by Dede Craig
Her thoughts were jolted when an electric sizzle went from her fingertips, up her arm, and to the rest of her body.
Liam’s hand was wrapped around her own, and her body edged forward, leading her to the back of the foyer toward the floor-to- ceiling glass frameless doors. His steps were quick, and in her heels she half-ran in a noisy attempt to keep up with him. She was unable to take in the rest of the house, and she stared at his broad back instead.
His skin was so warm, she wanted to feel it on her face. But, she reminded herself, it was a simple gesture. He was simply leading her to the veranda. And she was supposed to be angry at him, not attracted to him. So why did she feel so inexplicably hot, bothered, and anxious? She was nervous, but she closed her fingers around his as she walked.
He flinched as she did, and his grip tightened around hers.
They walked through an opening of the glass doors, arriving at a wrought iron table with matching cushioned chairs.
He let go of her hand to pull out one of the upholstered cream chairs for her.
Gia glanced at him, placing her handbag around the back of the chair before taking her seat.
He turned to take the seat opposite her.
On the table a selection of fresh fruit and lemon iced tea, her favorite beverage, was laid out. In front of her, a modern silver dome lid covered her plate. She leaned forward and slowly lifted the lid. Gasping, her bottom lip dropped open, and she stared at her plate.
“Oh my God, this is—” She looked up quizzically, meeting the bemusement in his eyes watching her reaction.
Neatly arranged on her plate was her favorite and heavily customized sushi salad. Alternating slices of salmon and avocado were laid carefully across a bed of fresh butter lettuce. The pink and green confection was garnished with a mixture of mayonnaise, diced green chili, fresh ginger, wasabi, and a splattering of soya sauce.
As far as she knew, she was the only one who ate the salad this way. She racked her brain, trying to remember if she had written it as a special catering request, but she was sure she had not.
“Your favorite, yes, I know.” His lips curled along with the arch of one sexy, dark brow. He moved his arms up, elbows bent onto the table. He held his hands, watching her from the side of them.
“I haven’t had this in ages. Most of the restaurants have no idea what I mean when I try to explain exactly how I want it, and I never have time to make it at home. Oh my.” She stared at the tantalizing display, her hand still holding the lid aloft.
“Here, let me get this.” He removed the lid from her hand and placed it on the edge of the table. “I thought if I was getting you lunch as an apology, it would be more effective if it was your favorite. Though I must admit, no one I consulted had heard of it either, but Anna and Enzo are excellent cooks. This was all Anna though.” He smiled and looked down at the dish.
“She made this? Wow, I’m impressed. Can I take her home?” She giggled softly before looking down at the beckoning spicy salmon salad. She swallowed, her mouth watering already. She was actually hungry. She slowly picked up the sterling silver fork and matching knife then cut the mixture into bite sizes before popping a piece into her mouth, moaning when the taste sensation coursed through her.
He watched while she ate. Though he was smiling, there was a faint trace of the pained look across his face.
“Oh I’m sorry.” She covered her mouth, swallowing, before reaching for the napkin. “It just looks irresistible. Would you like to try some?” She wiped her mouth gently with the corner of her retrieved napkin.
“No need to be sorry, go ahead. The mixture looks quite interesting, but I’ll pass this time.”
“Come on. Tell me, how did you know this was my favorite? I don’t recall requesting it or mentioning it.” She raised her brow quizzically.
“If you must know, it’s not exactly mission impossible to get information on you. You should be careful of the company you keep.” He threw her a wicked smile. “I simply asked your agent. He was actually quite happy to tell me exactly how you like it, down to the drizzle of soya and ratio of fresh chili to mayo. I figured he would know you the longest and would know what your favorite food was. Turns out I was right.”
“Charlie told you? I didn’t even know he paid attention to what I ate. But thank you, it means a lot. I really appreciate it.” She found herself staring deeply into his eyes while she spoke, and she could feel the heat rising again, settling on her face, making its way down her neck and settling somewhere between her chest and her core. She blinked rapidly and looked down at the plate instead.
