The truth lies bare; I wanther. When she nearly slipped through my fingers today, something inside me hardened into certainty. I don't just want her close; I need her like the air in my lungs.
There's no going back now. Whatever it takes, she belongs to me.
“Look at me.” I lift her chin. “Sara, look at me.” Her eyes find mine and they're glossy, tired.
“I’m not a good man, but I’m better than these pieces of shit. This is why I kill without guilt. So, I carved out a place for myself inside a government that barely gives a shit. If you knew tonight was dangerous…”
“I didn’t know the extent of it… I didn’t know what I was walking into. That girl, Liam. What they must’ve done to her...I wish that whole boat could burn.”
“Now you know, Sara.”
“Now I do.” She nods.
I run my fingers in her hair. “I’ve always cared about you. I just hated myself for it. I struggle so much not to want you. Fuck.” I close my eyes, drowning in what I can no longer control. “I try. I really do—but I want you. I want every part of you. I need you to trust me beyond your defenses, because I’m standing on rocky ground as it is. I will shatter to reach all of you.” Her breathing trembles as I cup her face and turn her around to face me.
“How can you be so sure?” she softly whispers, her hand covering mine.
“I’m here, Sara. I’ve been in front of you, haven’t I? I plan to be there for you. I’ll decimate whoever stalks you and shield you from anything that might tear you away from me. I won’t let anything or anyone take you from me.”
Before she can respond, because this moment is too volatile, I kiss her. I kiss her as if my life depends on it, my tongue exploring her mouth, hoping my touch translates the words my voice can’t.
I’ve always wanted you.
When she kisses me back with equal ferocity, the world melts away—there is only her and me.
“Fuck, baby.” I groan against her, pressing her back to the kitchen island and lifting her onto it. Her legs wrap around my waist, arms coil around my neck and I need her closer.
My hands trail up her body, pulling her against me. Even through her dress and my shirt, I feel her nipples harden against my chest, and I drown in her scent. Drown in the taste of her lips.
Her fingers tangle in my hair, drawing me deeper as if she can’t get enough either. The memory of what happened between us on the boat flashes through my mind, how close I came to crossing that line and fucking her, but she deserves better than a rushed moment born from adrenaline and fear. Better than what that piece of shit Tyler gave her. I am determined to erase his worthless touch and ruin her for any other men.
Her body trembles, her hands shaking against my jaw, and I softly look up at her.
“Okay?”
I watch her wrap her arms around my waist, eyes wide, looking up at me with a fear that has nothing to do with me and everything to do with ghosts I can’t see. She whispers, voice cracking.
“I’m sorry… it’s all so much, Liam.”
“Sara,” I say softly, tracing my thumb on her cheek, while every cell in my body screams to pull her back against my lips. “Talk to me.”
“Mm-hmm.” She looks down, uncertain.
“I want you to say anything to me. You can talk to me. You can even complain about me to me.” I smirk, keeping my voice gentle.
“I'm terrified, Liam, not of you—well, that’s still debatable.” She chuckles with a laced sadness. “Of this.” She gestures between us. “Of what happens when I let myself need someone again and…”
I remain still, listening.
“Every time I’ve opened myself up, I’ve only received scars in return, but staying away from you is really fucking hard. It’s confusing.” Her fingers gently stroke my jaw. “Everything I've ever wanted has been taken away.”
“Sara,” I whisper, running my hand through my hair. “I understand more than you know, baby. I’m scared too.”
She scoffs. “You, scared? You’re not scared of anything.”
“I am very much. Everyone is afraid of something. It’s what determines what we value the most and the risks we are willing to take.” I lower my head, sighing. “Look, today I was really scared of something happening to you and that’s because I care a lot about you and I’d risk…” I look up at her. “I’d risk the pain of you walking away from me to havethiswith you.” I place my hand on the back of her neck and brush my lips against hers.
“My father—” I clear my throat, I’ve never really confided this with anyone. “My father wore two faces. Outside our home, he was all smiles and handshakes—the perfect family man everyone admired. But behind closed doors? He became someone else entirely. I learned to step between his fists and my mother. Between his rage and Joe. I'd take whatever he dished out, thinking if I could be strong enough, smart enough, that I could shield my mom and Joe. But his demons were insatiable.”
