Page 49 of Bully's Darkness
My frown deepens as the image sharpens.Them.Bully. Lila.
“I love you,” she whispers.
Bully steps forward. “Liv, what are you watching?” His voice is tight. He already knows. He’s heard that voice before.
I glance back at the screen just in time to see him yank her hair, turning her face toward the camera. Whoever is filming moves closer. She’s not shocked. She smiles for the camera.Sheknowsshe’s being filmed.
“Say it back,” she pants, dragging Bully’s mouth to hers. They kiss, and my stomach turns. My heart caves in. It’s passionate, hungry.
“Bitch needs her mouth filled,” the man behind the camera says with a laugh.
The screen goes black. Bully exhales, relieved it’s finished.
“It’s not over,” Bria says flatly as another video starts to play.
This time, Bully is asleep. Peaceful. Vulnerable. The camera pans slowly as Lila strips, tossing her clothes to the floor.
I knew she’d be beautiful. Somehow, that makes itworse.She winks at the camera.
“Liv, how is this helping?” Bully snaps. “Why would you show her this?” He rounds on Bria, his voice hot with anger. “Where did you even get it?”
“I was sent it,” she says, icy calm. “It’s all over the internet.” Her words slice through me, knowing that others will see my humiliation.
Onscreen, Lila climbs onto Bully, grinding against his body. He stirs. His eyes open, and when he sees her, he gives a sleepy smile.Thatsmile. The one he givesmein the morning.
“I love you,” she breathes.
“I know,” he says back. “Now, fuck me.”
She starts to ride him, moaning. The camera wobbles as a hand reaches in, groping her.
I stop the video, and Bully drops to his knees before me, his fingers digging into my thighs like that’ll somehow stop me from leaving. Bria picks up my bag. “I’ve already packed. I’ll meet you downstairs,” she says, heading out the door.
“I’ll do anything to make it right,” he whispers desperately.
I watch the emotions play out on his face, but I can’t react. I’mnumb. We’ve done this too many times. “You can’t make it right,” I mutter.
“I can. I told you, I’ve changed. Since her, there’s been no one.” I stand, and he wraps his arms around my legs, clinging to me. “Please don’t leave me, Liv.”
“Let go.”
“Please, I’ll do anything.”
“Let. Go.”
“I can’t keep you safe out there, darlin’. I’m begging you, don’t walk out that door. I’ll give you space. I’ll stay out your way.”
“Let go, Liam.”
He stills at that one word, and his grip loosens. He pushes to his feet, rushing to the door and blocking my path. “I’ve been an idiot too many times, never appreciating what I’ve got. But you’re it for me, Liv.”
I scoff. It slips out like I’ve lost control, and I laugh until tears fill my eyes. “I’m notitfor you, Liam. I never was, and I’ve been fucking stupid to think I could change you. The truth is you don’t want to change. Not for me.”
“I’ll prove it. Give me one more chance.”
I shake my head. “No. There’s been too many chances. Too many apologies. Too many pretty women you’ve been lost in. And I amtired.Tired of coming second. Tired of you making me feel like I’m not enough. So, I’m putting me first. Get out of my way or so help me, God, I will kill you with my bare hands.”
He gives a wary look before stepping to one side. I push past and rush from the room, taking the stairs faster when I hear his heavy boots following.
