C13 And He Used to be God's Favorite.

"Hey, I'm definitely different, right?" Liam protested, his eyebrows raised, still hugging Alessia.

Ally laughs. "Well, indeed. For the first time ever. After seeing you in Switzerland. You are so different. Liam Coltrane was able to change my views but who would have thought that you'd be more minefield than I thought."

"Is it a compliment? I feel flattered. I guess crying is not someone's weakness, sweetheart. You've done your best. You're a woman I'll always look up to. You're simple, pretty, kind, independent. Perhaps that's what makes me conquered and infatuated with you." Liam clasped Alessia's fingers warmly. "Whatever. Whether other people say we're abnormal. I don't give a damn. As long as you remain by my side. We complete each other, don't we? I'll always be sane only with you. If you feel that this life is too miserable for you, and unfair. Then I will change that. I'll make you happy, sweetheart. Till no more tears fall on your cheeks. Until you forgot what pain was."

Alessia’s eyes squinted, she grunted. "Why do I keep doubting you, huh?"

"Be my guest. You're debating me." Liam pecked Alessia's cheek again. "Are you still terrified of me?"

Alessia's gaze traveled far again. She had to admit that Liam had treated her well. Respected her as a valuable woman, and he always acted like he wanted her badly. Liam proved it with all his actions. Believe it or not, Alessia feels so precious by his side.

"The fake people are scarier than you. They're the fake ones, I guess. Being nice before other people to hide their predatory side." Alessia replied lamely. "It's more terrifying."

Discussing terrifying predators, what came to Alessia's mind was Castor Kent.

Liam snorted. "You're insinuating me?"

"You said you were taking down the bad guys? You're taking out criminals who deserve to be punished. I assumed you had a grudge for some reason. Those you hunted down should receive their just punishment, right?"

"Brilliant." Liam complimented, smiling widely. "That's right, my situation is like that now. How did you know that?"

Alessia shrugged her shoulders. Trying to drain Liam of information, even though she didn't comprehend what she was doing this for. "A woman's intuition is so keen. Do not underestimate me. I remember your last conversation with Austin. About betrayal. Agencies. I'm just trying to piece together any possibility or common thread. Is it a conspiracy? What kind of agency do you work for? Considering all your abilities, and skills. You're obviously well-trained, Liam."

Liam released his embrace, smiling sweetly. He grabbed Ally's fingers and walked into the other room. Ally could tell he was changing the subject again.

Alessia froze as Liam took her to the balcony, where there was a table for the candlelight dinner. Everything shimmered, glowing. The table was adorned with a lacy white cloth, a crystal vase filled with burgundy roses whose buds were blossoming beautifully. Candles, silverware, two crystal wine glasses, and a sumptuous meal were laid out.

"It is indeed late. Why don't you have dinner with me, sweetheart?" Liam said, kissing the back of Alessia's hand warmly.

Ally cringed. "When did you prepare for this?"

"Intentionally, a surprise for you." Liam shrugged his shoulders. Smiling sweetly, he grabbed Alessia's shoulders and guided her to the balcony. Liam pulled a chair out for Ally. "Have a seat, Queen."

"Stop saying that!" Alessia snickered. She rolled her eyes lazily.

Liam chuckles. "You're my queen after all. Eat plenty. This is special. You know? I've been thinking and preparing all this since early this morning. You should respect my efforts."

"I'm not asking for it."

"Don't argue with me. Still insist on rejecting my efforts. All this I'm doing isn't enough to make you laugh happily, is it?"

Alessia shakes her head. Crossing her arms over her chest. Stared at Liam coldly. "Unfortunately, no. That means you'll have to try harder."

"Fine!" Liam smiled wide, feeling challenged. He always loved when Alessia gave him impossible challenges. "You always get me pumped up. If I do well. You have to marry me, right?"

"Ugh!" Ally was choking on her wine. She had just taken a sip, when Liam's casual remark about marriage hit her chest.

Liam chortled, patting Alessia's shoulder gently. "Dear me. You always have this reaction when I talk about marriage. Can't you just say yes or something like that?"

Alessia punched Liam's arm, who was laughing, make-merry. What an absurd joke! Liam's way of teasing her was not funny at all. Her eyes reddened, desperately gulped down her water, and only breathed a sigh of relief when the coughing strike was gone. Ally grabbed a tissue, wrinkling her nose. Her gorgeous face was literally as red as a boiled tomato.

"That wasn't funny, Liam!"

Liam laughed widely while Alessia glared fiercely at him. "The decision to stay by my side is the best. Don't you think about your miserable job anymore. Never go back there again. I'm guaranteeing your life, sweetheart. Do not worry about anything. Please, I'm so mad about what you told me. That's life, it's unfair. That's why I'm on this darkest of paths. No one can fix it or show me the truth if I don't make a move myself. But, with you deciding to stick it out, it's a great relief. I know you are strong and resilient."

Ally wiped away the tears that had fallen from her eyes. Liam stroked the remnants of the tears that had flooded Alessia's cheeks.

