by Vi Carter
Liam.
I slip my hand out of his and rest it on my hip.
“Are you in pain?”
I want to die. Why couldn’t he just pretend to be asleep? I think about his question to give my mind something else to focus on. The pain in my arm and leg is there constantly and niggling at me. I focus on that pain.
“A little,” I answer and swallow before looking up at him. Instantly I regret it. His eyes suck me in; they are no longer black but a deep brown that’s filled with a longing, with a want that I want to fill. I’ve never been with anyone; I’ve never felt this way. I drop his gaze and am glad when he shifts under me. I raise my head from his chest and he slides out of the bed. The moment he’s gone I lie back down and snuggle into the warm sheets. I’m inhaling the smell of Liam when he arrives back into the room.
“Here’s some water and painkillers.”
I die all over again and hope he didn’t just witness me sniffing the sheets. I must have banged my head pretty bad. Sitting up I don’t meet his eye as I take the water with my good hand, the other one is stiff and bandaged. I don’t remember being in a hospital. Liam takes the water back and places the two tablets in my hand, once I pop them into my mouth he hands me the water and waits until I drink it all down.
“Larry-” I look up at Liam, he’s watching me carefully. “- Larry was the man’s name.”
He nods. “Did you hear the woman’s name?”
I try to think hard but I don’t recall her name being mentioned. “She just said she was going to help me.” I had been so stupid. I should have fought harder. The bed dips as Liam sits down. His fingers brush mine as he removes the glass, I wonder if it was intentional or if for some reason my body was hyper aware of everything.
“I heard them say they worked for Rat Killers.” I’m searching my memory but nothing stands out. They hadn’t spoken. “Was it you chasing them?”
Liam’s jaw is clenched, and he nods. “Yes, they hit a bank, and the van flipped before landing in the lake.”
The memory of being airborne has me tightening my eyes. I don’t want to remember the pain of slamming into the frame of the van.
“What happened to them?” I ask while keeping my eyes closed.
“They are dead,” Liam’s voice is void of any emotion.
I’m looking at him now. “What did they want with me?”
His jaw tightens again his fingers clenching around the glass. “I don’t know. But I’ll find out.”
I believe him when he says he will find out. I’m tired again, my body demanding more rest. I start to lie back down and Liam moves quickly putting the glass on the bedside table. “Let me help you.” With one arm it is a bit tricky. Liam lowers me down until I’m flat on my back looking up at him.
“You weren’t breathing.” He’s frowning as he speaks. “I thought you were dead.” The confusion in his voice is growing as his frown deepens and all I can do is watch in fascination as he tries to figure out what he’s feeling. “I didn’t like it.” He finally looks me in the eye his frown disappearing. “I didn’t like it at all.”
My heart is picking up speed. “It sounds like I’m growing on you.” As much as you are growing on me, I don’t say it out loud but it’s there. There’s something about Liam that I’m drawn to. Under his cold demeanor I see a kind man.
“Get some sleep.” His voice is impassive as he rises and I don’t want him to go. Biting my lip I keep the words in.
He takes the glass with him and leaves the room. I know I won’t sleep. What if someone else comes for me? I only feel safe in his arms. I can’t even toss that much, my leg burns. My full bladder starts to press on me and I pull the blankets back. Liam hasn’t closed the bedroom door and I try to look out from the bed but I don’t see him. All I can see is the back of the couch. I get my good leg out of the bed before I slide out the bad one. Using my one good arm I sit up. Sweat gathers on my lip and forehead. The blankets slip away fully and I die a little, I’m in my bra and underwear, my clothes gone. How the hell had I not noticed that? Pulling the surrounding blankets I try to stand, my leg protests the moment I put pressure on it. I can’t hold the blanket around me and hobble.
“Liam.” I don’t have to wait long before he walks into the room.
“What are you doing?” He looks so large as he walks into the room, it grows smaller with each step he takes.
“I need the bathroom.”
“You need to call me; you can’t just get out of bed yourself.”
“I don’t seem to have any clothes on.” I say and this time I look up at him.
“We had to cut your clothes off to get to your leg.” He walks away as he speaks.
“Why didn’t I go to a hospital?”
He opens the wardrobe and takes out a white t-shirt. “You didn’t need to. We have our own doctor here.” I don’t believe him but I let it go as he hands me the t-shirt. He doesn’t leave but stands in front of me crossing his arms over his chest. I have to let the blanket go to get the top on. I get one arm in easily but the one that’s bandaged isn’t easy.
Liam unfolds his arms. “Let me help you. You need to take it off and put it on this arm first.” He speaks as he takes the t-shirt off again.
When he doesn’t put it back on straight away, I peek up at him. He’s focused on my chest. My movement has him putting on my t-shirt but he won’t meet my eye. It’s easier when he puts it on the splintered arm first and then my good one.
Taking my good arm Liam helps me stand. The t-shirt covers all my important parts. “Wrap your arm around my neck and put your weight on me.” I do as Liam instructs his arm snakes around my waist as he walks us slowly towards the door. After three steps the pain has me stopping.
