I was home now, and I wanted Shelby beside me. Hurrying up the stairs, I pushed open my door in anticipation, stopping at the sight of an empty bed.
Where was she?
I took the next flight of stairs two at a time. Shelby’s door was ajar, and I opened it slowly, gazing silently at what I saw.
Shelby was asleep, her book fallen on her lap and her sexy glasses barely on her nose. Her head was propped on her shoulder, her long hair falling over her chest. I grinned when I saw she was wearing one of my T-shirts. The rush of tenderness I only ever felt when looking at her filled me. I moved forward quietly, pulling off her glasses and awkwardly trying to settle her into a more comfortable position. I had never looked after anyone before, but I wanted to look after Shelby.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Liam?” she mumbled sleepily.
“Hey.” I pushed back her hair from her face. “Of course it’s me. You were expecting someone else, Beaker? Another charming Brit? Prince Harry, maybe?”
She giggled and yawned as she curled into a ball. “No, I only like one Brit. Most charming of them all.”
“Bloody right.”
“Why are you in my room?”
I nuzzled her cheek. “You weren’t in my bed waiting for me, so I came to find you.”
She blinked. “I didn’t know if you wanted that.”
I moved my lips to her forehead. “I always want you there now, Shelby. But you’re tired. Sleep. I only wanted to check on you.”
Smiling, she moved over. “I have room.”
I didn’t need another invitation. I threw off my clothes, leaving only my boxers, and slipped in beside her. I wrapped my arms around her, loving how she curled against me, her head buried in my neck. She fell back to sleep fast, and I listened to her even breathing, letting the quiet rhythm lull me into the same restful state.
I nuzzled Shelby’s neck. She smelled so bloody good. With her hair up and her lovely skin on display, I couldn’t resist. I knew I should. Everett was right. Walking in, the flashes and yelling had been unrelenting. Although we never stopped, or even paused for an interview, the photographers and paps had all gotten our picture together. I didn’t care. I knew we were being watched now as well and pictures were even being taken, but, again, I didn’t care.
“Liam,” Shelby warned, but her voice wasn’t much of a deterrent. It sounded breathy and wanting. I smiled against her warmth. I was affecting her as well. I wanted her. After waking up together Sunday morning, the hours since had been one long, painful session of foreplay. She was gone when I woke in the mornings, and we were both so busy that when I did see her, some cuddles and a few kisses were all we shared. I hated having so many appointments and meetings that I was pulled away from her constantly throughout the day.
I was ready for more. I felt like if I didn’t shag her soon, my head would explode. One of them, for sure.
Shelby was everywhere. I could hear her voice and her sweet laughter all over the house. Her scent soaked into the air and swirled around me as I tried to work. Every time I walked into the kitchen, I could feel her stare. Every time we were close, I had to touch her. Her lips called to me. Her body beckoned. I was going crazy with lust. But we were never alone. It was like our house was suddenly Grand Central Terminal for everyone in our lives. Why, I had no bloody idea. I was sure they were all doing it on purpose. Torturing me, those buggers.
And then, tonight.
She was a siren. Lily dressed her in a sleek, red, formfitting dress, once again leaving a shoulder glistening and bare. My grandmother’s earrings caught the light as her head moved. The bracelet was back on her wrist. Twinkling on the red at her shoulder was a diamond brooch I had pinned on her before we left. I had marked her with my tokens of my affection. She thought they were on loan, but in my heart, they already belonged to her. Just like me.
And she was mine.
Everyone here knew it.
Shelby’s hand pushed on my chest. I pulled back, not at all embarrassed at having my passion witnessed. I dropped one more kiss on her neck. “Tonight, Shelby. Tonight, you’re mine. Completely.”
She shivered.
I grinned.
