Safe Haven

by Brenda Trim

“If you’re a good patient,” Liv smirked.

  He chuckled then tugged her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. He took a deep breath, enjoying the familiar scent of her hair as it fanned across his chest.

  “Mmm, if only I’d known,” he murmured.

  “Known what?” she whispered as she played with the hairs on his chest.

  “That all I had to do was take a few bullets to get you back where you belong. I’d have done that weeks ago,” Lawson admitted.

  “Don’t even joke about that. When I saw Jim pull that trigger, I about had a heart attack,” she professed and lightly slapped his chest.

  “Well, I’m on the mend. I hope that doesn’t mean you’ll be leaving soon. Liv, please stay. I know we can work through this, but I need you here with me,” Lawson admitted and put a finger under her chin and lifted, forcing her to meet his gaze.

  “I have a confession to make,” she muttered.

  “What’s that?” he asked as he twined his fingers through her long red hair.

  “I had an epiphany while talking with Cassie. It dawned on me that what we share is so much greater than what separates us,” she professed and reached up to caress his cheek.

  Her words soothed his restless soul. He didn’t realize how much he needed to hear her say she wasn’t there because he was injured. It wasn’t a pity party for the weak. She genuinely wanted to be there. She wanted him.

  “Liv, I’m so sorry about what happened the night of the Halloween party. Please know that I’m not interested in anyone but you. I want only you,” he vowed as he cupped her face in his palm. “Only you,” he repeated and gazed into beautiful green eyes that set his body on fire.

  “What about Kristi?” she asked, and he saw the genuine hurt in her eyes.

  “She’s gone. I told her she didn’t belong here. She was an opportunist, and that’s not the caliber of shifters I want living here. I hope you believe me when I say it will never happen again,” he divulged and watched as a single tear slipped from the corner of her eye.

  Lawson made a mistake he would regret forever. He might’ve been drugged, but that didn’t change the fact that he slept with Kristi. He wished he could erase the whole fucking night, but he couldn’t. All they could do was put it behind them and move forward.

  “Seeing you with her was the most painful experience of my life. I hope you mean what you say because I can’t go through that again,” she admitted, and he kissed the tear trailing down her cheek.

  “I love you, Liv,” he muttered and claimed her soft lips.

  “Do you?” she murmured as their mouths moved together in a familiar dance.

  “How about I show you instead?” he whispered as his hand traveled lower to cup her breast.

  She moaned as he caressed the creamy globe. “I look forward to that…after you’ve healed,” she said and moved his hand to her side.

  Lawson groaned and threw his head back. “Ugh, fine. Let’s change the subject,” he urged and tucked a silky lock behind her ear. He noticed a red mark on her neck then recalled the leather cord and wolf charm he gave her. “Where’s your necklace?”

  She swallowed and looked away. “Yeah, about that…”

  “What? Did something happen to it?”

  “After Jim shot you, he came at me,” she explained, and Lawson immediately saw red. If that male put his hands on her again, Lawson wouldn’t just kill him. He would slowly torture him then castrate the fucker so he would bleed to death.

  “And?” he barked, unable to leash his anger.

  “I killed him. I took that wolf you made me and shoved into his jugular just like you said. He’s dead, Lawson,” she informed him.

  “Liv, I’m so sorry you had to deal with that. I wish I had killed him. I wanted to make him pay for what he did to you and my father. That wasn’t your burden to bear,” he acknowledged and caressed her cheek.

  Liv was too pure to have Jim’s blood on her hands. It was his fault, and he would never forgive himself for taking her along. He knew better than to put her at risk, but the selfish part of him had wanted to spend time with her.

  “I hated Jim as much as you. And he would’ve killed you, me, and anyone else that got in his way. I don’t regret killing him. I wish we had done it when we the chance months ago. Then you wouldn’t be laying in this bed recovering from gunshot wounds,” she voiced and reached up to palm his face.

  “So where’s the body?” he asked, hoping the authorities weren’t involved. That’s the last thing the shifter community needed.

