A Kiss Before Lying: A BWWM Romance

by M. Skye

  Raising her knees around him, Draya whispered his name as he rolled himself into her stream. Pushing her hands to the plush carpet underneath them, he linked their fingers and buried himself deeper inside her, pushing her body with each thrust. Almost totally withdrawing just to plunge back in, Liam made her knees shake, and she buckled to his strong will.

  Trying to sober her seemingly drunken haze, Draya leaned her lips to his taking his mouth, which only fueled his erratic thrusts. He kissed her harder, pounding her sensitive body with his rigid rod. Quickening his pace, the only thing that could be heard were the moans of pleasure and loud smacking of their overheated bodies. Taking a deep breath, Draya slid her hips forward and as if in poetic motion, he pounded into her one last time, bringing their climaxes in unison.

  As she laid on the floor, enthralled in the moment, she watched Liam as a couple of different things flickered through his eyes. He was still on top of her, inside her, looking down, when she brushed her hand over his lips. Kissing her fingertips, he gave her a gentle smile and ran his hand over her face.

  “You okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she replied, smiling back at him in the sweetest way possible. She was still in awe of this man. He was pretty damn amazing. Letting out a light chuckle, he rolled off her and laid on his back. Looking around the room, Draya swore she would never feel the same being in there. Running a hand over her face, she let out a sigh and his head snapped to look at her.

  “Tired?”

  “A little,” she yawned, closing her eyes. “I’ve only been up a few hours, but I feel like it’s been all day.”

  “You want me to take you back to bed?” he laughed. “I can let you take a nap while I get things cleaned up around here.”

  “It sounds great, but I don’t want to leave you cleaning up without me. I would feel bad.”

  “Don’t. I’m okay, and your ankle still isn’t well enough for you to be standing. I’ll get this place cleaned up and then I’ll join you.”

  Looking around the living room, once more, her eyes landed on the broken picture frame and the lilies underneath. “What’s that?” She pointed and his eyes followed her finger. Walking over and picking up the frame, he held it up and shrugged.

  “Sorry, I must have broken this last night. The knock on the door was Brittney, she dropped this off.” When she shrugged her shoulders, he knew Draya was unsure how to feel about it, but seeing his reaction to the lilies, she sat up.

  “What is it?”

  “Where did these come from?”

  “I thought you knew. Didn’t you bring them in?”

  Shaking his head, he held them up and pulled the card attached. Tossing them to the side, he ignored her question, walking over taking her in his arms. Walking her to the room and pulling her robe off the door, he wrapped it around her. “It’s time for your nap. I’ll clean up.”

  “Liam? Why are you so weird?”

  Shaking her question off once again, he ran his finger down her lips and pushed her back on the bed, giving her a gentle kiss. “It’s nothing. I forgot the flowers were in the hallway when I grabbed the picture. I’m sorry for freaking you out.”

  Draya sat up as he backed off the bed and attempted to leave the room. Watching his speedy exit only heightened her suspicions, and she bit her lip, thinking about what could have him so rattled. Thinking about the lilies and the note he read, only one thing came to mind, and she cursed quietly. Without even reading the card, she knew who had brought them by. It had to have been Damien, and what worried her more was how he got in. She had changed the locks and only Liam and Rico had a set, so he should not have been able to get in. Now, she understood Liam’s mood. The only question now was what to do about it.

  Hobbling out of bed, sticking her head around the corner, Draya could hear Liam shuffling around. He had put his shorts and boxers back on, but he still looked out of sorts. Leaning further in, she saw him rip the note and toss it into the trash before reaching for his cell. Feeling terrible, Draya leaned against the wall, trying to shut out the thoughts that he may be walking out on her soon. She had considered the fact that this might be a little too much, but he dismissed it, making her believe everything was okay. Maybe he changed his mind after actually seeing Damien in action.

  Hiding behind the wall watching him, she listened as he dialed a number and waited as he spoke into the phone. “You need to stop this, now.” Looking confused, Draya just stood, listening quietly. “You are to stay the hell away from her or I’ll end you. This is not a game you want to play with me.”

