Isabella entered Liam's penthouse and sighed. She had missed the place especially since it held everything that described Liam. She walked through the foyer and looked around. Nothing had changed. It still held the same feeling to it. Liam was behind her. He placed the keys to his car on the key hook and sauntered inside just as Isabella turned to him. He stopped in front of her and shed his jacket and tossed it over one of the lush chairs then undid his tie, put it around Isabella's neck and pulled her close to him.
The look in his eyes made her shudder with want. She wanted this man with every fiber of her being! His smoldering eyes danced with raw emotions as he drew down and kissed her softly on her lips.
“I love having you over at my place.” He murmured to her, kissing the line of her jaw.
Isabella's eyes fluttered close. “I love being here. It's been a while.”
“Are you hungry?” He asked her lightly as his fingers brushed up and down her arms.
Isabella thought of the long lunch she had with Christy that afternoon. She was still digesting it. She was hungry for something else instead. She moaned softly as his lips trailed down to her neck. “No.”
“Good.” He came up and touched her lightly, watching her as if he still couldn't believe that she was there!
As he came down to her lips, Isabella placed her index finger against them. “We need to talk.”
“Only after I have had my fill of you.” Liam pulled Isabella's index finger into his mouth and sucked it slowly.
The sensation sky-rocketed itself all the way to Isabella's toes and she felt them curl. “Liam, I'm still very much angry with you.”
Liam shrugged boyishly. “I'm angry with me too. After everything I did to you, everything I put you through, still you are standing in front of me, loving me and being with me. It's beyond words, Isabella.” His voice caressed her like warm honey dripping against her skin. How could she resist him? How could she not give him what he wanted?
“Come with me.” he said softly, running his fingers down her hand until they tangled themselves against hers then he took her towards his room.
Isabella realized that she had never been into Liam's bedroom. This was the first time she was spending the night at his place with him. She entered the cool gray and dark wood room. It was so Liam! From the dark marbled floor to the alternating silk painted walls and wood to the solid and modern furniture. Everything was in its place. Liam was very neat when it came to his stuff. The bed was made in silver, black and white; in silk and linen. It was like taking a glimpse of Liam's soul!
Isabella caressed the silky tie around her neck and watched as Liam dimmed the lights, making the room very romantic and intimate. He approached her and stood towering over her, his eyes shining with wicked promises. Isabella's breath came out in short hot puffs. She wanted to step back and try to gain back some sense but she couldn't—not when Liam was concerned.
“Are we ever going to talk?” She breathed as his warm hand cupped her cheek and teased her earlobe.
“Yes...after...” The words were thick with emotions.
Just as Liam drew down to kiss her, Isabella's cell phone trilled loudly between them. She jerked up and frowned. “Sorry.” she answered it.
“Hey, Isabella.” Stefan's voice came through. “Where are you?”
“Hi.” Isabella eyed the frowning Liam and was about to walk out and talk to Stefan when Liam held her hand and slowly shook his head. He didn't want her to leave. He wanted to hear what she had to say. “Uhm—I'm with Liam at his place.”
There was a long pause before Stefan answered. “Are you okay? Do you want me to come and get you?”
“No, it's okay. I'm alright. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?” Isabella felt uncomfortable under Liam's intense eyes. They smoldered and sparkled at her like a cat on the hunt.
“Are you sleeping over at his place?” The question was quiet but Stefan wasn't judging or accusing her. He was just curious.
Isabella looked up again and nodded as if Stefan could see her. “Yes, I am. I'll call you tomorrow. Goodnight.” she quickly hung up and turned off her phone. She didn't need this. She didn't need her conscious to start drilling objections against what she felt for Liam. She needed to be with him and that was all that mattered.
Liam didn't know how to ask Isabella about Stefan. He remembered clearly how Stefan intentionally warned him of what he was about to do and Liam wondered if the two ever had anything going on.
“Was that Stefan?” He asked even though he knew the answer already.
Isabella turned away from him and placed the phone on the beside table. “Yes.” She whispered.
“Did you...” Liam couldn't continue and left the question hanging between then like black smoke, corroding and choking his throat.
Isabella turned to him once more and her eyes darted around. “I wanted to...really badly but I couldn't and do you know why?” She pursed her lips and hugged her arms then stared at a point just above his right shoulder. “Because I had nothing to give him. It would have been unfair to be with him when my heart belonged to someone else.”
