Chapter 449

The sharp crack echoed violently in the dead silence.

Vivian Bennett's pupils contracted sharply.

She gasped for air.

The man before her still wore a faint smile.

Her breathing grew rapid, her heart pounding wildly.

Her gaze was locked on his fingers.

Impossible.

It must be an illusion.

No one would break their own finger.

Especially not him.

He was so cunning, so skilled at inflicting pain.

Why would he harm himself?

Dizziness washed over her, a tightness gripping her chest.

She struggled to keep her voice steady, but it trembled uncontrollably. "Where did that sound come from? Don't try to fool me."

"Only a madman would do something so foolish."

"Your pathetic act won't work on me."

Her words tumbled out quickly, as if trying to convince herself.

She turned her face away, pretending nothing had happened.

A trace of self-mockery flickered in Liam Sullivan's eyes.

He withdrew his hand, completely unbothered. "You're right. Only if I were mad."

So he was indeed mad.

For one sentence from her, he had snapped his own finger.

If he caused her pain, he would share that pain with her.

That way, he wouldn't be alone in his suffering.

Vivian refused to believe it.

He would never hurt himself because of her.

But to Liam, it was worth it.

As long as it could ease her hatred.

The excruciating pain paled his face, but it was hidden in the darkness.

He never cried out in pain.

His other arm wrapped around her shoulders.

A scorching kiss landed on her forehead, persistent and clinging.

Vivian stiffened, trying to pull away.

But he held her firmly trapped.

"Don't touch me!" she snapped, shrinking her shoulders in anger.

He kissed her earlobe, tender and lingering.

It felt like a kiss from a deeply devoted lover, making her intensely uncomfortable.

If he could be so brutal, why pretend to be gentle now?

She would not waver again.

Witnessing that scene in the bathroom had shattered her heart.

She would no longer be trapped by emotions.

Even if her body couldn't resist, her heart would shut him out.

"I didn't use my hands," he said innocently, blinking. "I only used my mouth."

He coiled around her tighter, like ivy. "Only by constantly kissing you can I feel that you're truly here with me."

"It will never be enough."