Ava froze, completely unprepared for Liam to suddenly kiss her—on the lips, no less.
Even though it was nighttime, there were still occasional pedestrians on the street. This was a conservative small town, not some open-minded big city. Kissing in public? Definitely not a smart move.
Besides, they had just held her grandmother's funeral today. Getting all lovey-dovey now felt entirely inappropriate.
She instinctively tried to push him away.
But Liam clasped both of her hands with one of his, holding her tightly so she couldn't move.
He was stronger than her, and she couldn't break free. All she could do was close her eyes and let the kiss fall.
His kiss was forceful and possessive—almost as if it was driven by a need to claim her, completely different from his usual tenderness. It felt like he was battling someone, trying to prove something.
Ava recalled what he had said on the phone earlier. It must have been a call with his father, Augustus.