Liam was speechless as he pulled Isabella into his arms and kissed her hair. She smelled of wild roses and sweet innocence. She was all he had ever wanted. “I'm so sorry, Belle.” he trailed kisses down her temple, then her high cheekbone, down to her cheeks and finally the corner of her mouth. “I had so much emotions in me I just didn't know how to handle them. It was the first time I felt like this.” He stepped back and ran a hand in his hair again. “Every time I thought about you I became angry, possessive and confused. I didn't want to hurt you yet I couldn't let you go. I wanted you happy. I wanted to protect you, cherish you, support you in everything that you did. I want it to be just you and me but then when I thought about what Cuthbert did to my mother, all those promises vanished...”
Isabella stepped forward and touched him lightly. He could see the tears dancing in her eyes and her lower lip trembling. “Oh, Liam!” she cuddled against him, holding him like a child who needed someone to tell them that it was alright.
Isabella had a heart of an angel. Until that moment when the entire world knew him as a murderer, a sham, a dishonorable business man, she saw him as good and kind. Her love broke down all the steel walls he built around his heart and warmed his soul. Liam wanted to give her everything he had. He wanted to give her his money, his life, his heart and his very soul to keep. She showed him that there was hope for people like him. To her, he was still the dark knight of her fairytale story.
He touched her chin and tilted her head so that she was facing up at him the kissed away the tears coming down her eyes. She had shed so many tears for him and he wanted to spend the rest of his life making up to her. “Don't cry, Belle. I'll never leave you again. I will stand beside you and take care of you. I will support you and give you everything you've ever wanted.”
“The only thing I want is your heart.” She murmured softly.
Liam felt his throat constrict. “And it's yours to keep.” She's had his heart all along but he didn't even know it.
A giggle choked out her lips as she rose on her toes and kissed him. Liam took that opportunity to embrace her and indulge in her sweet kiss. Her lips were soft and hot against his. He tasted her tears mingled with her relief and her love for him. Liam didn't know that a kiss could affect him so much. His entire world shook on its foundation when he kissed her.
He raked his fingers into her thick dark locks and held her head in place as he deepened the kiss, teasing her lips open and invading her delicious mouth. A soft moan escaped her lips as she crushed her body against his, holding him tightly as if she feared that if she let him go, he would leave.
Oh no, Belle. I'm not going anywhere! Not now, not ever!
“Oh God, I want you so badly.” He whispered against her lips as he hands slowly explored the outline of her body.
“Me too.” Her voice was husky and raw as their foreheads touched and her trembling fingers began to undo the buttons on his shirt. “I want you hard and fast.”
Liam's eyebrows arched as she looked up at him and he saw the desperation in them. He couldn't help but smile wickedly. “Why didn't you say that earlier?” He didn't give her time to answer and swept her off the floor.
A squeal escaped her lips as he released her onto the bed and attacked her clothes, peeling off the layers of the offending garments until she had nothing on but her sexy lacy thong. Then he stood up and took his time undress, prolonging the anticipation that would result in prolonged pleasure. Belle's eyes darkened and she bit her lip in frustration as she watched him.
“Liam!” She whined and set up on her elbows.
“Patience, ma petite Belle.” He purred and finally got rid of his clothes before he crawled over her, kissing a trail up from the trim of the thong around her hips, up to her navel, teasing it with his tongue the up between the valley of her breasts and finally on her chin.
“Liam!” She cried as her nails bit hard on his back, pulling him towards her.
He groaned as his erection twitched eagerly against her thigh. “Alright, alright!” he feigned exasperation as he dragged the thong down her sexy long legs and positioned himself between her. He too was holding his last scrap of control by the thread! He pushed two fingers into her moist folds and damn she was ready for him. It was heady to know that he affected her that much. He teased her, rolled his thumb against her. Her hips started moving against his fingers as he slowly brought her to a feverish pitch. He stroked her and watched her as her release inched closer and closer.
Finally he inserted a finger in her and she convulsed around him, her tremor spreading through her body like a wildfire. She called out his name and Liam didn't wait for the shudders to stop. He plunged deep into her tight and scalding hot core.
“Oh fuck! Belle, you feel so good!” He ground out as she clenched him greedily inside her.
Muffling whimpers echoed in the room as he withdrew slowly and plunged deep again. Shudders passed through her, pulsing inside her core and milking him. “Jesus Christ, Belle!” he cursed as she clenched him harder.
Finally, she rode the second wave of her orgasm and collapsed limply against the pillows. Her lips were slightly parted and her skin glistened to sweat. Her eyes were large and bright as she looked up at him.
A wicked smile tugged around his lips. “That's fast enough for you?”
“More...” she breathed. “And move, goddammit!”
Oh, she was commanding him! He loved that! “Yes, ma'am.” Liam started a slow pace, stroking her and loving the feel of her warmth surrounding him. “You feel incredible, Belle.”
