Bishop's Pawn

by Suzanne Halliday

  He mauled her neck and shoulders while doing all sorts of things to her breasts. One minute he would tease and tantalize. The next she was in the grip of a feral beast.

  Not being able to move her legs drove her lust-mad. When his hand moved between her legs and cupped her mound with a firm grip, she almost came.

  His teeth were in her neck, two fingers rolled a hard nipple, and his hand ground mercilessly. She didn’t stand a chance.

  The climax when it hit was intense and terrifying. She went wild, struggling against the bindings, shaking with a passion that emptied her brain, screaming, crying, panting. A mess.

  The more she shook, the harder he bit and squeezed. Blackness gathered at the edges of consciousness. She went limp.

  With two quick moves, her wrists were freed, and she collapsed in a slump over the edge of the bed. Her chest heaved as she grappled for oxygen. He yanked her panties down. They wouldn’t go far because of how her legs were restrained. It didn’t seem to matter. She mewled and whimpered when he caressed her ass.

  She turned her face, tilted her head and caught sight of him. He was stroking his cock and her ass with an expression on his face that made her feel like a goddess. Watching as he came on her skin was more deeply satisfying and balls out erotic than she thought possible.

  When he threw back his head and grunted, she joined in to create an animalistic chorus that filled the bedroom.

  She was barely conscious when he untied her ankles, pulled her panties up, kissed her ass before gently biting it, and then lifted her in his arms. He walked around the bed and placed her on it. Kissing her cheek softly as he pulled the covers up he asked, “Need anything?”

  “Just you,” she answered.

  He quickly joined her beneath the covers and pulled her close.

  “I like this,” he growled.

  She shifted and peered into his face with a question on hers.

  “I like that you’re wearing my come on your skin and that you smell like a satisfied woman.”

  “Silver-tongued devil,” she snickered before placing a soft kiss on his chest, curling into his big body with a contented purr and falling into a deep sleep.

  A light tap on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Honey? They’ll be here soon. Are you okay?”

  She honestly had no idea how to respond.

  Sighing deeply, she gave her reflection a final cursory glance, flipped off the lights and left the bathroom. He was on the other side of the door with a worried frown and some anxious sounding sighs.

  “Where’s Matty?” she quietly asked.

  He blocked her movements with his bulk. She didn’t push him aside like she normally would. Unfamiliar feelings and concerns clogged her system. It wasn’t so much impending doom as it was pins and needles.

  Why couldn’t they lock the door and go back to bed?

  Roman brushed a lock of her hair from the side of her face, caressed her cheek and smiled. “He’s doing a puzzle in the den, which by the way we will now be calling the family room. He likes that term better.”

  “He’s got family on the brain,” she murmured almost to herself.

  “So do I.”

  She raised her eyes to his. What possible bargain could she make with God for everything else except this to go away?

  “You look beautiful,” he told her with a wink and a smile.

  She couldn’t resist messing with him so a hip was cocked and she planted a hand on her waist. “Are you reading from a script?’

  He shook his head and did a comically perplexed double take. “A script? I don’t understand.”

  “Yeah, you know,” she sniped. “The be nice to keep her calm script.”

  Watching him blink, scowl and then bark with laughter was a balm for her frazzled nerves.

  “Ah,” he drawled lazily. “So the secret is out?” He held up his hands in a surrender plea.

  “I have to thank Rhiann for this,” she told him with a wave at her clothes. “Love the Uggs.”

  He smirked.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I specifically asked her not to get you those fugly boots.”

  She didn’t understand. “Why? They’re so warm and comfy.”

  The conflict raging on his face struck her funny bone. She slapped him kiddingly on the arm. “Oh my god! Are you playing dress up Barbie with me?”

  “I believe my wisest move is a hasty tactical retreat.” He laughed and slung and arm around her waist to draw her close. A drugging kiss followed. “Wear what you want.”

  Kelly giggled and kissed him fiercely. “As long as from time to time it’s thigh high boots and sexy lingerie?”

  “Grrr,” he playfully growled.

