Liam glances down, then gets up. “I’m going to shower and change clothes. Want me to put on the TV?”
I shake my head. “I’m going to admire the view.” When he lifts an eyebrow at me, I quickly point at the windows and add, “Of the city.”
“The remote’s by the TV if you change your mind.”
I watch as he walks away, and once he disappears up the stairs, I lower my eyes to my hands, my thoughts instantly bombarded with everything that happened today.
You’re fine.
The bruises will heal.
You’re safe.
Shh… it’s okay.
Standing up, I walk to the windows. My stomach dips from how high up we are, giving me something else to focus on for a moment. I wrap my arms around my waist, my side tender from where Finn kicked me. I can also feel a headache coming on.
The past couple of weeks flash through my mind. The fear, the worry, the shame.
It was hell, but today…
I suck in a deep breath, trying my best to keep the tears back.
I can’t believe it happened. I know I should’ve expected it, and in a way, I did, but still…
Finn hurt me. He could’ve raped me. Or worse. He could’ve killed me.
I tuck my chin low, my bottom lip trembling.
If it weren’t for Liam.
I’m only alone for ten minutes at the most, but it feels like an eternity before Liam comes back, wearing a black shirt and gray sweatpants.
We match.
I’ve only ever seen him in a suit, and I have to admit, the sweatpants beat a three-piece suit hands down.
“Just say when you want to go to sleep,” He says as he comes to stand next to me. Then he suddenly admits, “I don’t like heights.”
“Then why do you live in the penthouse?”
Liam shrugs, the corner of his mouth lifting into a grin, “Good question.”
I turn around and glance at the living area. “Do you have a guest room, or should I just grab the couch?”
“I have a guest room,” he says, then tilting his head, he continues, “But I have to monitor your concussion, which means I’ll wake you every couple of hours.” He gestures at the couch. “How about we each take a couch? Would you be okay with that?”
Looking up at Liam, it strikes me how considerate he is. I’ve never met anyone like him. “I’m okay with it.”
Chapter 21
Liam
Surprisingly, Kiara fell asleep not long after curling up on the couch.
Must’ve been the injection Dr. O’ Sullivan gave her.
Getting up, I walk closer and stare down at her, tilting my head.
Even with the swelling and bruising, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve laid eyes on. Now that I’ve held her in my arms, I have a constant urge to touch her.
No touch has ever affected me like hers.
Crouching down, I lift a hand and gently push a wild curl behind her ear. Her auburn hair forms a halo around her face, her pale skin in stark contrast with the bruises on her jaw and cheek.
I always thought there was something wrong with me, that I was broken, unable to feel love.
Leaning forward, I press my mouth to her forehead, then hold still and breathe her into my lungs. I marvel at how she makes me feel. There’s no disgust. No urge to pull away.
Instead, I’m filled with a need for more. For everything, she has to offer.
My jaw clenches from the effort it takes to pull back, then the corner of my mouth curves up.
Chicago’s all that mattered up until Kiara. This city is mine. Always have been, always will be. So is Kiara Murphy. She just doesn’t know it yet. I’ll give her time to heal, to get used to me, but after that, I’ll make her mine.
My eyes drift over her feminine features, memorizing every inch of her.
So fucking beautiful.
Remembering how she clung to me at the office, warmth and possessiveness burst in my chest.
Cling all you want, baby. I don’t want you to let go.
My phone starts to ring, and it has me quickly standing up and walking to the study that’s behind the stairs.
“Liam,” I answer.
“It’s Viktor,” the head of the bratva says. “Luca told me what happened. You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“The girl?”
“Sleeping on my couch. Did you find out anything?” I ask as I softly shut the door behind me.
The Russian lets out an amused chuckle. “It’s hilarious.”
“What?”
“You’ll never guess who’s behind the Sicilians.”
A muscle starts to jump in my jaw as hatred pours into my veins. “Finn.”
“You expected it?”
“With the shit he’s been giving me, I’m not surprised. The fucker has always wanted me out of the way so he can take over the mafia.”
I should’ve killed him sooner.
“Can you find out where he’s hiding?” I ask.
“Probably. Give me some time.”
Viktor might be the youngest in the Priesthood, but the man is like a fucking bloodhound. If he’s looking for you, there’s nowhere on this godforsaken planet you can hide.