"Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered.
Liam closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as he tried to gather his thoughts. "I didn't want to lose you," he answered honestly.
She turned to face him. His breath froze in his chest at the sorrow in her startling eyes. Gently, he tilted her chin up and used the paper towels to wipe the makeup from her tear-stained face. She kept her lashes lowered as he worked. When he finished, he tossed the towels aside, and her gaze finally met his.
"You wouldn't have lost me."
There was so much warmth in her gaze he knew he didn't deserve her. She was too good, too innocent and pure for the likes of him. "In the beginning, I would have."
"I told you what happened to me on the second day I knew you. I trusted you then, and you said I could, but I couldn't. If you had told me about Michelle then, you wouldn't have lost me, but now..."
Her voice trailed off as she rapidly blinked back tears. Liam bowed his head to press his forehead against hers. "I meant what I said. You can trust me. But at the time, I didn't think you needed me to tell you about it. The conversation we had that night had no place in it for what happened between Michelle and I. After that night, I should have told you, but I didn't."
"Why didn't you?" she asked tremulously.
His hands clenched on her shoulders. "Because I didn't want you to think less of me for it. I preferred to pretend it didn't happen. Can you understand that?"
Tears slid down her cheeks as she nodded. She could understand that. There were things she would prefer to forget, but she still felt betrayed. Maybe he couldn't tell her that night, and she could see why, but she wished he’d told her later. She wouldn't have been upset with him, and maybe she could have tried to talk to Michelle, but she didn't think Michelle would have spoken to her anyway.
"I can understand that," Sera whispered, lifting her head so she could look at him. "But I wish I hadn't found out this way."
"So do I," he said hoarsely. "So do I."
"How could you use her so easily?"
Liam's jaw clenched, a muscle twitched in his cheek. "Sera, I didn't use her, she was there, and I was there, and sometimes things just happen."
"She apparently thought it was more."
"I don't believe she did. She's just aggravated I didn't chase her around, and follow after her like everyone else," he said honestly. "We met, and we slept together, that is all it ever was."
She was tempted to ask how many others there had been that he'd experienced the same thing with, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She didn't think she could handle the knowledge.
His hands clasped the sides of her face as he lifted it to him. She stared at him, her eyes misty in the moonlit room. He couldn't seem to get enough of looking at her, of touching her, of holding her. Her breath shuddered through her. "Liam."
The sound of her whispery voice heated his loins and caused him to grow instantly erect. He bent and kissed her, his mouth sliding over hers. She shivered and her mouth parted. She was sweet and warm as her tongue met his with the same urgency.
He stroked the exposed skin above her dress, relishing in the silkiness of it. She shivered again as her breath rushed out of her. He should stop, he should pull away, but he couldn't bring himself to release her. He was almost wild with his need for her. He would hurt her, or he would push her too fast, but tonight he must have all of her.
His hands slipped across her shoulders and around to the back of her dress. His hands hesitated upon the zipper as he waited for her to tell him to stop. She moaned and pressed closer to him as he broke the kiss. Her passion-clouded eyes met his in the moonlight.
"Liam?" she asked questioningly.
He closed his eyes as he inhaled a steadying breath. "I want you, Sera, I want all of you," he added, so she got the point.
She was unaware of how seductive and enchanting she was when she smiled at him like that. "And I want you," she whispered.
His hands clenched upon her as a muscle twitched in his cheek. "You don't have to do this." The words nearly killed him to say, but he had to give her a chance to get away from him now before he could no longer control himself.
"I want to."
The words sent a firestorm of yearning to his elongated shaft. He inhaled a deep breath to steady himself before he ripped the dress from her. Instead, he slid the zipper down; the rasp of metal was loud in the hushed room. His hands caressed the swell of her back and trailed down to her waist. She was so unbelievably small in his arms. He could feel the rapid pounding of her heart through her delicate ribcage.
