Powerless (Power Series Book 1)

by Lauren Cooper

  “What do you want to do today?” Liam’s voice cuts through my dreamy state sometime later as he draws absentminded shapes along my hip with his fingers.

  “I don’t mind. I wouldn’t mind going out and getting some air. Court rooms make me miss the freedom” I reply, glancing out the window towards the bright, smog filled sky.

  Liam chuckles before planting a soft kiss to my shoulder.

  “Then let’s go out”

  “That sounds good” I smile, secretly loving the fact that he’s invited himself to spend the day with me. I’d love nothing more than to stay here, and lick him all day, but these things need more than just sex right?

  After another round of mind blowing sex between showering and getting ready, who was I kidding? I’ll never say no to sex with him. We grab some breakfast, and spend hours wandering around the bitter London streets. All bundled up in our coats against the freezing temperatures, I felt free for the first time in ages. Not free as in away from everyone’s clutches, but from everything. No one could hurt me when I was with Liam, I didn’t care about anything other than what we were doing. I didn’t care about work, or paperwork or my mother. I was free to do what I wanted. And I was free to make the decision to hand over some of my control to Liam, leaving me out of decisions I would have previously over thought, knowing he would reward me with a release money couldn’t buy. Our conversation stayed positive and we didn’t talk anymore about what was said last night. I brought Liam to a little French bistro near the park for lunch after I’d dragged him around Harrods to pick up some gifts for Becca. I hadn’t heard a moan from Liam the entire time, but his features told me hated everything about it. I couldn’t help but laugh at his typical male attitude towards shopping, and he’d gone head strong into an argument about online shopping.

  “At least I only have a handful of people to buy for, I don’t have any family really, so Christmas is kinda easy” I laughed at him, but his features turned pitiful.

  “Don’t pity me Liam. I was joking” I told him as we headed to the checkout. I beat him with my credit card and the scowl across his face was thunderous, but luckily by the time we got to the bistro he had schooled them.

  We sat at a table for two against the far wall after we ordered some coffee and fresh croissants. The scent of freshly baking dough, melted butter and warm chocolate filled the space, mix that with Liam sitting opposite me and I’d died and gone to heaven.

  “We aren’t doing any more shopping, are we?” Liam’s concerned face makes me giggle. When was the last time I giggled this much? It’s flipping crazy and spinning me right out.

  “No, I think I’m good” I huff around my cappuccino.

  “Can I ask you something?” I place my cup back on the saucer and fiddle with it slightly.

  “Of course,” his deep voice sends comforting waves through me, and I find the question I wanted to ask comes easily.

  “Why have you never been in a relationship before?” I watch his face for any change in expression, but he surprises me with a smile.

  “I guess I have been in ‘relationships’” he air quotes before continuing “but they were never anything more than a few weeks, and nothing special” he shrugs as if it’s nothing.

  “Oh” I didn’t manage to hide the disappointment in my voice and suddenly Liam’s hand is holding mine.

  “But you’re different”

  “I’m sure you tell all of them that” I say quietly. I regret asking him now, why did I do that? Last night was a new experience for me, and being with Liam made me feel content and safe for the first time in god knows how long.

  “Do you seriously doubt me after last night?” his baby blues bore down into me, and I know I’ve pissed him off.

  “I don’t think so” I tell him truthfully, because I really don’t know. What he doesn’t know is that I’ve never had a serious relationship either, I don’t know how this works. I’m not your typical girl who already has her wedding planned out, or one who envisioned a picket fence house, with two points five kids and a loving husband. I never thought about it, because I believe it will never happen. As a teenager I was always more concerned about where my next meal was coming from, and if I could save my money rather than spending it.

  “Come on” he shrugs into his coat and helps me into mine. Putting his beanie hat on, I have to chew my lip at how edible he looks. It’s just a bloody beanie. Liam throws some cash on the table by our half-drunk coffee’s and croissants and pulls me out of the bistro by my hand. We walk silently in a direction I can only assume is towards Liam’s flat. My arm is almost out of my socket thanks to Liam tugging on me so tightly. We reach the building I recognize from the other night when he came to grab some clothes and we walk into the lobby. An older man at reception stands but Liam ignores him and walks straight to the lift. I offer him an apologetic smile for Liam’s rudeness before the lift chimes and someone steps out. Once we’re inside Liam punches the buttons and the doors slide closed. I daren’t say anything, my stupid mouth and stupid brain have already said enough. I hate that my confidence and trust issues don’t allow me to throw all caution to the wind. But I won’t apologize for being honest about it.