  She wrapped her arms around his waist and cuddled close. He needed to know she wasn’t worried about what was coming. He felt everything so deeply and was adamant that a line in the sand with Liam Ashforth was drawn. No matter what happened, his decision was made. He was with her. Even if it meant leaving his job.

  “Kelly,” he murmured into her hair. “We’re okay, aren’t we?”

  Tell him, her inner voice screamed.

  Rising on her toes, she slid her arms upward and took his handsome face in her hands. “I’m here because of you, Roman. I didn’t come to New York for any other reason. I’m not ignoring the grizzly bear lurking in the corner,” she was quick to assure when he seemed about to say something. “I’m meeting with…’ she had to suck in a deep breath before continuing, “I’m meeting Liam because you asked me to.”

  The guy’s name did not roll easily off her tongue. She didn’t give a shit that she was being unreasonable. She was only human dammit, and that was how she felt.

  “Everything will work out. You’ll see. He’s not the bad guy, honey, and he’s suffered as much as you and Matty from the actions of Adam Ward.”

  “I understand that,” she replied. “But he’s not responsible for that horrible man’s mistakes.”

  “You’re not a mistake.”

  “You know what I mean,” she bit back. “He owes me nothing. And I don’t want anything.”

  “Maybe this is more about the receiving than the giving. Liam’s already dealt with his demons. The money means less than nothing to him. Every penny he has, he made through incredibly hard work. Starting from nothing. Was he fueled by rage? Yes. But honey, so are you. You’re more alike than you know.”

  He kissed her.

  “You’re not invisible anymore, and Matty will grow up as a normal, happy kid. A family is forming here. Can’t you feel it? Give Liam a chance. You two need each other.”

  In the background, the chime for the elevator sounded. She knew Rhiann had access, so there wasn’t any need for Roman to unlock the lift.

  He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Together,” he murmured.

  “Thank you.”

  He started to say something and cut himself off. “What?” she asked.

  “Don’t freak.”

  “Things you need to know,” she laughed. “What time of the month is it? Don’t freak? Bah!”

  “I’m falling in love with you.”

  Awww. He was so cute. Kelly shrugged and laughed happily. “I know.” She squeezed his big bicep. “It’s okay. I promise to go easy on you.”

  Heading down the hallway in front of him, she turned around just before stepping into the so-called family room and looked at Roman. He was gaping at her and looked like he froze in mid-step.

  “Are you just going to stand there? We’ve got company.”

  She put out her hand. He started forward, stopped, and then came straight to her. Their hands slid together perfectly.

  “Don’t let go,” she told him.

  He squeezed and then the two of them strode into the future, together.

  It would be a miracle if he didn’t drop of a heart attack, that’s how tied in knots he was. Several minutes had elapsed since the elevator was called. At any moment the door would swoosh open, and seconds later Rhian
n and Liam would be there.

  Kelly appeared calm, but she had a death grip on his hand.

  “Matty,” she called softly with a quick glance behind where they stood. “Come here. We’ve got company.”

  “Roman made me brush my hair.”

  She smiled at him. “You look very handsome.”

  A fearsome instinct to protect these two people made Roman take a step forward. He kept hold of her hand but effectively blocked both of them but from what he wasn’t sure.

  He tracked familiar sounds. The elevator ping when the car arrived. The nearly inaudible swoosh of the doors opening. Rhiann’s heels tapping on the floor.

  She appeared first, a sure sign that Liam was struggling. It wasn’t like him to show any vulnerability. Roman’s heart ached for his friend.

  Rhiann’s bright smile was genuine. He instantly relaxed. Liam followed, and Roman was sure he saw him straighten his shoulders before stepping forward.

  He took the lead. “Liam,” he said. “You look like shit, man.”

  They shook hands as a tiny voice giggled and said, “Penny jar.”

  Liam’s startled expression and Rhiann’s amused chuckle made it easier not to hyperventilate and hit the floor.

  Roman watched as Liam searched the empty air until Matty peeked around Kelly’s leg.

  “Matthew,” Roman said gently. “Come here, little dude. There’s someone you need to meet.”

