Powerless (Power Series Book 1)

by Lauren Cooper

  “What? Are you seriously going to try and get a pram in here?” Becca almost shouts.

  “No honey. I’m keeping this, you can get a new car, like a mini bus or something” I roll my lips together to stop myself from laughing as Becca’s face turns thunderous.

  “Are you being serious? You want me to drive a minivan? While you get to drive around looking like some sort of hunk in this thing?” she waves her arms around the interior and they continue to bicker back and forth for the duration of our journey. They aren’t serious but I kind of wish I’d kept my mouth shut.

  After checking in and Becca squealing in excitement at the Bridal Suite, we’d had a light lunch in the restaurant. If the food at lunch was anything to go by, the catering for the wedding will be perfect. The old stone Country Manor is set in a few thousand acres of land and would be the perfect backdrop for a summer wedding. The trees lie dormant during the winter, but the fields are a bright green in the winter sun, and the crisp country air is just what the doctor ordered. The long sweeping driveway carves through the gorgeous gardens at the front, coming to a stop around a large stone fountain in the center. At the back is a huge extension where a large space has been converted into a pool and jacuzzi room. Floor to ceiling windows line the walls and a glass roof lets streams of light in to dance in the bubbling water. Jason headed to the gym, insisting that some of his friends at work had told him it was one of the best they had ever used, while Becca and I sip on chilled champagne and lounge in the jacuzzi before our massages this afternoon.

  “This is beautiful” I say dreamily before sipping at my champagne and leaning back into the delicious bubbles.

  “It really is! Thank you so much for suite, it was such a nice surprise”

  “You’re very welcome, so what do you think for the wedding?”

  “Is it crazy that I want to pick the first one we’ve visited?” Becca sighs.

  “No” I laugh before continuing, “But maybe you should see a few others before you make a final decision”

  We both finish our champagne, just as a very dashing employee comes up with two fresh glasses.

  “Thank you” we say simultaneously, taking the glasses from the silver tray he presents us.

  “You’re welcome ladies” he winks and walks away.

  “Go for it” Becca eyes me before quickly glancing at his retreating backside.

  “Shut up” I mutter. The sun suddenly breaks through the clouds and into the room, lighting it up in a gorgeous waltz of colors. The walls are a silver glitter and the light reflects off the water making them sparkle all around us.

  “Why? You look hot” she says deadpan before swigging her drink. I could so get used to spending my Saturdays like this. I glance down at my bikini clad body, and I have to admit for the first time in a long time, I feel comfortable in my own skin. Granted, I’m still slightly shook up from Saturday, but I’ve worked hard to get my body looking like this. My rather large cleavage is enhanced in this black crossover bikini bra, and my toned stomach gives way to the matching bottoms. I kick my legs out, happy that they too are looking more and more toned with every week that passes.

  “What’s going on with you and Liam Hadleigh anyway?” Becca askes, snapping me out of my thoughts.

  “What? Nothing”

  “Oh yeah, come oonnnn” she drawls.

  “Fine. I haven’t heard from him all week. I doubt I will after my little show anyway”

  “Show me a man that isn’t afraid of a headstrong woman Mia. Give him a break, men need a little push sometimes”

  I giggle and eat the strawberry from my glass before swigging the bubbly goodness.

  “I don’t know. It’s weird”

  “Well, that’s normal. After Saturday do you think it’s going to change anything?”

  “No, maybe. I don’t know Bec! Jesus help me” I sulk, sticking my bottom lip out. I honestly don’t know what I’m feeling right now. Becca is like my guardian angel in all things weird and I need her take on this.

  “Well, have you spoken to him at all since you kicked him out?”

  “No”

  “Maybe he’s just being nice and giving you some space, but how do you honestly feel about him? Would you want a relationship with him?”

  “I don’t know. I’m not ready for a relationship but it’s the damned attraction between us. Have you ever felt it? That stupid pull between you and Jason?”

  Becca smiles affectionately as she glances out at the lush forest in the distance.

  “Yes, all the time” she glances back at me and I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen her look so in love.

  “Really?”