He leaned forward and lifted the jar of lemon iced tea before pouring into both their glasses.
She reached for the glass and took a slow sip, and then turned to look at the vast backyard. It was decidedly more a landscaped oasis than a yard. There was a crystal-clear infinity swimming pool and spa which stood amid the intricate design of a real-life secret garden.
“This is amazing” She placed the glass back on the table before eating more of the salad. “Did you always live here?”
He sat back in his chair, placing his arms on the armrests while he watched her. “Pretty much. It’s been in my family since my grandfather bought the estate in the fifties. We’ve lived here most of my life. My parents, well, they passed, so now it’s just us. My brother and I.”
“I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. It is what it is. I’m glad you like it.”
His eyes took on a subtle wistful look.
Gia noted a sadness there, guessing it was in reference to his parents. She swallowed a pang of sympathy. She had forgotten she was mad at him, and now she had the urge to reach out and hold his hand.
“So where is your brother? You guys are twins, right?”
He smiled, though only one corner of his lip was raised. And, she noted a wicked glint in his eyes.
She swallowed another forkful of perfectly ripened avocado before continuing. “In case you’re wondering, I saw photos of you in your father’s office a couple of years ago. He was one of the first to give me a chance to headline a movie, did you know? I used to go there with Charlie. Although I only saw him a couple of times. When I saw you today, I didn’t recognize you. You’ve changed, well, from then, in the photos, I mean.”
He looked at her as if he was searching for an answer on her mouth, then his lips curled up slowly into his unique, delicious smile.
“Sorry I’m rambling. I do that sometimes.”
“Ramble on. It’s adorable. It turns me on. “
She swallowed and exhaled sharply. “Adorable? Hardly, I’m twenty-six years old. Rambling is adorable at six, twenty-six, not so much.” She ignored the “turn-on” part, though her body heat inched up, as did her stomach as it flipped then settled, and she shifted in her chair.
He moved his hand, his elbow still on the armrest, then placed two fingers on his temple, his chin resting on his thumb. “You don’t look a day over twenty,” he whispered, his voice hoarse and tense. His eyes traversed slowly down to her neck then up again, piercing her eyes.
She could feel the current working its way through her body, her breath shallow. “You’re sweet, and you’re teasing me. But trust me, the more makeup they have to use on me, the older I feel. Oh gosh, it sounds like I’m fishing for compliments. Please just ignore me.”
“Ignoring you is hardly possible. You look perfect. More so without the makeup they put on your face.”
She smiled. “So I look horrible now?”
He was blinking so slowly, she wondered if it was a deliberate attempt to unnerve her.
“No, I just prefer you without makeup. It’s sexier.”
“I’ll let Sam know you said her natural look doesn’t look natural.” She giggled then immediately regretted it. She hadn’t been this self-conscious around a man in a long time. She could have been thirteen all over again, blushing uncontrollably and giggling in what she was sure was a high-pitched squeal.
He smiled, moving forward. He seemed to be considering his next question, his jaw tensing. “So, you don’t know my brother, Aidan.”
“No, not at all. Just from the photos.”
“You sure?” he asked with a wry gleam laced across the dark pupils of his eyes.
Shuffling in her seat, she said, “If I did, don’t you think I would have known who you were earlier today, pretending to be Cole? Identical twins.”
Mock satisfied, he leaned back. “Good point. Again, I’m sorry. I should have just told you I wasn’t Cole.”
Although she wanted to know why someone in his position would pretend to be anyone else, she bit her lip. “It’s fine, really. I tend to overreact. Unavoidable at times. I guess I was meant to be an actress.” She steeled herself against the sudden, inexplicable longing to hold him. To feel his body against hers, to press herself into him, feel his arms around her. It wasn’t just an attraction. There was something so alluring about him, she couldn’t quite place it.
