by M. Skye
Chapter One: Aftermath
“Draya!” She heard Liam’s voice scream and slammed her eyes shut. Even though it had been weeks since their accident, she still heard the screaming in her head. They were fully recovered at this point, but Draya was still having nightmares. After dodging the car, she had fallen and hit her head and Liam had suffered a concussion, but now that they were medically cleared, he wanted to resume their trip to Savannah.
Although she had agreed to it, Draya knew she wasn’t up for this kind of trip. He had told her so much about his mother and she felt so much closer to Liam, but she was still afraid. She knew his mother would wonder why he was hospitalized for dodging a speeding car, and she would have no answers for her. Hell, she still had no answers for herself.
“You want to talk about it?” Liam prodded as they drove down the quiet country road to get to his mother’s. When he asked this, she knew he had been watching her and realized the dreams had started again. It had been weeks since the altercation with Damien and her parents and the nearly fatal run-in in the parking lot, but she had been quiet on the subject, trying to keep him from knowing the terrors she had been facing. They had almost been run down and they still didn’t know who had tried to kill them. She knew he didn’t want to push, but they needed to discuss it at some point; this just wasn’t that point.
“I’d rather we didn’t,” Draya answered, never turning her head to face him. “I know what everyone thinks and I’m just not up to hearing it from you too.” Feeling him slide his hand into her lap, she wanted to relax, but she was still so angry at herself for being so vulnerable in front of him the night of the opening.
After leaving the hospital, she and Liam went back to her place. A few days had passed before they could do much. But to his credit, he tried, even though it was against the doctor’s orders. He had pulled out all the stops trying to soothe her bruised ego, but she just couldn’t get into it. After all he had done and the sweet gestures he made, she just found herself climbing into bed, leaving him on the couch their first night home. She wasn’t even sure he was still there until she woke up and found him balled up.
She could tell he was uncomfortable the whole night, but when he woke, he didn’t complain. He just sat and had his breakfast before going home to freshen up. When he returned a few hours later, she had to admit, she was surprised to see him. She thought for sure she had scared him off. Even though he tried to hide it, she knew he was shaken about what had happened in the parking lot; so was she. Even with all that going on, the weeks following that night had been nothing but great until she closed her eyes at night; at that point, everything crossed her mind again.
“You have no idea what I think. You never let me speak about it.”
“Because I was afraid of what you might say. I hope you don’t think it’s my fault we almost got killed.”
“What can I say? That you’re not perfect? That you have a past? Those are things I already knew, and you didn’t almost get us killed. It could have been any drunk driver leaving the party. We threw a big shindig and people were drinking, babe.”
“I know they were, but you have to admit it was crazy timing. Hearing the way Damien blasted out everything was a little much, and then we almost get run over? I wouldn’t blame you if you walked.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Once again; everything he said, I already knew, and there was no way he would be stupid enough to try and run you over after causing a scene. Maybe I didn’t know the part about him being your first, but I knew he was an ass. He just made me realize just how much more special you truly are.”
Having her curiosity piqued, she finally faced him and he gave her thigh a gentle squeeze. “If he was your first then that makes me only the second guy you’ve ever been with. I don’t think I’ve ever had a woman this—”
“Pathetic?”
“No, you’re so damn amazing. I can’t claim that I’ve only been with one woman before you; there were plenty of others, but none like you.”
“Yeah, I’m inexperienced in certain areas,” she said quietly.
“I hadn’t noticed,” he chuckled. “You put me to work every night, sweetheart. I would have never guessed he was the only man before me, but I love it. There is sex and then there is us; being with you is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I think it’s different because I’m so into you. Before, I never got too connected.”
Placing her hand on his, she felt her palm sweating a little. She knew she was probably putting too much thought into his statement, but she couldn’t stop her mind from racing. “You know, I think this is the most I’ve discussed my sex life with anyone. I think I tried to separate sex and feelings in the past, but with you, I have both. I think I kinda like this,” he grinned.
“Have you ever been in love?” Hearing him take a deep breath, she watched as he shook his head no and her mood deflated. She thought everyone had been in love at some point. He was twenty-seven and she was hoping he wasn’t one of those guys who never wanted to fall. She just hoped she had a chance. “Have you ever been close?” Watching him give her a questioning look, she embellished. “I guess what I’m asking is have you ever been serious. If you haven’t, it’s not a problem; I’m just trying to figure you out.”
“It’s okay,” he gave her a brief look. “We should be able to talk about this kind of stuff, and yes; I was serious about someone once.”
Leaning back in her seat, Draya didn’t know if she should be happy or intimidated. She was sure this woman was long gone, but what if he still thought about her? If Damien hadn’t acted such an ass, he would still be on her mind. If she were being honest, she would admit that he still was. It wasn’t in a good way, but she did think about him.
“What happened?” Seeing his nostrils flare, she knew she had hit a sore subject. “You know what, never mind. I’m sorry.”
“Why do you do that?”
“What?”