Liam doesn’t give me a moment before he lifts me into his arm, his other arm holding onto my bare thighs. I’m so aware of where our bodies touch; I can’t relax as he fingers sprawl out along my thigh. Holding my breath I don’t breathe until we reach the bathroom and he puts me down.
“Can you manage?”
My head snaps up to Liam. “Yes.”
Having a man help me go to the toilet wasn’t something I would allow and most certainly not a man like Liam.
Liam waits outside. It’s painful but I manage to go to the toilet and hobble the short distance to the tap. My toiletries are here instead of in the drawer where I left them. I glance at the door that is slightly ajar but I can’t see Liam. I finish up brushing my teeth. Getting a brush through my hair just isn’t possible. It needed a good washing. My energy is dilapidated. I had done enough. Rubbing down the sink with my washcloth I’m delaying, the idea of Liam’s hands on me again is elating but also terrifying.
“Are you okay?”
I couldn’t delay it much longer. “I’m finished.”
The bathroom shrinks to nothing when Liam steps in. He doesn’t look at me as he carefully picks me up. I want to snuggle into his chest but resist the urge that wants to consume me. It’s like there’s another person inside me fighting to have her way. I assume it’s because I never experienced anything before. Maybe this was how girls felt when they hadn’t done anything. I really had no idea.
We reach the bed quicker this time and Liam lowers me slowly. He makes quick work of pulling up the blanket.
“Don’t go.” I feel childish for asking but I really don’t want him to leave. I won’t sleep wondering who will crash through the door. With him here I will be safe. I can sleep.
He’s nodding before he removes his footwear and climbs in. I’m lying on the broad of my back not brave enough to curl into him.
“I was in a car accident when I was younger.” I remember the red car, the crunch of the tires as dad veered around the deer. “We had struck a tree, I was ten. I broke my nose.”
“It healed well.”
I glance up at Liam a smile tugging at my lips. “Thank you.” He’s a head taller than me and I’d love to turn on my stomach so I can really see him. But my arm and leg re
stricted the movement.
“Have you ever been in a car accident?” It’s funny how much I want to get to know him.
“No. But I broke two fingers when I was younger.” He holds up his left hand.
“They healed well.” I say not seeing a blemish on his long fingers. When I peek up at him, his lip lifts ever so slightly before it falls back into place. He must feel my eyes on him as he glances at me.
“You should sleep.”
At his words I yawn. “Will you stay?”
“Yes.”
I let my eyes close slowly. “Liam.” I’m mumbling now.
“Yes.” He sounds alert.
“Thank you for not leaving me.”
He doesn’t answer and I feel the need to clarify. “For not leaving me in the van.”
His fingers sink into my hair and I gravitate towards his touch. “I wouldn’t have left you.”
“Because my uncle would kill you?” I smile sleepily at my words.
“Go to sleep.” His command has me sinking further into a heavy sleep.
***
Fingers are sprawled against my stomach and it’s my turn to wake up and try not to move. I sneak a quick peak up at Liam. The sharp definition of his face has softened now that he sleeps. He looks beautiful, almost peaceful. With his eyes closed I can examine him without feeling intimidated by those black orbs. I shift slowly his hand moving to my hip, this way I can see him properly. The urge to trace his lips with my fingers has me raising my hand but I stop as he stirs. I shift up closer towards his face. I don’t know what I’m doing but I can’t seem to stop. I want to kiss him and see what it feels like. I’ve never been kissed. Wetting my lips I lower my head towards his, my heartbeat is like the hind leg of a rabbit, beating rapidly and uncontrollably in my chest. This wasn’t right, I needed to lie back down and not be so creepy, but would I ever get this chance again? Once I go back home, I knew who would take my first everything. A shiver assaults me at the thoughts and I take my chance while I have it. I’m a hair breath away from his lips when I pause his breathing seems to have changed, but he doesn’t stir and his eyes are closed.
I wet my lips again and press mine to his. His are warmer and softer than I expected. I open my lips and press them harder against his. His fingers tighten on my hip and I pause until his hand relaxes. My face burns with the thoughts of what I was doing, kissing a man while he slept. I was as bad as molesting him. I lie back down quickly and try to control the fire that rages inside me. My fingers touch my lips and my eyes burn.
My first kiss. I stole my first kiss. A tear escape’s the corner of my eye and I close them tightly trying to fight the onslaught of emotions that ride quickly through my body. Liam’s fingers move again and I hold my breath. If there is a God, he won’t wake up yet. I needed to get some control over myself.
“Are you okay?”
There was no God.
“Yeah.” I can’t look at him.
“Why are you crying?” He moves his hand and I feel the loss immediately. I still can’t look at him.
“Just my arm pinched a bit,” I lie and close my eyes so it looks like I’m falling asleep.
“I can get you pain killers.”
I glance up at him, my eyes flicker to his lips. Do they look swollen? Will he be able to tell that someone has been kissing him while he slept? Oh God. Humiliation sweeps across my cheeks and I look away.
“No thank you.”
“I’ll make us some food.”