  “Cassie and I shoved him into the trunk of his car and followed Ryan back here so he could operate on you. I honestly don’t know what happened after that because your brother told me not to worry about it. That he would take care of everything,” Liv explained, and Lawson had a suspicion that Jim’s body was a pile of ash and his car was at the bottom of the lake behind the barn. That’s’ what he would’ve done if it were up to him.

  “That fucker got what he deserved, but I wish I’d been there to protect you. I’m so sorry,” he admitted and placed a tender kiss on Liv's lips.

  “Well, you kinda did protect me. If I hadn’t had that wolf charm, who knows what might’ve happened,” she replied, and he silently thanked Gaia for giving Liv the courage and strength to defeat Jim Jensen.

  “You’re incredibly brave, Olivia Kimbro. Remind me never to go toe to toe with you,” he said and kissed her nose.

  “Don’t forget it, either,” Liv teased and kissed the corner of his mouth. It ignited his ardor, and his cock jerked with need. Forget it, buddy. She’s making us wait.

  “Will you move back in with me? I miss Milo,” he said with a smirk as he rubbed circles on her back.

  “Ha. You probably only want me to come back because of my dog,” Liv teased.

  “Maybe just a little,” he replied and dipped his head to kiss the sensitive flesh at the base of her neck.

  “I’m going to go to my Mom’s in just a bit if you think you can manage without me for a few hours,” she muttered as he trailed kisses along her throat.

  “I’m not sure. I might relapse if you leave,” Lawson murmured against her flesh. She tasted so fucking good, and he inched up to nibble her earlobe.

  “You need to stop that,” she insisted but leaned her head, giving him more access.

  “But I can’t,” he whispered. “You drive me wild, Sunshine,” he murmured then claimed her lips again.

  Lawson gingerly explored her mouth when she parted her lips. He gently stroked his tongue against hers, enjoying her moans. He couldn’t heal fast enough because when Liv gave him the green light, he would pound her body until she screamed for mercy.

  Liv backed out of the driveway and pulled onto the street where her mom lived. She beeped her horn at her mother as she drove away. Milo barked from his perch on her lap when he saw her mom wave goodbye to them. It was kind of sad to be leaving. Liv had enjoyed the quality time spent with her mom. At least she could visit Safe Haven, now that she knew Liv dated a shifter.

  Liv didn’t know why she hesitated to tell her mother about him. Noel was one of the most open-minded people she knew. In fact, she encouraged Liv to work it out with Lawson and said she’d never seen Liv so happy since meeting him.

  “Milo, buddy, are you ready to go back to Hollow Rock and see Lawson?” she asked in the baby voice she used with her dog.

  He jumped onto her chest and licked her face, almost causing her to run off the road. “Okay, okay. Settle down before you end up in the passenger seat. We have one stop to make before we head home,” she told him and took a deep breath.

  She hadn’t seen Bart since the morning after the Halloween party. They texted a few times, but that was it. Their conversations mainly consisted of him asking how she was holding up after her breakup with Lawson. She still felt guilty about what happened between them and certainly didn’t mean to lead him on. There would never be anything but feelings of friendship on her part if he even wanted that. S
he wouldn’t blame him if he hated her. Regardless, she needed to tell him face to face she was moving back to Safe Haven. They were business partners, and she hoped he respected that if nothing else.

  Liv pulled up to the guard station and rolled down her window, smiling at Nick as he stepped out of his booth. “Good evening, Miss Olivia. It always makes me smile when I see you pull in. And hello to you, too, Milo,” he bellowed then reached into his booth and came back holding a dog treat towards her pug.

  Milo latched onto the snack then proceeded to chomp away. “Thank you, Saint Nick. My pup and I have a soft spot for you, as well. Is Bart around?” she asked.

  “Yes ma’am. Just drive on up to the house, and I’ll let him know you’re here. Make sure you say hi to your friend Cassie for me,” he said as he pressed the gate release so she could pass through.

  “Will do,” she said with a wave. Cassie would get a kick out of him sending her a message. She kidded around with Liv about wanting to do him, and Liv wondered if she would go through with it if given a chance. Maybe not since she was gaga over Lawson’s brother, she amended.

