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Chapter 133: Chapter 133 Night Crawler III
Vanessa lay in her bed, the moonlight streaming through her curtains casting pale slivers of light across her face. She hadn’t moved for nearly two hours now—her body still, but her mind anything but. Her thoughts spun in loops, centering around one person, one kiss, and the way her heart hadn’t stopped racing since.
Why did I do that? she had asked herself over and over, biting her lip, burying her face into the pillow, groaning softly.
But no matter how many times she replayed the moment, she couldn’t deny the truth: she didn’t regret it. Not even a little.
Her fingers curled around the edge of the blanket.
Finally, with a frustrated sigh, she sat up. Her legs swung off the bed and touched the cold floor. Barefoot and hesitant, she padded quietly out of her room and across the hallway to Liam’s.
Her heart pounded louder with every step.
She paused in front of his door.
Then, a soft knock.
"Liam?" she called, her voice barely above a whisper.
No answer.
She bit her lip again and knocked once more, a little firmer this time.
Still no reply.
Her hand hesitated on the doorknob... then slowly, she pushed it open.
The room was dark except for the silver light pouring in from the window. The bed was empty. Neatly made. Untouched.
She blinked in confusion.
Her eyes shifted to the window—it was wide open. The curtains danced lazily in the soft night breeze.
"Did he... leave?" she muttered under her breath, stepping toward it.
She leaned forward, peering out into the darkness below. Nothing. No sign of movement.
Just then, the sudden sound of water rushing snapped her attention back.
She spun around just in time to see the bathroom door creak open—and Liam stepped out, a towel draped over his neck, water glistening on his face and hands. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned, exposing part of his chest, his damp hair slightly tousled, giving him a wild, freshly-awakened look.
He stopped mid-step as he saw her.
"...Vanessa?"
She stood frozen for a second before stammering, "I-I didn’t know you were inside—I thought you... left through the window or something."
Liam raised an eyebrow, amused. "I went to wash my face. What’s going on?"
Vanessa avoided his gaze, her fingers tightening around the hem of her loose gown. She looked beautiful in the pale light—her cheeks pink, her lips parted nervously, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, completely free from the usual ponytail that framed her professional persona.
"I... just came to apologize," she finally said.
Liam blinked. "For?"
Vanessa’s face turned a deeper shade of red.
"...For earlier. The kiss. I shouldn’t have done that."
Liam tilted his head, a confused half-smile playing on his lips.
That’s what this is about? he thought.
He hadn’t even been offended by it. Which idiot would be?
But instead of saying that, he just shrugged. "It’s fine. Really."
Vanessa nodded awkwardly. She turned slightly, like she was about to leave... but didn’t. She just stood there, hesitating again.
Liam noticed.
"Something else?" he asked gently, stepping closer.
She looked up at him, eyes unsure. Then, she nodded. "Y-yeah..."
She took a deep breath.
"I... I can’t sleep unless I do this."
Liam raised an eyebrow, confused. "Do what?"
Vanessa didn’t answer with words.
She stepped forward.
And kissed him again.
This time, it wasn’t impulsive. It wasn’t a mistake.
It was intentional. Desire-driven.
Her lips met his with warmth and purpose, soft at first, hesitant. But Liam didn’t hesitate. His arms slid around her back, pulling her closer into him, holding her tightly like she belonged there.
His father’s ghost could haunt him for the rest of eternity if he pushed her away.
Her kiss grew hungrier, more desperate. Her hands slipped up into his damp hair, gripping, tugging slightly. Her body molded against his. Her tongue entered his mouth, tasting him, teasing him.
Fuck this, Liam thought as he wrapped his hands around her thighs and lifted her off the floor like she weighed nothing.
Vanessa gasped softly against his lips but didn’t stop him.
He turned, carried her to the bed, and gently laid her down—never once breaking the kiss.
When they finally pulled apart, a thin strand of saliva still connected their lips.
Their eyes met, wild and hungry.
Liam hovered over her, breathing hard.
He didn’t say a word, but his eyes questioned her silently—Are you sure?
Vanessa didn’t speak either.
She answered him with her hands—her fingers moving to his chest, undoing the rest of his buttons, one by one.
The fabric fell away.
---
Liam woke up with a frustrated sigh, dragging a hand through his disheveled hair. The morning light spilled through the window, gentle and golden—but it didn’t ease the irritation brewing in his chest. He didn’t even want to think about what happened last night.
Vanessa had taken the initiative, pulled off his shirt, her hands trembling with a mix of desire and nerves—but just as things were heating up, she froze. Her eyes widened, her breath hitched, and the moment shattered like glass. She backed away so fast it was like she’d touched a live wire. And before he could say anything, she was gone. Again.
He sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his temples.
"Seriously... what the hell."
He reached for his shirt that was still on the floor, crumpled and half-buttoned. He put it back on, not even bothering to straighten the collar as he stood and walked toward the window. The cool breeze brushed his face, and for a second, he just stood there, staring out into the quiet streets.
She ran again. Just like the first time.
With a sigh, he turned and stepped out of the room, descending the stairs slowly. The first thing he noticed was the mess—everything was in disarray. One of the dining chairs was tipped over, the table was slightly pushed out of place, and there was a half-empty cup of coffee still steaming near the kitchen counter.
She dressed in a hurry.
He walked further in, scanning the area. Her police badge and radio were gone from the countertop where she usually left them. That could only mean one thing—the force had found the little "present" he left for them.
Liam smirked.
"They must’ve found Kyle."
