Home / Billionaire / Lovers & Liars / Chapter Eighteen: Battling demons

Share

Chapter Eighteen: Battling demons

Author: Zinny Francis
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

*Vivienne*

The house is deathly quiet and all that could be heard was the sound of Mr. Gibbons' feet shuffling across the house.

Was this where Liam has been living?

He must have been lonely.

Wait… catching myself right on time, I reared back. “Whoa, whoa, why am I worried about him right now?” I muttered under my breath.

Shaking my head, I stood up from where I had remained seated ever since I came into this room and wandered towards the bed.

The bed was huge and inviting. It was drowned in silk sheets in the richest hues of cream and burgundy. Clenching and unclenching my fists, I finally gave in to my urges and dove on the bed. For a moment, I just laid there, luxuriating in the heavenly texture of silk against my skin.

But then, the sudden knock that landed on the door had me bolting to my feet. I cleared my throat and waited for the person to enter but no one came in.

I blinked in confusion but then remembered that I actually had to allow the person in. I cleared my throat
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Nineteen: Can't I worry about you?

    *Vivienne*I was literally drowning in a material that felt luxurious and comfortable.But what jerked me awake from my peaceful sleep was the feeling of a strange, damp sensation on my cheek. Reflexively, I reached out a hand, expecting to encounter a pillow or perhaps a stray lock of my own hair. Instead, my fingertips met a wet, cold nose that was far too close for comfort.My eyes flew open, and I jolted upright, my heart pounding as a high pitched scream escaped my lips. Looming over me, mere inches from my face, was the large, furry head of a golden retriever. The dog's warm, amber eyes were fixed intently on me, its tongue lolling out in an almost playful expression. "Gah!" I exclaimed, recoiling in shock. "What on earth—?" The sudden movement startled the dog, causing it to let out a surprised bark. I scrambled backwards, tangling myself in the bedsheets as I tried to put some distance between us. Where did this canine intruder come from? And how had it ended up so brazenl

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Twenty: Does he know?

    *Vivienne*Few hours later, I am dressed in a form fitting ankle length maxi dress with floral patterns which has a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt. I slipped on low heels to complete the look, grabbed my bag and was soon on my way outside. Mr. Gibbons intercepted me while I was still on the stairs. “Good morning, Ms. Reynolds,” he greeted with a slight bow. “Good morning, Mr. Gibbons,” I responded. “And please call me, Vivienne. Ms. Reynolds makes me feel like an old maid.”He smiled and nodded. “I whipped up something in the kitchen in case you're hungry.”I darted a quick glance over his shoulder in the direction of the kitchen. “I am really sorry but I'm already running late for my doctor's appointment,” I said apologetically. His face fell and I instantly felt guilty. “Oh, no problem, Ms. Reynolds,” he muttered with a low voice. “Have you offered some to Mr. Pryce? I think he is around,” I offered. Mr. Gibbons gave me an unreadable look and shook his head. “Mr. Pryce is a

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Twenty-one: I kissed her

    *Liam*“That's all for today, I guess,” I said as I slid into the backseat and looked at Ryder who was already seated and waiting for me.“Yes,” Ryder confirmed as he ticked off the schedule on his iPad. We just exited the venue for the last table read for Love unscripted. I glanced at the script placed on the hand rest in between us and picked it up. I ghosted my fingers over the intricately written title on the front page— Love unscripted.I dropped it back and interlocked my fingers instead. “When is the shooting commencing?”“Next week,” Ryder answered. “Thankfully, you don't have any serious foundation related work next week.”“And the locations?” I continued. “Has the final locations been decided on?”“Yes. We are going to be shuffling between New York, Chicago and some few other locations.”I nodded. “That's okay. Get the pilot to ready the private jet in preparation. The ‘Harvest Hope’ program is starting after next week, so I can't afford to slack off at any moment,” I utte