  His breathing is harsh and fast, and I notice his chest rising and falling beneath his coat. The air around us sizzled with unspoken words and sexual tension. The grip he has on my hand is almost painful to the point that I want to pull away, but the doors suddenly ping open and we’re thrust into a hallway. Pulling me towards the end where large wooden double doors wait, I notice that there aren’t any other doors lined down the mid-length corridor. Just white papered walls with silver, glittery swirls and a few hanging art pieces. Before I can dwell on it too much, Liam opens the door and drags me inside.

  “What…” I go to ask him but am cut off when the door slams shut, and I’m pressed tightly against it by his rock-hard body.

  His lips smash against mine with brutal force as his hands go to my bum. Hitching me up, I lean my back against the door and wrap my legs around his waist, my arms flung around his neck. His lips are brutal against mine, his teeth nipping at my lips and his tongue devouring every inch of my mouth that he can reach. I’m breathless as he pulls my bottom lip between his teeth and bites down. I cry out slightly and dart my tongue to the wound, but he beats me to it and licks it clean before pulling back and holding me steady.

  “I’m done with you fucking undermining what you mean to me. I’m fucking done Amelia. I want you and you want me. Don’t try and deny it. I don’t care about your past and you shouldn’t care about mine. I want you and I’ve got you and I’m not letting you fucking go” he seethes through clenched teeth before bringing his lips to mine again. Our eyes remain locked as his lips work against mine, and small tears form in my eyes as his words sink in. I’ve been so worried about letting him in, so afraid that he would turn it around and hurt me. Everyone I’ve ever trusted apart from Becca has used me for their own personal gain, but Liam didn’t ask if I would let him in. He broke the bars to my cage and forced himself in. I don’t think I could love him more for it. Wait. Love? Shit.

  Sensing my hesitation, he pulls me away from the door, leaving my shopping bags and handbag in a heap on the floor. If Becca saw my Hermes Birkin bag lying like that she would have a fit, but right now I couldn’t give a fuck. Holding me up with one hand beneath my bum and the other around my waist he carries me through his flat and into his bedroom. Throwing me on the bed he rips my coat open and I hear the faint sound of a button hitting the floor, but I’m more interested in the man in front of me. Shrugging his coat off he lets it fall to the floor without a second thought, and then he’s on me. Pulling my jeans down my legs and I can’t help but wriggle to help him out. I need him as much as he needs me in this moment. “I’m not letting you fucking go” is on repeat in my head as he tears through my thin knickers before releasing his cock from the confines of his jeans.

  Pushing my hands above my head he threads his fingers with mine
before bringing his swollen red lips to mine and thrusting into me. The way he kissed me against the door was enough to make me wet and ready for him, and so he slides right to the hilt with ease. What a sight we must be, half dressed and both unable to wait for the other. Liam grinds his hips against mine and my head falls back at the delicious sensation. Tilting his hips, he thrusts deeper into my core as his hips grind against my sensitive nub. There’s nothing romantic about this, this isn’t him fucking me or making love to me. This is him claiming me. Marking his territory. Usually that would have irritated the hell out of me, but it didn’t.

  “You’re mine Amelia” he grunts around my lips.

  “Yes” my voice comes out breathless as my inner walls tighten and contract around him. God this man knows how to deliver delicious, addictive pleasure.

  “Say it”

  “I’m yours” my delirious brain computes the words that just left my lips and I’m thrown headfirst into a mind shattering orgasm. Clasping tightly at his hands still in mine, Liam thrusts a few more times before he moans loudly against my mouth and collapses on top of me. After a few minutes he moves slightly and brings his face from the crook in my neck to look at me.

