This is betrayal if I ever saw one. Darn him.
His expression shifts as he catches me staring, probably lust written all over my face that I can’t contain. In one fluid motion, he steps into me, his chest pressing into mine, and a sharp sting of his palm smacks against my ass, making me gasp in pain.
“What the—What was that for?” My voice is high as I reach back to soothe the burning skin. His hand stays there, claiming me, squeezing me.
“A fresh pain to replace the old one,” he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. His eyes lock with mine, something dangerous swimming in their depths.
“I see right through you. You crave what I take from you.”
The air between us changes, and Liam transforms before my eyes into that primal version of himself I've always known. He engulfs me, and I freeze, caught between flight and surrender.
“Run,” he commands, his lips nearly brushing mine.
My feet obey and I run as fast as I can.
I fly down the hallway, heart hammering against my ribs. The sound of Liam's footsteps echo behind me, each heavy thud a reminder that I'm not getting away that easily. My hands fumble with the doorknob at the end of the hall, twisting desperately until it gives. I burst outside, silver moonlight bathes the backyard, casting long shadows across the grass and surrounding flowers.
I gulp in oxygen, my lungs burning from the sprint and what feels dangerously like desire.
I need therapy, and he’s the only therapy I want.
“Sara!” Liam's voice booms from the doorway behind me. “Don't think for a second I'm letting you go.”
His words wrap around me like a physical touch. I’m halfway across the yard caught between contradicting instincts and a giggle. I halt my sprint, standing and spinning around as my hair flies, and wait for him.
“I'm not running anymore,” I shout, my voice surprisingly steady as I plant my feet firmly. The cold air mixed with consuming adrenaline, makes me shiver. “Come get what you're after.”
Liam halts, his massive frame silhouetted in the doorway. For once, I've caught him off guard. The predatory gleam in his eyes flicker, and he’s right, I love it.
“What exactly do you think I'm after, Sara?” His voice is dangerously soft, coiled with tension that could cut through me.
“Me,” I say, taking a step toward him.
A muscle in his jaw twitches. “Oh yes, Sara, I fucking want you. I made that very clear already, but I’m not the one terrified of that.”
“You’re the one who pulled away earlier!” I call out with more shame than I’d care to admit.
“I didn’t pull away because I didn’t want you, Sara! Fuck!” He grips his hair, his body tensing, as he takes a few more steps toward me. “I pulled away because I want you too fucking much, but you’re too blinded by your fear of being abandoned that you leave before anyone else can!”
The accusation hits like a physical blow. “That's not fair.”
He closes the distance between us with predatory grace and towers over me lifting my chin.
“Sara, we’re done pushing one another away. This stops now. Tell me what you want. Tell me you understand that when I have you, there is nowhere you will ever go where you don't belong to me,” he demands through gritted teeth, his voice rough with self-control.
“You know what I want.”
“Fucking say it. I need to hear you say it. I'm not going anywhere, Sara, I’m here. Don’t be afraid to take what belongs to you.”
His words take my breath away. His fingers rough against my chin while his other hand runs through my hair, gripping around my neck like a plea.
His breath hot inches away from my lips, sending a pool of heat between my thighs.
Take what belongs to you.
“I want you!” I cry out, the words breaking free. “I want to belong to you! I should hate you, but all I want is…you.”
His eyes narrow on me with dark desire, and his control snaps.
