Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 41

The alcohol was making Lawrence reckless, and whatever shred of reason he had left was gone. He stuck out his arm to block the door, wincing as it got squeezed between the door and the frame. He pushed his way inside, determined not to take no for an answer.

Bonnie had never been able to match his strength. He forced the door open, making her stumble backward. Before she could catch her balance, he grabbed her arm and pulled her against his chest.

Her eyes went red in an instant, burning with fury. She shoved him with everything she had.

“Bonnie...” Lawrence sounded completely shattered.

Three years and four months. He’d been alone that long, with no one in his arms. Her touch made him feel like an addict aching for another hit. He had no self-control left. Without thinking, his hands slid around her waist, hugging her tightly, holding her close. It was like he couldn’t get enough of her.

“Lawrence, are you out of your mind?” Bonnie’s voice shook with anger.

She could tell how drunk he was. His eyes were locked on her, intense and desperate. She’d seen this before. Every time he drank with his friends, he would cling to her like she was the only thing anchoring him. If she didn’t resist, he’d cross every line. If she fought back, he’d only get more relentless.

Just like now. He was completely out of it. He hunched over her, voice somewhere between sobbing and wanting, his breath warm and ragged against her face.

Bonnie turned away from him, and a heavy helplessness settled in her chest.

Whenever he got drunk, things always ended up like this. He wouldn’t listen to reason. He’d hold on to her, full of restless, wild energy, refusing to let go until he’d worn himself out.

But those days were over. Bonnie wasn’t that girl anymore. She wouldn’t stand by his side, letting him hold her, kiss her or act out when he’d had too much to drink.

She pushed him hard, then slapped him across the face, not pausing for even a second.

The sharp crack echoed down the hallway, just as the motion-sensor light flickered to life.

Lawrence staggered, staring at her like she’d broken his heart.

As if he was the one who’d been wronged.

Lawrence was watching her closely. Taking care of Bonnie was a habit embedded in him, something he did without thinking. In one quick motion, he bent down and scooped her up in his arms.

Bonnie’s anger bubbled over. “Lawrence, let me go! What’s wrong with you? Put me down!”

He never listened in moments like these and just carried her inside.

Pain stabbed through her stomach, but Bonnie still kicked and fought to get away. Lawrence held her with one arm, just wanting to talk things through.

He wanted to get her some warm water, find her medicine, something, anything to make things better.

But Bonnie wanted nothing to do with him. She struggled harder. He was too far gone to catch the desperation in her eyes, and the simple fact she was right there, that she was still within reach, made him just lose it.

“Candie,” he pleaded, tightening his hold, his whole body vibrating with desperation. “Can we please just talk?”