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Every one of Liam's words jabbed at Rita's heart.

It hurt.

It hurt a lot.

Shed still been struggling, but she quieted down.

She looked at the man before her, eyes red, heart wavering.

But to waver was to poison herself and give someone a chance to hurt her family.

"Trust me, Rita. No matter what happens, I'll protect you and your parents."

As if seeing through her, Liam wiped away the tears at the corner of her eye and pleaded, "Don't

leave me again, please? Or I'll really lose my mind."

"Liam, I... mph."

Rita spoke hoarsely, but her ruby lips stung once more.

He'd bit her again. "Hush!"

"?" Not understanding, Rita raised her head and glared at Liam doubtfully.

The man smiled, pulled her into his arms, and gently closed his eyes. "I'm tired. I want to sleep for a while."

Ever since Rita had hit him with the breakup, Liams insomnia had flared up again.

With each blow she dealt his heart, he'd grown more anxious and ill-tempered, and he couldn't

sleep at night.

He'd go