Gemotions

Rain lashed against the overflowing bins, mirroring the tempest inside Liam. He kicked at a discarded newspaper, sending it skittering down the alley. The wallet, fat with crisp bills, had landed squarely at his feet. His luck, always atrocious, had decided to taunt him. He hadn't seen a paycheck in weeks. Now, this. He snatched it up, fingers clenching tight. It was a cruel jest.

He glared at the leather as if it had personally insulted him. The embossed initials seemed to mock his empty pockets. He clenched his jaw, the muscles in his neck bulging. The temptation, a ravenous beast, clawed at him, whispering promises of escape.

He slammed the wallet back into his pocket, the leather thudding against his thigh. He’d report it, of course. He’d *have* to. His gut churned with a bitterness he couldn't swallow. A sudden, sharp ache pierced his chest, a burning coal that refused to be extinguished.