Page 26 of His Kidnapped Irish Mafia Virgin

“And my face was unfortunately in the same direction as your thoughts?” Amusement crept into his voice. “That’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard. You were staring at me, Nora. I don’t mind it, so let’s not pretend otherwise.”

“I was observing.”

“That’s just another word for staring.”

“Scientists would disagree. And if you’re wondering when I became a scientist, I would say about thirty seconds ago.”

He laughed, the sound quieter than I was used to hearing from him. He rolled onto his side until we were facing each other.

“That’s impressive. Most people need years of study before they can claim that title. You apparently managed it before breakfast.”

“I learn quickly.”

His expression changed, becoming quieter without losing its warmth. He studied me for a few seconds before speaking again.

“You slept well,” he said. “You didn’t wake up during the night.”

I shook my head. “Not even once. I don’t even remember the last time that happened. I usually wake up convinced somebody has found me before I even remember where I am. This morning...” I hesitated, surprised by my own feelings. “This morning I opened my eyes and the first thing I felt wasn’t fear. I don’t think I’ve had a morning like that in years.”

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached across the space between us and took my hand. His fingers closed gently around mine.

“I’m glad,” he said quietly. “Not because of anything I did. Not because I expect you to suddenly believe the world will become a safe place overnight. I’m glad because your mind finally gave you a few hours to rest. You deserved that a long time ago.”

His words settled inside me. I realized he wasn’t trying to impress me or comfort me. He simply meant every word. I looked down at our hands before lifting my eyes to his face. I smiled without thinking. For the first time since I met him, I wasn’t making my next decision because fear demanded it. I was making it because I wanted to. I moved closer, until there wasn’t any space between us, and rested my hand lightly against his chest. I held his gaze for a moment before closing the final distance between us.

I moved closer to him until there was no space between us, resting my palm against his chest. His heartbeat was fast beneath my hand.

The kiss deepened. Liam’s fingers slipped into my hair, holding me gently, as though he still expected me to change my mind. I pulled away just enough to look at him.

“I want you,” I whispered.

Something changed in his expression. He kissed me again, and this time there was no hesitation between us. Before he could say anything else, I lowered myself between his legs. His breath caught when I took him into my mouth. His eyes closed for a moment as his expression tightened with pleasure, the control he carried everywhere else slipping from him.

“Nora…”

My name caught in his throat. I looked up at him, and the sight of him like that sent a warm thrill through me. I stayed close, taking my time, letting the intimacy of the moment matter more than anything else. His fingers moved gently through my hair.

When I finally returned to him, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me with a tenderness that made my chest ache.

“My turn,” he murmured.

I smiled. “You don’t have to.”

“I know.” He kissed me slowly, then lowered his mouth against my skin. I closed my eyes as his attention moved over me, his touch patient and unhurried. When he brought me to the edge of pleasure, I held his shoulders and whispered his name.

There was no rush, no uncertainty, no sense that either of us needed to prove anything. We just kept going, stopping whenever one of us needed a moment simply to breathe.

He looked up at me, and for a moment neither of us spoke. There was something almost overwhelming about being known this way. It was like swimming in a pool of pleasure that I couldn’t get out of. I wanted to call out to him, but my lips were trembling from ecstasy.

When he eventually pulled back, I pulled him back toward me and kissed him. Then I laughed softly against his shoulder.

“What?” Liam murmured.

“You. You’re enjoying this far too much.”

His mouth curved against my skin. “You know, you could just admit you were checking me out this morning. I won’t report you to the police.”

“You’re impossible.”