“Ask something you want to know and then apologize. You can ask whatever you want and you should get your answers. It’s not something I like to talk about, but since you asked, I know it has to be on your mind. The truth is, we were young and I was serious about her, but she wasn’t about me. I was steps away from proposing and it just didn’t work out.”
Feeling like the air had been knocked out of her, Draya stared out of the window not sure if she could handle hearing more. She knew he had a past, but she didn’t like thinking about him loving someone else. No matter what he said, he had to be in love to think about proposing.
“And you weren’t in love? What was it for you?”
“I was young. Back then, it seemed like love and I was attracted to all the wrong things. She was beautiful, but that was about it. Our connection wasn’t real, it was sexual and immature.” Looking at her, he reached over to turn her face to his. “It’s not just sex.”
“Huh?”
“With us. I like you. I really like you, Draya. I’ll admit, I don’t know where this is going, but I want it to be something. I want for us to be able to trust each other fully, but I’m not sure when that’s going to happen. I have no lingering feelings for my ex, but I can see you’re still struggling with everything going on in your life. I want you to feel free when you’re with me; like the weight of the world doesn’t matter. I haven’t figured out how to make that happen, but I want to.”
“I want it too.”
“Then relax. I’m not playing games with you and I’m not out to hurt you. I know it’s hard to believe, but this is pretty new to me too. I’m feeling my way through it, and I need you to work with me.”
After turning into a long driveway with a large white gate, Liam leaned over,
punched in a code and drove through. Draya she sat back in awe while looking around as they made their way up to one of the hugest houses she had ever laid eyes on. She knew Liam’s family was rich, but this was more extravagant than she imagined. His mother’s house was immaculate.
Coming to a stopping point, he shut off the car and turned to look at her. “Well, we’re here. It’s not too late to go back if you’ve changed your mind. She hasn’t seen us yet.”
Still scanning the yard, Draya turned, hearing his voice. “What? We can’t leave. You told her we were coming. She would think I was the rudest person in the world if I made you leave.”
“God,” he got out and walked around the car, opening her door and pulling her to him. “Who cares? If you were uncomfortable, I would just get back in this car and call her to tell her that. You have to stop caring what other people think.”
“But it’s your mom, she’s not just people.”
“She’s not,” he nodded his head, “but she would understand. She’s not some crazy person that’s going to ban you from the family for being nervous. I want you two to meet, but I want you to be comfortable.”
Running his fingers through her hair, he pulled her head to his and she sank into his skillful kiss. Moving his lips over hers, he captivated her to the point of making her knees weak. Leaning against the car, she tried to catch her breath, but he didn’t let up. Gripping her tighter, he pushed her against the car, lifting her off her feet. Kissing him back with fire she never knew she had, she felt him letting up. Figuring out his plan, she smiled, wiping her tender lips.
“I’m good now.”
“You better be,” he laughed. “That was one of my best kisses.”
“It was a great kiss,” she giggled and he swept her off her feet.
“You’re good for my ego. I love seeing you smile and hearing your laugh.”
Before Draya could respond, she heard a sing-song voice coming from behind Liam and peered around him to see an excited blond woman making her way to them. Liam had talked about his mother before, but he had failed to mention how remarkable she looked. He had explained that she was on the other side of fifty, but she didn’t look a day over thirty. She was petite with a small frame but had the deepest light blue eyes Draya had ever seen. Now she understood where Liam got his looks; he could almost pass for her brother.
“Darling,” she threw her arms around him. “It’s been entirely too long since you came home. I missed my boy.”
Standing back watching them, Draya realized this had to be where he was the most comfortable. In just the few moments she had been around him with his mother, she had seen a change in his mood. He seemed much more relaxed, and surprisingly, so did she.
Pulling away from Liam, his mother turned her attention to Draya and offered a warm smile. “Oh, son, she’s breathtaking. What took you so long to bring her by?”
Grabbing Draya’s hand and linking their fingers, Liam pulled her closer. “Well, I couldn’t let you scare her off. I had to warn her about you before I let you mess with her head.”
“Oh, nonsense,” she shook her head. “Get in here. Rose has put together your favorite.” Turning to Draya, she dipped her head and extended a hand. “I hope you like chicken marsala, dear. I have something light prepared for now, but that’s going to be our dinner.”
“I love it,” Draya smiled.
“A woman after my own heart. Oh goodness, where are my manners? I’m Brenda. I know he only introduced me as Mom,” she laughed. “He’s smart, but sometimes, I wonder about my boy.”
“Mom,” Liam warned playfully.
“Oh, I haven’t even begun the embarrassment yet,” she laughed. “Come on in. I have pictures to back up my stories.” She pulled Draya into the house, leaving Liam lagging behind.
Looking behind her to see Liam’s wide smile, she knew they had made the right decision taking this little trip to his mother’s house. She was already hitting it off with her, and she hoped it just built from there. She felt like it could be the start of a great day.
Chapter Two: Free
“You’re quiet,” Liam sat down on the blanket next to Draya. They had spent the day with his mother and were winding down in the backyard that conveniently connected to their own private sector of Tybee Island beach. It was one of those hot Georgia nights, but being near the water helped with the humidity. It made the heat a little more bearable. Gazing up at the stars he leaned in, taking her into his arms. “Did you have fun?”