  Liv pulled up to the house then grabbed Milo as she exited her vehicle. She walked up the few steps to the oversized doors and knocked. Her heart raced at seeing Bart again. Would he act differently? And what would he say about her going back to Lawson? She had a sinking feeling she already knew what his reaction would be to that.

  The door opened and Patricia, Bart’s cook, greeted them. “Hello, Olivia. Please come in. Bart is in the den,” she informed, and Liv immediately knew he wasn’t happy with her. Bart always came to the door to greet her. Hell, he usually ran out the front door to sweep her into his arms with a big bear hug.

  “Hi, Patricia. So good to see you,” she replied, and the tall woman nodded then excused herself.

  Patricia was wearing one of her elegant pantsuits with her hair coifed to perfection. She was the total opposite of their cook Ashley, which was odd given both women were employees of Bart’s. Ashley was down to earth and most days wore jeans and t-shirts with her hair thrown up into a crazy twist on her head.

  Liv entered the den to see Bart reading in front of the fireplace. He looked up and smiled when he saw her. “Liv, what’s up? And you brought Milo. Hey, buddy,” he crowed, and Milo wiggled in her arms, wanting to be set down.

  Liv placed him to the floor, and her pug took off toward Bart. He scooped him into his arms, scrubbing his back. “I’ve missed you, too,” he said with a laugh. He walked over and leaned down to place a kiss on Liv’s cheek. “So, what brings you by?”

  When did she ever need a reason to visit? No fond endearment of TKO. No hug that left her gasping for air. This distance was what she feared. Their precious friendship deteriorated the minute she gave him mixed signals. She hated herself for jeopardizing something that meant the world to her.

  “I just left my mom’s house and thought I would stop by and see you. Congrats on the reelection. I voted twice,” she teased and nudged his arm, trying to lighten the tension between them.

  “Well, thanks twice then,” Bart answered with a smile that was dazzling. He was one of the best-looking men around.

  “Um, so do you have plans for Thanksgiving?” she asked, needing a segue into her next topic.

  “Haven’t even thought about it. Wow, it’s next week, isn’t it?”

  “Yep. I was hoping you’d come to Safe Haven and join us. My mom is coming, and Cassie will be there, too,” she hedged and carefully watched his reaction to her news.

  “So you went back to him? After what he did to you, you went back?” he asked and shook his head.

  “Bart, there’s a lot more to the story than you realize. I didn’t come to debate this. I made my decision. And the last thing I want is to argue with you. I just wanted you to hear it from me. I hope we can still be friends,” she muttered and met his chocolate-brown eyes. There was no warmth or mirth displayed across his face. Only disappointment.

  “I don’t want to argue, either. I’ll always be your friend, Liv, but I refuse to sit and watch him break your heart again. I appreciate your invitation, but I’m afraid the answer is no. Please give my love to your mom and Cassie,” Bart said and handed Milo to her. “I better get back to my paperwork,” he added and turned to walk her to the door.

  When they reached the entryway, Bart leaned down and kissed her cheek again. “Take care, TKO.”

  “You, too, BS,” she replied, and when the door closed, tears spilled from her eyes.

  Liv went to Bart’s house, wanting to reconcile their friendship, but what she got instead was a goodbye.

  Chapter 19

  Liv left her office, eager to get home. Lawson texted and said he had a surprise for her and she couldn’t wait to see what it was. She hoped he didn’t push himself with a project that involved physical labor because he was still healing from his injuries.

  She cranked the Jeep and immediately turned the heater to the highest setting. A cold front blasted the eastern coast of the country, leaving it unseasonably cold. She couldn’t wait to get to Safe Haven and grab a glass of wine then retreat to the family room and massive fireplace. She loved relaxing by the fire, especially with her sexy shifter.

  Luckily, her office wasn’t far from home, and fifteen minutes later, Liv pulled her Jeep around the back of the hotel. She dashed from her vehicle to the back door, escaping the brutal winds. She entered the kitchen and was bombarded by the heavenly scent of cinnamon.

  “Mmm, what is it that’s making my mouth water?” Liv asked.

  Ashley looked up from the stainless steel island and smiled. “Hola, chica. That would be tonight’s dessert. Dinner will be ready soon. How was your day?”

