With only the slimmest of hesitations, she nodded.
He smiled faintly, then blew on the steaming brew before lifting it toward her lips. “If it’s too hot, I expect you to tell me.”
“Yes, Sir,” she said softly, letting her gaze fall to her lap.
Oh, sleep had made her soft and a bit mellow. She’d needed it. He liked it.
A pleased smile curled his mouth as he put the china to her lips. She sipped once, twice, then moaned.
“How is it, then?” He brushed the hair from her sleep-soft face. Everything about her drew him—innocent blue eyes, rosy cheeks, graceful shoulders…glorious breasts.
“It’s sweet. A little foreign and fruity. I don’t usually drink tea, but I like that.”
“Excellent.”
About half the cup later, he set it aside on the saucer, then helped her to her feet. She stretched again, every lovely inch of her bare. Liam nuzzled her neck, hands on her hips, fighting the urge to cover her body with his, and get reacquainted with the feel of her cunt gripping his cock and her fingernails in his shoulders. But she wasn’t ready. Hell, at the moment, she was still half asleep. And he shouldn’t give her the impression that he’d swept her infidelity under the carpet by making love to her now. Nor should he distract her from answering the question she’d put off before her nap.
“Come on then, lass. My belly thinks my throat’s been cut, and I love your cooking. The kitchen is well stocked,” he said to entice her.
That perked her up. “I’d like to cook for you.” She looked around the room, then headed toward the closet. “I didn’t have time to pack any clothes. You got a robe in there?”
Before she reached the door, he hooked an arm around her waist and hauled her back against him. “Not so fast. As I said earlier, I like you bare.”
She stiffened. “I’m supposed to cook...naked?”
“Indeed. It’s a sight I’ve looked forward to.” He sent her a lascivious lift of his brow.
“But—”
“I’ll give you an apron if you’re expecting splattering grease or boiling water.”
“But—”
“Stop.” Liam sighed at her protests. Did the woman not understand the meaning of the word submissive? “The caretakers have gone. No one will see you but me.” She hesitated for another long moment. “What now?”
“Um...my feet are cold.”
Was that all? “Easy enough.” He strode to his suitcase and pulled out a pair of socks. “Sit on the bed.”
She did, watching him with those eyes. He slipped the large men’s tube socks on her feet. They hardly fit, but they’d keep her warm.
She stood and moved toward the door. No way he could miss the socks flopping with every step.
Liam laughed. “That’s a fetching look on you, lass.”
Raine turned to him and propped her hands on her hips. “Do you want arsenic with your dinner?”
He sent her a measuring stare. So the kitten didn’t always have her hackles up and her claws out. Liam grinned. He liked this side of her. A pity he wouldn’t see it much until they’d worked through her issues. “Absolutely not.”
“Then no more making fun of me.” She stuck out her tongue.
“My lips are zipped. Now come on, you, before I find other uses for that tongue.” He swatted her backside gently.
Raine made the kitchen her own in about five minutes flat. She came alive in this room, content as she explored the large walk-in cooler for meat and produce, then took stock of the pots and pans in the cupboards. He sat on a high stool, adjusted his aching cock to lie more comfortably, and enjoyed the show as she moved and bent to her task…and added a bit of wriggle for his delight. The saucy minx.
“I know we never got the chance to grab a bag for you before we left. Did we leave behind anything you need? Glasses? Birth control tablets? Any other medicines? I should have asked sooner.” With her back to him, she stilled completely. “What is it?”
She didn’t answer, and he jumped off his stool and approached her, dread coiling in his belly as a sudden thought occurred to him. “Raine? You are on the pill, right?”
Absolute silence.
“Talk to me. Since you reeked of Hammer’s seed this morning, it’s obvious he didn’t use a condom, but tell me that you’re protected.”
Raine turned around, her eyes wide and terrified. “No. Last night, he told me to get on the pill today and I...” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh god. I was so stupid. I thought...” She shook her head. “But I was wrong, and I fuc...really messed up in so many ways.” Her shoulders dropped and her gaze followed. “It seems I always have to ask you to forgive me, and I’m sure you’re going to get tired of it. If you want me to go, I’ll find a way down the mountain and out of your hair. I really am so sorry.” She huddled as if waiting for a blow.