“And you are moving too slow!” She reached behind him and squeezed his buttocks, urging him to move faster.
Liam thrust hard into her and earned a cry. He picked up his pace, thrusting into her until he could no longer think of anything else other than the woman under him and the pleasure she was bringing him. Her nails bit into his buttocks and the sensation shot its way into his groin. Her cries and whimpered urged him on until his body shuttered into a million pieces! Pleasure surged into his veins and touched every nerve-ending, lighting him up like Christmas lights.
“Belle!” he growled as he came inside her, drain his entire world into her.
Isabelle ran her fingers lazily in Liam's hair as he rested his head against her chest. She was right where she wanted to be and with the man she loved.
Liam was beautiful after their love-making. His hair was disheveled, his eyes bright and his skin hot. His expression was that of a content man and a secret smile teased the corners of his mouth.
“Tell me what you are thinking about.” His voice came through.
“I'm thinking about how hot you look after sex.” She said truthfully.
Liam looked up at her, placing his chin between her breasts and smiled biting his lower lip mischievously. Isabella rolled her eyes and laughed. Wow, how much she missed his teasing. “I have you to thank for it.”
“I'm glad you finally see the unconditional love I have for you.” she couldn't help but rub her fingers against the full lip that had her going crazy just moments ago.
His expression turned serious. “I love you too, Belle.”
She grinned. She couldn't help being so happy. “Well, it's about damn time! I was getting gray hair just waiting for you to finally accept it.”
A boyish, shy smile appeared on Liam face as he shifted to Isabella's side and supported his head on his arm, looking at her. “I'll make it up to you. I promise.”
“I'll hold you on that but first things first, we need to talk.” She sobered up and mimicked his posture.
Liam winced visibly. “What do you need to know?”
“First of all, why the fuck did you buy me out?” She couldn't believe she said it so harshly.
Liam couldn't either and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Interesting choice of words, Belle.”
Her eyebrow arched up. “Don't try and change the subject, Liam.”
Liam inhaled and sighed. “After Christy found out what Audrey was planning to do and came to me, all I could do was think of how I could protect you from it all and the only way I knew was to sever all connections to me. You still control eighty percent of the remaining shares.”
“Then why would you treat me so well in Italy?” She whispered softly.
Liam looked confused for a moment then pushed Isabella gently on her back and laid his head once more against her chest. “I wanted to give you the perfect ending to your fairytale, Belle. I wanted to make you happy just once more before....” he voice trailed off.
“Before what, Liam?” Isabella swallowed the thick painful lump in her throat.
Suddenly he looked up at her, his eyes anxious. “Before I let you go.”
Isabella's mouth ran dry. Of course! She felt something was wrong back in Italy. He was always distracted by something. Oh Liam! He thought to protect her by keeping her away! Idiot!
“You are a foolish man, Liam.” she stated. “If you thought you could get rid of me that easily.”
“Even though I desperately tried to let you go, Belle, it almost drove me crazy...” his voice cracked. “I can't lose you, Belle. It's unacceptable!”
“I'm here to stay, Liam. As I told you before, throw whatever you want but I'll not go.”
“My precious Belle.” he murmured as he drew circles around her stomach.
Isabella frowned. “How did Audrey get the information? I thought Christoph was the only one who had the copy of your past life?”
“Christoph was supposed to destroy all evidence of my past life by I told him to keep it.” He sounded distant all of a sudden. “I wanted to remember where I came from and what I was living for. My mother deserved a good life because she was a good mother. I watched her lose herself, piece by piece and I couldn't help her. All I could do was to work my ass off until I earned enough money to get her away from that monster. It never happened. I had all the money I could ever want, enough to give her lifetimes worth of a good life but I couldn't. It didn't make sense anymore...not until you. Then I had a second chance to take care of someone. I wanted to give you everything, Belle; just name it and I would provide but you never asked for anything—only that I come for the concerts, the PTA meetings--” he sighed and looked up at her. “Why, Isabella?”
Isabella's eyes widened. Whenever Liam called her by her full name, she knew whatever he was saying to her meant something deeper. “Because I had everything I wanted and all I wanted from you was your love.”
He frowned in disbelief and shook his head lightly. “You don't know what other women would give to be in your position, Belle.”
Isabella shrugged her small shoulders. “You said it yourself, I'm not like other women.”
“That you are not.” He went back to his favorite position.
“How did Audrey get the information?” Isabella never thought Christoph to be clumsy.