She took a step back. Her smile was enticing as she allowed the dress to slide off her shoulders and pool at her feet on the ground. In the moonlight, she was ethereal. Her skin shimmered; her eyes were smoky as her hair spilled around her in silvery gold waves. Her body was amazingly perfect. He sucked in his breath as his gaze traveled over her. Her full breasts were pushed tantalizingly high in her bra. The material was thin and lacy, revealing her dark nipples. Her stomach was flat, her waist tiny, her hips small and round. Lacy white panties shielded the juncture between her thighs. He could never get enough of looking at her.
Liam's heart leapt in his chest as his prick jumped with enthusiasm. She was exquisite, perfect. He forced his gaze back to hers. She stared at him uncertainly as a blush crept into her cheeks. He opened his arms to her. She hesitated before stepping into his embrace.
He enfolded her, his head lowering so he could whisper in her ear. "You're exquisite."
She shivered as her arms wrapped around his broad back. Lifting her face to his, she kissed him. His hand wound into her hair as he pulled her head back for better access. Pleasure filled her as her body arched against his.
Liam tried to slow down before he lost complete control and ravished her, but he couldn't stop touching her. A firestorm raged through his body, searing his veins, and causing all the blood to rush into his groin. He pushed his pelvis against hers. She moaned as he rubbed provocatively against her, and a shudder ripped through her body as her movements matched his.
Her hands slid down his shoulders, and she began to unbutton his shirt. Liam released her mouth; his arms held her loosely as he watched her long, delicate fingers work the buttons. Her head was bent as she focused on her task. Slipping the last button free, she lifted her head to his. Passion clouded her eyes, her lips were swollen from his kisses. Her gaze never leaving his, she slid the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms.
Her eyes were round as she gazed at his broad, well-muscled chest. Her fingers ran over his smooth skin as she relished in the feel of his muscles and the small tufts of black, wiry hair. He was a perfect carving of masculine strength and beauty. She should have been frightened by the hunger in his gaze; instead, she found herself even more aroused by it.
His hands slid along her back. She couldn't suppress the shiver that raced through her, heated her blood, and caused her whole body to melt. He easily unclasped her bra and let it float to the floor. His eyes darkened even more as he gazed at her heaving breasts. He clasped one gently, and her mouth parted with faint inhalations as she arched against him. He ran his thumb teasingly along her nipple, watching as her passion rose. She was more desirable and responsive than any woman he had ever known, and he had known many. None of them responded to him with such open abandon. None of them ever made him this hard and aching.
He bent his head to take her nipple into his mouth. Her fingers wound into his hair as he stroked her with his tongue. He nipped her, and she spasmed in his embrace. "Liam!" she gasped.
He pulled away from her, grabbed hold of her hips, and lifted her onto him. She blinked in surprise and then wrapped her legs around his waist. A cry of ecstasy escaped her as she settled against his erect shaft. He groaned as he lifted her up and slid her back down. Her eyes slid closed as she tilted back in his embrace, her back arching to give him easier access to her breasts.
Laying her down, he stepped back to admire her exquisite body as he unbutto
ned his pants and kicked them aside. Sera's eyes were dazed with passion as her eyes settled on his cock. Apprehension briefly flashed through her gaze. Then, she met his eyes again and opened her arms to receive him.
He climbed onto the bed and wrapped her in his arms. He touched her everywhere, unable to stop his hands from roaming over her, from feeling every perfect curve. Her breasts pressed firmly against his chest as she arched eagerly against him.
He slid her panties down her long thighs, savoring in the touch of her as he slid them off easily. Moans escaped her as he caressed every inch of her body while his mouth made love to hers. One hand touched her breast while another slid down to stroke her stomach, her hips. She arched beneath him as his hand slid through her golden curls. He unhurriedly slid lower, his hand cupping her mound. He was pleased to find her already wet as he slid a finger into her warm body. Delight ripped through her as he began to move in and out. Her hands dug into his back as she lifted her hips against him, matching the leisurely pace he set as he slid smoothly back and forth.
