“Yes, these things we will have for you by morning. My personal guarantee,” the PI replied in clipped tones.
“Good doing business with you, sir. You have my number. I’ll be waiting on your call to make my move.”
The men exchanged a nod of mutual understanding. Liam stood, took her arm and lifted her out of the chair. “Time to go, love.”
“Okay,” she said, doubt and confusion cluttering her brain. She stumbled to keep up with him. He caught her against his side, kissed her temple, and they walked out arm in arm.
Without acknowledging the change in plans, he hailed a cab. She removed her arm from his waist.
“Liam, what’s going on? I thought we were supposed to follow Todd.”
“Were.”
“What changed?”
“Last night.” He seared her with the heat in his look. “You changed everything.”
Startled, she wondered, “Why? How?”
“If you have to ask me that, you haven’t been paying attention.”
“What does that mean?”
Instead of answering her, he waved for a cab that swerved through traffic to accommodate them. He scooped her into the vehicle and shut the door. He barked the name of their resort.
The driver nodded, weaving into the flow traffic.
In contrast to the tone he’d used with the cabbie, Liam pressed his mouth to her ear and spoke in a low, sultry voice. “I refuse to chase a guy I’ve despised since you first said his name, when I can come up with a thousand better ways to spend time with you.”
His words, filled with liquid seduction, disrupted her brain’s circuitry. He slid one hand into her hair, the other up under her loosely flowing dress.
Logic fled. Full-on desire took its place.
Still, she tried to be the voice of reason. “But—”
“Kiss me, wife.”
The way he said the word, like a promise—like a whispered prayer—made her lips part and her eyes drift shut, as she tried to grasp the power of his implication. He wasn’t convincing anyone of an act. He said that of his own volition. For no one else but her.
“Liam—”
“Kiss me,” he demanded fiercely.
Eyes still closed, she experienced an undeniable power sinking into her pores, her bones, swallowing her whole. Sightless, her lips met his in a seamless press, as if every heartbreak in her life had led up to the moment when this man kissed her like the only one who’d ever truly meant it.
The only man who’d successfully dragged her hidden hopes from the realm of fantasy into a scary realm so close to actuality.
Rightness, perfection, overwhelmed her fears.
She wanted to get lost in this—whatever this was. A moment. A day. A week. A month… A lifetime of making up for past hurts with the possibility of the future he’d hinted to… If she dared to place her faith in that unrealistic but compelling dream.
CHAPTER TWELVE
This time, instead of the sexual intensity he’d caved to last night, Liam rode out the electric waves of energy flowing like a live current between them.
Because something this good, this right, didn’t need to be rushed.
They passed the lobby while a throng of people exited a conference room. He navigated Sophia through the crowd. Not once did his hands leave her. As they waited for the elevator, he showed her affection in a real way. Sliding his palm down her back. Resting his hand at the small of her back. Pressing his lips to the top of her head. Stroking a finger along her jaw. Hugging her. Teasing her. Making her laugh at his silly observations about those around them, like they were the only ones in on his jokes.
Last night, the thought of claiming her had consumed him with raw, physical lust. As phenomenal as that had been, changing him from the inside out, this time she deserved to know the full depth of what he felt—had, he admitted, from the day he met her.
The same intensity surrounded them. He chose to treat it differently.
Now, he wanted to extend it beyond the physical. Let it unfold and hope he could make her understand the meaning, the depth of the hallowed name he’d called her in the cab.
He wanted that future.
Her.
He didn’t care how crazy that sounded. Or how briefly he’d known her. Or what anyone else thought about him rushing into this.
Hell, he had spent his entire life mastering the principle of people.
In childhood he’d used that skill to cope with misery, neglect and abuse. He’d refined it out of necessity. He’d found success in two careers with it. He’d broken up with every girl he’d dated because of it.
This time, this girl, was different. He refused to apologize for knowing when he’d found the best thing that had ever happened to him.
