Liana's POV:
We parked the car and headed inside. I was teasing Laura, and she was clearly getting annoyed, but I was enjoying getting under her skin.
But the moment we stepped into the house, everything froze us in our tracks. Police were standing there, my mom was crying, Char and Ashley were talking in low tones, Ethilia was sitting beside my mom, and Dad was talking to the police.
Everyone paused mid-motion when they saw us. Laura blinked a few times and glanced at me. I shrugged, then turned my attention to the others.
Char's glare was sharp as she stepped closer. "Where were you guys? Do you have any idea how tense we were?" She hissed through gritted teeth.
I swallowed hard. Laura walked past her with an eye roll and plopped down on the couch. "Full-on cinema… I guess everyone knows we were at the club?"
Sensing the tense atmosphere, the police turned to Dad. "Sir, since they're already back, our work here ends."
Dad nodded and then looked at us. "What were you guys thinking?" His gaze flicked to Laura too. "Do you realize the whole social media is going wild? You went to a club at night…"
Before I could say anything, Laura jumped in. "We understand, Uncle… we were coming back when we saw Alex…"
Her words hit the room like a bomb, making everyone gasp. Char rushed toward me, checking me over, but my eyes were locked on Ethilia's red ones.
"I'm fine," I whispered and walked to her. She turned away, making me roll my eyes. I sat beside her. "Good morning."
She shot me a glare but stayed silent in front of my parents. Ashley stepped forward. "Guys… can you please tell me what happened?"
Laura hummed lazily. "Our drunk asses were way too brave, so we followed him… and ended up trapped in a dark alley. But stop gasping."
Her words made everyone roll their eyes. Char smacked her lightly. "Great. How are you alive, then?"
I turned to Laura with a smirk. She met my gaze and hissed, "Nothing… luck was on our side."
My smirk widened, almost mocking her. Laura stood abruptly and stomped toward her room. I leaned back on the couch, letting out a loud laugh.
Everyone stared at me in shock. Ethilia pinched my thigh. "Whose clothes are these? They're not yours."
I raised a brow and rubbed my thigh. "These are someone's I know… she helped us and even let us stay overnight."
Ashley came forward before anyone could say anything, "Okay… but first, tell me the address of that dark place, so the police can check it."
I hummed and gave her the address. She noted it down and smiled at Char before walking out. Char came and sat beside me. "Now tell me, what was so funny?"
I smirked and shook my head. "Nope… not telling."
Dad crossed his arms, "You're reckless, Liana… do you have any idea what could have happened?"
I hummed softly and looked at him, "I know, Dad. But trust me… what happened was for the best. Maybe this will lead to something beautiful." My voice was hopeful and I knew that.
Mom got up from the couch and walked to Dad. "She's still a little drunk, maybe... Leave her and go to your meeting. It's more important than her puzzles."
I pouted and crossed my arms. I know I was being playful, but honestly… hearing Laura yapping about Eliza the whole ride back made me feel good.
Maybe Laura will move on and actually be happy. Because that girl is worth loving. I mean… Eliza.
I stood up and stretched, but both Char and Ethilia were glaring at me. I ignored their looks and jogged toward my bedroom. I heard Char huff, but footsteps followed me. I knew it was Ethilia, and I was more than ready for that.
Just as I was about to close my door, she pushed it open. My eyes widen seeing those determined eyes.
I stepped back and let her enter. Closing the door behind herself, she locked it and turned to face me.
I tried to ignore the intense look in her eyes and walked to my walking closet, but her hand caught mine. "Don't you dare ignore me after making me scared to death."
I froze and turned toward her, a soft smile tugging at my lips.She was scared… for me? Really? Was I hearing that right, or do I need to see a doctor for my ears?
I was still processing her words when she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.
Almost out of habit, my arms went around her too... and my stupid heart started pounding like crazy. She always has that effect on me… and honestly, I never want it to stop.
Her face was buried in my neck when she murmured softly, "I was scared. Don't do that again."
I squeezed her gently and pressed a kiss on her temple. "Mhm… I won't."
I didn't want to let go yet, so even when she tried to pull back, I tightened my hold instead.
She let out a sigh against my shoulder and whispered, against my shoulder She hesitated but added, "you would leave me."
I raised a brow and nuzzled into her hair... she smelled so damn good. But I forced myself to focus...
"Scared of the LiAura ship?" I teased.
She stayed quiet for a few seconds before tightening her arms around me. That simple gesture said more than words ever could.
Slowly, I pulled back just enough to look at her, though my arms stayed around her waist. She wasn't looking at me; her eyes were downcast.
I leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Look at me. In my eyes." It came out more like a command, and she obeyed.
"No one can ever take me away from you… except you," I whispered softly, which made her eyes widen. I smiled and added, "And even you might not be able to push me away."
Her eyes softened, but her heartbeat was racing so loud that I could almost feel it against my chest.
She shifted her hands, looping them around my neck and leaning in closer. "You better remember that, okay?"
And before I could answer, she pressed her soft lips against mine. I closed my eyes and tightened my hold on her.
This kiss wasn't like before; it was fiercer, almost possessive, like she was claiming me. And honestly… I didn't mind.
When she finally pulled back, she was panting hard. I chuckled, "Done?"
She frowned, and just as she opened her mouth to respond, I caught her lips again.
I don't know if it was just in my head, but her lips were the best thing I'd ever tasted. And I wanted to keep tasting them…