He reached his arm over and placed his hand over hers, lacing his fingers through then rubbing it softly against her palm. “So you forgive me?” His voice was barely a whisper, and he lowered his lashes.
His hand was a hot stone on her skin. She could literally feel it blazing straight through to her bare bones. She could hear her own heartbeat throbbing in her ears, in her neck. Everywhere. She could feel her slit swelling in anticipation. She fought the desire to look down at his hand, her arm suddenly numb. It was hot. It was cold. She was frozen in place. Suddenly, she got it. The pained look was lust, pure lust. How could she not have seen it? His pupils were dilated, making his eyes seem even more mysterious, dark, and insanely sexy.
“Gia? Do you forgive me?” He maneuvered his hand sideways on hers, his thumb at the top and his fingers continuing to caress her palm.
She could feel the air caught somewhere between the furnace of his hand and her pounding chest. She was a ticking bomb, the fuse of her desire slowly igniting. Instead of fire, her panties were rewarded with a slick layer of her wetness. Forgive him? Looking at him now in all his heartthrob glory, she knew she already had. How could she not with his simmering sensuality screaming at her from every part of his face and body? Igniting every part of hers.
She nodded once, too slowly, her eyes watery with sudden desire. “Yes, I do. And I’m sorry, too, for swearing at you. I tend to do that when I get worked up.”
He moved his fingers back and forth across her hand. “Well, I think it’s hot. Although, I’d love to see you worked up and swearing, well, with your body throbbing beneath mine.” His lips tilted into a mischievous grin, his lids heavy, and his breathing jagged.
His words smacked against her core, and she sat up straight then licked her lips. She was parched. She gazed at his eyes, the dark pattern of desire hypnotizing her into its depths. It took everything she had to hide the unbridled wanting whipping up her legs, across her thighs, and stopping at her wet panties. She crossed her legs, an attempt to quell the swelling throb. Her stomach knotted, and she placed her hand there, the temptation growing to move it to her aching, wet pussy instead.
He blinked slowly, his eyes drinking in the curve of her lips, neck, then down to her bustline.
Her nipples instantly hardened in place, pressing almost painfully against her bra. She longed to set them free, to have his mouth on them, licking and sending her to ecstasy.
He exhaled deeply, and a soft rumble escaped his lips.
She was physically unable to say anything. Her mind tripped over the rush of emotions tumbling there. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his face. His eyes. His lush mouth, so full, so inviting. She wanted to feel his mouth on hers, on her neck, her nipples, on her pussy. She throbbed, the thuds moving up to her lower belly, in rhythm to her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Could he hear it, the beckoning of her body?
I want you to take me. She screamed to herself, willing him to hear her and take her in ways she was already salivating over. God, it had been so long since she’d yearned for a man’s touch, for a man, period. A hot, rock-hard man. She longed to feel this one in particular deep inside of her. His gleaming, most likely divine body grinding against hers. When last had she actually felt real desire to be with a man? Not for who she was, or he was, but for the sheer quenching of a carnal thirst.
Abruptly, he stood up, walked over to her, then pulled her toward him until she stood micro inches away from him, only a thin sheet of air separating them.
Her lips parted expectantly. She could feel it coming. He was going to kiss her. He had to kiss her. Her lips throbbed, already swelling, aching for his touch. God, she wanted this.
But he didn’t. Instead, he led her back into the foyer and up the staircase. He didn’t look at her, and she simply followed, watching his muscular back edge against his shirt. She was in a daze of wanting. His delicious smell trailed after him, hitting her again and again as he ascended the stairs. Her heartbeat raced in her chest. She could feel it throbbing below her ear.
They reached the top of the stairs, and he veered to the right toward white double doors, and pushed one of them open with one hand, his other wrapped firmly around hers.
Oh God, this is really happening. She blinked, her breath accelerated, her chest heaving with the effort.
