Liam pulls his hand out of my shorts, and bringing his finger to my mouth, he orders, “Open.” My lips part, and he pushes his finger inside. “Suck, baby.”
Sweet Jesus.
My tongue swirls around his finger as I taste my arousal.
“So fucking good,” his voice rumbles in my ear. Pulling his finger out, he orders, “Fire the gun.”
After my shooting slash orgasming lesson, I head to Navy Pier to meet Mom.
We said we’d meet by the Ferris wheel, so I stop nearby and glance up at Declan. We’ve been avoiding the subject of what happened at the warehouse, and it’s really starting to bother me.
“Thank you for keeping me safe.”
Declan glances down at me, then nods. He takes a deep breath, his eyes scanning over all the people. “You can’t fight me when I’m tryin’ to keep you alive. You get that, right?”
I nod. “But you can’t blame me for not wanting to leave Liam.”
“I get that.”
“So, what do we do when that happens again?”
Declan shakes his head. “You’re my priority, Kiara. I’ll fuckin’ throw you over my shoulder again.”
“You’re like an overprotective brother. Never had one of those.”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “Pain in the ass, little sister. Always wanted one.”
We’re both smiling like idiots when Mom walks toward us with Rowan, Ian, Caleb, and Hudson, practically surrounding her.
Rowan sticks to Mom’s side, where the others fall back.
“Hey, sweetie,” Mom smiles.
We hug each other, and I take a deep breath of her familiar scent. “Hi, Mom.”
When we pull back, she looks at my shorts. “It’s a bit chilly today. Aren’t you cold?”
“You’re cold?” Rowan asks her, already starting to remove his jacket. Before Mom can answer, he places it over her shoulders.
She gives him a grateful look. “Such a caring boy.” Turning her attention back to me, she says, “Let’s get some coffee.”
After we have our beverages, we find a spot where we can stare at the lake. “How are things? Are you still moving in with Liam?”
Nodding, I twirl the ring on my finger. “I have something to tell you.”
“Oh no, did something happen?”
I’m so not telling her about the video and attack. “I love Liam, Mom.”
Her eyebrows dart up. “But you haven’t even known the man for that long.”
I shrug. “I love him.” Letting out a slow breath, I continue, “He’s everything I ever wanted and more. He makes me unbelievably happy.”
Mom tilts her head, her eyes searching for the truth in my words. “That’s all I want, sweetie. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”
A smile stretches over my face. “Sooo.” Lifting my hand, I let her see the ring. “He proposed, and I said yes.”
“Sweet Jesus,” she gasps, covering her mouth with a hand. With wide eyes, she stares at the diamond on my finger, then she looks at me. “Are you sure this is what you want? Are you ready for such a big commitment?”
“I am,” I reply with certainty. “I want to spend the rest of my life with Liam.”
“But, sweetie. It’s all happening so quick.”
I understand why Mom’s worried, so I explain, “I know it’s quick. At first, I had my reservations, but, Mom, I’ve found a man who would move heaven and earth to keep me safe, to love me, to make me happy.” I glance out over the lake, then shake my head. “It’s like he’s always been a part of me. It feels like I’ve known him my entire life. Like I’m finally home.”
Emotion washes over Mom’s face, then she reaches for me. As we hug, she murmurs, “I’m happy you’ve found your soulmate.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
With the news out of the way, we spend an hour snacking on food from nearby stands while Mom tells me how her guards have practically adopted her as their second mother.
When Mom and her boys leave, Declan shoves the last of his hotdog into his mouth. His phone starts ringing, and digging the device out, he answers around a full mouth, “Declan.” I glance to where Waylon, Ezra, and Ryan are waiting. “I’ll do that… Okay.”
Tucking the device back into his pocket, Declan takes hold of my arm. “Let’s go home so I can kick your ass in poker.”
“You wish,” I laugh.
Chapter 44
Liam
While Kiara’s enjoying lunch with her mom, Will and I are making sure Luca’s shipment is transferred to a new truck and sent on its way toward the border.
My phone starts ringing, and seeing Viktor’s name flashing on the screen, I answer, “Liam.”
“I’ve just become your favorite person.”
My heart kicks up a beat faster. Letting out a chuckle, I say, “That all depends.”
“Finn’s at the Damen Silos. One of my men tracked him there. Get your ass there before he disappears again.”
Fucking finally.
“I owe you,” I breathe, my heart beating double time.
“I know.”
The call ends, and I look at Will. “We’ve got the fucker.”