  Pushing a few stray strands of black hair off my forehead he kisses me. Softly and without hesitation before pulling away.

  “No more fucking around okay?” his hoarse voice brings more unwanted tears to my eyes. This is not how I expected today to go!

  I nod as I reply “Okay”

  “Those better be happy tears” he wipes away an errand tear with his thumb before kissing me again.

  “So, you’re my girlfriend?” he smiles down at me with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. I laugh before chewing my lip. I like the sound of that, it feels easy and uncomplicated. Nothing is ever without it’s complications in my life, but since Liam barged his way in, I’ve felt nothing but excited and giddy.

  “That sounds good” I reply before running my hands through his disheveled hair.

  “Good. You have a boyfriend” he nods, proud of himself before coming down to kiss me again.

  Liam rolls off me and with a look of pure horror on his face.

  “Shit” he seethes.

  “What?” I go to sit up and then I feel it. The warm trickle of his release runs down my thigh.

  “I’m so sorry, I’m clean. Fuck” he pinches the bridge of his nose together as he blurts the words out.

  “Hey, it’s okay. I’m on the injection, I’m clean” I offer as I grab his forearm in an attempt to reassure him.

  “I’m clean” he insists, his eyes widening to exaggerate his point.

  “It’s okay, I believe you” I exaggerate, needing him to know that I do. Deep down, somewhere beneath my heavy shield of armor, I do. I do believe him, and I do trust him, it will just take time to bring it out.

  We spent the rest of the day tangled up in each other, with Liam only letting me go to use the bathroom. By late evening we were both starving so I offered to cook – and actually cook this time, since Liam took over last time.

  Dressed in one of his many shirts, I finally got to have a good look around his flat. Well it wasn’t a flat. It was a penthouse.

  “Your place is beautiful”

  His bedroom is decorated in dark woods and greys. A huge dark wood sleigh bed in the center, with the headboard pushed against the feature grey wall. Matching bedside cabinets on either side house two large lamps and a dresser sits against the opposite wall. The two doors on the one side give way to a bathroom and the other to his wardrobe. I think the wardrobe is the size of my bedroom, and I don’t understand why he needs so many suits! On the opposite wall, floor to ceiling windows give way to tinted sunlight, basking us in its late afternoon glow. In the summer I bet the view from up here is insane.

  “My sister decorated it” he huffs unimpressed.

  “She has good taste” I poke his chest before heading out of his room and down the hallway. Liam points out his guest room, and his home office along with another bathroom and a gym, before leading me into his open planned longue space.

  More windows adorn the far wall, with the space divided into three sections. On the left is the kitchen that gives way to huge dining space complete with a table and a bar. The right side is dominated by a huge sectional sofa, a larger than average Tv hangs on the wall and a glass, modern fireplace lays low beneath it. Rugs and scatter cushions are dotted here and there, and some photo frames are lined up on the sideboard. I itch to have a glance at them but decide against it.

  I head towards the kitchen, modern appliances litter the steel countertop, it’s almost like an industrial kitchen but it fits well with the rest of the space – very masculine. I glance at the cooker and then at Liam who is stood observing me with his hands shoved into his slacks.

  “On second thought I don’t think I should cook” I laugh and cross my arms over my chest.

  “We can order in” he states coming towards me and pushing me back against the island that separates the room.

  “You look good in my space” he kisses the top of my forehead before turning away and grabbing his phone. Liam orders food for us from a Steak house he insists is the best he’s ever had, and once we’ve eaten we lay spent on his sofa watching the Tv while sipping some wine. I unintentionally fell asleep and woke when Liam carried me to his bed where we made sweet love again before falling into the deepest dreamless sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Iwoke to an empty bed, and the sun streaming through the windows. I squint as the early morning light breaks through my sleepy haze before turning over and stretching. My muscles are deliciously sore from Liam, who I assume is in the kitchen from all the clanging and banging coming from that direction. I grab his shirt from the chair in the corner and throw it over my head before cleaning myself up in the bathroom.

  I follow the aroma of coffee and bacon into the kitchen, where I find Liam at the cooker top. Bacon sizzles in the pan as he transfers it onto a plate before turning to me.