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Twenty Two: Hiding from him

    *Vivienne*He kissed me.Liam Ryan Pryce just and I don't just know how to react. My eyes are wide in shock while my arms hang limply by my sides. I could only watch as he cradled my cheeks and pressed his lips against mine, his brows puckered in concentration. The kiss was so soft and tender, but it still ignited something that made me feel like my head was gonna explode.I was still trying to process everything when I felt him pulling away… no, no, no! Not yet. Not after weeks of fantasizing about kissing him. In one swift desperate move, I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him in closer, our bodies merging from the waist down. He went rigid for a second, his lips slightly disengaging from mine and then I felt him smile against my mouth before he kissed me again. I slowly closed my eyes and just savored the feeling of his lips against mine, the sizzle of lust pooling in my lower belly and rendering me useless. His lips are softer than anything I've ever known, soft like

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Twenty Three: Is it worth it?

    *Vivienne*“Stay here,” I told Eric the moment we arrived at the spa. “You can go out or something, you don't really have to hang around.”Eric merely unbuckled his seatbelt and said, “After you, ma'am.”I sighed, already feeling exasperated this early morning. I caught his eyes in the rearview mirror and arched a brow at him. “Did you not hear anything that I just said?” I questioned him.He nodded curtly. “I did, ma'am,” he answered with a firm voice. “And my job is to protect you and that's what I'm going to do.”Feeling like I was already fighting a losing battle, I just rolled my eyes and got out of the car, all the while muttering something about stubborn bodyguards under my breath. But the moment I entered the building, I was brought up short by the sight of Tara, Penny and Nick huddled around the front desk talking in hushed tones. I wasn't bothered in any way by the sight since the spa won't open for another hour and I was already used to seeing them congregated and gossipi

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Twenty Four: Unexpected gift

    *Liam*My mind has been all over the place for the past three days that I could barely manage to focus on anything. I sighed continuously for over an hour as I tried to focus on some paperwork from the foundation. Next, I tried reading a few lines from my current script but couldn't assimilate anything. Finally giving up, I decided to drop by one of our orphanages, maybe a smile from one of those little angels would help get me back on track. I notified Ryder and got there before him. One hour into my visit, I was already grinning from ear to ear as I reconnected with my little friends. However, that feeling was fleeting and every now and then, I remembered what day it was today. I sneaked a quick glance at my watch just as Ryder whispered into my ears, “We have to get going, Liam. It will only be a matter of time before this place is flooded with the paparazzi and reporters.” I have this unspoken rule about not letting any paparazzi take any photo of me while I was on any visit

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Twenty Five: The clue

    *Vivienne*You know that moment when you start doubting your earlier decision and are now suddenly skeptical about why you had to do it?That was the moment that I am currently in and it sure wasn't easy. My heart was hammering in my chest and I was sure I was much closer to hyperventilating than I have ever been. “Ma'am?” Eric's voice jolted me back to the present and my eyes snapped up to his face in the rearview mirror. “Are you okay?” he asked. I swallowed long and hard. “Of course, I am,” I answered him. My sudden nerves had nothing to do with the fact that I was attending a Pryce event but everything to do with the fact that I was probably mistaken and jumped into this mess with any forethought. Was it too late to head back to the house?But if I do, I would still have so many unanswered questions which would only prolong this situation with Liam. I have successfully avoided him for the past three days, but I don't know how long I will be able to continue pulling that stun

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Twenty Six: Confronting her

    *Vivienne*My eyes slowly shifted to her fingers and zoomed in on the giant diamond ring that I hadn't noticed before — this woman must be obsessed with everything diamond. I gradually arched my brows as I brought my eyes back to her heavily made up face. “Did you follow me here?”In my defense, there was surely no way we would have entered this place with just a few minutes' intervals. She paused and languidly recapped her lipstick. “You flatter yourself too much, Vanessa,” she said. I rolled my eyes. “Vivienne,” I corrected her even though I somehow knew she called me that on purpose. She waved me off with a tiny twist of her wrist. “Whatever,” she snorted and threw a glance around us. “This is the ladies restroom if I'm not mistaken. It's quite impertinent of you to assume I followed you in here like some sort of a stalker.”I tilted my head to the side. “You live here, don't you?” I asked. “You could have easily used your private bathroom instead.”Her eyes clashed with mine i

