Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 520

Her burning red lips brushed against his. Liam's pupils dilated, his entire body going rigid.

His voice came out low and hoarse. "Mandy, take it easy."

But Mandy couldn't hear him at all. Even if she did, her mind was too foggy to process anything.

She just kept nuzzling against him, rubbing her cheek along his chest.

Liam let out a heavy breath. "You're really something, you know that?" he muttered. “Lucky for you it's me. If you'd run into someone with bad intentions tonight, who knows what might've happened."

Just the thought of Mandy being at someone else's mercy sent a flare of anger through him. He didn't even understand it himself-why was he this possessive over a woman he'd only met once?

Normally, he'd never go this far for a stranger. He wouldn't have offered her a ride, shielded her from the rain, or-God forbid-held her like this. Usually, he'd brush off any woman who tried to get close.

But now, glancing down at Mandy curled up in his arms like a sleepy kitten, all her defenses dropped, he couldn't bring himself to push her away.

started this, you know," Liam whispered, almost to himself.

refused to let go, her arms still locked

he could see every detail of

bobbing as he fought

pried her arms from around his neck. He stood, meaning to leave, but then a devilish idea flickered through his mind. He realized he didn't want to let things end here. He needed to do something-anything-to make sure she remembered

stripped off his suit jacket and tossed it to the

the collar of

Still not enough-be ran a hand through his hair, purposely

mirror, he resembled a well-bred man who'd

in Mandy's hand, then slumped down

Eventually, the effects of the alcohol began to fade, and Mandy slowly drifted

saw was a man slumped beside her bed.

stirred, acting groggy and confused. "What's wrong?" he asked,

brow knitted in suspicion. "What did you do