Consumed (The Breathless Series, #1)

by Toppen, Melissa

  “By the way, how was your night with Sam?” I ask. I was so caught up in my Liam drama I completely forgot that she went out with Sam tonight.

  “Amazing.” She croons out, her eyes instantly glazing over.

  I laugh at the sight of her. Man has she got it bad. “I want all the details tomorrow.” I say making my way towards my room. “Oh and Kristina.” I say just before turning the corner. “Thank you.... For everything.”

  “That's what friends are for.” She says, swiping her hand through the air indicating no big deal. Only it is a big deal, at least for me. I have not had true friends in a very long time and it feels really good to have some now. “Goodnight.” She calls right before I close my bedroom door behind me.

  I discard my clothes and pull on my favorite Jimi Hendrix vintage t-shirt before crawling into bed. My mind replays the events that took place throughout the course of the night over and over again. I glance at the clock that reads four thirty. Fuck, if I would have just stayed home, none of this would have happened.

  As much as I want to walk away and never see Liam again, deep down I know that I am not ready to do that. This fact alone scares me more than anything else. What happens when I no longer hold the power to make that decision? What happens if and when he decides that he is no longer interested in me? Where will I be then? These are the questions that eat at me and the ones swimming through my head as I drift off into a restless sleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The pounding on the front door pulls me from my slumber extremely too early. I squint at the clock on my bedside table only to see that it is almost noon. Holy crap I slept a long time. Even still I am not ready to face the day. I pull my covers over my head to block out the light and do my best to return to sleep.

  The pounding on the door continues but knowing that it is someone here to see Kristina, I make no attempt to answer it. Either she will get it or they will go away, regardless I am not leaving my bed.

  “I'm coming, I'm coming.” I hear Kristina's voice ring through the small apartment. I roll to my left and snuggle deeper into my covers.

  I can feel myself starting to doze again until a light knock on my door pulls me from my haze. “What.” I whine out not wanting to get up. The knock comes again. “For goodness sakes Kristina you don't have to wait to be told to come in. Geez.” I say, aggravation apparent in my voice.

  The door gives a slight creak as it is pushed open but I don't bother moving the covers from my face. “This had better be good.” I grumble out wondering what in the world she wants from me.

  “Oh it will be extremely good.” A male voice rasps out beside me. I instantly pull the covers back, honestly a little freaked out, only to see a bright eyed, handsome, smiling Liam standing next to my bed.

  “What the hell?” I breathe out scooting myself up in the bed. What is he doing here and better yet why the hell did Kristina let him in? I'm sure I look like a hot mess and I realize quickly that I am wearing nothing but my old t-shirt and panties. I pull the covers to my chin in an effort to conceal myself. Not that it really matters given he's seen me in less.

  “Since you walked out on me last night, today you are being forced to endure my company.” He says on a small laugh. “Come on, get up.” He reaches his hands out to help me from the bed but I don't take them. Instead I look from his hands to his face trying to figure out his play.

  “How did you know where I lived?” I ask not moving from my position on the bed.

  “A man must never reveal his secrets.” He says, his smile growing wider. “Come on, don't be stubborn.” He says, not moving his hands from their outstretched position.

  “I need to put some clothes on.” I reply, still making no attempt to reach for his hands.

  He cocks his head to one side and looks at me intently. “Is this really how you want to play? I promise I am much better at this than you. Now either you get your rear end out of that bed right now or I will have to remove you from it.”

  “I'm calling your bluff. Now if you don't mind, I still have about two hours of sleep to get.” I say, dramatically flopping back down onto my back and pulling the covers over my face. I know it's childish but honestly as shocked as I am that he's here, I'm also very happy that he is as well, I just don't want him to know that. At least not right away.

  The next thing I know I am being lifted clean off my bed. The cover slips from my body despite my desperate scrambling to keep hold of it. He cradles me in his arms, pulling me tightly against his chest. His smiling face is so close to mine I can smell the mint on his breath.

  “When are you going to accept that I always get what I want. And right now I want you to go get dressed.” He says nuzzling his face into my neck and giving me a small nip with his teeth. I squeal and buck trying to break free of his arms but it does me no good. He tightens his hold on me, his laughter vibrating through his chest.

  As much as I want to pretend that I am totally annoyed, I just can't contain the smile that has stretched across my face. “You're such an ass.” I joke, giving him a pouty face.

  “You're going to be the death of me woman.” He laughs, loosening his grip on me to gently place me on my feet. “Now go get dressed.” He says slapping my ass as I walk towards my closet.

  “Where are we going?” I ask peering out of the small walk in. He's standing in front of the window, arms crossed in front of his chest. The way the light hits him through the window makes him look other worldly. He has to be the most gorgeous creature ever created and here he is, standing in the middle of my bedroom waiting for me. I can't help but feel extremely flattered. He could be with any woman he wants and yet he chose to be here with me. That has to mean something right?

  “You don't really expect for me to tell you do you?” He answers, turning from his position in front of the window to face me. I was so taken by his appearance I totally forgot I was waiting for an answer.