Latest chapter

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Fifty Six: Unmasking the pain

    *Vivienne*“No,” he said, cutting me off. “You are actually the first woman I'm doing this for.”I felt a squeeze in my heart at his words and I slowly threw my head to the side, unable to look him in the eye. The cleaning movement at my lower body subsided and then stopped altogether. I felt him reaching for my face even before his cold hands grasped my chin and turned my head back to him. “Why? You don't believe me?” he asked softly as stared into my eyes. Fuck! Those eyes look like they are piercing into my soul. I quickly ran my tongue over my dry lips. “No, I—” I paused and counted to five in my head. “No, I do believe you,” I added. Liam's gaze remained rooted on my face and then he chuckled. “You are really a bad liar, Angel eyes,” he said, his voice light with humor. He brushed his thumb across my left eyebrow. “Your left eye twitches like crazy whenever you're lying. I've told you before, right?”How did he even manage to pick up on that?Embarrassed at being caught at m

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Fifty Five: Afterglow

    *Vivienne*Remember when I said we were far from being done tonight? Yup… turns out I couldn't have been more right. Cause tell me why almost an hour later, we are still going at it like some dog in heat. And hey, it's not that I'm complaining or anything but if this man doesn't stop pounding my pussy any minute from now, I might actually pass out from excessive stimulation and pleasure. It was as if he was determined to make sure that I indeed pass out. “F—fuck, Liam,” I moaned as I felt his cock leaving my pussy. The bedsheets were clenched tightly in my hands, my teeth digging into my lower lip and almost drawing blood. I could feel him everywhere— my breasts, stomach, between my thighs and deep in my pussy. His taste was in my mouth. His scent was in my nostrils. His breathing, as rough and ragged as mine, resonated in my ears. I was so intimately aware of him. He thrusts back into my pussy at his languid pace and I could feel myself combusting at his fingertips. The smell

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Fifty Four: Embers of pleasure

    *Vivienne*Everything had happened at the speed of light that it almost gave me whiplash. From trying to push Liam away, to bickering away like some lovers and then it somehow wants to end with me naked and writhing underneath him. Everything had been going so well, Liam sure does know his way around a woman's body. He knows exactly what to do or touch to make you come undone. At least that was until he brushed his fingers across my scar and I had tensed. It's actually kind of crazy how I had almost forgotten that it was there in the first place. “Just pretend it's not there,” I blurted out, feeling desperate to take his attention away from there. I knew that Liam had seen me undressed before and he had also seen the ugly looking scar but it still doesn't erase the fact that I was afraid that he might find it upsetting or off-putting.The scar wasn't exactly what you would call a neat work. Back then, I was too busy trying to cut down on money that the hospital meant nothing to m

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Fifty Three: Insatiable need

    *Liam*Wanting to take my time and savor her this time, I molded my mouth to hers, exploring the soft, sensual curves of her lips. She trembled beneath me in response. Scooping an arm around her waist, I drew her even more closer and relished the melting warmth that rushed between us. I groaned deeply in my throat, my hand sliding up the side of her face before it latched onto her throat while my other other hand found its way to her lush butt. I grabbed a cheek, my fingertips digging into the lush softness. God, this ass was going to be my weakness. It was shapely and was just enough for me to dig my fingers into… just the way I like 'em.She let out a low moan of pleasure as I parted her lips with my tongue and delved inside, ravishing her mouth and staking my claim. Passion and need fused as one and created a sharp, splintering ache in his loins, making my cock harden. I traced my tongue over her lips and licked the inner seam, she shivered, mindlessly rocking her hips against

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Fifty Two: Between fear, hope and heartbreak

    *Liam*“Do you want me to? Do you really want me to leave you alone, Angel eyes?” I asked her, my eyes darting across her face in search of the answer. Vivienne stared at me, a certain look of sadness creeping into her eyes before it disappeared. She averted her eyes and quickly stood up making me take a step back. “Yes,” she muttered. My fists clenched by my sides. “Look at me in the eyes and say it, Angel eyes,” I demanded as I breached the gap between us, getting into her personal space. I was done having her push me away for no reason. As I stared down at her, I could see her pulse beating wildly in the small hollow of her neck but yet she refused looking at me. In desperation, I grabbed her arm and drew her even closer to my body. “Answer me, Angel eyes.”She twisted her arm in my hold. “Get your hands off me, Liam,” she muttered. I tightened them instead. “Answer me, Angel eyes,” I said. Huffing out one deep breath, she finally yanked out her arm and fell a step back. She

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Fifty One: Do you really want me to?