"So, tell me this. What's your boss' name?"

"For what?" Ally asked with tense shoulders and tone of voice, her forehead scrunched up. "Liam, don't act so weird. Please, I don't wanna hear that."

Liam's eyes flashed like sharp glass. His mind was already blazed by the flames of rage. Cut into the steak on his plate. Smiled airily. "If you won't tell me. I'll find out on my own. He abused you, remember? And the law did nothing to defend you, did it? Who's listening to you? No one. Just because he has power and money, he can do what he wants."

Alessia bites her lower lip. Firmly gripping the napkin in her hands. "I'm alright. Anyway, I got over it back then, and I'm by your side now. So, I'm begging you. Don't do anything at all. Listen to me! Do nothing!"

Liam took a deep breath. He leered casually. "It's too late, sweetheart. I'll ruin his life. You know the consequence. I've told you so many times. Whoever harasses and injures my precious Alessia, I will not let him return alive."

***

[Conway Property Head Office, 10.16 AM]

From behind his sunglasses, Liam scrutinized the placard of the towering property office building before him flatly. Looking around for the target he'd been stalking for the past hour. Liam sat at a café table across the arterial road savoring a cup of his warm Frappuccino coffee.

Ignoring the thirsty, adoring glances of the various women attracted to his impeccable good looks, the costly head-to-toe suit, the dashing chest beneath his black shirt, and the luxurious car Liam drives.

Liam Coltrane's captivating charms bring any woman to her knees, and willingly ends up in bed with him.

His eagle eyes caught the activity in the top window, a man answering his phone. A portly man who was no more disgusting than he was sickeningly good looking.

"Johnny Hauser!" Liam murmured, examining the watch on his wrist. Sighs nauseous. "A bad influence that needs to be removed. How dare you disrespect my precious Alessia."

Liam smirked maliciously, under the bright orange afternoon sun, he had thought of the most appropriate and good punishment for a brazen and brazen man like Johnny Hauser.

Liam's fingers tapped on the edge of the table, he mumbled. Melancholy awaits the end of life.

[Watch out, the Devil will come to you.]

[The Devil is real.]

[He's not a little red man with horns and a tail.]

[He can be beautiful or the hottest one.]

[Because he's a fallen angel.]

[A villain in a hero's story.]

[And he used to be God's favorite. ]

***

"Oh, you are so good, Gina." Johnny let out his breath, which had been racing with adrenaline when they reached climax and the intense pleasure that made them moan in a great sigh.

Johnny squeezes Gina's ass and her firm breasts. Their breathing increased and decreased. Gina puts on her blouse and blazer which had been lying on the floor. They had just finished their lovemaking in Johnny's closed office. “Fu*ck!”

It's late at night and the office is deserted, Johnny ties his belt. Meanwhile, Gina is exhausted from Johnny's recent craziness.

"Great job. Here's the check for you. As I promised." Johnny spoked in a mischievous tone and took out a check with a sum of money. "If you continue to do great things like that. I'll definitely increase the payment."

Gina smiled wryly, satisfied with the amount promised. She landed a peck on Johnny's cheek as a goodbye. "See you in the morning, sweetheart. I'm leaving first."

Johnny slapped Gina's sexy ass once more. He watched her back disappear behind the office door.

Johnny let out a sigh of satisfaction. In truth, he was in a state of distress. For two weeks, Alessia Dawn had been missing without a word. Considering Johnny's threats, she always refused his advances.

Alessia Dawn was untouchable, often avoiding and refusing to work overtime at the office. The woman was indeed good at her job, and her performance did not disappoint. Her sales contribution was excellent. Two weeks after she disappeared without a word, probably running away in fear, sales immediately declined.

As Alessia's donnish attitude, Johnny was even more interested, aggressively approached, curious, and visited her flat.

"Alessia Dawn is so hot! She must have been a virgin! I almost raped her once, but I failed! What the hell! He prefers a simple life and flatly refuses my invitation! Damn it! How arrogant of her! After returning from Switzerland, she disappeared without a word! What if she opens her mouth and reports the actions to everyone or the authorities?! I would be ruined!" Johnny growls furiously.

Staring at the clock on his office wall, he hurries home before his wife nags again. Johnny grabbed his coat and car keys and took the elevator down to the basement. The basement parking lot was deserted, and dark. Silent, quiet, only the faint sounds of distant vehicles could be heard on the arterial roads.

Johnny pushed the button on his wagon. He grabbed the steering wheel door—

[Bugh!]

The impact of the crowbar on the back of his head turned his world upside down, the white spectrum blinded his eyes, and the pressure of the agonizing pain was unbearable. Johnny collapses instantly — unconscious. The assault was unexpected and rapid. Fresh blood seeped from Johnny's head, which was lying on the asphalt of the basement.

Liam smirked a devilishly lopsided smile, holding the bloodied crowbar to his shoulder. He giggled until he gasped. "Bingo!"

***