  “Well I need to know what to wear.” I say. Quickly observing his casual attire. I look him up and down, lingering a little to long on his muscular chest and defined arms. He clears his throat, clearly amused that he's caught me ogling him. “Jeans, got it.” I say quickly turning back around and rummaging through my clothes.

  I decide on a pair of stone wash jeans and white top. I make sure he's not looking as I quickly slip in and out of my clothes. Once dressed, I make my way across the hall to brush my teeth. When I catch sight of myself in the mirror I can't help but cringe. My eyes are still a little swollen from last nights crying fest and all traces of makeup are completely gone.

  I get to work immediately. Once my teeth are brushed and enough make up is applied to make me feel half human, I run a quick flat iron through my hair and decide it's the best it's going to get.

  I re-enter the room to find Liam has not left the spot where I left him. Though he turns as soon as he hears me. “Sorry.” I say gesturing to myself. “You didn't give me much time.”

  “You're perfect.” He says closing the gap between us in two long strides. He reaches out and takes both of my hands in his, his eyes burning deeply into mine. “After you left last night, I vowed to make it right with you. I realize that you are hesitant to become involved with someone, especially after that ass hat at the bar. I know that's why you keep running from me. You're scared. But let me let you in on a little secret. I'm scared too.” He says, the last part coming out only as a whisper against my cheek as he lowers his face to mine. He brushes his lips against mine ever so gently before pulling away.

  “We don't even know each other. Does this not seem strange to you?” I ask.

  “You're right, we don't. Which is why I think we should remedy that issue. I may not know you Addison, but I want to know you. More than anything I have wanted in a very long time.” He says, brushing the back of his hand down my cheek.

  “Me too.” I say so weakly I wonder if he even heard me. He puts his hand under my chin and tilts my head upwards, forcing me to look at him.

&nb
sp; “Give me today, that's all I ask. I know you think I'm bad news, it's written all over your face. Let me at least try to change your mind. If at the end of the day you feel no differently about me or my intentions then I will let you walk away. I won't bother you anymore, I won't chase you. No more flowers, no more phone calls.” The sincerity in his voice soothes away all of my concerns.

  The heat of my flesh and the rapid beating of my heart tells me exactly where we will stand at the end of the day. I can't see anything he would do today that would change my mind or my heart for that matter. I'm sure it will only make me want him more. I am drawn to him in a very unexplainable and unchangeable way. It's about time I stop fighting it and start embracing it.

  “Okay.” I answer again, my voice shaky and weak.

  He takes my hand and leads me out of my bedroom. As we make our way through the living room, Kristina perks up on her stool in the kitchen, her eyes wide, her grin mischievous. “You are in so much trouble.” I mouth to her knowing that Liam can't hear. “I'll be home later.” I call out on a wave as Liam leads me from the apartment.

  I don't miss the nod he throws Kristina's direction and for a split second I have the sneaking suspicion that she was somehow in on his surprise appearance. I don't linger on the thought long. The nervousness of what the day will hold taking priority.

  As we step out into the beautiful May heat, I know one thing is for sure. Today will either be the best day of my life or the day I say goodbye to the one man I can't imagine living without.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Liam leads me to the curb where a very sporty red motorcycle sits. He bends down retrieving two helmets that were sitting next to the bike and holds one out to me. Instantly my stomach goes sour. “Oh no, you're not getting me on that thing.” I say taking a step backwards.

  “Oh no you don't.” He says, grabbing my arm before I have a chance to get away. “I'm guessing you have never been on a motorcycle before?”

  “No and it's certainly not on my bucket list, that's for sure.” I grind out trying to make my point perfectly clear.

  “You'll be safe with me.” He says pulling me into him so that we stand only inches apart. I look up to find him staring down at me, an excited gleam in his eye. “Trust me?” He asks with a look so sweet I think my heart will beat out of my chest.

  “I... I don't think I can do it. I'm sorry.” I say shaking my head.

  “Addison, do you really believe that I would do anything to put you in danger? I promise you that you will be safe with me. I'll go easy. Promise.” He says again to reiterate his point.

  As much as I want to stand here and refuse, something about the way he's reassuring me, the look in his eyes, I know deep down he would not let anything happen to me. Even still that doesn't calm the nerves raging inside me. I'm scared. And not just a little bit. I am down right petrified.

  He gives me a wink, and lifts one of the helmets, sliding it gently over my head. Deciding to just go with it, I let him. He reaches through the opening in the helmet to brush my hair from my face and then slides the plastic piece closed before securing the strap under my chin.

  When he's satisfied that I'm good, he slides his own helmet on and climbs onto the bike. I stand for a moment rooted to the spot. He reaches his hand for me. “I promise.” He says again. Even though I am still fearful, my heart out wins my mind and I carefully climb on to the back of the bike. I scoot down into the seat, my body securely pressed against his.

  He turns the key and the motorcycle rumbles to life. The engine sending a light vibration through my whole body. This does nothing for my nerves and I quickly wrap my arms around him, securing my hands at his chest. I bury my face in his back and squeeze my eyes tightly closed. I really can not believe I am doing this.