  “Not bad. And I have some great news for Lawson. Is he upstairs?” Liv asked.

  “No. Lawson's in the family room,” Ashley replied.

  “Oh good. He must be feeling better. I’ll go check on him,” Liv replied and left the kitchen.

  She walked through the main entry of the hotel and crossed to the family room. Lawson was sitting on the oversized sofa, reading a newspaper. Butterflies took flight in her stomach. Her heart still fluttered at the sight of him.

  “Hey, baby. It’s so good to see you out of bed. How are you feeling?” she asked and made her way to his side. She plopped down on the cozy sofa and leaned in to kiss his full lips.

  Warmth spread through her body upon contact. Lawson was better than any heating blanket. “Better now that you’re here. I had Ashley bring in some wine,” he told her and Liv looked to the coffee table. There were two empty glasses and an opened bottle of Malbec sitting on the wood surface.

  “Ooo, perfect,” she replied and leaned forward, pouring them each a glass.

  She handed Lawson his then clinked their glasses together. “Here’s to cold nights by a warm fire with my Outlaw,” she announced and watched his lip lift in the corner.

  His sexy smirk made her toes curl. A ripple of arousal coursed through her body, reminding her they hadn’t made love since she moved back in with him.

  She insisted they wait until he was fully healed, but her body needed sating. It was driving her mad to sleep next to his hard body and not ravage him. She hoped that him moving about was a sign he was ready because she couldn’t fight the desire much longer.

  “You know, I was going to wait until after dinner to give you your surprise, but your toast just changed my mind. Follow me, my love,” Lawson urged and got to his feet. Liv noticed he didn’t flinch or groan from the movement, which was encouraging.

  He offered her his arm and Liv grabbed the bottle of wine then slid her arm through his. They took the elevator to the third floor and headed to their suite. Her heart raced with excitement. She couldn’t imagine what the surprise might be.

  Lawson opened the door to their room then gestured for Liv to enter. She stepped inside, and her eyes widened. Against one wall was a massive fireplace. None of the rooms at the hotel offered one, and it was h
er biggest complaint. For one, their room stayed cold regardless of how high they turned the thermostat. And two, there were many nights she wanted privacy with Lawson, but the only fireplace was open to all pack members and wasn’t conducive to alone-time with her man.

  Milo ran over and jumped on her leg, wanting attention. Liv picked him up and cuddled him against her chest. “How did you do this? You said we couldn’t have one because there wasn’t adequate ventilation for a flue,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief as she walked over to the burning flame.

  “Well, this is an electric heater. The flame you see is infrared. It won’t throw off as much heat as a log-burning fireplace, but it does offer ambiance,” Lawson explained and walked up behind Liv wrapping his arm around her waist.

  Liv set down Milo, and he scurried to his doggie bed, which Lawson had placed near the fire. Her pup seemed pleased with the new addition to their room.

  “It’s beautiful,” she acknowledged and turned in his arms so that she was facing him. “Thank you,” she added and placed her lips on his.

  Their kiss quickly heated and Lawson took advantage when she parted her lips. He set his glass on a nearby dresser then reached down and removed the bottle and glass from her hands, all the while exploring her mouth.

  “Liv, I want you. I can’t wait another fucking minute,” he muttered against her mouth.

  She pulled away and met his gaze. His gray eyes were filled with lust and need. “Are you sure? It won’t hurt you, will it?” she asked.

  “Baby, the only part of my body that aches is my cock. It needs to be inside you,” he husked, and she felt his hands slide to her ass and squeeze. Moisture pooled between her legs as his hard length prodded her belly.

  “Good,” she moaned and reached for the hem of his shirt and tugged it over his head.

  Liv’s hands roamed over Lawson’s chest, and he groaned when she lowered her head to lick his nipple. She teased him as she nibbled the sensitive flesh. He grabbed her face between his hands and lifted her head. His mouth crashed against hers, and he ravaged her mouth. Her arms wrapped around his neck, tugging him closer. He could feel her lush bosom smashed against his bare chest and his hands itched to roam over her soft skin.