Ghosts of Culloden Moor 14 - Liam (Diane Darcy)

by L. L. Muir

“We’re ditching it and that’s final.”

  With a pout, Liam sank down into the seat. If it was the last thing he ever did, he was getting a nice car.

  ~~~

  She had to admit, Liam pouting? It was cute.

  He certainly seemed to like the finer things in life.

  Didn’t they all?

  If she relied on her father, she could certainly have the finer things, but she didn’t like the strings that came attached to his generosity. Plus she’d have to wonder if someone was hurt when her father acquired said money. All in all, it was easier and more mentally healthy to avoid her father and live her own life. She’d just keep writing magazine articles and hope it turned into something more lucrative.

  Liam on the other hand seemed to have money fall into his lap wherever he went.

  She suddenly realized that, like a homing pigeon, she was driving back to her trailer. She abruptly slowed. For all she knew, the car was bugged with a GPS tracker of some kind. It had been a while since she’d had a car, and she wasn’t sure if they were easily tracked. She suspected the men she was dealing with knew exactly where she was at that moment.

  “We have to ditch the car. I just realized they might be able to find us by tracking the car.”

  Liam’s pout melted away. “Should we take the bus?”

  It kind of freaked her out that she’d been driving toward her place. Las Vegas was huge, so she shouldn’t be worried, but they’d found her, hadn’t they? At a wedding chapel of all places. Suddenly she was afraid to go back to her place. It wouldn’t hurt to lay low for a few days. She could go to her father’s, but that didn’t set well.

  “I don’t really have any money in my account. Well, I do, but that particular credit card is back at my place and I don’t like to use my father’s money. What about you? Do you think you have enough money left for a hotel?”

  Liam’s eyes started to gleam. “In one of the big buildings? Aye, I’ve money enough. And if we run out, I can always find more.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I suppose you could.”

  “What’s it to be?”

  “I don’t know, I’m thinking. If we stay at one of the seedier, cheap places—”

  “Nae.” Liam grimaced. “I wish for a big place. One that rises up into the sky.”

  “I suppose, with all the tourists, we’d be hard to find there. Do you have a place in mind?”

  “When I arrived I saw a place that had dancing water. Just before I found ye. What about there?”

  “The Bellagio? I wonder how much money you have, because it’s like the most expensive place in town. One of them, anyway. We can stay at one of the big buildings without spending that much money.”

  “Where then?”

  “I don’t know.” She pulled the car over and parked at the back of a convenience store. They got out and started to walk. “Let’s just ride a bus up The Strip and we’ll figure out where to stay when we get there.”

  “What will we do? Visit the sites? Have a good time?”

  They needed to disappear, but hanging out in a room with Liam might be just as dangerous to her. To her heart anyway.

  She stuck her phone in her back pocket. “Don’t worry. We’ll find plenty of things to do.”

  ~~~

  Liam watched closely as Amber opened the door to their hotel room with a square key. He’d never seen the like.

  He followed her inside and looked around at the Egyptian themed room as he set down the bags of clothing they’d purchased at the nearby shops.

  It was actually quite beautiful, smelled good, and his eyes narrowed in on the two beds. Suddenly he wished they were back at the trailer. If Soni didn’t show up, he wouldn’t mind lying beside her and holding her hand again until morn.

  “What do you think?” She set the food and drinks they’d purchased in the hotel food court on the counter.

  “’Tis nice.” He walked over to the window to look at the view. The main thoroughfare streamed along below and he was amazed anew at the number of cars traveling along it.

  “I’m going to change my clothes.” Amber scooped up the bags and headed to the bathroom. When she came out a few minutes later she looked charming in the blue shorts and white T-shirt. “Your turn.”

  Liam went into the bathroom and changed into jeans, T-shirt, and new sandals. When he came back out, Amber was opening a drink and she took a sip of the red liquid. “Do you want some Gatorade? Or would you like to eat now? Or later? We could put the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you want to eat later.”

  He could tell she was slightly uncomfortable now they were in the room together. He didn’t blame her. If she knew what he was thinking, how he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and keep her there, she’d probably run screaming from the place. He certainly wasn’t hungry for food when she was around.

  “Or we could watch a movie?”

  He turned to study her nervous expression. “I liked the game we played yesterday. Truth or dare.” He’d liked the intimacy of it. The way it made him feel closer to her. “Do ye want to play again?”

  She took another sip of her drink then stared at it. She lifted her gaze to study him and seemed a little more breathless than before. “Have you ever played spin the bottle?”

  Watching her closely, he shook his head.

  She swiftly turned away. “Forget I said anything. Maybe I’ll run down to the gift shop and get some cards.”

  “Nae. Let’s play spin the bottle. How does it work?”

  “Cards is better. Or we could watch TV.”

  Something was up, he just didn’t know what. “I insist upon spin the bottle.”

  She sucked in a breath and wouldn’t look at him.

  “Lass?”

  She nodded, retrieved a cup from the bathroom, poured her drink inside, and screwed on the cap. She sat down on the floor, crossed her legs, and indicated he should sit across from her. “This is probably a bad idea.”

  He sank down and though he couldn’t cross his legs, he leaned back against the couch.

