Chapter 22

Song on the side is "Mess It Grows" by He Is We. Thought it fit the chapter well :)

Dedicated to @sfawesome She wrote a review for this book! <3

Happy Reading!

"Mommy!" I cried jumping off the bench and running towards her my blonde hair flying behind me and my backpack bouncing between my shoulder blades. The moment I reached her I clench to her legs wrapping myself almost like a koala bear around them.

"Hi baby." She said squatting down to my level. I wrapped my arms around her neck burying my face into her shoulder breathing in her scent. "I am sorry I am late. I had some things to do." She pulled away and smiled at me.

I had been sitting on a bench in front of my elementary school waiting for my mom to come and get me. All the other kids left with their parents almost 2 hours ago. The longer I sat outside the school the more I worried she wouldn't come back to get me. Being only in kindergarten the fear being alone without your parents is scary.

"I missed you mommy." I said looking up at her as she stood up. Her blonde hair was up in a bun and she was dressed as she usually did; in a pair of worn blue jeans and a t-shirt.

"I did too baby. Remember Jenna I will never leave you. I will always come back."

I gasped for air my whole body frozen and my feet planted firmly on the floor. My mother looked the same as when I last saw her. Everything that I pushed to the back of my mind concerning my mother came rushing up, overwhelming me. My vision was cut off as a big masculine body moved in front of me blocking my mother from my line of sight.

"Jenna." The sound of my name being whispered above me and a pair of hands on my shoulders made me blink. Looking up I met Liam's blue eyes. I don't know why but seeing him staring down at me with worry and almost fear in his eyes made my own eyes water.

"I...I n-need air." I choked out. Seeing the state I was in he only nodded letting go of my shoulders and grabbing one of my hands before pulling me after him. My whole body felt numb as Liam lead me past groups of people talking. The moment we stepped out on a balcony I took in mouthfuls of air as Liam shut the door behind us. I went over and gripped the edge of the balcony panting and trying to force the tears threatening to spill back.

That woman didn't deserve my tears. She didn't deserve anything from me, that stopped the minute she left me at the foot of some house in the middle of the night. That woman was not my mother. What kind of person, what kind of mother, would abandon their own daughter. And here I was 14 years later struggling to make ends meet when she is here with some rich guy. How the hell did this even happen? After all this time how could she be here of all places. How can she be standing here with some rich guy pretending like she didn't leave her daughter on the streets 14 years ago?

Two tears fell away from my eyes. My whole body was starting to shake wanting the sobs to break free of my mouth but I wouldn't let them. All I wanted to do was get out of here and run home but I knew I couldn't. I had to stay here for Liam. Fighting back another sob I gripped the edge of the balcony tighter until my knuckles turned white. I bit my bottom lip until I tasted blood. A few more tears leaked out of my eyes when I felt a pair of arms wrapping themselves around my waist pulling me back against something hard and warm.

I knew it was Liam and sunk back against him closing my eyes tightly. Closing my eyes didn't help, all I could see what my mom in front of me throwing her head back laughing and smiling at whatever the unknown man was saying.

"Jenna what's wrong?" Liam asking in a whisper by my ear.

"My m-mother is here." I whispered back.

"What do you mean your mother is here?" I heard his tone suddenly change from soft to hard.

"S-she was right in front of me when you left to get us a drink. She was with a man." I opened my eyes and stared out at the river and the city. "How can she be here Liam? I thought i'd never see her again and her she is." More tears ran down my cheeks and I knew my makeup was starting to get ruined.

"Jenna." Liam said his voice soft and he gently turned me around by my waist. "Lets get you out of here." He brought his hands up and cupped my cheeks. With the pads of his thumbs he wiped away the tears coming down my cheeks.

"What no Liam we can't go. This is your benefit party." I said looking up into his eyes.

"I do not care, they will be fine without me. I don't want you to face that woman." I don't know if it was because I was so emotional at the moment but him saying that made my heart beat faster. Liam cared enough about me to leave his companies benefit party so I wouldn't have to face my mother.

