Make Me Stay: A Second Chance Romance

by Amarie Avant

  “He’s at work. That boy works six days a week. Bless his heart.”

  “When will he be home?” Raven’s heart thumped. It had taken all her energy not to ask him if he was her father last night, especially in front of Liam’s dad.

  “He works ten-hour shifts, just started… He should be back tonight.”

  Ms. Jenkins carried on the conversation for another hour or so. She asked the kids about school, their graduation in a few months. Liam closed his eyes and leaned on Raven’s shoulder, pretending to be asleep. With every touch, Raven felt all excited inside.

  Then as if they were the ones keeping her busy, Ms. Jenkins finally let them know she needed to take a nap. “I need y’all to run along now. You done just tired me all out.”

  “That old lady can yap!” Raven said as they walked toward her home.

  He took her hand before they crossed the street as the Greyhound bus zipped by.

  She smiled wickedly. “Thanks, Fatso.”

  “That lady called me Fatso for over an hour. I don’t need to hear it from you, too. What’s your rush?”

  “Monica got off work early today. She said she would be at my house soon. I can’t spend all my weekends with you, or I won’t have any friends, Fatso.” Raven pinched his cheek with a smile, but he still looked serious. “What’s wrong, Liam? I’m sorry. I’ll stop calling you fat. Should I call you buff?” She licked her lips, but her eyes were bright with laughter as she tried to squeeze one of his arms, feeling pure strength.

  “Have you told Monica what Chris tried to do to you?” Liam took her hand, stopping her in the grassy knoll in between Alvin’s house and the street that Raven lived on.

  “No. Quite frankly, if you hadn't happened by, you wouldn't know, either.”

  “Who do you think told him about you spending so much time with me?”

  “You think she told Chris?” Raven let go of his hand and folded her arms. “Oh, I get it. Monica moved into town right before your disappearing act. Well, don’t you worry Sir Goldie Locks, she didn’t replace you as best friend. To be honest, I don’t believe in stupid titles anymore. Hello, like I just said, you think she told Chris. Right? Man-the-fuck-up and agree!”

  Liam just glared at her. They had a standoff for a few moments before he spoke, “I didn’t say that, Raven, but you better take a moment to breathe before cussing at me again.”

  She gave a sideways glance.

  He grabbed her arm and yanked her to his chest, almost a little too hard. “We aren’t kids, Re. And trust me, baby girl, I’m all man. Man enough to take off my belt the next time something nasty comes out of that gorgeous little mouth of yours.”

  Raven glanced to the ground. The Liam she used to know would meet her eye to eye, because they both were short, and damn it, he didn’t argue with her. But she’d started this mess. Perhaps this was the aftereffects of the children’s choir meeting she conducted last night. Josh acted a fool, and now she was too.

  Though Liam’s warning scared her, Raven’s blue eyes turned a dark shade of indigo. She did sensor her words. “First of all, you and I, we aren’t doing anything worth telling. Second, there’s nobody I know who’d gossip about us, since as I’ve said, we aren’t doing anything. Regardless, I still won’t stop being friends with Monica because you think she gossiped. You don’t know her. And she’s been here for me since day one of our friendship. How about you?” Yeah, I got right on that soap box to ask him one single question.

  Instead of waiting for a response, Raven did an about-face. Walking as fast as humanly possible, she realized just how angry she was about Liam leaving her when she needed him.

