Lorelei rolled over and stretched, her muscles aching a little too much for having just woken up. Then she remembered Liam and the night before. A little shiver snaked through her as thoughts of sex filled her mind. She squeezed her legs, reminding her how much sex they’d had as she reached across the bed, finding cold sheets.

The bathroom was empty, and her kitchen too. She checked outside, his truck was gone. Pain knifed her heart as disappointment shouted her failings through her mind. She found her phone and saw a text from him, saying he had to leave. She texted back, wondering if he would reply.

After grabbing some yogurt, not blueberry because that made her sad, she pulled on shorts, a sports bra, a ratty shirt, and her gym shoes then headed to the gym. She ran on the treadmill, lifted weights, used the Stairmaster, exhausting herself as she worked out, trying hard not to feel abandoned. This wasn’t her ex, or any of the other men who she’d dated.

After her workout, there still wasn’t a reply. Day turned to night, making her feel even more alone. She tried watching a movie, but she didn’t have the concentration for it. She cleaned her house from top to bottom, doing a spring cleaning cycle though she’d just done it a few months ago.

Exhausted, she dropped into bed. Sunday was excruciating. That evening, her stepsister, April, called and said she’d be dropping in on Tuesday night. She really did love April, but she was obnoxious when it came to the house her grandmother had left her and now there was the question of the watches. Lorelei wanted to have some sort of family ties, but it seemed like every time her stepsister visited, the subject of the house and the watches and the china and all the other things her grandmother left her came up.

Work on Monday was okay. They were still dealing with the aftermath of the robbery. The company had broken ground at the front of the parking lot. They were planning on moving into the new building in six months. She thought the timeline was way too fast, but they were rushing the build, trying to get out of the building where so much violence occurred.

On Tuesday, she left work early and headed to the store to buy food April would eat. She was picky, which surprised Lorelei since she’d never been allowed to be picky as a child, but then again, April had been raised by a different mother and they hadn’t become stepsisters until they were older. And even then, her dad had asked her to stay at her gran’s house until he got settled. Looking back, she should have been angry, but she loved Gran and enjoyed living with her.

It bothered her that Liam hadn’t sent a text or any other form of communication. She missed him, but life had to go on. In the back of her mind, taunts erupted, making her wonder if maybe he’d lied. What if he didn’t have a military operation? What if he’d gone to visit his girlfriend or worse, wife? She didn’t think he was that type of jerk, but she didn’t know him that well. One real date, coffee, a few hours escaping madmen, and a round of sex—how well could she know him?

The visit with April was predictable. Everything was about her, which Lorelei didn’t mind because she didn’t want to have to relive the robbery. It was odd, April hadn’t asked even once how she felt about the robbery, but she did ask about the watches. Lorelei lied, saying they were at the bank in a safe deposit box. Even that didn’t get April to ask about the bank or the robbery.

After dinner, she was in the kitchen cleaning up when her phone buzzed. She dried her hands and found a text from Liam saying he was home. Her fingers flew as she typed out the reply. Come to my place. She hit send and her sister came over, her eyes on the screen of Lorelei’s phone. Lorelei pocketed her device, wondering how to get April out of her hair. She wanted alone time with Liam.

“Who are you texting?” April asked.

“Just a friend.”

“Oh. Which friend?”

Lorelei went back to the dishes, wanting the house to sparkle when Liam arrived. “So are you taking off soon?”

“In a bit. There’s this video I wanted to show you. You have to see it. It’s crazy.” April plopped down in a kitchen chair and scrolled through her phone. “It’s in here somewhere.”

Lorelei wondered how her dad had dealt with April. Maybe it was just here at Lorelei’s house, but April didn’t even attempt to help clean the dishes they’d eaten on. They’d just turned out so different and, really, it shouldn’t be a surprise to her. She’d been raised for years by Gran. Those years had made a huge difference in her life.

She finished washing the pots and pans she’d used for cooking and did one last wipe down the counter. There was a knock, and she raced to the door, flinging it open.

She paused, shocked by the empty look in Liam’s eyes. When he saw her, his lower lip quivered. Then his gaze lifted and fell over her shoulder and his face blanked even more. It was like his body was a shell and no one was in there. Gone was the warm, caring man she knew.

“Hey, Lorelei, who is this?” April was right behind her, pressing up against her back.

“April, this is Liam. Liam, my sister.”

“Oh, nice to meet you,” April purred as she reached around Lorelei to shake Liam’s hand.

“Hello, ma’am.” The words were wooden with no inflection.

“Well, aren’t you a polite one?” April pulled out her phone and held it up. “We were just watching a video. This is crazy.”

