Enticing Liam (Big Sky Royal 2)

I slept lightly all night, waking often to check on Liam. From what I could see, he seemed to sleep well, which was a relief.

I pad out to the kitchen and make myself a cup of tea, then carry it with me to the bathroom. After a quick shower and minimal primping, I slip into the yoga shorts, sports bra, and tank that I’ve come to think of as my Montana uniform. It’s comfortable, and Liam’s eyes always light up when he looks me up and down while I’m in these clothes.

It’s a win-win situation all around.

I’ve just returned to the kitchen for another cuppa when Liam climbs the stairs to my flat. His eyes find me immediately, and he stalks to me, dripping sweat from head to toe.

“I just got out of the shower.” I hold up my hands in surrender, but he advances on me anyway. “Really, Liam, you’re a sweaty mess.”

“You didn’t mind last night.”

“I hadn’t just taken a shower, silly.”

I giggle and back away from him. His eyes are full of humor.

I love the playful side of Liam.

“So, you’re saying I need a shower,” he says as he reaches me, pinning me against the kitchen island without actually touching me.

“Yes.”

He dips his head low and kisses my forehead.

“Do you mind if I use yours?”

“Of course, not. There are fresh towels in there.”

“I’ll be out in a few.”

I nod and watch him walk to the bathroom. He pushes the door closed behind him, but before it shuts all the way, he yanks his shirt over his head, and I catch just a glimpse of his bare back before the door closes.

My God.

My stomach roils.

My eyes fill.

Liam.

I want to run after him and ask him what in the world happened to leave his back so scarred. I want to beg him to confide in me.

But I know he has to do all of that on his own terms, in his own way.

And showing him any pity at all will only make him cross with me.

I walk out onto the deck and take a deep breath, clearing the shock from my mind. The lake is still this morning, the sun not yet high in the sky.

Birds chirp nearby. I can hear someone down at the boat below, most likely getting ready to take it out for the first patrols of the day.

With my head cleared, I walk back inside, just as Liam exits the bathroom, clenching a white towel around himself. His torso is bare and damp.

I want to lick him everywhere.

“Don’t put any clothes on,” I say, earning a lift of his eyebrow.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” I saunter toward him. “I like looking at you. Your chest deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.”

His lips twitch with humor. “That sounds a little extreme.”

“It’s true.” When I reach him, I lean in to place a kiss right over his heart. “If this impressive chest can’t lead us all to world peace, it’s no world I want to live in.”

“You’re sweet.” He brushes my dry hair over my shoulder. “I like it when you don’t wear makeup.”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t let just anybody see you like this, and I get to. You’re fucking beautiful, Eleanor.”

I smile. “Thank you. Now, it seems horribly unfair that you’re standing there in barely anything at all.”

Before he can say anything, I whip my tank over my head and toss it onto the floor.

“There. That’s better.”

His dark eyes hold mine, but his nostrils flare and his eyes narrow. “What kind of game are you playing, Princess?”

“You show me yours, and I’ll show you mine.”

He swallows hard. “You taking the lead isn’t part of the deal.”

“I’m not taking the lead; I’m just being playful with you.” I make quick work of stripping out of my bra and watch as his eyes lower to my bare breasts. “Now, we’re even. Why don’t you take off that towel?”

“You’re playing with fire here, Princess.”

“Oh, I hope so.” I reach for him, but to my utter surprise, he grabs me in his arms and carries me to the bedroom. “Did you just lose your towel?”

“No,” he mutters as he climbs onto the bed and lays me down.

“You’re very talented to be able to carry me and keep that towel in place at the same time.”

“If the towel comes off, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

I smile triumphantly, making him laugh.

“You’d tempt a saint, you know that?”

Before I can answer, he covers my mouth with his and sinks into me. For the first time, Liam’s settled himself between my legs, and he’s pressed against me, his cock hard behind the thick terrycloth of the towel.

I don’t want anything between us. I know he’s set on these lessons, and I appreciate him taking his time with me, but…come on.

I brush my fingers up his sides and am about to circle around to his back, but he captures my hands and pins them over my head.