"But-"

"No we are leaving." He interrupted me. He gave me a firm look while wiping his thumbs under my eyes, cleaning my running mascara off. "Lets go." Giving me a nod he grabbed my hand gently with his and started for the door. With his hand in mine I felt better, like I could face whatever was ahead with him beside me. Pushing down all my feelings for a moment I followed Liam practically hiding behind him. He was going to be my shield to get out of here. Just as we made it half way across the room someone had to stop us.

"Liam!" A man's voice said. Pressing tightly against Liam side I peaked up through my hair and at the man. Instantly I froze and clenched Liam's hand tighter. The man that was with my mother was standing in front of us. Up close he looked be in his 40's same as my mother. His brown hair was cut short and his black tux fit him pretty well.

"Martin." Liam said glancing down at me confused when I clenched his hand.

"It is great to see you. We haven't talked in a while." The guy Martin said. The moment I heard his name I cocked my head to the side trying to remember where I heard that name before.

"Martin this is my fiancé Jenna." Liam said cutting him off. The man's attention turned to me and leaned more into Liam's side. I knew my makeup was messed up from crying.

"Hello. I guess I better introduce myself. I am Martin Brotherson." He stuck his hand out to me. Suddenly the name clicked and I had to force myself not to run away.

Stupid Jenna! Why didn't you figure it out before!? I shouted at myself. Brotherson was one of the names Lennon had me know. His wife's name was Karen and they had 2 kids, twins matter of fact.  At the time I didn't realize that his wife had the same name as my mother, Karen. But now having seen them together before I knew she really was married to him and probably had other kids. I may have other siblings?!

"Honey...Oh it is Liam Stanford." An all too familiar voice said. A hand wrapped itself around Martin's arm and my mothers face came into view. She was looking at Liam with a wide smile not having seen me yet. I pushed myself even more into Liam's side wanting to melt into him. My mother was right in front of me!

"Karen." Liam said oblivious to the fact to who she was. A strangle sound escaped my lips before I could stop it, making everyone turn to me. The same colored eyes as my own stared at me. I could tell right then that she did not recognize me at all. Nothing popped into her eyes of recognition. At that realization my heart crumbled into a pile at my feet.

My hand tighten painfully around Liam's I was certain I would break his hand. He looked down at me but I couldn't keep my eyes off my mom. He must have gotten the hint or something for he looked between Karen and I before his mouth turned into a thin line.

The longer I stared at my mother the more angry I got. Here she was standing in front of me not even recognizing her own daughter! She was staring at me like the other women I had met that night, like I was beneath her. There was nothing in her face that showed she knew who I was or that she cared. Biting my tongue I fought the urge to yell and cry at the same time.

"I am sorry but my fiancé and I have to get going. It was nice seeing you again." Liam thankfully said giving them a polite smile and nod. Without waiting for their response he was pulling me away from my mother and her husband.

I was in a daze the entire walk to the car and the drive home. I could hear and feel Liam talking to me and trying to get me to say something but I couldn't. My body was here but my mind wasn't. I use to think when I was younger, hell even just a few years ago, that whenever I would see my mom again (if she was alive) i'd be happy and she would recognize me. That dream went down the drain the moment I saw her. Never in a million years did I think I would see that woman at an event with only rich people. And I never thought she would have another family. She had 2 kids! 2 kids that I learned about before coming here.

Why would she do this? Why would she leave me when I was only 5 and start an entire new life? Why disappear and not take me with her? She left me on my own, left me to take care of myself. Left me to work two shitty jobs just to make ends meet and she even left me to make this decision with Liam. If it wasn't for her leaving me I wouldn't have had to take this deal. I would be living a normal life; going to school, making friends, having someone to love me and someone to tell everything to.

The only reason I knew we were back home was when a pair of arms slide around me and lifted me out of the car. Being held bridal style I laid my head against Liam's chest. For some reason being held by Liam and knowing we were home away from people stares made the tears I was holding back come rushing to the surface. Before I knew it my body was raked with sobs. My throat and chest tightened, my body almost folding in on itself. All my emotions I had pushed to the side while we were at the benefit was now coming out.

I was oblivious to Liam carrying me inside and up to his room. My tears were soaking Liam's suit jacket and shirt but I couldn't stop the sobs. I didn't care if my makeup was running down my face, or that I was ruining my hair or dress. All I could think about was my mother standing in front of me. The soft creak of the bed let me know Liam was now sitting on a bed with me in his lap. Somehow I had turned myself around and was now straddling his lap with my arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

"Jenna, baby it's okay." Liam soothed into my ear. I felt his hand softly moved down my hair. I continued to cry as Liam whispered into my ear and rubbed my hair and back soothingly.