  She set the bottle between them.

  “How do ye play?”

  She licked her lips. “Well…”

  “Well, what?”

  She placed a hand on the bottle and finally gave it a spin. It circled between them and finally stopped, pointing at the door. “Your turn.”

  It did not look a very fun game. Maybe one that might keep young bairns entertained. But he spun it anyway. It stopped again, pointing at Amber.

  “You spin the bottle and if it points at someone you have to…” She couldn’t seem to get herself to say it.

  “You have to what?”

  She swallowed. Hesitated. Then finally in a rush, said, “You have to kiss them.”

  His eyes widened and he sat up, his spine straightening.

  “I…I mean, maybe this is stupid and we should—”

  Liam leaned forward in a rush, curled his finger under her chin, and kissed her, his lips clinging to hers. When he sat back she was breathless, the eagerness in her gaze driving him mad. He loved this game. “’Tis your turn now?”

  “Yes,” she said, breathless. “It’s my turn.”

  He sat back and she sucked in air and gave the bottle a quick spin. While it circled, he didn’t watch it, but rather watched her. With her face flushed the way it was, and her inability to draw a steady breath, she looked the most beautiful creation in the world. Dark hair spilled about her shoulders, and her coffee-colored eyes sparkled, eager and wary. He couldn’t believe the number of years he’d gone without her in his life. Pain speared his chest. He didn’t know how he’d ever do it again.

  The bottle finally started to slow, ever slower, until it finally came to a halt.

  It was pointed right at him.

  She swallowed. “I…I should have never started this. We should just go and get that pack of cards. I could teach you how to play go fish. Or even better, solitaire.”

  He gazed at her lips, wait
ing for her to lean closer. “Yer stallin’ lass.”

  “Um.” She said, staring at his lips as well. She slowly leaned forward, across the top of the bottle, and he copied her motion until they met in the middle.

  He slowly lowered his mouth to hers, and when their lips touched in the slightest of kisses, sensation arched between them once more.

  He leaned back to look at her. “’Tis my new favorite game.”

  “I…I never should have started this. We have to stop.”

  “There’s nothing I’d rather do.”

  “We need to get out of this room.”

  “Didnae ye say tis not safe?” He reached for her again and she jumped up.

  She placed the sandwiches in the refrigerator. “We’d better get out of here. I know just the place. You’ll definitely want to see it.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  They took the elevator down again and, holding hands, Amber directed Liam to the ticket counter. They bought two tickets for Tournament of Kings and headed over to the Excalibur. As they had a little time to spare they wandered into shops, one after the other, looking at castles, knights, dragons, and more. She was right, Liam was absolutely fascinated by everything they saw.

  When it was time, they headed down to see the joust. They filed in with the other spectators, were assigned the knights they were to cheer for, and settled in to watch the arena in the middle.

  Waiters came around pouring drinks, serving soup, and entertaining the crowd.

  The show started just as the chicken, broccoli, and potatoes were served.

  Amber loved watching Liam as he exclaimed over the food, cheered for their knight, and commented on each one of the horses.

  He was practically vibrating with excitement.

  “Tell me, do you have horses at home?”

  “Not for the last few years or so. All the horseflesh was confiscated so we marched in the army and the officers rode. But growing up? Aye. We always had a few about.”

  “Maybe you need to get more.”

  “Aye—” His attention was caught by the spectacle in front of them, as the evil fire-wizard Mordred invaded the festivities.

  When their knight came to the rescue, Liam cheered louder than anyone else.

  Amber laughed, watching him as much as the show.

  Liam continued to eat, but his complete attention was on the spectacle in front of him. Even the skimpily clad dancing girls and their tambourines failed to hold his notice.

  She was glad they’d come. He was enjoying it far more than she would have imagined. And she was having fun watching him.

  His face darkened for a moment.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I dinnae like the way that man is treating his horse. ’Tis obvious to the most undiscerning eye the beast needs water.”

  The horse foamed at the mouth. “Hopefully, as soon as this part is done, the poor thing will get some water.”

  “I also dinnae think they’re trying hard to rescue the King.”

  “Well, you know, I’m sure they’re doing their best.”

  Liam’s face darkened even further, and he stood, went down the stairs, and jumped the railing into the arena.

  Amber’s mouth dropped open as Liam pulled a knight from his horse before jumping on the animal’s back.

  She slowly stood. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She watched as Liam took the horse for a turn about the middle, then jumped off to examine the animal and talk to it.

  Chaos erupted. Everyone inside the ring started chasing after Liam. He jumped back on the horse, and looked to be having a tremendous amount of fun as those in the arena chased after him and others came out into the hard packed dirt.

  The man could ride.

  The crowd cheered him on and Liam threw both arms up in the air, let out what sounded like a war cry, and easily evaded the men trying to capture him.

  It looked as if he was going after the villain.

  Everyone in the crowd screamed, cheered, took pictures, and egged him on. There were several comments about him being drunk. Maybe he was. She’d never met anybody so drunk on life as Liam.

  Amber slowly lowered herself back down into her seat and grinned. So much for staying under the radar. The big guy had better be able to protect her when he blew their cover.