  Hanging up the phone, he slammed it on the counter top and she jumped. She wasn’t sure what was going on but knew it definitely wasn’t Damien he was talking to. They hardly knew each other, so she was lost as to who he was telling to stay away from her, or if she was the “her” he was talking about. Feeling dizziness taking over her, she slid down the wall, and his head snapped up, seeing her hit the floor.

  Making his way over to her, he reached for her hand, but she shook him away. “Who was that?”

  “Who was what?”

  “Liam, don’t lie to me. Who the hell was it?”

  “Dray—”

  “Liam,” she cut him off just in time to hear a knock at the door. Watching him look over at the door, Draya snapped her fingers and drew his attention back to her. “I asked you a question.”

  “It’s a lot you don’t understand.”

  “Then make me,” she pleaded. “I’ve told you everything about me and I’m not going to start off like this with you.”

  “You don’t understand, Draya...” as the knocking persisted, his head snapped to the door and he screamed out. “Can I get that, please? They’re not going away.”

  “Get it,” she crossed her arms over her chest and pulled her robe tighter. “Tell them to go away.” Huffing angrily, Draya stood back watching as he flung the door open. Seeing his fist clench, she dropped her angry scowl just in time to see Damien barge in. Feeling exposed, she tugged at her robe again just in time to hear the door slam.

  “You need to go,” Draya hissed, witnessing the crazy look in Liam’s eyes.

  “Not until we talk,” Damien crossed his arms. “I came here to talk.”

  “Just go,” she yelled and saw Liam advancing.

  “After all these years, this is what it’s come down to? You playing me over this white boy?”

  Draya wasn’t able to respond before Liam took a swing, landing a punch on Damien’s eye. “I’ve had just about enough of your shit.” Snatching Damien off his feet, Liam pinned him against the wall. Draya just stood back, in shock of the strength he possessed. “Come near her again and I’ll kill you. She’s not your girl anymore. She’s my woman, and I’m not afraid to put my foot in your ass.”

  “Little boy,” Damien said as he struggled to get out of Liam’s hold. “You have no clue who you’re messing with.”

  “No, you have no clue who you’re messing with. I’m not a woman. I’ll land you on your ass. What you are going to do is leave this apartment and never come back. She is no longer your concern. I’m not playing games and I hope I’m making myself clear because I’d hate to have to repeat any of this.”

  Releasing his grip on Damien, Liam walked over and pulled the door open. Looking back at Draya, Damien stood his ground until she nodded her head, signaling her desire for him to leave. As if waiting for her to change her mind, Damien stood for a second before turning and walking towards the door. Giving her one last look, he crossed his arms and let out a loud sigh. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Dray. I’m not giving up on this. I just hope you know what you’re in for.”

  “Out,” Liam warned sternly and slammed the door in his face. Turning back to face Draya, he reached out, and she walked into his arms. “I’m sorry for losing my temper.”

  “With him, I don’t care.”

  “I just don’t like showing you that side of me.”

  While Draya was grateful for having him the
re just then, she also remembered the moment they were having before Damien showed up. Stepping out of his embrace, she cleared her throat and held her hand up for him. “Liam, it’s time for you to go.”

  “What?”

  “You need to leave.” Watching his expression change, she almost felt bad but held her ground. She wasn’t about to get into another relationship that was clouded with all this secrecy. “I asked you a question and you have yet to answer me. Until you can, I think you should leave.”

  “Draya, babe. Come on.”

  “Bye, Liam.” She held her hand up. “I’m going to get some rest and then clean my place.”

  “Draya, please don’t do this. I’m... it’s not what you think.”

  “Who was it? Another woman? Do you have someone? You can tell the truth. If it’s a quickie you were looking for, you got it, and now you can leave. You don’t have to pretend to care.”