He needed to be sure she was aware of that.
Not just physically.
In every way, they melded. Instinctively. Without even trying, she’d flipped him upside down. Changed his entire trajectory, his goals, his plans.
He couldn’t go back to before her. It would be like trying to shift a rollercoaster ride into reverse at the top of the highest hill, before the rush of the fall.
Everything he thought he’d wanted, that long checklist every single guy made in his head, burned to ashes in her presence. She deserved to know how much he wanted the incredible thing he’d found with her.
When the elevator opened, they stepped inside with several other people. He noticed a guy who looked crestfallen. The nametag showed he’d participated in whatever conference just let out. Clearly, he’d taken a hit to his pride.
Liam nudged Sophia and winked at her. He nodded at the man next to them. “Hey, buddy.”
The man looked up.
“Back in the lobby, my wife pointed out your tie. She said you have good taste.”
The man blinked, brightened, then beamed.
Responding to the interaction, Sophia joined along with his attempt to bring a little light a random stranger’s day. “I mean, who doesn’t love ‘Where’s Waldo?’”
The man grinned. “Did you find him?”
Liam shrugged. “We’ve got until…floor eight. Can you find it, honey?”
“I’m not good at this kind of thing, but I’ll give it a shot.” Bless her heart, Sophia peered at the man’s tie, scanning to find the hidden dude in striped pajamas. “Geez, I’m overwhelmed. Do you know where Waldo is? Can you point him out to me?”
“Most people can’t find him,” the man said, taking pride in the mystery he presented to anyone who bothered to pay attention. Took the time to acknowledge him.
“Wait,” Liam said, heightening his tone with enthusiasm. “Is that him?”
“Nope,” the man replied, cockiness in his stance. “No one has ever been able to find him.”
“Hold on…” Sophia’s brilliance and attention to numbers and patterns shone through. “I think I found him.”
She pointed to the goofy guy in glasses and striped pajamas.
The man gaped. “Wow, you’re the first.”
“That’s my wife,” Liam said, his words steeped in genuine pride. “She’s the genius half of our marriage.” He made a show of scratching his chin. “I’m still trying to figure out my half, what she sees in me. Thankfully, I have a lifetime to figure that out.”
A sharp elbow poked into his side. His grin broadened.
“She’s a keeper,” the man said, before he stepped out onto the eighth floor. “Better hold onto that one.”
“I know. I plan to,” Liam said, tightening his arm around her waist. “Have a great day, man.”
Smiling, the elevator stranger smiled with the lightness Liam had intended. “You, too. Thanks.”
The metal doors closed.
“Liam.” Sophia clutched him and rested her cheek against his shoulder. “That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.”
He shrugged. “What?”
“You just made that guy’s day.”
“Meh.”
�
��You did that intentionally. You saw his expression—I did, too—and you went out of your way to bring him a little happiness.”
“What?” He scoffed. “You’re crazy.”
Her lips quirked. “Maybe, or I’m just crazy about you.”
“Promise?” he asked, brushing his lips along the outer curve of her ear.
She sucked in a breath, and he went hard. “You’re such a good man, Liam. If I’d known a man like you existed, I would never have settled for Todd.”
“A good man like me?” He tilted his head in disbelief. “Honey, I’m one of a kind.”
“Don’t I know it,” she said, with a mischievous grin and a lusty sparkle in her eyes.
He wanted to take advantage of that spark right now, before any distractions interrupted the heat building to a roaring fire between them. The elevator opened onto their floor. He kept her tucked against his side until they reached their room.
“Fair warning, today is going to be different than last night.”
Leaning into him, she rested her hand on his upper abs. She slid her fingers between the buttons of his shirt, touching his skin. “Oh, really?”
He arched an eyebrow. “You need an itinerary, or will you let me do what I want to you?”
“A few hints wouldn’t hurt,” she said in a silky tone.