We ate, talked, smiled, and never once was there a time I wasn’t touching her. My leg was firmly pressed against hers. Whenever possible, I found her small hand with mine and stroked her skin slowly. When speaking to someone else at the table, I casually leaned back in my chair, my arm draped around the back of hers, my finger gently teasing the skin on her shoulder, causing the most delightful shudders to race through her, making me smirk. Douglas sat at our table, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he watched us. He chatted, his companion that evening his manager, Henri. I smiled when Shelby told Douglas that her friend, Caroline, who she thought would be perfect for him, was coming to visit soon. He nodded silently, no doubt playing along with her suggestions with no intent on following them through. I was pretty sure Douglas had no plans for a long-term relationship at this point.
By the time the speeches, presentations, and donations were done, so was I. I had done my duty, and my debt to the studio was paid. I needed Shelby alone—I was finished sharing. I needed her pressed against me, and this time, I didn’t plan on stopping. I was locking the doors, setting the security override, shutting off the phone, and then nobody and nothing was coming between us.
After saying our goodnights, I looked through the window at the crowd below. I pulled Shelby to my side and indicated the constant flashes. There were a large number of celebrities here coming and going by this point, and the paps were out in full force. I cupped her cheek in comfort. “Maybe I should get the car to the back.”
She shook her head, although her voice sounded nervous. “I’m fine. Unless it’s easier for you…”
“No.” I refused to allow them to dictate my life. I wasn’t ashamed to be seen with Shelby. As long as she could handle it, we would face it together. It was going to happen one way or another, so it might as well be on our terms. I wrapped my arm around her waist. “Just keep walking with your head down. Ignore the flashes. Ignore the shit they yell. Do not react, no matter what they say or shout. They’re doing it to get your reaction. Don’t give it to them. Just hold on to me. Don’t let go, and don’t stop. Mark will run interference.”
“Okay.”
“Ready?”
She drew in a deep breath, and I tightened my hold.
“Yes.”
The flashes were almost blinding. Loud voices shouting my name came from all directions. I kept my eyes focused on Mark’s back, following closely. Beside me, I felt Shelby stiffen and push herself closer to my side, turning her face away from the lights. It was worse than I thought it would be, and I knew if I was finding it loud, she must be overwhelmed. They were in a frenzy to get a reaction. Strangely, I remained calm, knowing Shelby needed my guidance and strength. I knew Mark wouldn’t let anyone close to us—it was simply a matter of ignoring the noise.
By the time we made it to the car, Shelby’s head was buried in my neck, and she was shaking. Once safely inside, I pulled her onto my lap, holding her close.
“Sorry, Beaker,” I mumbled, pressing my lips to her hair. “All right there?”
She nodded against my shoulder, and I let her rest there and gather her thoughts as we finally cleared the area and the car picked up speed. At least we weren’t being followed.
“It’ll get better,” I assured her. “Like Everett said, this is new. Someone or something else will get their attention.” I gathered her closer. “It’s like a wave, Shelby. It will crest and ease off, but we have to ride it out. Don’t let it scare you away, please.”
She tilted her head, and she offered me a shaky smile. “It was…loud.”
“It was.”
“Are they always that obnoxious?”
“Unfortunately, yes. There’s a group of them that will do anything for a reaction. You have to ignore them, as hard as it is sometimes. We’ll keep Mark close for the time being. An
d I think maybe Everett and Cassidy will come with us the next couple of appearances. No one messes with your brother.”
“Do you think it will die down that quickly?”
“I don’t know,” I replied honestly. “It depends…”
“They’re going to have a field day with the fact that I’m married.”
“You’re not married—there is a separation on file. Your ex deserted you, and you’ll be divorced as soon as we find him or move to the next step,” I stated firmly. “One of those will happen soon. Everett already has a statement prepared. It’s covered.”
“My age…” she whispered.
“Is not an issue for me. Case closed.”
She sighed. “Well then, I guess we can only hope there is some big scandal, or an actor gets caught fucking a goat to take the heat off us, right?”
I burst out laughing. “There’s always a scandal, Beaker. But the goat might work.”