  Grabbing her arms, he forced her to look into his eyes. “I’m not pretending, and I don’t have anyone else. I wouldn’t do that to you; I want you, only you. I haven’t been able to think of another woman since the first time we kissed. I’m not out to hurt you.”

  “Then tell me the truth.”

  Sighing he turned away and dropped her hands. “I told you I wanted you to stay away from Alea. I told you she was whacked, well I think she may have been the one to send those flowers. I think she messed with your car too.”

  Blinking her eyes rapidly, Draya took a deep breath and exhaled. “Why is your stepmother messing with me?”

  “Because of me,” he sighed. “She’s using you to get to me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because she has something on me.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I’m the reason my father is dead. He didn’t fall down the stairs accidentally, we were fighting and he slipped.” Blinking away tears, Draya reached for his hand and he drew back. “No,” he jumped. “I can’t let you feel sorry for me. I killed him and she knows it. She is never going to stop messing with me, and now, she’s messing with you.”

  Touching his arm gently, she wrapped herself around him. “I can handle her. I promise I can.”

  Turning to face her, he pulled her head to his chest. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know,” she sighed. “I know.”

  Holding her ear to his heart, she could tell it was beating faster than normal. Sliding her hand into his, she led him to the bedroom and climbed in bed. Pulling him to rest against her, she ran her hand through his hair and let him lean his head against hers.

  “Draya, you don’t need this. You don’t need my drama.”

  Running her hand down his face, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “You didn’t need mine either. You just punched my married ex-boyfriend, so I think we’re past that. Just like you aren’t afraid of Damien, I’m not afraid of her. No woman could ever scare me.”

  “What about a man? Did I scare you?”

  “No,” she smiled. “You were protecting what’s yours. I think it’s so damn hot.”

  “So you’re mine now?”

  “I’m yours. Are you mine?”

  “I’ve been yours since you kissed me, gorgeous.”

  “Good.” She snuggled closer to him.

  Closing her eyes, she tried to fall asleep, but her mind was too wired to get there. Now, not only did she have Damien, she had Alea to worry about. Damien would be easy, but Alea would be a hassle. She knew nothing about this woman or how deep her feud with Liam ran. She was convinced there was more than just his father’s death fueling their hatred and she was determined to figure it out. Thinking about his reaction, Draya knew asking Liam was out of the question. She was going to get her answers, but she was going to have to be resourceful to do so.

  Chapter Twelve: The Things We Can't Hide

  “This looks good.” Rico slid his hand over the new menus for the restaurant. “So, are we ready for tomorrow night?”

  “Huh?” Draya looked up distractedly. “What did you say?”

  “I asked if we were ready for tomorrow. Where is your head, baby girl?”

  “Oh, I just... I have my appointment to see if I can take this thing off today.” She pointed to her ankle brace. She had been wearing it for a little over two weeks and was aching to take it off. She had spent the weekend trying to recoup after the accident, but when her ankle still didn’t feel any better after much attention from Liam, he took her to have it examined and the doctor told her she had a severe sprain and needed rest for it to heal. Of course, she protested, but Liam was there to hear it and passed the info along to Rico, who had been watching her like a hawk.

  “I bet you’re excited. It’s really hard to do all that intense training when you’re incapacitated,” he joked. “But I’m sure you still find a way to see him anyways.”

  “Ha ha, very funny,” she rolled her eyes. “I thought you came in here to talk about the opening tomorrow. Where are we on the guest list for reserved seating?”

  “I have it all set. There is one thing, though; well, two things. Brittney, are you inviting her and Deena?”

  Dropping her papers, Draya looked up and sighed. “Brittney, yes. I want her here, but Deena, no. I plan on cutting all ties with that family and I’ve already been looking into some things to make it a little more possible.”

  Shutting her door, Rico took a seat. She hadn’t had the time to bring him up to speed because he had been dealing with his divorce and the restaurant, so he wasn’t aware of her new developments with Liam and Damien. “Like what? I feel like we haven’t spoken in ages.”