I was never really a crier. The most I ever cried was the next day after my mother left me and I had to go to the orphanage. I must have cried myself out because after that moment I never once shed a tear. I didn't cry when I graduated and left my 'two' friends. I didn't cry when Carrie and Lea got adopted. I have literally not cried until I met Liam.

I don't know how long I cried on him but I finally calmed down hiccuping silently. Liam stopped rubbing my back sometime ago and was now just holding me against him. My eyes felt swollen and my throat raw. My body was slightly shaking but less then it was.

"Lets get you out of your clothes." He whispered lifting me up. I was wrapped around his body like a koala bear with my legs around his waist and arms around his neck. There was something about Liam that calmed me down.

The feeling of the counter against the back of my thighs made me unlock my legs from Liam and sit on the counter top. I wanted to feel embarrassed as I sat there with tear stained cheeks and red swollen eyes but I couldn't feel anything. I was completely numb. I was all cried out and all I can do is sit there watching Liam move around the bathroom.

"Do you want to take a bath?" Liam asked looking over at me. His face was a mask of compassion and what seemed like sadness. I almost nodded 'yes' but than I realized Liam would have to see me naked so I shook my head. He nodded and headed for the sink. I watched as he grabbed a wash cloth and wetted it.

He came to a stop in front of me spreading my legs so he could stand in-between them. With softness I didn't think Liam possessed he cupped my jaw in one hand and gently wiped my makeup off my cheek with the other. I didn't have it in me to tell him that is not how you get makeup off so I let him wash my face clean. He washed my face so softly I almost didn't feel it. Closing my eyes I let him clean and sighed as I felt my makeup slowly coming off leaving me fresh faced. A few minutes later he went and washed the cloth before coming back with it clean to wipe my face once more. I couldn't help but open my eyes and look at him as he worked.

His expression was soft and concentrated as he wiped my face. I wanted to laugh at his intense concentration but it seemed my body didn't want me too. Our gaze suddenly locked making him stop and stare at me. The urge to kiss came over my body once again. Liam lowered his head and laid his forehead against mine, his minty breath fanning across my face.

"I am sorry about your mother. I did not know she was Martin Brotherson's wife." He muttered softly. His tone was sincere as he look at me.

"It is okay." I croaked out. Clearing my throat I talked again. " I just....I can't believe she is here. After all this time she was still in New York making a new life." I thought I was done crying but apparently not. My eyes flooded with tears once more. Saying it out loud make it more real that she was there tonight. That I did see her and that she wasn't a figment of my imagination. I looked away from Liam's gaze willing my tears away.

"Jenna look at me." With one finger he lifted my chin until I was looking back at him. "I will not let that woman near you okay. I will make sure she doesn't hurt you again." He said almost forcefully. His eyes moved between mine waiting for my answer. The way he said it made my heart warm up. For some reason I knew Liam meant what he said. He meant he would keep me safe.

"I...Thank you." I whispered nodding at him. Happy with my answer he placed a gently kiss to my forehead before stepping back.

"Lets get you changed." He held his hand out waiting for mine. Without hesitation I slide off the counter and put my hand in his. Leading me out of the bathroom and towards his closet I stared at his back. Liam was just confusing me even more with my feelings. "Here you can put these on." He said dropping my hand and reaching for something. Turning around he handed me a big grey t-shirt and a pair of boxers.

"I can just go to my room." I said but silently hoped he would say no.

"No you are staying in here tonight." His voice firm. Inside I jumped with glee and nodded at him taking the clothes. "I won't look." Turning his back to me he looked in the other direction. The brief question of why couldn't he go back in the room for me to change crossed my mind but I squashed it. Same with the question of me going to my room. If Liam wanted me here then I was going to stay. Plus I didn't want to be alone, not right now.