“It was perfect. Your mother is great. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed that hard in my life.”
“She’s a riot, but I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I think I might have caught a glimpse of you letting loose. Imagine that.” Laughing into his shoulder, she pinched his arm a little and he yelped. “You can’t torture me for speaking the truth.”
“Okay, you were right. I had no reason to be nervous and I had a blast.” Kissing the side of her forehead, he held her tighter. “It’s almost too perfect to go home. I really like it here.”
He wasn’t surprised that his mother and Draya had hit it off, but even he wasn’t expecting them to connect the way they had. His mother had taken to her instantly and had even broken out the baby albums. They had dinner and drinks and then after a few hours, she ushered him out to show Draya around the estate.
While he had brought her back in to use the restroom, his mother had caught him alone to ask about his relationship with Draya and he explained that they were trying to build towards something. While he tried to remain nonchalant about everything, she seemed ecstatic. Congratulating his choice, she urged him to make things a little more solid because she knew better than anyone how missing a good thing could hurt. She had told him about a man that she passed up on before she married his father just to have him leave her for a younger model.
“It’s a nice little getaway without really going anywhere,” he laughed. “I grew up here, but I’ve never experienced it like this. It’s kinda romantic, I guess. I’ve never thought about it that way.” Watching the tiny waves hit the bank, Liam leaned his head against Draya’s.
“Do we really have to go back tonight? This has been so good, and I’m not ready for it to end.”
“We can do whatever you want. I had Rose get the beach house ready just in case.”
“You know me so well, don’t you?”
“I think I’m starting to,” he swept his hand over her cheek. Turning to look at him, she leaned in placing a light kiss on his lips and rested her forehead against his after pulling back. “What was that for?”
“For being so good to me.”
Sliding his hand up slowly, he reached the back of her neck and could feel her breathing grow ragged. Lining his lips up with hers, he laid her back on the blanket and covered her body. Taking his hand up her bare thigh, he gripped it, pulling her legs apart. Sliding himself between them, he moved to her neck.
Moaning his name quietly, Draya ran her hands up to wrap around his neck as she held her eyes shut. Catching her hands just as they hit the base of his neck, he pinned them down and attacked her neck, tickling her skin with his lips and tongue. Watching the desire dance in her bright eyes, he worked his way down and she grabbed him, pulling him back up.
“We’re... people could see...”
“You care too much about people, babe. For once in your life let go. This night is perfect and I want to end it with you right here, right now, under the stars. Close your eyes.” Looking at him hesitantly, she did what he asked and he put his palm to her neck, talking her through his motions. “You’re so self-conscious, but you don’t have to be. Live in the moment, be here with me and let go. Tell me what you want me to do to you.” Slipping her panties down her legs, he drug his fingers up her trembling legs. “Tell me where you want me.”
Dancing his fingers over her moist entrance, she moved her hips, pushing him inside her. “Right there, uuhh,” she bit her lip. “That feels so good.”
“What els
e?” His tone was deep and full of lust. He even surprised himself with the raw emotion coursing through his veins. Moving his fingers, he tried to keep up with the shudders racking through her.
“Uh, fuck me. Keep fucking me.” Looking up at her, he saw that her eyes were clenched tight as her teeth dug into her bottom lip. “Liam,” she hissed into the air.
“Louder. Don’t whisper what you want, say it loud. Direct me, baby.”
Writhing as he picked up speed, her back came off the blanket and he held her down with one palm. “Kiss me.” Sliding his fingers out and slipping them into his mouth, he dropped his head down and snatched her hips closer. Running his tongue over her, he felt her fingers grip his hair and pull. Flicking his tongue in and out of her, he made her hips shift and took her legs over his shoulders.
She came up on her elbows and looked down at him. “What are you doing?”
“Kissing my favorite part of you. Lay back.”
He pushed her down, sucking hard on her throbbing bud. Tightening her legs around him, she arched her hips as his hungry tongue stroked her tormented walls. Kissing, licking, sucking, he devoured her oozing wetness and caught every drop. Forcing her body to dance with his movements, he worshiped her, wrecking every inhibited nerve as she screamed his name.
While all of this was going on, Liam felt something wet hit him, and he looked away briefly to see the water washing up on the bank. Going back to his task, he ignored it, letting the light wave hit them until he felt another, in his mouth. He had to say, this was the wettest he had ever felt her get and when he was done, he slid up and her legs wrapped around him.
“You ready to go in? We’re going to get drenched by the waves. They’re picking up,” she managed to get out, looking into his smoldering eyes.
“Let’s get drenched. I want you right here and right now.”
Reaching for his belt buckle, he unhooked it along with the button on his pants and she pushed them down with her feet. Taking a deep breath, she reached for him and he could feel her stroking him until he was nothing but a rock solid mass. His body was quickly becoming overheated as the waves continued to roll in. It all felt so good and he couldn’t help the smile that crossed his lips. It was a fantasy of his to orgasm on the beach.