  “I’m looking for a new church and uumh... Liam and I are dating,” she blurted out, smiling at the shock on his face.

  “Hold up, what and what? New church and a new man? You move fast.”

  “I need a fresh start with the church. And as for Liam, he’s pretty damn great.”

  Leaning back in his chair, he gave her a brilliant smile and touched her hand. “I’m glad to hear it. You needed a change, and I’m so glad he’s good to you.”

  “I think I mentioned the word great,” she laughed. “He makes me feel like I’m the most beautiful woman in the world. I can’t get enough of him and I think he feels the same.”

  “As he should. Wow, sis, you’re doing great. I’m happy you got away from Damien. And this new guy, I hope he knows what a good woman he has. You are such a beautiful person, sweetie, I’m just glad you are beginning to realize it.”

  Nodding her head, Draya went back to her papers, remembering the incredible few weeks they had been having. Liam had been picking her up from work every day and they had been splitting their time between her place and his, seemingly forgetting the scene from Damien and his admission about Alea. They hadn’t discussed it again after their mid-morning nap. Actually, they hadn’t discussed anything. It seemed like all they did the entire weekend was find new places to explore sexually.

  Draya was new to this level of gratification, but Liam seemed to be right at home. In two weeks, he had taken her to new heights and she was finding it hard to not think about it all the time. Every time she was near him, Draya found it hard to keep her hands to herself. In the past, she would have found her own behavior appalling, but he seemed to like her newfound aggression. He seemed to thrive on it.

  “Draya,” Rico called out.

  “What?”

  “I’ve been calling your name for five minutes,” he laughed. I just wanted to know if you had anyone else you wanted me to add to the list, or is it straight?”

  “You’re good. I think I have everyone covered.” Staring down at her phone, she shrugged at her last text, and Rico looked at her strangely.

  “Anyone I know?”

  “Yeah, just Ashton. Her and Mom are on my head about this thing with my dad. They won’t let up, but I’m not going to be bullied. I will see him when I want and not a minute sooner. They’re just going to have to accept it.”

  Sitting back down, Rico offere
d a smile and grabbed her hand. “You know I understand better than anyone why you don’t want to see your dad, but your mom is great, babe. She loves the hell out of you and it would make her so happy to see you.”

  “I want to see her too,” Draya smiled. “I miss her.”

  “Good,” he grinned. “Well, listen, baby girl, I have to go and you should too. Call Liam up and have him come and get you. I have about thirty minutes before I need to be gone.”

  “You can leave without me,” Draya replied without looking up. She was engrossed in what she was reading and completely missed the sour look on his face.

  “Not a chance. Call him and I’ll just finish things up front.”

  “Okay,” she agreed, not having the energy to fight with him. “I’ll shoot him a text, but if he’s busy, I want you to leave without me.”

  “No need.” She looked up to see Liam walking in. “I’m here, babe. Let’s get to that appointment.”

  Tossing her papers to the side, Draya smiled and Rico stepped out of the room. “Dray, I’ll see you later. Call me and tell me how your appointment went.”

  “I will,” Draya agreed and stood to hug Liam. “What are you doing here so early?”

  “Well, I kinda did something. I hope you don’t get mad, but I really wanted you to have a good time tomorrow night.” Kissing her cheek, he pulled her into a hug. “Don’t be mad, baby.”

  “It depends on what you did.” She smiled. “Was it dirty, or am I just hoping it was?” She bit his bottom lip, tugging it into her mouth. “Give me a hint, handsome.”

  “Turn around,” he leaned in, kissing her lips briefly before pulling her closer to the door.

  Feeling a pair of arms wrap around her, Draya giggled and closed her eyes. “This is nice, but I don’t get it, sweetie. You hug me all the time. I was expecting something a little more... hands on.” Smelling an unfamiliar cologne, Draya’s eyes popped open and she stepped out of the embrace. Letting her arms drop, she looked at Liam, who was standing off to the side. Shaking her head, she stepped back and gave Liam a confused look.