“I don't think so. Why? Do you think it's worse than it should be?”
“It's hard to tell.” He stood up, heading for the door. “I'm going to get some ice.”
“You don't have to...” I started to say, but he was already gone, and though I hated to take his help, ice did sound like a good idea. He returned after a couple of minutes, carrying a tray. “What's that?”
He handed me a small yellow pill and a glass of water. “Take this.”
“You want me to just take a random pill? Do you think I'm an idiot?”
“Do you think I would drug you? Really?” I didn't answer. “Oh for gods sake, it's an antihistamine. I got it off Saskia. I can go and get her to confirm it if you really don't believe me.”
I looked at the little yellow tablet and then back to him. “Oh fine, but if this kills me, I'm going to haunt you forever.”
“Wouldn't that be a treat. Take the fucking pill.”
“Fine.” I swallowed it with a big gulp of water, and he took hold of my foot, pressing something blissfully cold against the sole. I couldn't help but let out a moan of relief.
“You have the world's tiniest feet. Do you know that?”
I managed a giggle, my head sinking back against the pillow. “My mum always says it's amazing I'm not flat on my face more often. Because of tripping over... not for, you know, any other reason,” I said, blushing. I waited for the inevitable dirty remark about loving to see me flat on my face, arse in the air, or some other disgusting comment to spill from his filthy lips, but he said nothing. He took the cloth from my foot, refilling it with chunks of ice from the glass bowl on the tray, and with strong, but gentle hands, he pushed the cool compress back to my burning skin, propping my foot on a pillow. It was helping. Liam was helping. I didn't know why, but I didn't want to say anything that might make him stop.
He took the glass from my hand, placing it on the bedside table, his fingers brushing lightly against mine for a fraction of a second. It felt like pure electricity travelling through my veins. He brushed my hair from my forehead, still damp and salty from swimming in the sea, and I sucked in a breath, wondering if he was going to try and kiss me again. Looking down at me wordlessly, an unreadable expression on his face, he leaned forward and my heart thudded unevenly as he reached behind my head, rearranging my pillows, his mouth hovering inches from my own. Then, he moved back to the end of the mattress, lifting my ankle, checking on my foot. I felt stunned. He hadn't kissed me. He hadn't tried to cash in on his Good Samaritan routine. The breath I'd been holding onto left me in a long, slow stream and with an unsettling feeling of surprise, I realised that I was disappointed.
“How's the pain? Still bad?”
I nodded. My eyes were becoming heavy and I tried to open them to look at him. “Not agony... still hurts though. Are you... sure... that pill...”
“It's supposed to make you sleepy. Trust me, it's nothing bad. I won't let anything happen to you.”
“But...”
“Relax.”
“Liam... thank you,” I slurred. “For taking care of me.”
“Anytime.”
I let my eyes sink closed, too tired to hold them open any longer. I could still feel his hands holding the ice to my foot.
Chapter Six
Mia
I woke slowly, consciousness coming back to me in tiny increments. My body felt stiff, as if I'd slept in the same position for far too long, but as I stretched out my legs, I realised in relief that my foot was no longer hurting. It didn't even feel swollen. I forced open my eyes, finding myself completely alone, lying under a thin sheet, still wearing my sundress. There was music drifting through the window and the sun was just beginning to set.
I pulled myself up to a sitting position, tilting my leg so I could inspect my foot. There was a small red bump, hardly bigger than the tip of a drawing pin, but other than that, you'd never have known the pain I'd suffered after my run in with the hornet only a few hours before. My mouth was dry and gluey, and I glanced around hoping to find some water. There was a tall glass on the bedside table and as I reached to pick it up, I noticed a folded note too. I downed the water in one go, then unfolded the small piece of paper.
We're on the terrace having dinner. Come down if you feel up to it. I'll check on you soon and bring you something if not.
Liam.
“Well... that's unexpected,” I muttered, placing the note down on the bed. In fact, everything about this afternoon had been unexpected. The way he'd helped me without my having to ask, and without making reference to all the favours I'd owe him for his chivalry. How he'd stayed with me, helping me himself rather than getting Sassy or Lil to come up. And then, finally, how he hadn't kissed me. Even though he'd had the perfect opportunity. Even though I definitely would have let him and he knew it.
