Page 127 of Renascence

“Oh.” She tries to set her tray aside but I take it from her, placing it on the floor. “Thank you for doing this, Liam. I know it’s not what you wanted.”

“Whatyouwant is all that matters.”

“Except when it comes to us, right?”

“Emily—”

“I know. It’s for my own good.”

“You’ll realize it soon.”

“Liam, I know I have no right to ask this, but can you… can you hold me?”

Without hesitation, I crawl in next to her, curling an arm around her shoulder when she lays her head on my chest. I sigh, wishing I could give her what she really wants.

“It’s going to be okay, darlin’.”

She sobs, shoulders shaking against me. I haven’t shed a tear since I was a kid, but I swear sometimes Emily makes me want to break down. It’s killing me that she’s hurting because of me. I promised her I’d never hurt her, and what’s worse, she trusted me.

“Liam.” She straddles me, tears running down her bruised cheeks. I want to turn away but I force myself not to. Having this image in my head will remind me why I need to stay away from her. “I know you don’t want a relationship with me and I look like hell right now, but… please. I need you one last time.”

She presses her lips to mine, pulling back with a hiss and touching her split lip.

“Em, you’re hurt.”

She leans forward again and I sink my fingers into her hips. I would have taken everything she’s giving if not for divine intervention.

Or at least whatever causes the big bang coming from the bar.

“Stay here.”

She moves to the bed, pulling her knees to her chest, eyes wide, chewing on her lip. I hop to the door, cursing Vitalli for not being able to function at a hundred percent. I listen carefully, but I can’t make out any of the muffled sounds. Opening the door, I stick my head out.

“Don’t move. We have a warrant!”

Fucking hell. Just what we need.

“It’s the cops,” I tell Emily. “Wait here until I come for you.”

“Okay.”

I lock the door behind me, heading to the bar to find an all-out standoff. The cops are on one side, our men on the other, blocking them from going any farther.

“Move out of my way, Hunter,” Renley growls. “Or don’t. I’ll throw you in jail for obstruction.”

“If you tell me what you’re looking for, we can make this process easier. I’m not letting you tear up my clubhouse, Renley.”

“It’s in the warrant,” a man next to Renley says.

“What if I can’t read?” Gage jokes, turning the warrant upside down.

“Emily Pierce, or any sign that she’s been here,” the man says, straightening the jacket of his expensive suit.

“See? How hard was that? Of course Emily is here. She’s Venom’s woman.”

“I highly doubt that.”

I step forward, ready to knock the smug look off the motherfucker’s face. “What do you want with Emily?”