  “Yea, when we first got together all we ever did was argue and then fuck to get over it” she laughs “but it was amazing. It still is. I think if you’re feeling that with Liam then my advice is don’t let it pass you by. You won’t find that with someone else. You have to grab him by the horns Mia” her voice trails off at the last part. This is a first for Becca. I knew she loved Jason, but I’ve never heard her speak so fondly of love before. I twiddle my lip between my teeth and we both glance up as the door to the gym opens. Jason walks in rubbing his head with a towel, I glance at Becca to see her almost dribbling into the pool.

  “Down girl” I huff, and she snaps her mouth shut and giggles with me. Walking over to us, he squats down at the edge of the pool.

  “You girls having fun?”

  “Yeah, how was your workout?” Becca asks, her eyes roam all over his bare torso. I roll my eyes and finish off my glass.

  “Great actually. They have all this new high-tech stuff. It’s pretty cool” he smiles an all dazzling smile at her and I cringe at their soppy loviness. Yuck. Glancing behind me, Becca’s eyes almost bulge out of her head. Flicking her forest green beauties at me she sends me a silent command to turn around. I turn slowly to glance behind me only to see Liam coming down the hallway and through the door from the gym. He too is shirtless and covered in sweat. Why can’t I get away from this man? Why the fuck is he here? I inwardly groan but it quickly turns to something else as he walks closer. A towel is slung around his neck, and he wears black workout shorts that cling to his thick thighs. Visions of him in my flat dressed like that swirl into my mind, and I wish we could go back to that point. Each move he makes his muscles flex, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to stop the groan building in my core from escaping. Dark mahogany hair is mussed from whatever workout he’s been doing, and beads of sweat trickle down his temples. I avert my gaze back to Jason and Becca who is grinning like the Cheshire cat as he nears the pool.

  I stupidly glance up as he walks by, meeting his baby blues. Damn it. With a cheesy, smug grin painted across his face he walks past but not before winking at me and I almost melt into the jacuzzi waters. I squeeze my eyes shut and wait for the click of the door as a sign to open them again. Jason and Becca burst out laughing and I can’t help but smile at my own reaction.

  “You are so fucking him” Becca says between laughs.

  “What?”

  “Oh, come on Amelia. You practically eye fucked him anyway” Jason huffs before standing.

  “I’m going to the room. I’ll see you in a bit”

  “Okay. I’ll come up once our massage is done” Becca smiles and watches him walk away.

  Not long after two women come to greet us for our treatment. Dressed in black uniform, the modern contrast of this space does wonders for the otherwise prehistoric mansion. I can’t relax at all during the massage knowing that Liam is in the same building, and I’m sure I’m wound tighter than I was before I went into the tranquil space.

  Becca and I head back upstairs to our rooms and agreed to meet later for a drink at the bar before dinner.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ifinally had a shower once I got back to my room, after figuring out the thousands of dials in the bathroom. I had a jet of water in my face, and one directly between my legs at one point. The face one I didn’
t enjoy the other one however… It had taken longer than it should have but I managed to wash my hair and rid my skin of the oil from my massage. I was left with a dewy, healthy complexion and my skin was silky smooth. Dressed in a spaghetti strap, little black dress and patent black heels, with natural makeup, and some carefully applied concealer to the cut, that was now more of a scar, on my neck, and a soft curl to my inky black hair I headed down the bar.

  Dark wood beams adorn this part of the hotel, keeping in tune with the historical architecture that once graced the entire building. It’s like travelling back in time as you walk into certain rooms only to be thrust into the twenty first century in others. The sleek polished wood bar lines one wall, with a huge cabinet sat behind it. Rows and rows of expensive liquors and wines line the numerous shelves, the bottles lit up by spotlights beneath them. It’s busy but not overly so that you feel uncomfortable. A fire is lit in the marble fireplace at the far end of the room, and I spot the soppy couple at a bar table in the middle. I head over to them, my heels clicking on the wooden floor before they’re hushed by a plush, vintage rug.

  “You look gorgeous” Becca says before kissing my cheek. Jason puts his arm around my waist before kissing the other. Jason ushers me onto the stool he was previously occupying.

  “Thank you” I smile at him before sitting.

  “Drink?”

  “I’ll have a Sauvignon Blanc please”

  Jason walks off towards the bar, and I glance back at Becca who is pink in the cheeks and chewing her lip. Oh great, I just interrupted their dirty talk.

  “Interrupt something did I?”