  Kelly squeezed his hand but remained safely behind his shoulder. He squeezed back.

  Matty crept from the shadows and stared at Liam. Emotional electricity crackled in the air around them while the two brothers faced each other for the first time.

  A wide range of feelings clogged Roman’s throat when Liam took a knee to be on the boy’s level and held out his hand.

  “Hi, Matthew. My name is Liam.”

  The whole room got silent, and he swore the air became thicker. For long seconds Matty said nothing. And he didn’t move. He simply stared.

  And then his little hand came out, and he shook Liam’s much bigger one. “You have Kiki’s eyes,” the little boy muttered.

  Every adult in the room gasped.

  Matty let go of Liam’s hand and looked at Kelly. “He has your eyes.”

  Roman cleared his throat and put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. He looked up at him with wide, uncertain eyes.

  “He has her eyes because she’s his sister.”

  Kelly let go of his hand and knelt down, pulling Matty to her. “Isn’t that cool? A brother! And he’s a friend of Roman’s.”

  He never felt more proud of anyone as he did of the two of them. Kelly’s calm, sweet graciousness blew him away.

  She stood and put her hand out. “Hi. I’m Kelly.”

  Liam’s awkwardness lasted all of about five seconds before the polite handshake became a tentative but heartfelt hug. The second they separated Rhiann rushed forward and enveloped Kelly in a fierce hug.

  “I’m Rhiann, but you probably figured that out.”

  She was beaming at Kelly and then looking at him. “Roman Bishop. We need to talk!” she laughed.

  Kelly pointed to Rhiann and said to Matty, “Sweetie, this pretty lady’s name is Rhiann. She’s going to marry Liam. Isn’t that fun?”

  Roman looked at Liam and found him staring a hole through his head. He could see the reality of his and Kelly’s situation starting to dawn on him, knew what was coming and let it happen.

  “You son of a bitch,” Liam suddenly hollered right before he lunged and connected with an impressive right hook that hurt like hell and knocked him on his ass.

  The shit then promptly hit the fan.

  There was yelling. Rhiann flipped out and pulled Liam off him when he continued the smackdown from his knees. Kelly jumped in front of Roman with her arms out. Matty stood nearby with his eyes bugging out of his head.

  As far as happy family gatherings go, this one was a category five shit storm of epic proportions.

  “Don’t you touch him,” Kelly shrieked at Liam.

  He couldn’t believe the fierce roar of his protective little lioness as she fended off his attacker.

  It was all kinds of fucked up that he’d never been more turned on. Ever. Watching her go toe-to-toe with Liam was pretty god damn funny. And sexy as fuck.

  That’s when brother and sister started yelling at each other.

  “He stepped over the line,” Liam barked.

  “I don’t recall giving you a vote on who I sleep with,” Kelly responded.

  The pained groan filling the air? That was him. The last thing they needed was these two going off on each other.

  “You’re my goddamn sister,” Liam bit back.

  Roman struggled to his feet because he knew Liam was gearing up for one hell of a verbal tirade.

  “Oh, and what?” Kelly shot back. “I thought you two were friends, at least that’s what Roman keeps saying. So which is it? Is he not allowed to fall in love? Or do I have to ask your permission?”

  “In love? What?” Liam was approaching Def Con status. “Is that what he told you? Kelly, do you have any idea what floats this asshole’s boat?”

  Okay. That was it.

  “Shut up Liam.”

  “Fuck off Bishop.”

  Next stop? Clash of the alpha titans. Roman had a burst of belligerence that manifested in a shove which Liam returned with an uppercut. An instant piling on happened next. While he and Liam slapped each other around and made asses out of themselves, Rhiann, Kelly and even Matty jumped into the fray.

  With Rhi on Liam’s back like a monkey trying to pull him away and Kelly frantically yanking on Roman’s belt, also to break things up, Matty suddenly hollered “Kick him Kik,” as Kelly’s fugly Ugg reeled back and shot forward, smacking Liam in the shin so hard he and Rhi fell into the sofa with a loud, pained grunt.