He pulled her inside the room and closed the doors behind them before turning to look at her.
She gasped. The room seemed to be spinning around her. All she could see was him. His eyes were darker, filled with the look of pure, animal lust. His full lips parted, his wanting clear as he raked down her body, slowly, ripping her clothes off with his eyes.
She heard a low, fiery moan. It was hers, and she could feel her panties literally soaking from her juices. She opened her legs slightly, longing to relieve the pressure on her swollen pussy lips. She could feel her nipples pushing harder against the fabric, begging for release. She wanted him inside her begging for entry.
Liam groaned while he watched her then—
She flinched as he grabbed her wrists, setting them above her head, and her back slammed against the wall of the room.
She licked her lips, parting them. She could feel her tongue grow moist and heavy in anticipation. She swallowed hard, her head upturned and her eyes locked on his.
Then his mouth was on hers. Soft lips like two cushions of heaven. His moist, warm tongue met hers violently, hungrily. Searching, sucking, slipping, and gliding. He bit her lower lip, and she whimpered on his mouth.
She arched her back while she stilled her lips, her tongue in his mouth. His tongue swirled around hers then sucked gently before moving back to her lips.
She edged forward, pushing her body against his, then smiled seductively as his hard dick pressed against her hip. She pushed harder and wiggled her hips as her tongue lapped his. She wanted to feel him, not just inside of her, but to be one with him. Oh God, how she craved this man. He was addictive, yet she had never had him. Was it even possible?
He lowered her hands, placing them around his neck, then cupped his own hands under her bare thighs, lifting her up in one swift movement before wrapping her legs around his waist.
The electricity shot up her legs, sending its charged waves crashing through her, and she moaned.
His hands were rugged against her skin, his nails digging into her flesh. She had never wanted a man, yearned for a man as much as she did at this moment.
She tightened her arms around his neck, grinding her pelvis against him. She could feel the seams of her denim shorts tighten against her clit, and she pushed harder, willing it to rip wide open.
His tongue moved ravenously against hers before moving down to her neck. He nibbled softly then sucked before licking her neck in an upward movement, settling back at her mouth. He moved his tongue over the inside of her top lip and down to the bottom.
She whispered on his mouth, words she wasn’t able to comprehend herself, then raked her hands through his silky hair. She
pulled his head down, deepening the kiss. She craved him. Her body needed his. She wanted him inside of her.
He pulled away from her mouth and looked deeply into her eyes. Liam was gone. In his place was raw, animal desire, wanting to rip her wide open. He growled and his eyes narrowed, and he moved her to the bed before placing her down.
Gia wasn’t sure if she was dreaming or not. It was surreal. The room still swirling. The only things steady were his sexy eyes ready to devour her. And she wanted him to devour her, every part of her. Her body tingled for him to ravish her, take her deep, hard, and fast. To hell with slow and meaningful, all she wanted was for him to fuck her. She growled and reached out to him with both hands grasping the air between them.
He kneeled on the bed and leaned forward. He removed the tee shirt over her head, before going to the button of her cutoff shorts.
The touch of his hand against her bare skin sent spicy shocks coursing through her body. She ached for more of his touch. She flopped onto her back and stretched her legs out, arching her head backwards. Like a child grabbing for a new toy, she grappled at his shirt buttons, unsure if she was opening them or ripping them.
Each button revealed more and more of his taut, honeyed chest, his muscles rippling and coated with a thin sheen of sweat. She could feel his heartbeat against her knuckles. God, he was hot.
He moved his hands down, pushed her shoes aside, then pulled her shorts off, leaving her soaked panties on.
He rose slowly to his feet as she loosened the last button. His chest heaved, and he groaned. His head was tilted and he continued staring while he loosened his pants.
She watched them slide down, tracing the lines from his navel, down to his hard cock pressing against his white briefs, overflowing at the top. She bit her lip and placed her hands between her thighs, pressing her legs together, and raised her knees.