I shook my head, getting up and heading to the bathroom, grabbing my wash-bag from my open suitcase on the way. That fact, mysterious as it was, was something to be relieved about. Kissing Liam would have given him hope that he had a chance with me, and I couldn't let him think that. As kind – and surprising – as he'd been, nothing had changed. He was still Liam, the carefree, fickle, fun loving ladies man, and I was too vulnerable to let him close enough to hurt me. It was definitely a good thing that we hadn't kissed again, I told myself as I climbed into the shower. Definitely.
“There she is!”
“Hello sleeping beauty!”
“How's the foot?” Three happy, tipsy voices shouted from around the table as I made my way around the pool. The terrace was lit with tea-lights and long white candles ran along the centre of the table giving off a soft warm glow. The sound of the sea crashing against the sand was just audible over the music and I could taste the salt in the air. The group had grown to its full size now, and by the look of things, they'd all been drinking and laughing for some time. “It's all better,” I smiled, in answer to Saskia, Liliana and Ben's comments. Liam was watching me silently and I felt my cheeks redden as our eyes met briefly. I suddenly wondered if I'd said anything humiliating in my antihistamine daze.
“There's a seat over there,” Lil said, pointing to the end of the bench that was tucked between the wall and the long table. Right beside Liam. Of course, I thought wryly, dipping my face as I walked around the group, not meeting his eyes as I sat down. It was a tight squeeze, Ben, Amy and Jeremy were sat to Liam's left, and as I lowered myself into the seat I felt the hard surface of Liam's thigh pressing against my own. I glanced down, my eyes going wide as I realised he was wearing shorts. I'd never seen him in anything but jeans, but now, the rough hair on his broad, strong thighs was rubbing up against the bare skin of my own leg, causing my whole body to tingle, my pulse crashing deafeningly through my ears. I was surprised to see there were no tattoos on what I could see of his legs. They were thick and strong, and I wondered absently what it would be like to have them pinning me to the bed. I shifted, causing his thigh to slide warmly against mine, and with an unsteady breath I felt goose-pimples spread over my arms despite the heat of the balmy evening.
Liam cleared his throat and I realised in horror that I'd been caught staring. My eyes shot to his, and I saw the corners of his mouth twitch into a mischievous grin. The conversation continued around us and I tried to focus on the delicious food – Lil had hired a private chef for the holiday and every bite was packed with flavour. Fresh and mouthwatering. But I still couldn't take my mind off the hard, warm pressure of his leg against mine. Every time he adjusted his position in his seat, the hairs rose on the back of my neck, my heart thudding hard and fast. I looked up, sure he must be totally aware of the reaction I was having, desperate to know if he could feel this frisson too. He was talking to Saskia across the table, but as I watched his face, he slowly and deliberately shifted again, pressing even closer, our bodies practically welded together.
“So,” Liam said, his eyes on Saskia's. “You and Ryan seemed to hit it off at the wedding.”
“Wha
t makes you say that?” she asked, her cheeks colouring.
“I saw you dancing. Several times.”
She dabbed the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “I was dancing with a lot of people.”
“Is that so?”
“Why?” she demanded. “He hasn't been talking about me, has he?”
“Nothing bad.” He lifted his fork to his mouth, pausing. “What are you worried about?” he asked a little too innocently.
“Nothing.” She raised her glass to her mouth, taking a long sip. “I'm not worried. Not at all. I barely know the guy.” My gaze flicked to her as she spoke and I could see the struggle she was having in holding back from probing deeper. I knew her well enough to read the signals. She was desperate to know what had been said. Saskia had always hated being the subject of any gossip, but I got the feeling that wasn't the real issue here. My curiosity was peaked. I couldn't remember seeing Saskia and Ryan together at the wedding, but then I had been a little preoccupied. Maybe Liam was just playing with her, trying to wind her up, but from the way her eyes shone and her fingers tapped nervously on the edge of her wine glass, I wondered if perhaps she was keeping secrets. Maybe there was a little more than she was prepared to admit simmering beneath the surface. Saskia shook her head and turned away, joining in with the conversation to her right. I watched the playful twinkle in Liam's eye as he bit down on a bread roll, chewing slowly, almost sensually, before swallowing. His throat rippled and I knew I was staring again. My palms were coated in a fine sheen of sweat as he flicked his tongue out, running it along the full curve of his lips, still not meeting my eyes. I picked slowly at my food, the buzz of conversation continuing around me. Liam joined in occasionally, the vibration of his voice travelling through our joined limbs. It was very distracting. I was suddenly aware of people standing up, glasses being placed on the table.