  “Raven! Raven!” Liam called, but she didn’t stop walking, and she didn’t turn around.

  ~~~

  For weeks he’d called or texted Raven’s cell and she’d been “busy” helping Annette get her prized flowers ready for Bellwood’s festival at the end of March. If Annette was anything like how Liam remembered her, she’d already have taken over the task and didn’t need help with anything. The woman had won three times in a row when they were kids. Her knack of always winning sparked a town meeting, and an argument ensued between Annette and another woman who thought the festival was rigged.

  Liam sat, tapping his pen on the desk while his economics teacher gave a monotone lecture. All of the difficult macroeconomic formulas were going through one ear and out of the other. He’d learned them at the knee of a private instructor during his first year in France.

  Frowning, he thought about how Raven downplayed their relationship during their last talk at Alvin’s home–that they weren’t doing anything. They hadn’t kissed, really. He wouldn’t count New Year’s Eve, but he’d be damned if they hadn’t been doing something!

  Sitting back in his chair, legs wide, he wondered how long it would take Raven to get over Chris. Was their relationship that good? He’d stolen girls from their boyfriends before, countless times, but all he wanted was her.

  The instructor wrote a new economic formula on the board, which Pierre had already taught him. Looking at his paper, he began to sketch a picture of Raven’s face. He already had an acceptance letter to his father’s alma mater, which was the same university where his grandfathers met in France. His father’s father, George Lemaître, could care less what Liam chose to do. But Pierre always called, motivating Liam to attend. Those years living in France, he’d become close with Pierre and was considering attending. It was already March, and his grandfather expected him to attend the university in France.

  His mother had skirted the idea of being a legacy. At least, Liam thought so. Why else would Elise end up married to an attorney in the States?

  Liam had already opted to run the D-Hotel empire, and Pierre had been delighted.

  Yet his psyche was stuck on but one thing. Raven. Time ticked by too fast. He anticipated Friday night with her. After not talking for weeks, she’d agreed to go with him to see a movie.

  CHAPTER 11

  The wind flew through Raven’s hair as she listened to the sound of the Ducati’s engine. Her ankle-length maxi dress had been tied up to her toned thighs, yet it billowed softly in the breeze. Closing her eyes, Raven lay her head against Liam’s back. He pulled onto the highway, increasing the speed, knowing she wanted to go faster. As the lush landscape became a vibrant green blur, Raven’s chest rose slowly, taking a deep breath. The image of kissing him, truly kissing him, consumed her. Though the need to taste Liam’s lips was felt all through her bones, Raven did the next best thing: she squeezed her arms around his buff waist, coaxing him to go even faster.

  Titillating urges at bay, Raven swung her leg over the seat and got off the bike. They were parallel parked near a set of brownstones in Raleigh. She undid the few ties at her dress, and the colorful material cascaded down her caramel legs.

  Upon taking off her helmet, her hand glided over the side of her cheek and down her neck. Liam’s sexy scent was infused into her skin and swam in her bloodstream. She watched as he got off the bike and removed his helmet.

  Eyes sparkling, she said, “You were supposed to go faster, Fatso. Now why are we at a museum?”

  “Fatso, eh?” The left side of Liam’s full mouth cocked. Pools of liquid gold sparkled back at her as he looked her up and down.

  “Yes, why are we at a museum? You promised me a movie; I also wanted you to max out the speedometer. You’re oh-for-two.” Raven licked her lips, unsure why she was being flirtatious, since their last encounter had her storming away from him.

  “You’re precious cargo, I wouldn’t dream of going any faster with you at my side.” She pouted as he took her hand. “And yes, this is a museum; the curator has guaranteed we will be in Paris the moment we step inside.”

  “Humph,” Raven said as they sauntered up the cement steps. An apology for their last encounter was on the tip of her tongue. Leaving had never been a choice for him, as it had been for her parents. Instead, she took the sucker way out. “You had this all planned o
ut?”

  “Of course.”

  “Okay, Mr. Ambitious. What about the movie…” Raven’s voice trailed off as he opened the door. Music played softly in the background; she didn’t know the words, as the melody was in French. Every inch of the brownstone had been left unturned. There were historical artifacts and other enchanting possessions. A replica of the Eiffel Tower soared three levels high in the center of it all. But there were no other tourists or visitors. “Where is everyone?”

  The warmth of his breath tickled her ear as Liam stood behind her. “I’ve considered all the points on how to get you alone. I paid admission for an entire business day. It was either this or lose my good graces with Granny by stealing you off to the real France, which would take much longer. I’ll be your guide, if you trust me. Oh, there will also be a movie at the end, since you insist–that’s the only time we’ll be in the company of a museum employee because I want as much of your attention as possible.”

  “Hmmm, you've covered all the bases, Mr. Confidence.” Raven’s teeth tugged softly at her bottom lip. Apprehension reminded her that she’d been abandoned by him, no matter the cause.

  Liam stepped around and looked into her eye. He held out a hand. “Do you trust me?”

  Liam had to mean did she trust him as a guide to explain any of the items her eyes landed on too long. But something in the way his honey gaze locked onto hers proved that there was more to the deal. She took his hand.