  The minute the bike roars out into the road, I cling even tighter to him, so tight in fact it's almost painful but it makes me feel more secure. I can feel his body quake with laughter but he stays focused on the road.

  After a couple of minutes of cruising through the Saturday afternoon traffic, I pull my face back and slowly open my eyes. We are going much faster than I realized and instantly I hug him tighter. I manage to find the courage to keep my eyes open. It's so different than traveling in a car, the wind is fierce and there is nothing shielding me from the other vehicles.

  The thought both frightens and excites me. Because despite my fear this is actually pretty enjoyable. I can feel myself relax more and more as we drive. I have no idea where he's taking me or what is in store for me once we get there, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited.

  I can't really process where we are or if I have ever been to this part of the city before. He veers to the right, pulling the bike into a large plaza with a huge parking lot. He pulls into a spot in the back of the lot and kills the engine.

  “You okay back there.” He jokes when I don't release my grip on him.

  “I think I'm stuck.” I say. My body feels paralyzed from the trip and hasn't quite caught up the fact that we have stopped.

  I can hear him laugh as he shifts his position, loosening my grip on him in the process. I let my hands drop as he maneuvers around me to climb off the bike. He slips off his helmet and hangs it on the handlebars before turning back to me.

  His messy hair and boyish grin make every ounce of my body clench up. He literally takes my breath away. He takes a step towards me, positioning his hands under my arm pits. “Up you go.” He says lifting me from the bike with virtually no effort at all and placing me on my feet.

  My shaking hands fumble with the helmet strap but he doesn't let me try for long. “Here let me.” He says, unbuckling the strap and pulling the helmet gently off my head.

  “Thank you.” I say, running my fingers through my hair which I am sure looks an absolute mess at the moment.

  “You ready?” He says taking my helmet from me and hanging it on the other side of the handlebars. For the first time since arriving I take a moment to look around.

  “GameWorks?” I ask on a laugh. Certainly he is not taking me to an arcade of all places. Not that I don't love arcades. I just have not been to one in years.

  “Don't look at me like that.” He says before grabbing my hand and pulling me along with him. “Everyone loves this place.”

  “I don't doubt that. It's just.... well surprising I guess. I thought you would have had something much more elaborate planned given the fact that you gave me pretty much no choice about today.” I say clearly just joking with him.

  “This is only stop one, don't get your panties in a twist just yet. When I said give me today, I meant all of today. You are mine until midnight.”

  “Why midnight? Don't want me to see you turn into a pumpkin?” I joke. He gives me a mocking laugh and then stops just before the entrance, pulling me close to him.

  “So she's a comedian now?” He breathes, dipping down to place a small kiss to the corner of my mouth. The second the contact is made, I lose my breath. This man is going to kill me.

  He reaches out opening the door for me and ushers me in, his hand once again falling to the small of my back as he guides me. I falter the moment we walk through the door. Holy crap, this is the biggest arcade I have ever seen. Every wall is lined with games, from basketball to squirt gun horse races, to shooting games and any other type of game you could possibly think of. A brightly lit restaurant with televisions lining the walls sits off to the right and to my left there is a billiards room with at least twenty pool tables.

  Liam guides me through the crowded lobby to the main entrance of the restaurant. “Hungry?” He asks. I nod, obviously he knows I have not eaten today. “They have really good food here. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned hamburgers.”

  “A hamburger sounds amazing.” I say as we walk through the open restaurant and seat ourselves in a booth along the back wall. It doesn't take long for a waitress to get our orders and we make small chit chat while waiting for our food.

  Even the s
mallest conversation with Liam is captivating. I want to know everything about this man. I hang on to his every word through lunch. Doing my best to not let my nerves get the better of me when he asks me a question or pauses for a response from me.

  A half hour later I have recuperated from my first motorcycle experience and am stuffed full with probably one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. We make our way into the arcade hand in hand. It feels so good to be with him like this. No pressure, no expectations, just us. Two normal people enjoying each others company. It feels good, it feels right.

  We spend a good two hours playing almost every game. He officially killed me at basketball but in all fairness I was too busy watching him to really care if any of my balls went into the basket. Air hockey was a different story and I beat him three times in a row without even really trying. I can't help but feel like he may have taken it easy on me but I choose to believe I am just that good.

  I can't remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much. We laughed and joked the entire time. He would find every excuse he could to touch me. Whether it be holding my hand or touching my back, my arms, my hair. His hands were on me in some way nearly the entire time.

  “Where to next?” I ask as we make our way through the parking lot.

  “You'll find out when we get there.” He says giving me a wink. I wrinkle my nose up at him letting him know I don't like his answer as he once again slips my helmet on and secures it.

  The second time on the motorcycle isn't as bad as the first. I find myself clinging to Liam just as tightly but I know that it has more to do with being close to him and not the fear of being on the motorcycle.

  This time we drive much further. Even leaving the city at some point. Resting my head on Liam's back, I close my eyes and just enjoy being with him, the closeness that I feel in this moment. I swear right now I would go anywhere with this man.

  I peek my eyes open and blink rapidly to right my vision when I feel the bike coming to a stop. I realize almost instantly where we are and I am more than a little excited.