“So, are you coming, Mia?” Liliana asked, brushing her blonde curls out of her eyes.
“What? Coming where?”
She frowned. “Are you sure you feel okay? Maybe you should lie down again... we just spent the last ten minutes talking about going down to the beach for a swim.”
“Oh, did you? Sorry, I must not have been paying attention. Too distracted by this gorgeous meal,” I said, pointing to my dinner, realising too late that the food lay barely touched on the large round plate.
She pursed her lips, hesitating. “You're sure?”
“I am. But I think I'll stay here for now. I'm not quite up for swimming tonight.” She didn't move, clearly weighing up whether she should go or stay behind to babysit me. “Honestly, Lil,” I smiled, “I'm completely fine. Please, you go and have fun. I want you to.”
“Okay.” She flashed me a bright smile, her blue eyes twinkling in the candlelight, then followed the others who were already heading for the path, all giggling and shouting in excitement. I waited for Liam to get up and follow after them, but as the voices disappeared into the distance he remained silently by my side. Despite the fact that there was now plenty of space for him to move over, he made no attempt to shift his body away from mine, his leg continuing to press tightly against my own. I leaned forward, picking up a roll from the bread basket, breaking it into tiny pieces so I didn't have to look at him. “You don't feel like swimming?” I asked, my voice emerging from my throat in a weird, high pitched squeak. I coughed twice and took a sip of my wine.
“Nope.”
“Can't you swim?”
“I can swim.”
He was being strange. Intense. His voice was low and gravelly and I was sure he was letting the silence drag on in an attempt to provoke me into saying more. Well, two could play at that game. I broke off another piece of the soft bread, popping it into my mouth, savouring the flavour. It really was delicious. Liam picked up his beer, leaning casually against the back of the bench as if he didn't have a single care in the world. He was good at this. Patient. I took another sip of my wine, realising he would win any game he set his mind to. If I held my silence all night, I doubted he'd give in. He wasn't the type. There was no point in trying to beat him at his own game, instead, I should stick to what I was good at. Being honest and polite, using the manners my parents and school teachers had drummed into me from the moment I'd begun talking. I cleared my throat once more, the turned to face him with a smile. “I wanted to thank you for helping me today. You didn't have to.”
“Of course I did.” The words came softly, and I noticed with a thrill that his Irish accent was so much stronger when he spoke quietly. The combination of his low, throaty voice and that utterly sexy accent would undo any woman, I thought nervously, as his dark eyes met mine.
“Well, I'm grateful. And I'm sorry if I said anything embarrassing. I was in a lot of pain.”
He twisted in his seat, his arm snaking around my shoulder. “Nothing too embarrassing.” His fingers slid beneath my hair, playing softly against the nape of my neck. My breath hitched at the feel of his skin against mine, my nipples tightening beneath the thin cotton of my dress. I knew he would notice. He never missed anything.
“Liam...” I could feel the energy crackling in the space between us. “We can't... this can't happen.”
He leaned closer, his breath falling on my skin. “Why not?” He asked casually, tantalisingly.
“You know why. We're friends. I don't want to spoil that.”
He twisted a finger through a strand of my hair. “Mia, we were never friends. You know that. There's always been something here between us. Don't tell me you're not curious... tempted to take this thing further. I know you are.”