April pressed play as Liam stepped in. Lorelei shut the door just as loud gunfire erupted from the phones speakers. Then there was an explosion. Liam flinched.

“This is crazy, right?” Her sister laughed and turned up the volume.

Lorelei moved to stand next to Liam and noticed the hard clench of his jaw and saw the tick as he clenched it harder. She grabbed April’s phone and turned it off.

“Oh my goodness, April. I totally forgot. I promised Liam I’d go to church with him.”

“What?” April’s mouth was open, looking from Liam to Lorelei.

“Sorry. We’ve got to go. I know you’re just passing through. It was great seeing you.” She grabbed April’s purse and pushed it to her before opening the door, guiding her stepsister outside. “I’ll see you the next time you’re passing through town. Bye.”

Lorelei didn’t wait for April’s response as she stepped back into her house and shut the door then locked it. She drew the curtains closed and turned off the lights before she went to Liam.

His expression was still blank, his lips down in a frown. She popped the button on his jeans and pulled the zipper low. He let her untie his boots and slip them off. He helped her with his jeans and when she tugged up his shirt, he pulled it off. She kissed his chest, his neck and then lower. He sucked in a breath, his hands resting gently on her head as she kissed around his bellybutton.

She stood tall then pushed him to the couch. He was like putty, doing as she asked. His legs were wide enough for her to settle between his knees as she knelt in front of him.

“You don’t have to.” His voice was as thick as it was quiet.

Her gaze met his and held. “No, but I want to show you you’re loved here.”

His lips thinned, and she moved to his half-hard dick, holding it in her hand as she placed a kiss on the tip. He moaned and let his head drop back and his hands fell to the sofa cushions. She sucked down on him, and he let loose a deep moan. Last time he’d rocked his hips, participating a little, this time she got the feeling he was too tired to do anything more than take.

She licked up his cock, then sucked him again, using every trick she knew to drive him wild. When she licked his ball sac, he palmed the back of her head. She lifted, looking up into his eyes. He reached down, holding her chin.

“You’re too good to me.”

She shook her head. “I’m just right for you.”

He tugged her up and pulled at her shirt then her pants, stripping her. His rough whiskers scratched against her belly as he kissed her stomach. Then she was pulled down to his lap and his lips found her mouth. His tongue teased, and she opened, allowing him to explore. Their tongues danced together and then she found herself flat on her back, his body between her legs. He only paused for a second before he shoved in.

He rested his forehead against hers, his breath hot on her face. “I need this. I need you.”

She sucked in a breath, her throat closing just a little as emotions built. “I’m here.”

“Don’t leave me.”

She wrapped her legs around his body, bringing him closer. He groaned and pumped in, his face a mask of pain and pleasure. She kissed his forehead and his cheeks, then his lips. A sob escaped from him as he pushed in deep and ground against her.

She pulled him closer, holding on as he claimed her. This wasn’t about her, and she didn’t expect him to hold back on his orgasm. When he reached between them and sought out her clit, she was shocked. His fingers worked her, bringing her closer to the edge. Then he pinned her with an intense gaze. His soul was laid bare. She saw the pain twisting through him. She needed him like she needed air. Maybe it was premature to feel this deeply, but they were connected. She fell apart, coming around him.

Liam’s hips moved fast, and she held on for the ride. They were both grunting, sweat clinging to their bodies. He felt so big, so perfect for her and then he stilled, his whole body shaking as he grunted. His hips began rocking slowly as he rode out his orgasm. It was beautiful, and her heart squeezed as emotions hit her. He stilled, then she heard the sob as he shuddered. Something bad had happened to him and she wanted to help him feel better.

She pushed at his shoulder and he climbed off her. When she stood and felt the trickle of cum run down her leg, she realized they’d forgotten a condom. She drew in a sharp breath but said nothing as she led him from the den. There were worse things than forgetting a condom and she felt maybe he’d experienced them.

He balked as she led him down the hall away from her room. “Where are we going?”

“One of the smartest things Gran did when she built this house was put in a tub for her husband. He was tall. I haven’t used it much because it’s too big. I want to treat you tonight.”

He shook his head, his gaze on the floor. “Why are you being so nice?”

She cupped his cheek, stroking her thumb over the stubble there. “I don’t need to know what happened to see it was tough on you. When my sister was playing that clip, it was you, wasn’t it?”

A shiver raced over him, and his face went blank. She lifted and kissed his lips.

“You don’t have to tell me. Come into the bathroom and let me start the water. I need to get a few things and I’ll be back.”

She left Liam with the water running and headed to her bathroom, searching for something to make the water smell nice. She found some medicated bath crystals that helped to relieve aches, and that would have to be enough. Maybe that would be good for him. She grabbed a couple of candles, a bottle of wine, two wine glasses, an opener, and a lighter. When she made it back into the bathroom, Liam was lowering into the tub. She smiled at his groan.