Sliding the key card, he opened the door, but only a fraction. He clutched the handle instead of bursting into the room and tossing her on the bed.
When his gaze met hers, he lowered his lids halfway. “The next hour will be spent with me devouring you. I will lick and taste and touch you, wherever I want, however long I decide.”
“Mmmm.” She blinked slowly, resembling a cat stretching and basking in sunlight. “I think I like this plan so far.”
“I’m going to work you up—and down—until you beg me to make love to you.”
She narrowed one eye at him. “I don’t beg.”
“You say that now. We’ll see how you feel in an hour. By then, I’ll just be warmed up, so the game can actually start.”
“Liam.”
He didn’t like the worry he saw scrunching her forehead. He stiffened.
“This isn’t a game to you…is it?”
His nostrils flared. “Baby, if you have to ask me that, then I’ve done something wrong.” He took a deep breath. “Don’t worry.” He winked. “I will spend the rest of the day righting that wrong. By the time I’m done with you, I’ll make sure you know I’m not playing games. I’m playing for keeps. Think you can handle that?”
Instead of waiting for her response—because he didn’t want to know the answer, if she said no—he grabbed her around the waist and slung her over his shoulder.
She squealed in surprise, then giggled. He gave her ass a tap with the flat of his hand.
“You make my inner cave man come out, won’t deny it. What you need to know is I’m not letting you get away from me. Today, you’re all mine. If that’s caveman, I’m guilty.”
“I like it,” she said, half-breathless.
He wanted to make her more breathless, as breathless as she could get. Although he hadn’t reached that place with her yet, he had his itinerary. She just needed to relax and let him overwhelm her with his touch, his emotion, his dedication.
The ends of her long hair brushed his lower back. He felt it through his shirt. He clenched his teeth, so he didn’t actually become that caveman guy. He couldn’t deny it. She tempted him beyond reason, beyond sanity.
“I’m pretty sure I need a nap,” she said, with a blissful giggle.
He smiled down to his soul. “Me, too.” He kissed her hair. “I adore you, gorgeous.”
“Mmm.” She snuggled against him, affirming his words weren’t one-sided.
Admittedly, his spirits soared. He listened to her breath fade into sleep, into dreams. He hoped she dreamed of him. No expectations, just reciprocation, knowing they were on the same page, that they both wanted more than just this short trip together.
Feeling the most incredible relaxation, he touched his forehead to hers, let his lips linger against her cheek. His would stay there until she woke up, so she’d know, for sure, no games.
A real, emotional investment in what they could be lingered in his heart. He hoped she felt the same.
If she didn’t, wasn’t about to give up. He just needed to step it up another notch. He needed to seduce her beyond doubt, to convince her he wanted her to be his. He wanted to love her beyond inhibitions, because he was pretty sure he’d fallen in love with her.
What other explanation existed for the height and depth of their flawless chemistry?
Sure, she needed time to process her feelings for the jackass—before she came around to what she felt about them, as in him—Liam—and her, and their undeniable potential. He got that, even though he didn’t want to get it.
Giving her time and space, allowing her come to her own conclusions, required all his restraint to back off and let it ride, let her decide. The attempt at restriction nearly crushed him. Yet, forever was worth temporary doubt on his part.
His eyes drooped. He fought the sleep overcoming him.
In case he never got the chance to hold her again, he didn’t want to miss a moment with her. She slept so peacefully, content in his arms.
Soul-deep happiness filled him, knowing she could relax to this extent in his presence. Soon enough, they’d confront Todd. Her past with that guy would come up, possibly overwhelm her. Liam knew she still held a soft spot for him, and that drove him insane.
What she didn’t understand was he had another damn good reason to delay tracking down Todd. The man he’d seen last night, watching them too observantly, hadn’t left his awareness or his curiosity.
Who was that dude? How was he linked to Todd…or Sophia? Liam’s intuition told him to investigate, to draw the guy out, and then confront the prowler.