  ~~~

  Liam had been so very attentive as Raven trailed around the museum like a buzzing bee. She’d wanted to hate Paris, hate all of France, since it was where Liam had gone years ago. But the history was rich with culture, and he knew it all. One time she even jokingly didn’t believe one of Liam’s outrageous stories, and had rushed to the front of the building to grab a brochure. He’d stood there smiling next to the extravagant canvas art as Raven read about the subject. Lo and behold, he was right.

  “Why do I have the feeling you've memorized this before today?” She shook her head, holding up the brochure.

  “I resent that,” he said, stepping closely to her as they stood beneath a miniature “Arc de Triomphe.” “God, you have gorgeous lips, Raven. As you fucking smile at me, tease me.”

  Her pink tongue came out and slid over her bottom lip. Though she said nothing, her eyes twinkled dangerously.

  “I'm gonna kiss you,” Liam warned.

  “We're only friends. Despite the romanticism. Don't push your luck, Liam,” she said, though she was smart enough to back away. Since they stood in a rendition of Paris, her ass bumped into the wrought iron railing overlooking the Seine River.

  “Oh but I intend to push my luck. You've fought me tooth and nail this far, why give up?” He took one step closer. That single step maxed out the few inches she had left. Now she was stuck. The knuckle of his index finger moved lazily over her lips, outlining the lusciousness of them.

  His mouth teased hers without coming to rest on it. Cock heavy, weighted in his jeans, Liam continued to coax her mouth just a little. He willed her to open up wide.

  “Liam, we are at a museum,” she gasped against his lips.

  “Kiss me or fight me. I promise I only kiss back. But be warned.” He placed his palms on either side of the railing. “My fight back is to take you over the knee as I promised you a few months ago.”

  At that, Raven pushed hard against his chest. “Whoop me and you’ll be sorry.”

  He reversed the threat, while his left hand grabbed as much of her ass as he could. She moaned deeply against his lips. The sound made him harder than ever. Liam's mouth crashed down on hers, bruising, possessing it. Their tongues rolled and coiled. Reaching on her tippy toe, Raven yearned for more as his arms wrapped around her waist.

  “I could fuck you where we stand,” he groaned against her neck as they caught their breaths.

  “Then fuck me, Liam.”

  He stepped back instantly. If she'd been any other girl, he'd give her the amount of respect she'd offered herself. Fuck her anywhere, anytime she agreed.

  “We're at a museum, Raven,” he said. Truth was she was waiting for marriage. He knew. She knew.

  “You told me the very same thing a minute ago, Liam. You also told me, upon arrival, that nobody else would come into this entire museum let alone this showroom.”

  His hands went to his tousled blond hair. “Yeah, well, I have a bit of self-control. But not that much, Raven.”

  She felt taken aback by the steel in his tone.

  “I wanted a kiss. But like I said, gorgeous, we keep going at it and there goes my restraint, Re.”

  “I want you to lose control,” she said, licking him on the neck. Then she blew on that spot. “I want to feel you, Liam.” She glanced up at him. Yes, he knew exactly what she meant. “You wanted to bring me back to life. So far so good, baby, I just need you.”

  She craved a deeper connection. The why he lived so near for two years and had stayed so far meant zilch at this moment. There was one ounce of numbness in her heart left, clinging to her. Liam had the key to take it all away. She kissed him hard on the lips.

  It took all of her strength to take her lips away from his–as every second away from him was a physical ache. She whispered, “I want you.”

  He carried her to a Louis XV bed, which was surprisingly more comfortable than any rendition should be.

  As he sat her at the edge of the bed, Raven pulled off his polo shirt, giving slow electric kisses up his chest as her hands roamed his six-pack.

  A French song about love echoed in Raven’s ears as her heart beat wildly.