“Let me pour this in, it will take away any soreness. And would you like a glass of wine?”

He only nodded as he closed his eyes, resting his head against the tub wall. She lit the candles and turned off the lights before climbing into the tub with him. This tub had sat unused for a long time, but with Liam, she could see them doing this often. The idea of bath time with this man made her want to search out bath products they could both use.

She handed him a glass of wine and settled at the other end of the tub. He took a long drink before he lifted his hand to her. There was a hollowness to his gaze that had lessened from when he’d first shown up at her house, but it still shocked her.

“Come here. I need to hold you.” Liam’s words were strained, his voice rough.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to crowd you.”

“I want you to crowd me. I need you to.”

She moved closer, and he pulled her up against his chest, breathing in deep. He sighed and relaxed, his body becoming pliable. She moved a little to the side so she could see his face. His gaze shifted, becoming unfocused before snapping back to focus again. She didn’t ask any questions because he looked almost fragile. The candles flickered as they ate away at the wax, making light dance on the walls. The low light hid some of his pain, but she could still see the way his eyes would shutter, his lips turned down, the wrinkle of his brow, it was still there. Ten minutes passed, maybe twenty, when he began talking as he stroked her hair.

“It was so close. The intel was bad. They came at us, more than fifty men, maybe a hundred. They were everywhere, and they were ready. I’ve never felt that trapped before.”

She set down her wine glass and reached for his hand, kissing the tips of his fingers. His eyes stayed on her for a moment before he pulled her closer, his hug tight.

“Thank you.” His voice was thick with emotions.

“For what?”

“Asking me to come here. Accepting me. Treating me like I matter.”

She turned and got up on her knees, facing him. “You do matter to me.”

“God, Lorelei, when I was pinned in, thinking I’d never—” His sob echoed in the small tiled space.

He pulled her close again, turning her so he could kiss her lips. It was awkward lying on him, but he wasn’t letting her go. He ended the kiss then sat back, staring at her face.

“I don’t want you to ever think I would leave you. If I have any say in the matter, I’ll always come back.”

Her throat tightened as emotions too thick to handle rose. Tears filled her eyes and she let them roll down her cheeks. She’d almost lost him, and she hadn’t even known. She’d been selfishly thinking he was off somewhere with some other woman having fun, but he’d been close to death. More tears flowed, and he reached up and swiped them away.

“Don’t cry.”

She tried to laugh, but it came out as a sob. “I can’t help it.”

He popped the plug for the drain with his toes and then helped her up. They made their way to the bedroom where he wrapped her in his arms and held her as they both dried with the same towel. They drifted off in each other’s arms. She woke when he was crawling out of bed. She reached for him and he glanced back at her, his lips turned up in a smile. That smile looked good because it reached his eyes. He no longer looked dead inside.

“I’m not going anywhere. I need food.”

She sat up and scooted to the edge of the mattress. “I have stuff in the fridge.”

“You don’t have to get up with me.”

“I want to.”

They headed to the bathroom where she pulled out the mouth rinse, handing the bottle over to him after she finished. They were both naked so she grabbed a pair of shorts and a shirt. Liam found his jeans and tugged them on.

She heated up the leftovers from her meal with her sister and added some spaghetti to the mix along with a bit of her homemade sauce. He didn’t say anything as he ate. When he was half done with the food on his plate, he spoke.

“This is good.”

“Thank you.”

He chewed another mouthful then met her gaze. “Thank you for accepting me. I know it may be hard to be with me.”

She shrugged. “I like the perks.”

He laughed. “What perks?”

“The sex.”

He’d just taken a drink of water and it sprayed out his mouth, the drops landing midway on the table. She passed him a napkin, and he wiped his lips then the table. When his brow cocked up, she thought he looked very sexy. She didn’t want him to leave in the morning, but it was crazy to think he would move in with her. Maybe he’s spend the night again. She needed him close. The last few days she’d missed him.

He took another bite then glanced up through his long dark lashes. “Why the long face, beautiful?”

She shrugged. “It’s nothing.”

He huffed out a breath. “Just spill.”

The hesitation was automatic, but his raised eyebrows encouraged her to talk. “Will you spend the night again? You know, tonight, or maybe it’s tomorrow night but I feel it’s tonight since it’s after midnight.”

Liam’s lips twitched up in a sexy smile. “I’d like that.”

“So you don’t think I’m too needy wanting you here again?”

He shook his head then his eyes went unfocused. “I was okay before now.” She blew out a breath that was almost like a laugh, and he glanced up. “What?”