That confrontation could yield more value, ultimately, than even confronting the jerk-off Todd himself. Regardless, Liam needed to know the identity of the watcher, the source behind his vigilance. He had his own suspicions, but he wasn’t ready to call out Sophia’s employer just yet.
This needed to unfold organically. So he could have a heart-to-heart with the watcher. Gain the man’s respect, by calling him out on the down-low, and they’d come to an agreement. That’s how Liam rolled.
At that thought, he admitted gratitude that his brother and cousins were on board with him pursuing Todd personally, with Sophia in tow. The benefit to the company be damned, he’d followed his own gut instinct and intuition.
Not at all would it surprise him if Alex Atlas had sent his own missionary, to take care of the “situation.” That had disaster written all over it.
In order to secure access to Atlas’s stolen funds, as well as Sophia’s inheritance, Liam needed to walk a thin line. The line between hateful retribution versus coaxing out Todd’s natural wussy submissiveness in the face of authority.
As long as Liam asserted authority, he knew in his gut Todd would yield. He was the type of guy who talked a big game, but never backed it up with action. That’s how he’d swindled Sophia, because she’d believed his con artist crap. On her part, she’d put up blinders and put up with more than she should have.
A softening eased Liam’s blood pressure. She’d told him—and he’d read the honesty in her words and expression—if she’d known he existed, she never would’ve settled for Todd.
Of all the women he’d liked, loved, serial dated, felt sorry for, or tried to save over the years, her admission meant the most. He held her tight.
Yes, she was different than all the others. She encapsulated what he’d always wanted. She was genuine. Too innocent for her own good. Trustworthy. A woman who tried to do the best she could, every day, and never fell back on her circumstances as an excuse.
What was there not to love?
Well…she wasn’t there. Not yet. He was pretty sure, given the right amount of time and patie
nce and attention, she could be—there, with him, in the place of beauty he wanted them to be with her.
Why did she have to push him away, make it so hard for him to love her?
He scoffed as the thought went through his brain. Love wasn’t about difficulty, or pressure, or tension. Love happened automatically, no request required.
Hell, he’d seen the proof. The man who’d helped them out from the start, Logan Stone, had found his true love. No one could mistake the pride and exhaustion in his voice, because he and his wife had welcomed a new baby into the world.
Then Trey and Devon came to mind. Their love story notched one up on the working-woman’s storybook of happily ever afters. Devon had written her own story, and Liam proudly reflected on it. She’d taken on the male-dominated tech world by storm, gathering countless followers who counted themselves lucky to work, or be, in her genius presence. Then Trey managed to win her heart—the best move that his entrepreneurial-minded cousin ever made, to lift the family out of the brutal existence they’d always known as bounty hunters.
Cade and Kylie were another match made in perfection. Cade had been the ultimate pretty-boy player. Liam admitted to looking up to him. Cade was the only one of the four of them who’d gone to college and achieved a degree. He’d suggested plenty of times for Liam to go back to school. Wasn’t happening. Cade had accused him of being too much like Adam, his brother. That wasn’t the case, at all. Cade didn’t understand his or his brother’s background, and neither did Trey. Only he and Adam—mostly him—had to deal with their parents’ lifestyle that his cousins couldn’t begin to fathom. Liam didn’t regret anything, and he sure as hell didn’t blame his aunt and uncle, or cousins, for turning a blind eye to the reality he lived, day in and day out, surrounded by neglect and poverty. Those people had been his champions, had made him feel welcome and appreciated at every chance.
That distracted from the point he was trying to make to himself.
Trey, Cade...even his own fucked up brother, Adam—Liam slapped his chest and made an invisible salute to the brother he’d once thought was hopeless—had found a future, and someone who loved him without a second thought. Adam decided to change himself, on a fundamental level, in order to earn the right to make Marissa his wife.
The Billionaire's Seduction (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 5) Page 19