  The moment was so ridiculous and over-the-top, fall down funny, that he started to laugh.

  After Liam and Rhi tumbled, Kelly pushed him into a chair across the room. She crossed her arms and glared at him and Liam. Rhiann and Matty joined her in the center of the room.

  Rhi spoke first.

  “Sweetie,” she murmured with quiet gentleness. “He’s in love with her.”

  Liam glared at him. “For real?”

  He nodded.

  “Okay then,” Rhi gleefully quipped. She looked at Matty. “So, Matthew,” she said. “I hear you have an awesome new bed. Wanna’ show me?”

  The kid didn’t seem like he was going to fall for the obvious redirect, so Kelly chimed in. “Good idea,” she told him.

  Matty’s baleful sneer at him and Liam was a perfect reminder that he had competition where Kelly was concerned. The only side the boy would ever take in a dispute was Kelly’s. Even if she was a thousand percent wrong.

  Snickering and nodding in unison with Rhiann he bit back a chuckle when Kelly added, “Don’t worry about these two. They’re in time out.”

  Well! Things he now knew…time out was the universal sign for bad behavior because Matty instantly brightened. He also ran to Roman, and like the energetic kid he’d come to love, balanced and bounced on his big thigh like a playground jungle gym as he rather soberly told him, “She’ll make you say sorry.” He leaned in, his feet dangling off the floor, and whispered, “Don’t laugh. Kiki doesn’t think laughing is pro-pree-it in time out.”

  They fist bumped. “Thanks, dude. Anything else I should know?”

  Matty giggled and whispered, “He’s just like Kiki. It’s funny when they yell.”

  Roman looked up, caught Kelly’s eye and then looked to Liam. Once again Matty the old soul went straight to the heart of the matter.

  Rhiann held out her hand. Matty slapped her a five and ran ahead into the hallway on the way to his room. Halfway there he turned around and yelled, “Hey! Do you like dinosaurs?” Rhiann’s soft, amused chuckle hung in the air and then they were gone. It was just the three of them now. Him. Kelly. Liam.

 
He gulped.

  Across the room, Liam was massaging his jaw. He made a slightly pained noise that drew Kelly’s attention. She marched over to him, grabbed her older brother by the chin and swung his head right, then left.

  “Pfft,” she sniped. “You’re fine, you big baby.”

  Then she stomped over to him, but instead of a short, clipped, dismissive assessment, she went into full Nancy Nurse mode.

  Her fingers gently explored his face. She gasped harshly a few times and made a point to shoot Liam the occasional dirty look. The way she was going on you’d think he’d barely escaped death. At one point he met Liam’s dumbfounded gaze and behind her back gave him the finger.

  When she was eventually satisfied he wasn’t permanently disfigured, she surprised the holy hell out of him by pushing his legs around until a proper landing for her ass was in place. And then she sat down and turned her attention to Liam.

  Was she staking a claim?

  Absolutely.

  He sat back and smiled. So, this is what master of the fucking universe felt like.

  “Are you two finished acting like idiots?”

  This one was on Liam. He’d have to accept that for once, something wasn’t all about him, or he and Kelly would never find common ground.

  There was a brief, uncomfortable silence and then to his great relief, Liam shook his head like he couldn’t believe what was happening and chuckled.

  The man Rhiann helped loosen up came out, and just like that, rigid, stick-up-his-ass Liam took a hike. He smiled. An actual, eye-rolling smile, and said, “Yes Ma’am,” in a hilariously contrite voice.

  When Kelly turned her head to look down at him for his reply, Roman caught Liam making rude hand gestures and sticking out his tongue. His spirit lifted. Even if his business relationship with Liam was on slippery ground, their friendship remained intact.

  For shits and grins, he responded like a petulant child. “Well, he started it!”

  She patted him on the cheek and offered a pitying sigh. “You poor thing. He started it? Is that like saying I started it? You’re beginning to sound like a broken record.”

  Liam’s roaring guffaw at the ‘fuck-you-chip’ she just handed him with that little nugget of inside information grated on his ego.