  “Good Morning” the knicker-dropping smile he gives me makes my knees weak and it takes all of my power to answer him. Black lounge pants hang low on his waist giving way to the very defined V that I know leads to something utterly mouth-watering. His dark hair is sleep rustled, and his baby blues are glitter with something cheery.

  “Morning” I offer with a blush.

  “Liam you really should…” I snap my head around at the sound of the sweet, female voice and come face to face with a beautiful brunette. I grab the hem of Liam’s shirt and tug at around my thighs, hoping it will help me keep even a shred of my modesty.

  “Amelia, this is my sister Jessica. Jess this is Amelia” Liam says proudly before wrapping his arms around my waist. I offer her a weak smile, hating that he didn’t give me any heads up.

  “You could have told me” I hiss quietly.

  “Amelia, it’s so nice to meet you” Jessica snaps my attention back to her. Standing tall in her fitted jeans and light cream jumper, her matching chocolate waves pulled up into a loose ponytail at her neck, she looks exactly the way she did in the photo.

  “Likewise, this isn’t how I usually dress” I huff but she flaps her hand in the air dismissing me.

  “I was only stopping by quickly, I’ll leave you two to it. Let’s get together soon? You’re the first one he’s letting me meet! Finally get a girlfriend” she huffs, turning to grab her coat and handbag.

  I cock my eyebrow behind me towards Liam, his chin resting happily on my shoulder.

  “I mean it! We’re going to dinner. I’ll call you later” she calls after pointing at her brother.

  “Bye!” he yells too loudly, making my flinch away from him mouth.

  “I made breakfast” he coos before nipping at my lobe. I turn and swat his arm before he finally lets me go.

  “Thank you” I take a seat on one of the bar stools and take a sip of the coffee he placed in front of me.

  “I have some work to do today
, but you’re welcome to stay here” he tells me as he joins me and placed our food in front of us.

  “Okay”

  “Then we can go to dinner tonight” he spears some bacon before bringing it to his lips and chewing. The blush that rises further on my cheeks makes me turn my head away, but Liam grabs my chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning my face towards him and pushing my hair behind me ear.

  “With your sister?”

  “No. But another time”

  “She seems nice” I smile around my coffee, and he shrugs as if he’s not so sure.

  “Liam!”

  “What? She’s painful. But you’ll come to learn that” he snickers.

  “I’ll need to grab some clothes first” I tell him gingerly, and his eyes flick between mine and the shirt I’m wearing.

  “Okay, let me get some work done and then I’ll take you this afternoon”

  “Okay” I smile before we both finish our breakfast.

  Liam heads to his office and I get to wander around his flat. I grab my phone and text Becca to tell her what happened, and she replied with a million-different emoji’s telling me how excited she was. I had a shower and threw on Liam’s shirt again, I didn’t fancy walking around this new space naked, regardless of how much he would have enjoyed it. I found a bookshelf in his office and he told me to help myself, so I did. I curled up in the dark leather, wing backed arm chair and read a book. I lost all track of time and when Liam came over and told me to get dressed with a firm kiss on the lips it was past four o’clock.

  We headed back to my flat, I knew exactly what dress I was going to grab for our first proper date tonight. I was surprised I wasn’t throwing up with excitement. Grabbing my keys out of my bag I turn to the door, but Liam’s hand stops me and he’s staring pointedly behind me. I turn my head to see that the door is slightly open, and I know I shut it and locked it. It’s something I always double check. Unease settles heavy in my stomach and I try to swallow the lump that’s in my throat. My heart rate increases, and I will it to calm down. It’s probably nothing. I push the door open slowly, the slight creak it makes filling the silence that’s settled all around us. I tilt my head to look inside before I go to take a step in. “Let me” Liam says before pushing past me. “Stay here” he demands over his shoulder. My mouth is dry and all I can do is nod. My mouth drops open when I see all my things have been trashed. The hall table is on its side, the dish that resides there is smashed all over the floor. Liam walks around, going into various rooms before coming back towards the front door. “No One is here, I’ll call the Police” Panic instantly sets in deep in my stomach and I rush to say “No! Wait.”