"Of course you can live here," Jeff insisted. "It wouldn't be a problem."
"But Jeff," Taylor sighed. "I think it's a little soon to be living together. I've only known you a day. I'll stay at a hotel until I find a place of my own."
"Okay, let's compromise. We live together in separate rooms. We'll just be housemates. Is that okay for you?"
Taylor figured it was better than nothing, so she agreed. Jeff lifted her by the waist and spun her happily. Liger, Jeff's dog, even seemed pleased as he wagged his tail.
"Jeff," she giggled. "Put me down. I'm dizzy!"
Jeff did as he was told immediately. His eyes seemed to glow as he looked at her. A knock on the front door broke his hypnotic gaze.
"Can I help you?" He politely asked the unfamiliar woman standing at the door.
"Where is she?" As the woman barged past, Jeff could smell the alcohol on her. "Taylor! Get your ass out here now!"
Taylor walked into the livingroom, her eyes widening as she saw her mother.
"What're you doing here?" She asked, but was silenced by a punch to the ribs.
"Don't act innocent," her mother slurred. "You know what you've done."
"Hold on a second." Jeff was standing in between the two females. "What the hell gives you the right to barge into my home like this?"
Taylor's mother ignored him. "Steffi told us you did stay out all night, you little whore. How dare you lie to me! You're going to pay big time for this stunt."
In a flash, the older woman darted around Jeff. In a second, he saw a glint of silver and Taylor's mother dash out the front door.
"Jeff," Taylor mumbled as she fell into him.
He caught her in his strong arms and held her upright. It was then he felt a stickiness on his hands. Looking down, he saw blood seeping through Taylor's shirt.
"Oh my God!" Jeff exclaimed. Quickly he picked up the phone and called 911.