Struggling with zipper on my dress I huffed bending my arm at an awkward angle to unzip it. At the sound of my huff Liam turned around. Seeing my problem he moved behind me and laid his warm hands on my bare shoulders. Suppressing a shiver I stood still as he slowly unzipped my dress. Thinking he was done I moved forward but stopped when I felt his fingertip grazing up my spine and to my neck. My body felt like it was on fire as he softly ran his finger tips across my shoulders and neck unclasping my necklace I had completely forgot I was wearing. I felt his warm breath get heavy on my neck and bit my bottom lip. With a quiet groan I almost didn't catch Liam pulled himself away from me and moved to stand in front of me with his back turned once more.

Shaking a head at my hormones I quickly slipped out of my dress and heels, into his big shirt and boxers. The shirt hung off of me but thankfully hid the fact I wasn't wearing a bra. Grabbing my dress I held it in my arms.

"I am done." For some reason I felt like I had to whisper. Facing me he grabbed my dress and heels in one hand before grabbing my hand and tugging me after him. I gave no resistance. Setting my clothes on a chair by the window in his room he lead me to his king size bed. As I swung my legs up on the bed I glanced at the alarm clock on Liam's bedside table and saw it was only 9 o'clock but my body was exhausted. I almost moaned out loud when I laid back on the bed. It was so comfortable, way more than mine. "I am going to go change. Just lay down and relax."

Turning onto my side I watched as Liam walked back to the bathroom. Looking up at ceiling I tried to get my mind off of my mother. Liam's face popped into mind and I smiled softly. Him being so sweet and caring in the last hour has just proved he is different then when I first met him. I was thankful in this moment that Liam was here with me. If not I would be home alone at my apartment crying myself to sleep. I mean if you do think about it if it wasn't for this deal with Liam I wouldn't have seen my mother but I was kind of glad I did.

I was glad I saw that she was alive at least, even if she didn't recognize me. If you would have asked me 2 weeks ago, hell even a week ago, I would say I regret taking this deal with Liam but now it is different. I was glad I took this deal. This last week has been a great one and being around Liam makes me feel better. Yes we got off on the wrong foot but now we were getting along. Everything was slowly getting into place. Even though I did see my mother after 14 years I wouldn't change meeting Liam. I shouldn't even be thinking like that but I am. Tonight just confirmed my thoughts over the past week.

The sound of the bed creaking and shifting I looked over and was met with the sight of a beautiful tan muscular chest. Liam was shirtless and crawling into bed beside me. I gulped staring at his toned stomach forgetting about everything else. Trust me if you saw a hot toned shirtless guy in front of you, you would completely forget everything to.

"What were you thinking about?" Liam asking drawing my attention back to his face. Forcing a blush away from my cheeks I swallowed.

"Just about my mother that's all." I lied. Well it was partly the truth.

"Don't think about her Jenna. She doesn't deserve you." I smiled softly at him.

"Thank you Liam. I am sorry we had to leave the benefit. And that I cried all over your shirt." I mumbled at the end.

"Don't worry about it. The benefit is fine without me and that shirt was old anyways." He said waving it away and sending me a smile. The smile made me feel better. Just than my mouth decided to yawn. After everything today I was beyond exhausted. Stressing all day about the benefit and then seeing my mother was very taxing. "Just go to sleep I got you." Liam said bringing his arms around me and drawing me towards him. I folded my body against his laying my head on his chest. It felt nice being held.

Letting out a sigh I closed my eyes breathing in the smell of Liam. I felt his hand rubbing my back and him laying his head on top of mine. Glad that my face was hidden from him I smiled and snuggled deeper against him. Before I knew it I was drifting off to sleep barely hearing Liam tell me goodnight.

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Awww such a sweet chapter! A lot of you requested more Lienna moments and I delivered :) I love writing moments like this. This chapter showed you how Jenna feels about seeing her mother for the first time in 14 years and Liam being very sweet comforting her. :) From here on out Liam will start being nicer instead of mean. I like writing nicer parts instead of mean ones anyways. I am sorry for the long wait as well! Been super busy!

This book is almost at a MILLION reads!! I absolutely love you guys! Thank you for reading this story and voting for it!!!!

If you are looking forward to reading my other story "Silent Love" go and read the 'update' chapter I posted earlier!!! It will let you know when it is coming out and why it is not posted yet.

I hope you enjoyed this as always! VOTE, COMMENT, AND GO HUG RANDOM STRANGERS!

<3

-Ken