  Becca giggles before answering, “Maybe. I can’t help it if we’re still so hot for each other” she shrugs.

  I mimic being sick by sticking my finger in my mouth.

  “I hope that’s not me you’re referring to” I hear a deep, smooth voice come from behind me, so I glance over my shoulder. Liam is standing a few feet away dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. His hands are shoved into his trouser pockets and a smirk highlights his lips. I glance back at Becca with pleading eyes. Glancing at Liam behind me, she smiles.

  “Liam, why don’t you join us?” I bulge my eyes at her in a what the fuck are you doing motion, but she just smiles even more. Bitch!

  “I’d love to. Thank you” He signals to a passing waiter to bring us some extra stools just as Jason comes back with our drinks.

  “Jason this is Liam Hadleigh, Liam this is my fiancé Jason” Becca introduces them both, they shake hands before they take a seat. Jason sits beside Becca and Liam beside me. I can feel the heat radiating from his body, his thighs are too close to my exposed skin. Why did I wear a dress? I need a coverall around this man.

  “So, what are you doing out here?” Becca asks, before a waiter brings a beer to our table for Liam.

  “Thank you” he glances at the waiter before he turns back to us.

  “I have a house here, but I was visiting my sister. I wanted to check out the Gym here before I headed home” Liam and Jason start up a conversation about the gym, but I hardly hear any of what they’re saying. I want to know more, about his house, his sister but I can’t seem to find the words. I find myself watching Liam’s lips move, the way they tug at the sides when he smiles. The way they purse as he takes a drink, and the way his throat moves as he swallows. Flicking his eyes at me I quickly avert my gaze. Oh great, that’s the second time today that he’s caught me ogling him.

  “So, what are you guys doing out here?” Liam asks, flinging his arm over the back of my stool.

  “Oh, we might get married here” Becca exclaims, and Jason rolls his eyes. I smile at their interaction and the realization hits that this looks like a sodding double date.

  “Excuse me, your table is ready” a young waitress comes to tell us, lingering a little too long as she glances at Liam and Jason. Run along sweetie, go and play with your Barbie dolls.

  “Liam are you joining us for dinner?” Jason asks as he stands and grabs Becca’s hand. Liam glances at me and I glance back at the soppy couple.

  “I’ll come in in a sec” I tell them with a smile. They turn and head into the restaurant before I turn my gaze back to Liam. I twiddle with my wine glass before taking an encouraging swig.

  “I’m sorry…” I start without looking into his eyes, only for him to speak at the same time.

  “How are you feeling?” his sympathetic eyes meet mine before his gaze flicks to my neck, and I have to look away. I smile slightly before he speaks again.

  “Stop apologizing. You are never allowed to apologize to me again okay?” he demands rather than questions.

  “Fine. But just this last one. I’m sorry for the way I treated you last weekend, I appreciate everything that you done for me, and I will always be grateful. Are you coming for dinner?” I almost spit at him. I don’t know why I’m suddenly being bitchy about it. I’m so confused about this whole thing, I want him to fuck me, but I also want him to jump off the nearest cliff and for my life to return to normal. Urgh.

  “Not if you’re going to avoid speaking to me all night” he smirks, crossing his arms across his chest. I’m suddenly seeing him in a new environment, one I wouldn’t mind seeing him in more often. Calm, collected and laid-back Liam is someone I wouldn’t mind getting to know.

  “I am speaking to you”

  “Staring at me and talking to me are two different things Amelia” Guilt sets in as I realize I have been short with him since he joined our little party.

  “I’m sorry” I swig the rest of my wine before standing, wincing at the fact that I just apologized again. He raises a questioning eyebrow and I offer him a tilted smile for apologizing again “I’m all out of sorts since…”

  “I get it” he nods and gives me a real smile.

  “Come on, I’m starving” I gesture towards the restaurant and he signals his arm for me to walk first. I awkwardly smile and start to walk in the direction Becca and Jason headed, when Liam grabs my arm and links it with his. I glance up at his gorgeous face and he smiles a closed mouth smile down at me. I can’t help but smile shyly back at him. My arm rests in the crook of his elbow and his large hand covers mine as we walk by numerous other tables into the restaurant. It didn’t slip my gaze that countless women watched as we walked by. A fleeting feeling of proudness filled my chest, as I walked by with him. He’s with me. Me!