She cupped my cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”
I huffed a sigh of relief. “Good.”
“But I need something.”
“Anything.”
“I need you. Tonight. Make it all go away, but you. Us.”
My mouth covered hers. “Yes. Fuck…yes.”
If I thought Shelby was sexy the other night in her red corset, the sight of her tonight in front of me, in a lacy, barely there bra, almost did me in. I wanted to fall at her feet and worship her. Thoroughly. From the nervous look on her face, as she stood in front of me, biting her lip, I decided that was exactly what needed to be done. Keeping eye contact, I slowly sank to my knees in front of her. Gently, I pulled off the low-heeled, Liam-approved shoes, running my thumbs along her instep, smirking at her low moan as I placed her bare feet on the floor. I ran my hands up her legs, tickling the backs of her knees as she giggled, her muscles bunching against my fingers. Her eyes widened as I stroked higher, finally cupping her firm ass and pulling her toward me. I kissed her stomach as I stared at her, spreading my hands wide against the skin of her back. Her chest moved rapidly while the air around us grew heated as I stood, drawing her close. My mouth hovered over hers. “Tell me you want this, Shelby, please.”
“I do,” she whispered. “And I’m covered. Birth control-wise. I got tested after Malcolm…” Her voice trailed off.
I nodded in understanding. “It’s been months—longer—for me. I was tested, and I’m clean too.”
“Then we’re good.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “Good. Brilliant.”
I crashed my mouth to hers, our kiss desperate and needy. She pushed and tugged off my jacket as I made quick work of the pretty red scrap of lace covering her breasts. Small clicks of buttons hitting the floor and bouncing off the dresser made me smile as Shelby pulled off my dress shirt impatiently.
“Easy, tiger,” I growled against her mouth, lifting her from the pool of red at her feet and carrying her to the bed. My bed. Placing her in the middle, I stood back, grinning at the sight before me.
Shelby, naked except for the wisp of lace that covered her center, her dark hair spread across the pillows. My pillows. Her chest was heaving, her nipples erect and begging for my mouth. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes glazed as she watched me shrug out of what was left of my shirt and loosen my belt, letting my pants drop to the floor. She bit her lip when she realized I was once again commando.
“Like what you see?” I teased her.
Her eyes widened. “You’re…you’re uncircumcised. You have a hoodie, Liam.”
I looked down. Was this a problem? I was British after all.
“Shelby?”
“I’ve never…um, never seen or…”
Oh. OH.
Grinning, I stroked myself. “Nothing to be scared of. Just a little extra skin.”
She arched her eyebrow at me sexily. “You got a lot of extra…skin…there.”
I waggled my eyebrows back at her. “I got a lot of extra everything, baby. All for you.”
She whimpered.
“You want to be introduced to all my, ah, skin, Shelby?”
She arched her back, pushing out her rosy-tipped breasts. “Yes. I’d like it closer.”
Groaning, I stepped away from my pants and let her see how much I wanted to be closer as well. My cock was already weeping, aching to be buried inside her. I wrapped my hand back around my knob, slowly stroking it, teasing her. “How much closer, baby?”
Shelby rose and grabbed my arm, pulling me to her as she slid off the bed. Now she was the one looking at me, eyes locked—her expression one of raging passion. “This close,” she murmured, wrapping her lips around me and drawing my dick into the warm wetness of her mouth.
Jesus.
My eyes rolled back in my head at the unexpected pleasure.
Fuck.
I buried my hands in her hair as she worked me.
Tongue. Lips. Teeth.
Licking. Sucking. Nibbling.
Her hands gripped my ass as she hummed and swallowed, the sensations driving me crazy as I hissed, moaning and bucking deeper into her mouth.
She might not have any experience with “hoodies,” as she called them, but dammit, my girl was a fast learner.
She was far too good at this, and as much as I wanted her never to stop, she had to.
Now.
“Shelby, baby, stop,” I pleaded. “Please.”
