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I didn’t know Liam when he had his first life. The one with the wife and son. I met him a year afterward in a time where he’d blocked himself off to the world and trusted only me. At times, the weight was heavy.He was heavy.Watching him grieve was like watching a sadistic clown gone wild. He took his aggression out on the business and made a name for himself as‘Liam the Great.’Not to be confused with Henry the Great who has the blood of thousands of men on his hands. In a two-year span, Liam may have seen more. He was ruthless. It wasn’t until he spent some time with me on the ranch that he finally calmed down.
In that time, I’ve seen Liam with women. They tend to throw themselves at him. I’d guess it’s his giant stature and general disinterest. Women tend to dig that for some reason. Never, though, have I ever seen him react the way he does to Beth. He’s attentive and awe struck. I see it in his gaze. He’s craving her, hungry for her, circling her like prey.
I see why, too. She’s beautiful and there’s a spark to her that’s bright and unassuming. I’ve been desperate to sink my teeth in since we were at the house.
I settle down to the island and look toward Beth as she chugs a glass of orange juice while coffee brews. “You should slow down. You’re going to make yourself sick eating so fast on an empty stomach.”
Her dark eyes glance toward me as though she’s a hungry puppy and I’ve just stuck my hand in her food bowl. She continues back on her breakfast.
I smile. “Sorry. We promise not to let you get this hungry again.” I make eyes with Liam who slides the plate of pancakes toward her before heading out the back door. “I’ll be back in a bit. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
I nod and twist back toward the kitchen as a wave of awkwardness filters over the room. The last time she and I were in a room together, I was tying her up. That’s not exactly the best way to make friends.
“You know,” I say, pouring a cup of coffee, “we don’t usually do this kind of thing.”
She narrows her gaze. “Feed your captors pancakes?”
“Kidnap women. Well, anyone, really. We don’t normally kidnap people.”
She nearly chokes on her pancakes. “Really? You just go straight to killing them?”
It sounds terrible to say out loud. “It’s a little more complicated than that. But… yes. Liam doesn’t have the patience for getting to his answers slowly. If he decides he’s done… he’s done.”
Her eyes widen as she bites into her pancakes. “Oh good. I’m a special exception!” The over-the-top attitude was funnier when it wasn’t directed at me. “Is he always so rough?” She shuffles in her chair.
“Yes. He has to be. His operation spans thousands of people, all of whom are killers. Which is why you should know, when you stop seeing Liam or I, you better start talking quick. Anyone else means his patience has run out.”
“Thanks for the tip.” She moves the food around on her plate. “Why does he have so many unhinged people following him?”
“Because he’s a financial genius.” I sip my coffee. “If there’s one thing that makes a room of psychos respect you, it’s your ability to make everyone richer than they would ever know.”
Her eyes roll back into her head. “Financial genius, maker of pancakes,andsatisfier of women. What else can I add to the list?”
I narrow my brows. “Did you guys…”
“No!” She gasps. “God no! I’m engaged… remember?”
“Well, he likes you is all. He hasn’t liked anyone in a long time.”
I can see her wheels spinning. “Well, that’s nice.” She takes a bite of bacon. “Too bad I don’t like him back.”
It’s obvious to see she’s either lying, or she’s covering the truth of her feelings to save the awkwardness of the emotional turmoil it would cause her.
“I’m not sure that matters,” I press. “It hasn’t before. When Liam sees something he wants, he gets it.”
She tips her head back. “Ah.” Her face turns red. “Well, if he wants something, by all means, I’ll spread my legs right here and let him take it.”
“Sorry if I offended you,” I say, taking a sip of the coffee it’s too late in the day for. “I didn’t mean it like you owe him anything. I meant it like… the man is relentless and you should watch out.”
She looks down at her plate, pushing the pancakes through syrup and back again. “Yeah. Well, I’ll be on guard. Thanks for the tip. Forgive me if my breakfast etiquette isn’t the best. I’ve been kidnapped and I’m a little worried for my fiancé and my brother. Plus…” She hesitates. “Nothing.”
“Whatever it is, I won’t say anything.”
Her eyes widen as though I’m insane. “Oh…. okay. So, this is slumber party time. I tell you, the big man who tied my ankles together earlier all my secrets, and in turn, you promise to keep them. Nice try!”
I turn toward her. “Seriously. I met Liam in a similar experience.”
“He kidnapped you?”
