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He plays with my fingers, then smiles a little. “I would.”
“Good,” I sigh.
Instead of saying more, Liam pulls me into his lap with an easy tug. I let out a surprised sound just before his lips cover mine. He tastes like bourbon, home, and something sweet. When his arms encompass my back and I push my nails through his tresses, fingernails massaging and threading through the feathered locks at the base of his neck, he lets out a small moan.
Just as I start to bring one of my hands down his chest, a loud bang interrupts us. I pull back, and Liam immediately spurs into action. He jumps up, still taking care to ease me off his lap. As soon as I’m standing, he shoves me behind him and reaches down to flip up his pant leg. When I see a handgun there my stomach bottoms out. He quickly pulls it from the holster and cocks it with ease.
“Liam…” My voice is quiet. He had a gun on him this entire time. My mind is reeling.
“It’s okay,” he says in a calm tone.
My mouth is dry, and I feel my heart in my throat. It’s not exactly an appropriate time to discuss his hidden gun. Especially when I’m pretty sure that bang we heard was also a gun. My stomach twists and acid burns my throat.Hammer…I make a step to move toward the building, but Liam stops me.
“Don’t even think about taking another step.” Liam’s voice is stern.
“We have to see if Hammer is okay!” I whisper harshly.
Liam stays strong, his muscles flexing as he scans the area with his handgun at the ready. “Stay behind me Birdie and do as I say.”
Even if I don’t want to listen, I know I have to. He’s doing his job and I need to not let my emotions get the best of me. So, I stay behind him as he scans the perimeter. He looks out to the cornfield, listening intently. When he seems satisfied that the area is clear, he turns his gaze to me. “I need to go check on Hammer. Stay here, Birdie.”
“Let me come with you—”
“No. Not until I make sure it’s safe.”
“It could have been a hunter or something. I’m sure we’re overreacting.”
“I’m not taking any risks. Stay out here. The extra guards are in the area—and call the cops. Do not move from here unless you absolutely have to.”
I nod vigorously. “Okay.”
“I’ll be right back.”
With one last look, Liam takes off toward the distillery. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears now and my hands are clammy. A million scenarios run in my head. What if something happens to Liam’s cousin? What if something happens to Liam? This is my worst nightmare coming true. When Liam disappears inside the building without even a glance back, I reach for my phone to call the cops.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
The hair on my neck stands on end and I freeze in place. I know that voice.
“Turn around Birdie.”
thirty-one
Liam
Istepintothedistillery with my mind racing in a million different directions.
I didn’t want to leave Birdie alone outside, but I had no choice. If that was a gun that went off, I couldn’t risk her getting shot. Maria’s death is now fresh in my mind, and I work hard to shove those horrible thoughts away. I will not allow myself to freeze now, not when the woman I’m damn sure I love, is outside. Not when my cousin could be hurt or—fuck.
I keep my handgun cocked, ready to take down anyone that plans to harm the people I care about. Birdie’s face when she discovered I carried will live with me forever. I should have said something earlier, but I didn’t want people to know I carried, especially the stalker. I just liked knowing that if I ever needed it, it was there. I was hoping I would never have to use it. But here we are.
As I come through the back room, I hear a noise and my back goes straight. I keep myself flat against the wall, getting ready to shoot whoever may be around the corner. Right as I’m about to attack, I hear Hammer’s booming voice begin to sing. I’d spent enough time in his home to recognize his terrible scratchy voice. I breathe a sigh of relief and lower my handgun. He’s fine. I shake out the nervous energy I’m feeling and make my way into the room, clearing my throat.
“Hey man,” his eyes look remorseful. “Sorry about that back there I—”
“It’s fine,” I cut him off, my nerves still shot. “We sorted it out. But care to tell me what that noise was? It sounded like a gunshot.”
Hammer smirks, “You worried about me?”