Liam watched her as erotic moans escaped her throat. His dick ached, but he was determined to give her as much pleasure as possible before the pain. He fondled the nub above her wet sheath. Tremors rocked through her body as she dug deeper into his back.
"Liam!"
The sound of his name on her lips nearly caused him to explode. He couldn't wait any longer. He slipped his hand from her. She moaned her disappointment as she arched her hips demandingly against his. He nearly tore his underwear off as he shoved it down his waist and legs. Finally free, he grabbed her hips as he leveled himself between her enticing thighs. She watched him intently.
He rubbed against her, watching for any sign this was not what she wanted. It would kill him to stop, but he would. She lifted her hips against him as she opened herself to him.
He lowered himself over her and took her mouth with his again as he began to slide into her. His body was tense as he parted her inviting folds. She was so tight, so warm and inviting. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to thrust brutally forward and end his torture. Instead, he inched forward, his arms trembling from his weight. Then, he reached it. The barrier. He didn't want to cause her discomfort, but he was unable to stop.
With a moan, he shoved forward, burying himself to the hilt. She cried out as pain shot through her eyes, her teeth bit her lip and her hands spasmed on his back. He didn't move as he stared at her. "Are you all right?"
"Yes," she breathed as her muscles eased around him. He stroked her face as he leisurely reclaimed her mouth. She trembled beneath him, but her thighs released their firm hold on his waist. His tongue entwined with hers as he tried to ease the rest of the tension from her body.
Gradually he withdrew from her before easing back in. The familiar pleasure he gave her began to return. He moved at a leisurely pace in and out of her, allowing her to get used to his invasion as he deliberately stoked the fires in her again with his mouth and hands. His whole body was taut as a bowstring, but he forced himself to calm down. It was the most difficult thing he’d ever done. He'd never felt anything as exquisitely tight and wet as she was.
His willpower was rapidly unraveling. She began to move with him, her hips and body arching against his as she met each of his thrusts. Her long legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper into her. Her soft moans and enthusiastic reception were driving him beyond the brink of control. He wanted to tell her to slow down, that he couldn't restrain himself, but he was past the point of speech. Waves of pleasure washed over him as he drove in and out of her.
Sera's hands dug into his back. She’d never known anything could feel like this, never even imagined how wonderful it would feel to have Liam inside her, filling her, becoming one with her. Her whole body quivered as she neared a point she didn't understand, came close to something almost frightening.
He thrust vigorously into her and pushed her to the brink. A cry tore from her as her body exploded with unimaginable pleasure that swept through her in fierce waves. Her muscles clenched around him as the force of her climax ripped his from him. With a savage yell, he drove himself to the hilt and spilled everything he had into her.
He almost collapsed on top of her but managed to catch himself in time. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and rolled, so she lay beside him. Her body trembled against his; her breath came in pants as she wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled his neck. He was unable to believe the force of the orgasm she managed to rend from him. Never in his life had he expected to find someone like her.
He kissed her cheek as his hands ran over her body. "I love you too." Her breath was a mild breeze against his neck.
Anguish and pleasure crashed through him in tangled waves. Until then he hadn't realized exactly how much he needed her love and warmth. He pulled her flush against his chest. He didn't deserve her. He shouldn't have her, but he was never going to let her go.
Chapter Eight
Liam blinked dazedly against the sunlight filtering past the thick curtains. He groaned and rolled away from the light. Sera slept beside him, the blanket tossed aside to bare her shoulder, back, and butt. She was an amazingly tempting sight to wake up to first thing. Unable to resist, he kissed her shoulder as his hands wrapped around to fondle a full breast. She instinctively arched into his touch. They had made love over and over again last night, but he still couldn't get enough of her.
She stirred as her eyes flitted open, she blinked uncertainly, and then she turned to him. She smiled sleepily as she trailed her fingers over his chest. "Good morning," she whispered huskily.
"Good morning."
