Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 75: The Last Straw

Chapter 75: Chapter 75: The Last Straw

Grasping the blanket that was slung over her shoulders as though it might somehow keep her together, Lily sat on the edge of Ethan’s couch. Beyond the big windows of the flat, the city was a glistening expanse of shifting shadows and lights. She hardly noticed, though.

Her thoughts were racing.

Carlisle was out.

The fact that James was in police custody didn’t really matter. Men like Carlisle always had individuals in high places who were eager to pull the correct strings, and the legal system could be purchased.

The next time he hit, it was inevitable.

She also doubted that she would make it through this time.

She was startled out of her reverie by a gentle clink.

Ethan placed a glass of whiskey on the table in front of Lily as she looked up. He took a seat across from her, moving more slowly than normal because he was so tired and in pain. Even though his shoulder was recently bandaged and his shirt was covered in blood, his attention was still fixed on her.

His voice was gruff when he said, "You should drink." "It will be beneficial."

Lily glanced at the amber liquid but refrained from grabbing it. "It won’t make a difference."

"No," Ethan said. With those sharp blue eyes, he studied her while leaning back in his chair. "But it will make getting through tonight easier."

After a moment of hesitation, she picked up the glass and sipped slowly. Her chest was instantly warmed by the heat, but it didn’t stop the commotion in her mind.

She set the glass down again and gazed at the liquid whirling within. "This doesn’t feel real at all."

Ethan let out a breath. "Lily, it’s real."

She gave a headshake. "I would prefer it not to be."

A dense and oppressive silence descended between them. Her breathing became more difficult as the night’s weight weighed down on her.

Ethan’s voice grew softer, but underneath it was steel. "I must know the location of your head."

Lily laughed without humor. "Where is my head?" She made an ambiguous motion. "I’m focused on the idea that Carlisle is always one step ahead of us, regardless of what we do. We can’t win the game he’s playing.

Ethan’s mouth tightened. "What are you saying, then?"

Exhaustion and irritation clashed inside her as she combed through her hair. "I’m not sure, Ethan. Perhaps this is no longer worth it.

His whole body froze. "What?"

Her voice was barely above a whisper as she let out a shaky exhale. "I’m worn out. I’m sick of battling and running. Perhaps I should quit acting like this will ever be over.

Ethan’s eyes became gloomy. "You’re giving up."

Lily’s fists clenched. "I’m being practical."

Ethan’s chair scraped the floor as he abruptly stood up. He loomed over her, making his presence seem bigger and more commanding. "No. You’re afraid.

With her heart racing, Lily leaped to her feet. Naturally, I’m afraid! Do you think I like to stare over my shoulder all the time? Are you wondering when he will next come get me? Seeing the harm I inflict on those I care about?

Ethan took a step forward, his face unreadable. Do you believe I don’t get that? I was engaged in this conflict long before you did.

"And perhaps that’s the issue," she yelled. "Ethan, this isn’t my battle! I made the error of putting my trust in the wrong individuals, which led to my involvement in this.

Something she couldn’t identify caused Ethan’s eyes to burn. "You believe you can simply leave?"

Lily’s throat became constricted. "I must."

They were silent for a moment.

Between them, the tension crackled like a live wire.

Then Ethan surprised her by doing something.

He chuckled.

It wasn’t amused, though. It tasted bitter. Chilly.

He said in a low, almost derisive tone, "Go now." "Observe your progress."

Lily gasped for air.

Because he was right, and that was the worst part.

Carlisle refused to simply let her go.

He would track her down no matter how far she tried to run or where she ran.

And facing it was the only way to put an end to this.

Her whole body was exhausted as she collapsed back onto the couch. She tightened her fists in an attempt to settle herself as her hands began to shake a little.

Ethan kept a careful eye on her. His voice was lower when he eventually spoke, but it was full of unwavering weight.

"You can’t give up."

Lily took a deep breath. "And what if I have no other option?"

Ethan boxed her in by lowering himself and placing his hands on the back of the couch. His presence was overwhelming now that his face was centimeters from hers. "Lily, there’s always an option. Either you engage in combat or you concede to Carlisle.

Her breath came out shakily. "I’m not sure whether I have anything left to fight for."

Ethan’s eyes grew a little softer. His fingertips brushed her cheek as he extended his hand. She felt a shockwave even though it was hardly a touch.

"You underestimate your strength," he whispered.

Lily’s chest constricted. "I don’t feel powerful."

After examining her, Ethan sat down next to her, rubbing his leg against hers. Although the contact made her feel warm, it had little effect on the mental battle going on.

They sat there quiet for a long time.

Then, with a voice hardly audible above a whisper, Ethan spoke once more. "I will not allow you to suffer any harm."

With her heart racing, Lily turned to face him.

She wished to have faith in him.

She did.

However, even Ethan was powerless over some things.

She exhaled sharply. "You can’t guarantee that."

He took a while to respond. Rather, he grabbed her hand and wrapped his fingers around it. He had a hard, steady, and grounding grip.

And Lily came to a horrifying realization.

Carlisle wasn’t the only thing that scared her.

This was what scared her.

She was terrified of the meaning Ethan was beginning to hold for her.

Because survival was no longer the only concern.

He was the subject of this.

And should she allow herself to fall...

She had doubts about her ability to get back up.

Ethan gave her hand a light squeeze, stroking her knuckles with his thumb. He said, "You’re not alone in this."

Despite the lump in her throat, Lily swallowed.

For the first time in a long, long time...

She wasn’t sure if that made her feel more at ease or more afraid.

But she allowed herself to wait for tonight—just tonight.

Because the battle would start over tomorrow.