LIAM Read Online Free PDF Page B

and then at me. “I love you so much, Liam. I can’t believe this is really happening!”
    Our guests all have smiles on their faces, even Mandi. But her eyes betray her. She’s not smiling from her heart. Robin takes her hand and pulls her away from the crowd.
    She disappears from the lawn, the way she disappeared from my life seven years ago, and with the same man. Robin Fucking Wickham.
    Well guess what, Mandi?
    I am over you.
    Who the fuck am I kidding?
    I am so not over you, Mandi....
     
    ~*~
     
    …A week later...
     
    “I can’t fucking believe it, Shaggy. You’re marrying Alice. Shit, I would marry her. She’s a keeper,” Carl says, patting my back.
    I grin. “Take her, bro.” Maybe I’m serious here. Alice would have a happier life if she were to marry a man like Carl. Carl is simple. He doesn’t have secrets. He is fiercely loyal and dedicated to those he loves.
    Carl rolls his eyes at me. “Whatever man. Anyway, this new pad of yours is sick. Beats that apartment over Central Park.”
    I shrug. “I like living in the city. Alice likes it here.” I lie. Alice wanted me to save money. She was confused as to why I blew millions on a mansion on Gatsby Drive, and more than a hundred K on a housewarming party for strangers.
    She stopped questioning me once she realized the party was for her.
    We all know that that party wasn’t thrown for her.
    Yes, I’m a fucking jerk. I know that.
    Carl curses. “Oh man, he’s hitting her again,” he mutters.
    “What? Who is hitting who?”
    Carl takes a deep breath. “Only because you’re family, man… Here, read this.” He shows me the iMessages from Mandi. My blood boils as I read them.
     
    ~*~
    Mandi:
    —he hit me again… I don’t know how much more of this I can take. What should I do, Carl?
    —fucking black eye…
    —I hate this. I have to leave him…
     
    ~*~
     
    Carl stands up from the couch and says, “I’m going to kill him. I swear. I have to go see my sis.”
    “I’ll go with you,” I tell him, my hands curled into fists and my heart breaking for Mandi.
     

 
     
     
     

Eleven: Mandi
     
     
    My Cartier shades barely cover my black and blue right eye.  Damn, it hurts.
    “Come in,” I tell Carl. Imagine my surprise when I see Liam walk through the door of my manse with my brother. “Welcome to my humble abode,” I say to Liam.
    “Humble?” he chuckles, almost nervously.
    “Tea or coffee?” I ask them when we’re sitting at the dining table. Rosita waits patiently for our order.
    “Just water, please,” Liam says.
    “Same for me, Rosita. Thanks. Mandi, let me see what he did to you,” Carl says.
    Rosita lays down our drinks and stands behind me.
    I shake my head. “Seriously, Carl… this is none of his business.” I point at Liam. “So don’t make this uncomfortable for me.”
    “You should call the cops,” Liam says. “He should not get away with abusing you. And this is my business, Mandi, because you’re… you’re family to me.”
    I sigh and dismiss Rosita. Then I remove my shades. My face is devoid of makeup. The ugly bruise marring the area around my eye is staring right at the guys.
    “See it? Happy now? And no, I’m not calling the cops on my husband.”
    “You’re just going to let him get away with this? Like how Mom let that bastard get away with…”
    “I’m not Mom, Carl. I have my reasons. Robin… he won’t hurt me anymore. He promised.” I rub my nose and can’t help but allow the tears to roll down my cheeks. My brother hugs me and pats my head. Through tear-blurred eyes, I can see a pained look on Liam’s face.
    “Listen, sis, whatever you need, okay? Let me know. Come back home. Leave the bastard. I mean even if you don’t stay with us, Mom would be happy to see you.”
    “Not tonight, Carl. I’ll wait until the bruise goes away. I don’t want Mom to worry.”
    Liam breathes deeply and rubs his forehead. “Then come stay with me at least. What if he hurts you