He lowered his head to take her mouth in his. She opened to him as their tongues lazily entwined together. "Liam!"
The loud banging on the door made them both jump. Liam muttered a curse as he lifted his mouth from hers. "What?" he demanded.
"Get up man; we have to go!" Mike yelled.
Liam glanced at the clock and swore again. "I'll meet you guys there."
"You've got the car. Get your lazy ass out of bed!"
"Give me ten minutes!"
"Whatever," Mike mumbled as he walked away.
Liam dropped his head against her tempting shoulder. "Sorry about that."
She kissed the top of his head. "I should go anyway. Kathleen's probably waiting to attack me with questions." It wasn't a pleasant thought, she didn't feel like having to explain everything that happened last night, but she wouldn’t be able to refuse her. Kathleen would be as persistent as a bee on a flower until she got the whole story.
He propped his head on his elbow as his hand leisurely caressed her tender breasts. He looked so young and sweet that it melted her heart. There was a shadow along his strong jaw, his hair was a tousled mess, and the lazy gleam of satisfaction in his brilliant eyes warmed her. "I have to go; we have a basketball game at the park. Are you going to come over tonight?"
She smiled slyly at him as her eyes twinkled mischievously. "I don't know; I'll have to think about it."
He grinned. "Really?"
"You'll have to help me make up my mind."
He trailed a finger from her collarbone to her stomach. He circled her belly button, dipping temptingly low, before circling her belly button again.
"And how do I do that?" he whispered as he nibbled on her ear.
Sera became a quivering mass beneath him as his hand slid down to cup her. "I think you're making a good start," she panted. His smile was pure satisfaction as he slid a finger into her warm body. "What about the game?"
"They'll wait; I have the car, remember?"
She smiled at him as he seized hold of her mouth.
* * *
Sera turned over on her bed and placed her finger in the book so she could look at Kathleen. "You look beautiful," she assured her.
"You sure?" Kathleen asked as she nervously fiddled with her hair.
"I'm sure."
"Why don't you come now?"
She lifte
d her book. "I have to get some studying done. Besides, the haunted house won't close until ten."
Kathleen patted her hair. "I would stay with you, but you know how I hate to be cooped up."
"If you stayed with me I'd never get any studying done. Go ahead; I'll meet you there in about an hour."
"Okay." Kathleen grabbed her coat from the hook by the door where Sera had hung it for her. "I'll see you soon."
"Yep," she agreed.
Kathleen cast her a grin as she opened the door, locked, and shut it. It had taken Sera a long time to get Kathleen into the habit of locking the door when she left. Now she did it all the time, even if Sera was still in the room. She rolled onto her back and buried herself in the book. She was just beginning to lose herself when a knock at the door pulled her out of Sociology. She glanced at the clock; it was already quarter after nine. She hadn't realized it was so late already. Sighing impatiently, she closed the book and climbed to her feet.
"What did you forget this time, Kathleen? Besides your key?"
Sera unlocked the door and flung it open. She froze, unable to move as she stared at the man before her. The world seemed to tilt briefly before coming back into focus. With a startled cry, she tried to slam the door closed, but he put out his hand and blocked it. "Now, is that any way to treat an old friend?"
Her scream lodged in her constricted throat as Jacob pushed the door open. She was forced back as he pushed his way inside. Stumbling awkwardly, she quickly righted herself as she launched at him. "Get out of here!" she cried.
He shoved her backward and knocked her to the floor. Sera scrambled away and jumped back to her feet as he closed and locked the door. "Just calm down, Sera."
"Get out of here, now!"
"I just came to talk to you," he said calmly as he turned to face her again.
"I have nothing to say to you. Leave."
He walked toward her as she steadily backed away from him. She found it extremely difficult to breathe as she inhaled rapid, short breaths. Jacob was taller than Liam was, and broader through the shoulders and chest. He could, and would, squash her like a bug.
The Vampire Awakenings Bundle: Books 1-5 Page 10