57: Almost Bitten Through

No matter how softly Oliver called her name, Lillian seemed unreachable, locked within herself.

Oliver’s impatience grew as the traffic light cycled back to green. The cars behind began to honk their horns, urging him to move. With the honking as a backdrop, Oliver suddenly leaned in and kissed Lillian, her teeth clamped shut, making it nearly impossible for him to deepen the kiss.

Frowning, Oliver’s hand sneaked around her waist and tickled her gently. Lillian was ticklish, and despite not reacting as she normally would, her stiff body involuntarily jerked.

Seizing the moment, Oliver pried her clenched teeth apart. The taste of blood was strong; before he could chide her for her lack of self-care, pain made him wince and groan.

“Shit!”

The pain nearly triggered a reflex to push her away, but he restrained himself, pinching her waist harder this time.

Retreating, Oliver held her chin firmly to prevent any further bites, his voice low and threatening, “Lillian, wake up now or I swear I