    *Liam*“Yoo, Pryce! Where the fuck are you?” Ryder's voice thundered, the car speakers resounding with his voice. “I told you where I was going, didn't I?” I answered with my eyes fixed on the road before me. I then pressed a button on the steering wheel to reduce the volume of the speakers. “No! I don't actually mean where,” he said, backtracking a little bit. “Why the fuck did you take the car without the driver?”With a small turn of my wrists on the steering wheel, I navigated a curve and turned onto the highway. “He was wasting my time, man,” I muttered. There was a brief moment of silence where Ryder breathed in deeply and that was when I knew that his tolerance range for me today was perhaps not that high. “But. That. Doesn't. Mean. You. Had. Drive. By. Yourself,” he gritted out, punctuating each word. I lifted my shoulders in a slight shrug even though he couldn't see me. “I think I can manage driving to the hotel without fainting.”“And that's the fucking point!” he expl

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Fifty: Getting her back

    *Liam*I am standing in front of the windows in my office, overlooking the city below. It has been three days since I returned to Los Angeles and a week since I had seen her. My heart began to ache again as it has always done for the past few days whenever I think of her. Sighing deeply, I rubbed a hand over the spot but it continued to throb even more persistently.It almost felt like we have been separated for a lifetime and not just some few days. Each breath I took was laced with the memory of her laughter— the ones I'd shared with her. More than once in a day, I would recall the way her eyes genuinely sparked when she was happy, or the way the tip of her nose wrinkled when she was honestly annoyed with me or even how her left eye twitches whenever she was lying. It even reached a point where every corner of the house held fragments of her presence so much that I had to relocate to another room.And just when I thought it wouldn't get any worse, she proceeded to hunt me in my

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Forty Nine: When smiles conceal

    *Vivienne*My heart plummeted. The world around me faded into a blur; the lazy conversation of both my employees and the customers , the distant hum of traffic down the street—all drowned out by the pounding of my pulse in my ears.“No… no, do…don't tell me,” I stammered, my voice trembling. “Oh yes, I did,” he replied, the glee in his tone sending chills down my spine. “It wasn't an easy feat by the way, I had to spend tons of hours drafting my plan. But then, after that, everything else was just easy peasy.”A wave of nausea washed over me, making me feel light headed. I felt myself going weak at the knees which then prompted me to lean against the table, my hands found its way up my neck as it closed up making it hard for me to breath. “Should I tell you what happened?” he continued, his voice thick and low with amusement. “Of course I should, it's your mother we are talking about here.”He was enjoying this. That sick bastard was enjoying this.“Like I said earlier, it wasn't a

  • Lovers & Liars    Chapter Forty Eight: Masks and mirrors

    *Vivienne*My brows met together in a deep frown. “What?”Mrs. Pryce glanced at me. “He didn't tell you, did he?” he whispered in a small voice. “Typical.”What the hell was this woman saying?Clause?Relationship?I shook my head. “No, I mean, why are you so sure that Liam and I are in a relationship?”Sure, we have indulged in a hardcore foreplay and make out session but that doesn't mean we were in a relationship… right?Mrs. Pryce glanced at me, amusement glinting in her eyes. “You are so naive, Ms. Reynolds, and it's not even a cute look on you,” she said. “Relationships don't usually entail that you have to put a label on whatever you guys are doing. The tabloids and newspapers are living proof that you guys are living together and possibly fucking each other's brains out. That's the only conviction that the board of directors and shareholders would see and hold.”I frowned, my mind snagging on one thing she's said. “Tabloids and newspapers? I don't remember any articles—”“That

DMCA.com Protection Status