“Tell me,” he breathed in her ear.
With a little whimper, her head fell back, and she melted into him. Bloody hell if that wasn’t one of the most arousing sights he’d ever seen.
“Two years ago.”
“Where is he now?” He pinched her nipple, then soothed it with a caress.
She gasped. “Gone.”
“What happened?” He lifted his free hand to her other nipple, giving it equal attention.
Raine arched, thrusting her lush breasts deeper into his hands. God, how had Hammer resisted her for so long? Already, Liam was hungry to fuck her. But hell, she needed his guiding hand far more than sex.
“Hammer always hunts down any man who touches me and sends them away.”
So Hammer had been hoarding Raine. Yes, he’d begun by protecting her, but…the road to hell was paved with good intentions. And as her little backside squirmed in his lap, Liam realized he’d better keep that in mind, too. No way she could mistake his throbbing cock for passing interest.
She twisted around to look at him. He shouldn’t…but he couldn’t fucking stop himself.
Liam cupped her face, then captured her mouth. She opened hesitantly, but that was all he needed to deliver her a deep, drugging kiss. Then Raine went wild, turning toward him, throwing her arms around his neck, and straddling him, pressing herself tightly against his body.
The lass was indeed starved for touch. A groan slipped free from his chest as he gave it to her with a wicked onslaught of his lips and tongue. Her breath caught, and she wriggled her pussy against him like she’d caught fire.
Normally, he might not think she’d earned an orgasm. She hadn’t been formally punished for her defiance yet. But Hammer had hurt Raine far more with his rejection than if he’d opened her skin with a whip. What she needed now was a reason to stay. And Liam needed a way to bind her to him so he could keep her here. He meant to use every weapon at his disposal: kindness, affection, pleasure. He’d steep her in orgasm until she had no interest in leaving. Then, once she’d learned a bit, once he’d displayed her pleasure with him and given Hammer the opportunity to go insane with jealousy, and once his friend had claimed the woman he loved…well, then Liam figured he’d consider it a job well done.
Raine clung to Liam, ground herself into his thick, steely cock, and whimpered. Every kiss between them was fireworks and rocket launchers. God, he felt incredible. Hot, muscled, persuasive, determined. He kissed like a god. With one seductive whisper, he could distract her utterly. One touch, and she felt her defenses crumbling. But those lips could capture her soul. Yes, she loved Hammer, but…Liam set her on fire.
Why? Why wasn’t her body following her heart?
She pulled away and blinked into Liam’s dark eyes. Why did that matter if Hammer didn’t want her? Liam had given her a host of reasons to consider his proposal. Maybe she should.
“Was that a yes to my proposition?” His gaze drilled into her as he waited for an answer.
Raine could actually feel his desire when he touched her, surging toward her like a tidal wave, big and strong and sure. But what if he got tired of her after a few days? What if he fucked her once or twice then got her out of his system? What if she ended up alone again?
Liam brushed his fingers through the hair at her temple, then palmed her neck—a silent reminder that he waited. Did she have it in her to submit, really and truly? Did she trust him enough to try? Maybe. She wanted to. But she’d probably fail. As tempting as his offer was, she should save them both the trouble now.
On the other hand, what if she said yes? Raine suspected she’d be out of her clothes and flat on her back in less than a minute. Would that really be so bad? Besides being sexy as hell, Liam made her feel like a goddess. And she really needed that now. Kink aside, he seemed like a gentleman. Maybe he’d give her time to learn and adjust...get used to him.
Raine drew in a shuddering breath. “You heard my argument with Hammer. I’m not very good at being submissive, I don’t think. When I lose my temper, I’m awful at controlling what I say. I mean to be good… I think I’m doomed to disappoint you.” For whatever reason, that thought nearly made her cry again. Her throat closed up. Embarrassment stung. “For my own selfish reasons, I want to say yes. But you’ve been beyond fair. I can’t be less so. The truth is, I probably can’t be what you want or need.”
He smiled gently. “We’ll never know unless we give it a whirl. I’ve the desire and patience to help you. What have you got to lose, lass?”