Liam sighed again. “His new intern. Audrey started the affair with the boy several weeks ago and got him hooked on her to the point that he did whatever she asked.”
Slutty Audrey! Isabella thought acidly. “Oh!”
“Audrey mentioned it to the boy that she wanted all the information Christoph had on me and the boy was able to steal the file from Christoph's safe—I don't know how—and handed it to Audrey in a silver platter.” Isabella heard the bite in Liam's voice and shivered.
“What was in that file?” Isabella could barely recognize her own voice. She feared for what Liam was going through.
“Everything you've heard in the news; my past, Cuthbert's death...” he stopped and frowned. “Your father's death.”
Isabella's heart stuttered. “Liam--”
“I loved your father like my own, Belle.” he looked up at her, anxious to make her believe it. “I would never do such a thing.”
Isabella touched Liam's face a placed a kiss on his forehead like the way he always did to her. “I know. I read the reports about the crash. It was an accident.”
Liam blinked several times and swallowed. “Sometimes I wish it were me in that plane instead of Thomas and Agnes.”
“No!” Isabella shook her head. “Then I wouldn't have met and fallen in love with you.”
Liam leaned up and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“I hope Christoph's intern is in prison.” Isabella went back to the conversation at hand.
A wicked glint entered Liam's eyes again. “Good advise from me; never fuck with a lawyer.”
Isabella laughed. “Especially one as good as Christoph.” then they fell into a short silence before Isabella asked. “Liam, why aren't worried about the outcomes of this gossip about you? Why am I the one doing all the worrying?”
“I'm not worried because the only crime I'm guilty of is to try and bury my past in order to make a future for myself.” He said then paused for a moment as if debating on something then in a soft voice he continued. “The day Cuthbert died was about a week after he killed my mother. He was never arrested for the death because he blamed it on a rival. He was conducting business with some Brazilians. After the pounding I got from him, I never followed him to his businesses so I didn't know what he was smuggling in this time. I got myself a descent job in one of the markets and even though I earned peanuts, I was happy that I wasn't like my father.”
“Oh, Liam. You are nothing like your father.”
He smiled tightly and continued. “I was sixteen at the time and just got a bonus pay from my boss. I decided to leave home that night. Now that my mother was gone, I had no reason to stay with that animal. When I got home, the metallic smell of blood hit me at the door. I knew it. I experienced it when my mother bled out at our home.
“I rushed through the house trying to find the source and I finally did. My father was lying in a pool of blood in his study with a bullet right between his eyes.” Liam's eyes shone with a strange light. “And in that moment, I felt at peace like never before.” he swallowed and watched for Isabella's expression like a scared animal. “I was glad that he was dead. I scared myself for having such thoughts but I was very glad that he was dead. I went to my room, packed my stuff and left home.”
Isabella didn't know what to say. Could this be the moment that made him think himself as his father; the fact that he was happy about his father's death? All she could do was pull him into an embrace and comfort him as he poured out his heart to her. “How old were you when my dad finally found you?”
“You father didn't find me, I found him. I was still sixteen. After I ran away from home, the police finally caught up with me and I spent the night in a cell. I remember the morning of my hearing, Thomas and Christoph were at the courthouse after Thomas bought a sham boat around our area. He was furious, so furious that when he was leaving, he left his brief case on the bench just outside the courtroom. I called him because I couldn't run after him having a police man at my side and all. He came back and took the briefcase and he looked at me....” he voice faded in wonder. “I wonder what he saw when he looked at me but all I can say is that, that damned briefcase saved my ass. One moment I'm facing a murder charge, the next minute I'm being pardoned under being falsely accused. Thomas took me for lunch where I poured my heart out to him and afterwards he asked on question that changed my life forever; 'do you want to make your life your own?'”
“My dad was like that. He was always considerate and many times I feel his habits might have rubbed off on you.” Isabella smirked even though tears lingered in her eyes.
“Maybe.” Liam corked his head to the side as if he was considering it then sighed and teased her nipple with his lips. “Okay, that's enough for today.”
Isabella shuddered deliciously and murmured, “Christy and Stefan are worried about you. They think you have something nasty planned for Audrey.” Isabella felt the smile against her skin and jerked up in alert. “What are you going to do to her?”
He shrugged casually as if they were discussing the menu. “Only what her father should have taught her; never poke at the sleeping tiger.”
“Liam.” Isabella was surprised at how trembling she suddenly was. She never feared Liam, not even once but now, she fear the silent promise behind his words.
“Hush...” he leaned up and kissed her soundly, quickly making her forget about what she was trying to do to get him to talk. He was ready for her again, this time taking his time with her and learning all the little secrets of her body.