“That’s it, love. That’s what I need. Watch me now. See the pleasure you give me as I come. It’s all you...”
He filled her with slow, torturous strokes that ignited her all over again. When her breath caught and she begged him once more, he finally increased his tempo. As he reached his zenith, Liam wedged his hand between them and stroked her clit.
“Stay with me,” he demanded.
Then he came with a primal yell, sending her over the blissful edge as well.
As they floated down from the stars, he stared. She felt herself flush and smiled, reveling in their intimate silence that somehow managed to speak volumes.
She clung to Liam as he brushed a strand of hair from her face and looked at her as if she was the most beautiful woman on the planet. Amazing that such a man wanted her.
Peace settled in her veins. When she was with him, everything felt so close to perfect. Close...but not quite there. That mild bit of panic every time she thought about the growing distance between her and Hammer gnawed at her. But her girlish love for him wasn’t healthy, and she’d come to realize that she couldn’t devote herself to someone so trapped in the past that he couldn’t build a future and love her in return. He clearly cared...but that alone wasn’t enough. She didn’t know for sure, but it sounded as if Juliet had committed suicide or lived recklessly because she had a death wish. Because Hammer hadn’t been able to show his love?
It didn’t matter. The here and now with Liam, ending the enmity between the men—that mattered.
“I know you wanted to stay at the lodge longer, but thank you for coming back to help me with Hammer. I know you’re pissed at him. I am, too....but I think he needs friends right now. We’ll be all right here, I promise. It will all work out.”
“It will eventually sort itself out. Don’t worry. I think I’ve got a plan.”
Two days later, Raine woke to find Liam showered and dressed, shaking her gently. “Up with you, love. In the shower.”
She stretched. The blankets fell away exposing her breasts. Liam caressed them with his gaze.
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” she teased.
“Trying to fuck me to death, are you?”
She snorted. “As if I could. Probably the other way around.”
He smoothed a hand down her hip, brushing the covers from her thighs. “You’re healing up nicely. Less tender?”
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“Who are you speaking to?” He crossed his arms in disapproval.
“I’m fine, Sir,” she groused.
“Roll over.”
It crossed her mind to resist, but that would only get her in trouble. She really didn’t like disappointing Liam. With a sigh, she did as he bid.
“A bit slower than I’d like, lass. You’re still bruised here or I might spank you a bit.”
“You’re just waiting, aren’t you?”
He laughed. “Counting the seconds.”
She wiggled her ass at him and sent him a coy stare over her shoulder.
“You look fetching, but that will cost you later.”
“Promise?” she quipped.
Liam shook his head at her, then smacked her lightly. “Up, you little glutton. Shower, dry your hair, put on your makeup. I’ll be back shortly, and I want you ready.”
He didn’t give her time to argue, just left. With a shrug, Raine strolled to the bathroom, letting the hot steam of the shower unwind the leftover kinks from her muscles. Every night with Liam was like an Olympic marathon.
When she emerged with a towel around her body, all softened by her scented lotion, she headed to her closet, then stopped short at the sight of a blood-red corset on the bed. Lacy. Provocative. Oh so feminine.
“Put it on, love.”
The command in his voice made her shiver. He wanted something, and he wanted it bad. Raine blinked at him, but his face gave nothing away.
“All right, Sir.”
Liam stood, stared, never taking his eyes off her as she pulled the thong over her hips, then laid the corset over her breasts. He cinched it up. God, the way he touched her, watched her, was beyond intimate. Like he had every right to eat her up with his gaze. Like he owned her.
Once she’d dressed, she approached him, head bowed.
He brushed her crown, smoothing her hair. “Look at me.”
Raine did, wondering what the hell he was up to. What he was thinking.
“You look gorgeous. Come with me.” He took her hand and led her into the hall.
He wanted to scene before breakfast? In the empty dungeon? Why? Did he want her all to himself?
They’d taken no more than two steps outside the room they now shared when he took hold of her arms and stopped her. “I need to talk to you. You’ve accepted my training collar, lass. But we haven’t had time to fasten any symbol of your commitment to me around your neck. I don’t like the fact that other Doms might think you’re fair game. I think it’s time we changed that officially. What do you think?”