I nod in agreement. The distance could do us some good.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
LIAM
The kiss still lingers on my lips. I had no idea why she did it. Was it nearly dying that had her wanting some human contact? The omelette sizzles and I turn it before setting the breakfast bar for our food. On second thought, getting her out here might be a problem. Once the food is ready, I set it out along with some tea and place it all on a tray. She’s sitting up looking conflicted. Her lip tugs in between her teeth but she releases it as I set the tray down. Her focus is on my lips and guilt lights up her cheeks. I sit on the edge of the bed and place the tray beside her. Taking my own plate I keep it on my knee.
She doesn’t speak as she starts to eat and the silence is uncomfortable. “Did you work back in the Czech?” I cut more of my omelette before looking at her. I want her to relax again. Her body is held too tight.
“No. I was studying psychology.”
“That’s a dangerous profession,” I tease.
She smiles. “I’m not analyzing you.” Her shoulders relax and she picks up her cup of tea, it pauses at her lips. “Did you drug it?”
“If I did do you think I would tell you?” I eat my omelette and her attention is drawn to my mouth. I want to know what she’s thinking.
“No, I don’t think you would tell me.” She takes a drink of tea. I hadn’t drugged it, not this time anyway. She wouldn’t be going anywhere now until she fully healed.
“I miss learning.” Her confession is said into her mug. “I miss it as much as I miss the daylight.”
I hate the guilt that churns in my stomach but I finish my omelette.
“Would you like me to make more?”
She’s cleared her plate, but she shakes her head. “No thank you.”
A somber mood settles around my room and I don’t like it. But I don’t know how to remove it.
“I studied engineering.” I offer up the knowledge freely.
Her eyes light up slightly. “Are you an engineer?”
“No. I’m a hotelier.”
She sips her tea, her attention back on the contents inside it. Taking the tray I place our plates on it and my cup leaving her with her tea and thoughts. I feel like I can breathe better in the kitchen. This wasn’t going to work; I couldn’t stay down here with her and take care of her. She’s making me feel itchy in my own skin. Who would I leave with her? Gregor had too much to do. Darragh had seen her, but I didn’t like the idea of my brothers near her.
“Shit.” Her voice carries through to the kitchen.
Leaving the kitchen I go to see what has her upset. She’s trying to get out of bed again. “I told you to call me.” The white bandage has flecks of red soaking through it. “Svetlana.” I growl. She should have called me.
“I’m just sick of lying here.” She tries to run her hand through her hair but it gets snagged on each knot. “My hair smells like lake water.”
My phone starts to ring in the kitchen. “Can you just stay here for a moment?”
“Yes,” Her answer is said to the wardrobe doors as I leave the room.
“Sam, go ahead.”
“He’s heard that his niece nearly died. They are on their way to you.” I glance back in at Svetlana. She’s still sitting on the edge of the bed. A look of frustration crosses her face.
“They?”
“The other guy is called Holic.”
“Thank you Sam.” I hang up and ring Gregor.
“Any news on Larry?”
“Nothing yet boss. He is local. So far nothing odd about him.”
“Okay keep looking we might have trouble on the way. Mr. Novak has found out about Svetlana being hurt and he’s on his way here.”
“You need me to come back?”
“No. I can manage it.”
Looking in at Svetlana this time she is looking out at me.
“I’ll call you if I need you.” Ending the call I step into the bedroom. “Tell me about Holic?”
Svetlana hunches forward her eyes widen and I hate the reaction his name brings up, but I also need to know what I’m up against. When I had researched him he was the one with the least amount of information on him. I knew he was brought up in the foster system in Czech and got into working with gangs.
“He’s … cruel.” She blinks several times.
“Your uncle has heard the word that you got hurt.” I don’t know why I’m telling her this.
The remaining color slowly drains from her fa
ce. “He’s coming for me?” She’s nodding while she speaks. She’s waiting for me to confirm.
“Yes.”
She covers her mouth with a trembling hand as her eyes dart around the room, like some magic door will appear and she can run out of it.
“Holic is coming too.”
Her eyes snap to mine and widen further. They sparkle and shine. “I didn’t do anything wrong.” A sob strangles from her throat but her tears don’t fall. Watery eyes stare at me and I hate how she looks at me.
“Are you going to let them take me?” Her lip trembles.
“I don’t have a choice.” My words come out harsher than I intended.
“Everyone has a choice.” Tears fall down her face as her voice rises. “You just choose to let an innocent person die.” She tries to stand.
“What are you doing?”
“Don’t touch me.” She holds out her arm to make me stay back as she takes in a deep lungful of air. I have no idea what to do. “You could hide me.” Her suggestion is spoken with desperation and I clench my fists.
“No.”
“No you don’t want to, or no you can’t.” She takes another unstable step towards me.
“No.” I bark this time.
“They are going to kill me, how can you live with that.” She takes another step, and the strain is visible on her face, her forehead starts to shine with sweat.
“You’re hurting yourself. Go back to bed.”
Her laughter is taunting. “I’m not even close to hurting compared to what they will do to me.” She’s nearly reached me and I don’t want her this close to me. “They won’t just punish me Liam.” Her lip quivers again, and she glances away as tears trail down her face. “They will hurt me in the worst way possible.”