To the Ends of the Earth

Chapter Five: Need

**Trigger Warning: This chapter contains discussion of  non-consensual sexual advances.

'Can I buy you a drink?' he asked with the most seductive voice.
'No. Sorry, it's bad for my legs,' she replied.
'Why? Do they swell?'
'No, they spread.'

I choked on my latte as I quickly closed the videoclip Thalia had sent me. She was Athena's cousin and a good friend of mine. Although we didn't talk often, we'd send each other funny memes or reels on social media every day. Thalia was very straightforward and direct, and she had no problems with saying what was on her mind. I wasn't surprised by the reel she'd sent me. I could imagine her flirting just as openly. I was the complete opposite and considered myself a social hermit.

Flushed with embarrassment, I glanced around the coffee shop to make certain no one heard or saw the clip. Remembering I was wearing earbuds, I breathed a sigh of relief. Thinking it was safer to just read, I pulled out the earbuds and grabbed a book from my purse.

Earlier in the morning, I had visited my new lawyer's office and —after a long meeting— I decided to treat myself to a ten dollar latte. Since I had spent over two hours recounting my rape in detail, I figured I deserved to spoil myself with a little something. Thankfully, I was very satisfied with the attorney Theo had recommended. She was a shark and ran through her questions efficiently without missing a single piece of information. Then, she thanked me for my willingness to open up to her and promised to be in touch with any updates. I'd also assured her I would keep her informed with any new developments.

I took advantage of the unusually quiet time at the cafe and tried to release some of the morning's tension with my new book. I was halfway through the first chapter when I got interrupted.

"I came to claim the one I love," a familiar voice said from above me. I looked up and saw Liam, standing in front of me with a smile.

"Umm, what?" I asked, dumbstruck with shock.

"It's a quote from the book you're reading," he explained.

I remained at a loss for words. Did he read romance novels?

"A quote from this book?" I questioned, sounding surprised. "Have you read this book?" Why was I having difficulty believing it?

"I've listened to the audiobook," he admitted with a slight blush to his cheeks. "My sisters wouldn't shut up about it, so I decided to see what the fuss was about."

I nodded and looked down, grabbing my latte and taking a quick sip. Liam had two younger sisters, but I'd never met them. Our relationship —if that's what it was— had never gotten that far.

"How come you're in New York?" I asked him, breaking the almost awkward silence.

"I had a few meetings that I needed to attend in person. I actually just left one. Are you waiting for anyone?"

I wanted to say yes, but I was never any good at lying. So, I just shook my head.

After my admission, he gave me the strangest look. Was he surprised? Relieved? Then, he took a seat next to me on the sofa. I scooted closer to the edge of my seat, preparing myself to flee if things got too uncomfortable.

Liam noticed my awkward movements and frowned. "Would you like to go somewhere more private?"

"I'm fine here," I said, sliding further away from him.

"Lottie, why are you so nervous? Why do you keep avoiding me?" he asked with frustration.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm not avoiding you, Liam. We just don't have anything to talk about."