“You're right,” I breathed. He raised an eyebrow, surprised by my admission. “But it doesn't change anything. I know you, Liam. Better than you think. And I know exactly what turns you on. It's all about the chase. The challenge.” I leaned towards his face, smiling sweetly, though my heart was pounding in my chest as I tried to be brazen and confident. “We both know that you only want me because you know you can't have me. It's exciting for you. Admit it.”
He grinned, placing his beer back on the table. “You think too much, sweetheart. Anyone ever tell you that?” He sucked his bottom lip into his mouth, his eyes crinkling. “Let me ask you something.”
I gave a sigh. “Fine, go on then.”
“Oh humour me why don't you!” he laughed. He looked like a mischievous boy when he did that. One with a plan for trouble. He ran his thumb lightly along my jaw and I suppressed a shiver as he spoke. “Right here, now, on this bench, without thinking about tomorrow, or next week or any of that other bullshit you like to worry about, do you or do you not want me to kiss you?”
“What?”
“Just answer the question. Honestly.” His lips were inches from mine now. I could smell his skin, the sweetness of his breath, feel the heat of his fingers pressing into the nape of my neck making my body ignite. I couldn't bring myself to say the words, but the answer was written all over my face. Of course I wanted him to kiss me. But that wasn't the point. It didn't change the reality of our situation. It didn't mean I could just throw caution to the wind and let it happen. But yes, I wanted him to kiss me. Desperately. And it was so hard to think straight with his mouth right there, so close to mine. I squeezed my lips together as if I could lock away the truth. I couldn't seem to meet his eyes.
“That's what I thought,” he said softly. And then, before I'd registered his intent, his mouth was on mine and every argument I could think of for why this was a terrible idea melted from my thoughts, there was just him and me and I was powerless to fight it. My entire body was flooded with sensation as he sucked at my bottom lip, his tongue sliding inside my mouth, his grip on the back of my neck changing, tilting, tightening. My arms snaked around him, pulling him closer, my hands gripping his hair, sliding down his shoulders and across his chest, desperate to have him against me. He pulled me closer, his mouth never leaving mine. He kissed me until I was breathless and shaking, then just as he was slowing and I thought he would
stop, he began again, kissing me deep and slow in a way that had me consumed with thoughts about what else he could do with that talented tongue. He started to pull away, and with a moan, I grasped the back of his neck, anchoring him closer, tilting my head as he took my mouth hungrily again, kissing me one last time. Finally, he pulled back, his eyes hazy as he rested his forehead against mine, his breath uneven as his eyelids sank closed, thick dark lashes coming to rest on his cheeks. I was shaking and breathing hard and I wasn't ready for it to be over. Not yet.
As if he could read my thoughts he opened his eyes, and gave a lazy, lust filled smile. Then, without a word, he leaned me back so I was lying on the bench, and covered my mouth with his once again. As I slipped my tongue inside his mouth, tasting the sweetness of him, I felt overwhelming relief that it wasn't over. Not for tonight, at least.
Chapter Seven
Liam
It was ten a.m. and already as hot as the devil's armpit as I made my way through the busy market, weaving between tourists and locals. I was still thinking about last night. In fact, I'd woken up with a rock hard boner thinking about it. Mia. Fucking hell, that woman was getting under my skin.
We'd just kissed. Nothing else. Granted it had gone on for close to an hour, but I couldn't remember the last time I'd “just kissed” a girl, so intensely and for so long without it leading to sex. Every part of me had wanted to take it further, carry her off somewhere private and rip that sheer little sundress from her curvaceous body, but I'd known, without her needing to say the words, that she wasn't ready for us to go there. Not yet.
So we'd kissed. Made out like teenagers, and fuck, it had been the sexiest thing I'd ever experienced. Wanting but not taking. Needing, yet resisting. I could smell the desire radiating from her. I could have persuaded her. But it wasn't the right time. I wanted her begging for me, not the other way around. I could be patient. And it had paid off. I'd been rewarded with some tantric, intense shit I'd forgotten even existed. My dick swelled in my shorts as I relived the memory of her panting and breathless, her lips red and swollen, her cheeks pink. She'd been stunning, looking up at me with hazy, lust filled eyes. Fuck, I wanted her.
Damaged: Dare to Decide, Book 2 Page 4