Chapter 73 The quarry
Chapter 73: The Quarry (Liam’s POV)
The quarry was loud. The bass from the speakers was so heavy I could feel it vibrating in the soles of my boots. A massive fire was burning in the center of the pit, sending sparks flying up into the dark sky. To anyone else, it looked like the party of the year. To me, it looked like a disaster waiting to happen.
I leaned against my car, away from the heat of the fire. I wasn't wearing my school jacket. I just had on a plain black hoodie. I didn't feel like a captain anymore. I felt like a spectator.
"You’re brooding again, Liam. It’s not a good look."
I turned to see Maya walking toward me. She was dressed in a short skirt and a leather jacket, looking perfectly put-together despite the dust and gravel. She didn't stay at a distance; she walked right into my personal space and leaned against the car next to me.
"I’m not brooding," I said, looking back at the crowd. "I’m just watching."
"Watching for her?" Maya asked. She reached out and brushed a piece of lint off my shoulder. Her hand stayed there for a second longer than it should have. "She’s coming, you know. Julian wouldn't miss a chance to show her off."
"He’s not 'showing her off,' Maya. He’s guarding her."
Maya let out a small, sharp laugh. She moved closer, her shoulder brushing against mine. "You’re so obsessed with being the hero now. It’s almost cute. But you’re missing what’s right in front of you."
I looked down at her. "And what’s that?"
"People who actually want to be with you," she whispered. She reached up and adjusted the hood of my sweatshirt, her fingers grazing my neck. "You’re the Ice King, Liam. You don't need to be chasing a girl who already replaced you. You could have anyone here tonight. You could have someone who actually understands your world."
"Maya, not now," I said, pulling away slightly.
She didn't look offended. She just smirked and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just think about it. Julian isn't going to let you near her tonight. You’re just hurting yourself for nothing."
Before I could answer, a silver car pulled into the quarry. The music seemed to get louder as Julian stepped out. He looked like he was in a commercial—clean, smiling, and completely in control. He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door.
Elena stepped out. She looked pale under the orange light of the fire. She was leaning heavily on her cane, her movements slow and careful. Julian immediately put his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side.
"There they are," Maya muttered, her voice turning cold. "The happy couple."
I didn't say anything. I just watched them walk toward the bonfire. Julian wasn't just walking with her; he was steering her. Every time a guy from the hockey team tried to wave or say hi to Elena, Julian would pull her closer or turn her away to talk to someone else. He was acting like a human shield.
"I'm going over there," I said.
"Don't," Maya said, grabbing my arm. Her grip was tight. "Liam, look at him. He’s looking for a reason to snap. If you go over there, you’re just giving him what he wants. Stay here with me."
"I can't just sit here, Maya."
I shook her hand off and started walking toward the fire. I stayed in the shadows of the parked trucks, circling around until I was close enough to hear them.
Jax and Chloe were standing near the fire, laughing. When they saw Julian and Elena, Jax raised his cup.
"Vance's replacement is here!" Jax shouted. "How's the view from the top, Julian?"
Julian smiled, but it was a tight, fake thing. "It’s great, Jax. Much better than the basement."
Elena flinched at the comment. She looked like she wanted to hide. "Julian, can we just find a place to sit? My leg is starting to hurt."
"In a minute, honey," Julian said. He didn't look at her; he was busy scanning the crowd. "I want to make sure everyone sees that you’re doing okay. People were worried, you know. They thought Liam was still bothering you."
"He isn't bothering me," Elena whispered. "He's just... he was just tutoring."
Julian’s grip on her waist tightened. I saw her wince. "We talked about this, Elena. Tutoring is over. I’m your priority now. I’m the one taking care of your mom’s bills, right?"
"Yes," Elena said, her voice hollow. "I know. Thank you."
I couldn't stand it. I stepped out from behind a truck. "She said her leg hurts, Julian. Let her sit down."
The group went silent. Julian turned around, his eyes narrowing. He didn't let go of Elena; if anything, he pulled her harder against him.
"Vance," Julian said, his voice dropping to a dangerous level. "I thought I told you to stay away."
"Liam, please go," Elena said. She looked at me with a mix of pity and fear. "Julian is just looking out for me. He’s right. I shouldn't be standing this long. He’s just being protective."
"He’s being a jailer, Elena," I said, stepping closer. "Look at how he's holding you. You’re shaking."
"I'm cold, Liam! That’s all," she snapped, though her voice lacked conviction. "Julian has done more for me in a week than you did in months. He’s paying for the best doctors. He’s making sure I have a future. What are you doing? Just showing up and making me stressed?"
Julian smirked at me. It was a look of pure victory. "You heard her, Liam. She doesn't want your 'help.' She has a man who actually knows how to value her. Now, get lost before I have to make you."
"You and what army?" I asked, my heart hammering.
Maya suddenly appeared at my side. She put her hand on my chest, looking at Julian and Elena. "Liam, come on. She made her choice. Let’s go back to the car. You don't need this."
She looked at Elena, and for a second, I saw a flash of something mean in Maya's eyes. "Enjoy your 'hero,' Elena. He looks like he’s really keeping a tight grip on things."
Julian didn't even acknowledge Maya. He just turned Elena around and started leading her toward the higher path that led away from the fire. "We’re going for a walk to clear the air," he announced to the group.
I watched them go. My fists were clenched so hard they hurt.
"See?" Maya said, her voice soft and teasing as she stepped in front of me again. "She’s defending him. She wants to be with him, Liam. Why are you fighting for someone who is literally telling you to go away? I’m right here. I’ve always been on your side."
She reached up and ran her thumb over my lower lip. "Forget her for one night. Just one night."
I looked at Maya, then I looked at the path where Elena had disappeared into the dark with a guy who was clearly losing his mind.
"I can't," I said, pushing Maya’s hand away.
I started following them. I didn't care if Maya was mad. I didn't care if Julian was going to fight me. I knew that path. It led to the steep drop-off at the back of the quarry.
As I climbed the hill, the noise of the party faded. I could hear their voices ahead.
"Why were you looking at him?" Julian was shouting now. The "perfect boyfriend" mask was completely gone.
"I wasn't! I was just surprised to see him!" Elena cried out.
"You're ungrateful! After everything I’ve done! I should have let your mom stay in that public ward!"
"Julian, stop! You're hurting my arm!"
I rounded the corner and saw them. Julian had Elena backed up against a rusted fence that guarded the edge of the pit. He was holding both of her wrists in one hand, looming over her.
"Let her go!" I yelled.
Julian spun around, still holding her. He looked crazed. "You again? You just won't let us be happy!"
"Julian, please, he's going to hit you!" Elena screamed, but she wasn't screaming at me. She was screaming for Julian. "Liam, go away! You’re making him angry! He’s just stressed about the move!"
She was still defending him. Even while he was pinning her against a fence, she was defending him. It made my head spin.