never really cared about one of my friends this much, more than likely because none of them have ever given me a reason to.
I pulled next to the curb just before the park, noticing the parking lot was empty, aside from a dark truck. It looked familiar, but I couldn’t place my finger on where I’d seen it before. I turned off the car and got out, heading towards the truck on the other side of the parking lot. As I got closer I could vaguely make out two people leaned up against the side of the truck. It was a boy and a girl, and from where I stood it looked as though they were kissing, or I guess I should say the guy was doing the kissing whereas the girl didn’t seem too interested. I walked a bit closer only to realize that the girl was in fact Esme. And the guy was Tate. My fists automatically clenched tight by my side, and my lips formed a thin line. He was all over her; pinning her up against the car, holding her in place as he practically inhaled her face. I could see her trying not to whimper in discomfort. I sped up my pace until her eyes came in contact with mine. My pure intention was to go over there and rip Tate’s head off, but the horrified look on Esme’s face was enough to make me stop in my tracks.
Tate began moving south on Esme’s body, now nibbling on her neck. Esme mouthed ‘go away’ frantically, and I shook my head stubbornly. She began to wave her arms, gesturing for me to turn around and leave. Against my better judgment I turned around and, as quietly as I could, ran back to my car. I got in and sat there. I would wait as long as I had to; I wasn’t going anywhere until I saw Tate’s truck leave.
Esme’s POV
When Liam finally cooperated with me and journeyed back to his car, a small wave of relief washed over me. I could see the look on his face and his clenched fists. I knew what he was going to do to Tate, or I should say what he planned on doing to him. Liam is a pretty big guy but he wouldn’t stand a chance against someone like Tate. The second I spotted Liam, frantically coming towards us, Tate’s voice took over my mind: ‘You’re mine from this moment on, and you can tell Payne that he better watch his back.’ If Liam hadn’t stopped, Tate probably would have come close to killing him.
“Tate,” I spoke up softly, as his lips traveled back up my neck and onto my cheek.
“What?” he asked sternly, barely taking his lips off of my skin. He pressed his lips hard to mine and I refrained from wincing in pain.
“U-um, do you think we could finish this tomorrow or something. It’s just that I am supposed to be watching my little sister while my mum is at work and I had my neighbor cover for me. She’s probably wondering where I-I am…” I tried not to sound desperate, knowing that he hated begging more than anything. I didn’t want to anger him but I also didn’t know how much longer I could last.
“Fine.” He responded sternly, not pleased but not overly angry either. “But we will be continuing this." I nodded in understanding before he left me to get in the driver’s side. I let out a sigh of pure relief before I got in the passenger side.