  Dinner is a gorgeous trio of meals. I honestly don’t think I could walk afterwards. Fish, meats, salads and gorgeous creamy pastas served in mini versions as per Becca’s request. A mini tasting, she called it, although there was nothing small about the portion sizes. We all chatted comfortably and freely, and I found myself laughing along. The restaurant is dimly lit by sconces on the walls as we finish off our coffees, setting the ambience of romance and relaxation. Jason leans in to whisper something in Becca’s ear and she blushes. I don’t want to know what he said to her, so I turn my attention to Liam, who’s smirking in their direction.

  “You look beautiful tonight” he watches my face for a reaction as I fiddle with my hands in my lap. I feel my cheeks flush and the hairs on my arms rise.

  “Thank you”

  Bringing his hand from his side to my face, he tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear and I relish at the contact, closing my eyes in the process. My body reacts so differently to his touch, it’s almost unbearable. Opening my eyes, I catch him as he licks his bottom lip with his tongue and my core clenches.

  “We’re going to turn in” Jason grins as he drags Becca from her seat. Shaking Liam’s hand as he stands too, “It was nice to meet you”

  “Likewise,”

  “See you in the morning” I smile at them both as they walk out. Jason smacks Becca’s bum in the process and I cringe.

  “They’re gross” I tell Liam before taking a sip of my wine. I’ve drank so much today, but I don’t feel the tiniest bit drunk.

  “Don’t like PDA’s?”

  “
It’s not the PDA’s, but I mean come on? Get a room” I huff, and Liam laughs along with me. Chewing the inside of his cheek, he appears to think before looking back at me.

  “I’d like to get you in a room” Liam’s deep voice carries over my skin as his words melt into my brain. Did he really just say that? I smirk at his confidence and throw my shoulders back in defiance. After Saturday I need to show him that woman he first met. The one who wouldn’t take his shit. Tonight, I would. If he wants to sleep with me, then I’ll let him. For my benefit, not his. I can’t cope with this unyielding need any longer.

  “Do you have a room here?” my voice carries authority as it comes out smoothly. Liam’s eyebrow raises in silent question before he clears his throat.

  “No. I was planning on driving back to the city”

  I chew my lip as I think this through. Should I just ask him? I glance at his full bee-stung lips and down across his broad shoulders. What I wouldn’t give to have that on top of me, pounding into me.

  “I have a room” I blurt, meeting his darkening baby blues as I do.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Liam’s pupils dilated to twice their size as he grabbed my hand and led the way out of the restaurant. My stomach was flipping in circles with anticipation and trepidation, but the former won over my senses. My heart was thudding against my chest so hard I was afraid it would break free. I took a few calming breaths, telling myself that this was just sex, nothing more. I couldn’t go falling in love with this man, I wouldn’t survive it. Besides I know Liam is the King of arrogance and greed all the while hiding behind the mask of kindness and virtue. This was my decision, my need and if I wanted to fuck my way around the office then I could. I won’t but I could.

  My fingers betrayed my show of confidence by trembling with the key card to my door, before Liam reached out and grabbed it from me. In one smooth glide the door swung open, revealing a turned down room, lit by the huge bed side lamps. On wobbly knees I walked into the center of the room, coming to a stop on the plush grey rug at the foot of the bed. The soft click of the door closing had me turning around. I know deep down that this man is dangerous for my soul, and how awkward things could get after this, but I feel better knowing that I’ve made him work for it. However small that work might have been, he’s successfully changed my views of him, and right now I’d like to see him without the confines of his suit. Liam steps forward on one long leg, stalking towards me like I was his prey, his baby blues dancing in the dimly lit bulbs making the hairs on my arms and neck stand straight. Wetness pools between my legs, as I step towards him, meeting him in the middle of the room. Standing a foot away from me he stares at me intently, his eyes narrowing with silent contemplation. My lips part as my breathing increases and I hesitantly take a step towards him. And then another, before we’re almost touching. Tilting his head, he stares down at me, his hair falling slightly from its otherwise perfect style onto his head. I slowly reach my hand up and with just my fingertips I brush it back. My eyes flick from his now dark irises, to his slightly parted lips and back again. We’re close enough that our breath mingles into one and my breasts are teasingly close to brushing his chest.