  Hanging on the last thread of sanity, he asked, “Raven? Are you sure… I can’t…think like this.” The words came out uneven as she planted butterfly kisses on his chest.

  “I will not be able to stop.” He looked down at her, but she didn’t stop kissing him. Finally, he allowed his hands to rove through her sleek hair. He’d dreamed of this moment for years.

  Liam gripped the silky black hair at the nape of her neck, sending a shivering tingle over her spine as he brought her chin up. Their lips connected, tongues twining slowly. Liam grabbed at Raven’s ass, and her thighs jumped around his thick waist. He carried her to the gilded headboard and laid her on the bed, her hair flowing around a plethora of pillows. Liam undressed her.

  Raven looked up at him. His honey eyes weren’t lustful, but full of love as his own pair of jeans slid down thick, toned legs. A lump formed at her throat as her gaze landed on the much larger lump in his white briefs. Her mouth pooled with saliva as Liam took those off, too.

  How would he get it in if she was too afraid to touch the beast?

  She thought her heart would explode as Liam climbed in bed and on top of her. This time their lips connected, Liam trailed his mouth along her jawline, biting it softly. The sheer act made her flower moisten. Her warm brown skin burned as Liam kissed a trail from her lips, to jawline and down her neck. His big hands massaged her bra, before pulling it off. And when he kissed her hardened nipples, Raven moaned. His tongue went out to lick the mocha tip, her body trembled as a rush of wetness seeped past her folds.

  While he palmed the other breast, Liam said, “Do you know how long I’ve waited to taste these beautiful nipples?” His thumb flicked the nipple, which had yet to gain his full attention. Her pussy quivered as his warm breath further hardened her other nipple. Then his mouth worked at torture and pleasure. He sucked it into his mouth before letting his white, straight teeth graze over it.

  Further down he went. Raven’s head fell back, and she gulped.

  “You’re still tense, ReRe.”

  At this point, she was unable to respond as his tongue left a trail over her abdomen. There was tenderness to every action. Every time his lips touched her body, his actions spoke of his love. Her labia quivered as Liam’s finger delved into her tight, silky, core. There was a finesse to the way he did it that she just didn't have a knack for.

  “Mmmm.” Her eye
s rolled back. When he inserted two fingers, she whimpered slightly, this time finding her voice enough to call out his name.

  This time he responded, tone calming. “Raven, I would never hurt you, beautiful, but I’ve gotta get your ready for me.”

  His sexy voice was reassuring as his fingers blossomed into her nether regions. When Raven’s hips rocked to his three fingers, Liam climbed back over her. He positioned his weight so as not to crush her. Every thought was for her pleasure.

  “You know I care for you, beautiful.” Liam’s words caressed her cheek and sunk into her pores.

  She nodded, though unsure what he meant. “I love you too, Liam. Always have, always will.” As the head of his manhood guided toward Raven’s opening, her eyes bugged out. “I… I don’t think it will fit,” she breathed as Liam’s length slide across her entrance.

  “Breathe.” He kissed the pulse at her neck. Then Liam channeled ever so slowly into her body. His girth, the pain mingling with the love exploding in her heart, all but brought tears to her eyes. As he worked his way in, Liam held her tightly, kissing her lips, comforting her. Raven wasn’t aware that she was clutching the silk duvet until the pain passed away, and all of him loved all of her.

  Raven felt warm blood boiling all through her soul. Her body melted, entwined with his, and her heart had never felt so whole. In her lifetime, she’d never been exposed to so much raw emotion as he now glided inside of her.

  “Are you crying?” Liam paused, bracing his elbows on either side of her shoulders.

  She hadn’t noticed her eyes were wet with tears, she hadn’t cried in years. Raven leaned up and kissed him. Her hips arched as incentive as his warmth enveloped her.

  “Please don't stop, Liam,” was all she needed to say.

  His cock continued to stretch what once was her prized innocence. Liam sank down on top of her, and Raven held his strong body close.

  Conscious of his strong, hard weight, Liam began to lay beside her. They looked up at the ceiling which had been transformed by sparkling lights, as Paris was the city of light.