Chapter 51: Gia

We sit in a diner across the street from the garage Liam's friend owns. As a personal favor to him, Tony is going to patch my tire today. It should be ready in about an hour.

Even though he doesn't necessarily need to stay and babysit me, Liam has made it clear that he isn't leaving until the tire is taken care of. I should feel thankful, instead his presence makes me feel skittish and on edge.

Especially after yesterday. He hasn't touched me today, but still...my body is tense. It's driving me crazy. My nerves are stretched tight. Any moment and I'll shatter.

The waitress brings two mugs of steaming coffee before silently retreating. Neither of us bother to order anything to eat.

In a last-ditch effort at self-preservation, I say one more time, "You don't have to stay. It doesn't sound like it'll take all that long, and then I'll be on my way."

He takes a sip of his coffee before flashing me a smile. One dark brow rises. "Are you trying to get rid of me?"