She pulled back, her lips wet and swollen. “Why?” she whispered, her tongue slowly curling up my shaft, teasing and swirling the engorged head she had tenderly exposed. “You didn’t like that?”
“Bloody hell, it was smashing, that was,” I panted.
“Why do you want me to stop, then?” she breathed out as her lips grazed the sensitive head.
I shuddered and pulled her to her feet. “I want inside you.”
Her eyes darkened even further as she lay down, her arms outstretched. “I’m waiting.”
I was all over her. I licked and nipped at her creamy skin as I caressed and fondled her. I tore off the last piece of clothing separating us, pulling her legs apart as I slipped my fingers into her wetness, causing her to gasp and arch closer to my touch. I teased and caressed, kissing her, drawing out her passion until she was writhing and pleading. Needing me buried in her as deeply as I wanted to be. Slipping between her legs, I gazed at her. She was so beautiful as she stared at me, desire and longing etched in her expression. Her eyes pleaded as her body shook with desire. As desperate as I was for her, I needed her to know, to understand. This wasn’t just sex for me. Not this. Not her.
I trailed my finger down her cheek. “I love you, Shelby.”
I covered her mouth with mine as I buried myself inside her. We both stilled for a moment, our eyes wide and open as the feeling of being joined so intimately raced through us.
Nothing could compare to this moment.
Nothing would ever be the same.
There would never be anyone else for me.
Shelby’s voice was pleading. “Now, Liam…God…please…now…”
With a low groan, I began to move. Deeper and deeper, I slipped inside her. Our hands grasped together, our lips pressing and sharing deep, wet, open-mouthed kisses as our voices whispered and moaned while we rocked and trembled, loved and fucked.
Watching her come was spellbinding. Hearing my name in her breathy, longing voice as she locked down around me sent me over the edge. I moaned her name into the damp, fragrant skin of her neck, panting as my orgasm twisted and turned, burning me with the intensity of the feeling.
I gathered Shelby into my arms, holding her tight. I was too overcome to speak, and for moments, the room was quiet except for the sound of our deep breathing. Shelby’s lips ghosted over my chest, the sensations like a butterfly alighting on my skin. I ran my hand through her dark hair, my caresses gentle and light. It was as if the intense, burning passion had faded to a warm, downy blanket of emotion that wrapped around us. I had never experienced anything like it. I never wanted to be wit
hout it again.
I nuzzled her forehead, smiling as she gazed at me. “Ta, Beaker.”
She smiled the way I knew she would. She loved it when I said “ta.”
She traced my lips with her finger. “Wow.”
I grinned against her touch. “Bloody right, wow.” I pulled in her finger, sucking it gently, swirling my tongue around the digit as I stared at her intently. Nipping the end, I released it with a kiss as she stared back at me. I grinned at the look of sudden desire that crept back into her eyes and pushed myself up, keeping my weight on my elbows as I hovered over her. My lips trailed up her neck, my tongue bathing her skin roughly. “Advantage of dating a younger man, Shelby.” I nipped at her lobe playfully. “We’re…” bite “always…” lick “ready…” kiss “for…” nip “the…” nuzzle “next…” thrust “round.”
The way her arms draped around my neck, pulling me to her, it appeared she was as well.
Brilliant.
15
Liam
“You should turn on your phone,” Shelby murmured from her spot in my arms. “I’m sure Ev has been trying to call. It’s almost two in the afternoon.”
I kissed her damp shoulder, running my lips up her neck, loving the shiver that went through her whole body. “Not happening. I’ll turn it back on tomorrow.”
She leaned her head against my shoulder. “I’m surprised he hasn’t shown up.”
I smirked down at her. “He might have. I changed the passcodes on the gate and the house. He can’t get in.” I tilted up her chin, dropping a kiss on her tempting lips. “I’m not ready to share you again. Not yet. I want you to myself today. He and the rest of the world can bloody well wait.”
Changing Roles Page 14