AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, yes.” I wave my hand around in a flippant gesture. “I’ve managed to take two naps and walked at least three miles back and forth across the floor of this well-appointed prison cell, thank you, very much.”
His lips flatten. “Perhaps, instead of a prison cell, you might think of this as your…home away from home. A vacation, if you will.”
I laugh without humor. “If this were a vacation, I’d be sitting on the beach in the Maldives, under a large umbrella, drinking a stiff cocktail brought to me by a stunningly gorgeous Italian named Raffaele.”
Liam cocks his head. “I don’t really picture you as a beach go-er. I see you more on a yacht, cruising around the Mediterranean, lying on the deck completely naked, soaking up the sun, while I bring you a large glass of red wine and rub lotion on your back. And front.”
The picture he paints appears unwillingly in my head. I can almost feel the sun heating my skin—I’ll ignore the fact that I burn like a lobster—and a dark shadow forming over me. Of shading my eyes as I peer up at him. Him—Liam—kneeling at my side and the rough, but tender touch of his hands as they rub all over my body. A shiver rushes over me.
I shake my head and blink, pushing away the image and swallowing a moan. His smirking face says he knows exactly what had been going through my mind. Doing my best to ignore the tingles that still ripple over my skin, I cross my arms and glare.
“I assume you’re here for something?”
Liam steps fully out of the doorway and into the room. “I propose a truce.”
“A truce,” I parrot. “And what exactly happens during this truce?”
“You remain civil and perhaps I’ll let you out of this room.”
I bite my tongue to keep my sarcasm—my civility—in check. Only, it doesn’t work. “I assume you mean compliant. Fawning. Grateful that you would bestow such generosity on me.”
Liam’s fists clench at his side and a tight smile flattens his lips. Way to go Imogen.“Fine,” I huff. “I shall attempt to remain civil.”
He loosens his fingers and cocks his head. “Why do I not believe you?”
I toss up my hands. “Hey, I said I’d attempt it. That’s the best you’re going to get out of me.”
Liam scans my face, perhaps gauging my sincerity. I didn’t lie. I said I’ll do my best, and I will. But it’s also on him to not be a dick.
“You may have free run of the house. If I’m away, one of my men will remain here to…make sure you stay out of trouble.”
Keep your mouth shut, Imogen. Keep it shut. “And my bag with my belongings?”
“Will remain in my possession. Speaking of, I attempted to have someone retrieve a few items for you. To ensure your comfort during your stay, but they were unable to gain access to your flat.” He places both hands behind his back and studies me with an intensity that almost makes me fidget. “I find it curious why you would need such a robust security system.”
I stiffen at the fact he tried breaking into my place as well as his probing question. But if I’ve learned anything in my short time here, it’s that Liam will do what he needs to, to get what he wants. Better to give him something, at least. “I have an expensive computer in there that I use for work. I don’t want someone breaking in and stealing it. It carries sensitive information.”
While technically true, all the information I have on that computer is highly encrypted. It would take an extremely talented hacker to break my code. So, not impossible, but also unlikely. I’m one of the best for a reason.
“What sort of work do you do?”
“I’m a freelance contractor.” Amongst other things Liam doesn’t need to know about. “Which is why I need my laptop. I have bills to pay, you know?”
He drops his hands to his side. “While you’re my guest, I’ll take care of anything that comes due.”
“Wow,” I draw out the word. “Does that make me your whore then?”
Liam actually growls. Before I blink, he’s got me pinned me to the wall with his hand around my neck, tightening his fingers enough to provide a warning, but not hurting me. Yet. He leans forward, his face close to mine.
“Why do you have to keep pushing?” he grinds out, his breath hot against my cheek.
My chest heaves as I try to breathe and not panic. For the first time since his men took me, I’m truly afraid. You can never leave well enough alone, can you?
“I’ve shown you far more patience than anyone else who would dare speak to me the way you have, because it amuses me. But my amusement has its limits.” Liam’s fingers tighten a fraction more, and I whimper. “I could have fucked you raw without giving a shit about whether you liked it or not. All I’ve asked of you is some polite discourse. This is the only warning you are going to get. Do not test my patience again, Imogen. I promise, your stay here won’t be nearly as pleasant as it has been.”
As quickly as he grabbed me, his hold loosens and he steps back. I don’t move. Only stare in fear as my body trembles. He tugs down the sleeves of his dress shirt and straightens his tie.
“Now that we have that unpleasantness out of the way, perhaps you would prefer a change of scenery. I brought back lunch from my favorite restaurant and thought you might like to join me.”