  She wouldn’t worry about that now. Especially as there was nothing she could do about it. So she might as well sit back and enjoy the show.

  ~~~

  Liam couldn’t believe they’d captured him and thrown him out of the building.

  He’d had a moment of pure panic when he’d realized Amber wasn’t with them, but she’d quickly followed and he’d tucked her under his arm. He grinned down at her as they hurried into the crowd before the guards changed their mind and arrested him.

  She was looking at him, a stern expression upon her face, but that was nothing new. Even before he’d died, most people looked at him that way.

  “I can’t believe they didn’t arrest you.”

  He shrugged. “They said they would until I mentioned the neglect of the horses. Or maybe it was the man pointing his camera at them as they beat me. Leastwise, they suddenly changed their mind.”

  She stopped, forcing him to halt. “They beat you?”

  The anger in her voice, in her face, made him grin. “It does not signify. I’m fine.”

  She was silent for a moment as he tugged her along. “I still don’t know why you did that. I didn’t see you giving the animal any water,” she said darkly.

  “I would have, lass. And I assured the horse of such myself. But then I sort of became caught in the moment, so perhaps the boys can be forgiven, after all. The animal had heart, I’ll tell ye true.”

  “Well, that was quite reckless of you out there. You could have been hurt.”

  Did she worry over him? He liked the idea of it. “I dinnae believe I can be hurt.”

  “That’s what they all say until they’re in traction at the hospital.”

  He shrugged. “Are we to do something else?” His gaze slid to her lips. “Or, if ye’d rather go back to the privacy of our room, that would be fine, as well.”

  She snorted. “I’m tempted to take you to the shark tank and feed you to Jaws.”

  Liam’s eyes widened. “Are we near the shark tank?”

  She glanced up and made a scoffing noise. “So much for scaring you into behaving.”

  He grinned down at her, so glad to be with her, to have her near him, and to be outside in the night air spending time together. “I’ve never been known for my good behavior. Mayhap that is why I never found a woman to put up with me.”

  “Oh, poor handsome Highlander, can’t find a girlfriend.”

  “Handsome?” He grinned, tightening his grip on her. “Will ye be my girl then, lass?”

  ~~~

  Amber’s breath caught and she glanced away, startled by the question. Was he serious? With Liam’s happy-go-lucky, frivolous attitude, it was difficult to tell. She wanted to say yes, to see what he’d say, but didn’t quite dare. Instead, she just smiled, reminding herself it was early days yet. “Does this mean were going steady?” she teased.

  “If ye’ll have me, lass.” He stopped and turned to her, solemn, intense. “For whatever time left to me, I’ll be yours.” As the crowd jostled them, he held out a ring.

  She almost couldn’t breathe. “Where did you get that?”

  “At the shop today. It reminded me of ye.”

  She looked at the gold ring held between his fingers, intricately decorated with roses. Emotion rose to tighten her chest and burn her eyes with tears.

  She knew he wasn’t sincere. He couldn’t be.

  But she held her hand out, anyway. “All right. I guess this means we’re going steady.”

  He slid the ring onto her finger, leaned down to kiss it, then kissed her.

  “For the rest of my life.”

  ~~~

  Amber tried to hide her tears and emoti
ons from him, which in turn made him feel tearful and emotional. He clutched her tight and she pressed her face to his chest.

  He kissed the top of her head. He loved this woman. Their time had been short, but what did that signify? Soni had no doubt left him with Amber because she was his, and he hers, even if for but a short while. Gratitude for that, and dread of leaving, filled him.

  Amber pulled back. “We need to celebrate this occasion.” Still not looking at him she took his hand and led the way. He gladly followed. They climbed stairs and Amber led the way into another large building, through yet another crowd past gambling and shops. When they finally arrived at their destination he glanced around.

  “What is this?”

  “It’s a ride. A roller coaster. Have you ever been on one?”

  He shook his head.

  “Well, you’re going to love it.”

  They had to wait in line a long while, but Liam didn’t mind as Amber pressed herself against him and wrapped her arms around his waist as he held her close and rubbed her back. He studied what he could see of the ride, watched people sit in the metal cars, then watched them return, frazzled and laughing.

  Regardless of their safe return, he started to get nervous as they slid forward in line.

  He quite enjoyed the feeling of fear and anticipation.

  It was finally their turn.

  Amber held out her hand. “Will you put my keys and phone in your purse? I don’t want to lose them.”

  Liam turned a steely-eyed glare upon her. “Purse? ’Tis a sporran.”

  She smiled. “Whatever you say.”

  He stowed her possessions and they seated themselves in on the ride and they almost didn’t let Liam go because of his long legs, but finally they were situated.

  Amber lay her hand over his. “You’re going to like this.”

  He could see the tracks, and with the tiny seats they were in, it didn’t look like it would hold.

  The roller coaster jerked, then climbed slowly up the tracks, anticipation building the higher they climbed. When they reached the top, Liam could see the horizon in the distance, the mountains outlined by the setting sun. Then they unexpectedly dropped, falling so suddenly the car reaching such incredible speeds, Liam’s neck muscles tightened to hold his noggin in place.