She shook her head. “You weren’t okay. Your eyes were dead when I opened the door.”

His shoulder lifted a little in a half shrug. “What I’m saying is I need this. I didn’t know how much I really needed you to hold me until I showed up here on your doorstep.”

She reached for his hand. “I’m here for you.”

He pulled her up and stared into her eyes before he slid his lips over hers, brushing them gently together.

“Let me help you get this cleaned up before we go back to bed.”

“You don’t have to help.”

“Sure I do. I ate so I have to clean.”

Her lips curved up and her eyes narrowed. “This is a first for me.”

“What?”

She snorted out a laugh, surprised he wanted to help. “A guy helping clean the kitchen.”

“Well, it’s not a first for me. Get used to it.”

Pleasure tickled over her nerves, gentle like a feather brushing over her skin. Having Liam near changed everything. She chuckled as she stood to gather the dishes. Liam’s eyes were bright, his cheeks rounded a little as he smiled. It made her heart swell as she worked beside him, cleaning the pan she’d used to reheat the food. He bumped her hip after he was done, and she glanced up. His gaze filled her with pleasure and warmth. They would be good together.

They headed back to the bedroom and stripped off their clothes. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. Her back was up against his chest and every breath he took warmed her. She drifted off, loving the sense of peace sleeping with Liam gave her. It was like she was allowed to fall into deeper sleep. If he stuck around, she’d love it, but she knew better than to get her hopes up where guys were concerned. The good ones always seemed to be reserved for someone else.

The next morning, she woke to find Liam still in bed with her. His arm was thrown over his eyes and his legs were stretched out so they poked out from under the covers. She sucked in a breath and reached for his uncovered chest, wanting to touch his delicious flesh. He was painfully sexy and way too good-looking for her. The twist of pain from her past failures flashed through her. Guys like Liam usually didn’t want to date her, and if they did, it wasn’t because they liked her, instead they just wanted to use her.

She adjusted and the bed squeaked. Her hand was almost on his chest when Liam moved in a flash, his hand grasping her wrist, pushing it to the bed. Then he launched himself from his prone position, pouncing on her, knees on either side of her hips. His bright eyes looked almost dead again, like he was on autopilot. His lips were turned down in a menacing scowl. Liam's hand moved to her throat, but he didn’t squeeze. Then she saw the look of horror wash over his face, it was like someone had taken his features and crumpled them. He rolled away almost as fast as he’d straddled her. She reached out before he made it off the bed and clamped down on his arm. He froze, his body shaking.

“I’m so sorry,” Liam said, his voice scratchy and deep.

“What are you sorry about?”

He grunted. “I reacted. I was…I didn’t think it was you. God, Lorelei, I can’t forgive myself.”

She moved closer and tugged at his shoulder, but he didn’t budge. She climbed onto his lap and held his chin so she was staring in his eyes. The pain she saw there broke her heart. She slid her lips over his and a harsh tremor shook him. Her fingers ran over his face, memorizing each curve and hollow spot. His eyes looked very haunted, like he had something chasing him down, almost devouring him. She leaned in and toyed with his lips again.

“Lie down.” Her words were whispered, but she said them forcefully, almost commanding him.

Liam stretched out, and she lay down beside him. After a moment, he rolled to the side and then pulled her close, spooning her. Having him this close was nice, but he wasn’t the same as before. He felt brittle, like if he moved he would shatter. The seconds ticked past, and he was growing hard against her. The length of his cock grazed over her crack and she warmed.

They stayed like that, him holding his body stiff, her getting hotter for him. She wanted so badly to take the pain from him but knew she couldn’t grasp onto his pain and wrestle it from him. Pain was too slippery to take hold of. Instead she adjusted her hips and guided him into her pussy. Sex didn’t cure everything, but it helped to draw them closer.

Liam’s low moan vibrated against her back, filling her with a primal need to comfort him. She pushed her ass against his hips and he adjusted, sinking deeper into her. She rocked her hips and he let loose a growl as his arms tightened around her, pulling her even closer.

They rocked together, heat building between them as they slowly claimed each other. He slid his hand down her body to her abs then lower. His fingers found her clit. She pressed back then rocked into his hand, taking her desire higher. The pressure of his touch sent thrilling bursts of electricity through her body. They were both rocking, his hands exploring. She reached back, grabbing his leg, holding on to him as he took her closer to the wild edge of her orgasm.

“So good,” he growled.

He moved just a little, his lean, muscled body pressing her into the mattress. He went deeper with each stroke and she was close to coming. His fingers circled her clit, taking her higher. She knew with just the right touch, the right thought, she would come.

“So good,” Liam’s voice rumbled over her nerves, sending shoots of pleasure through her and it was enough. She squeezed her muscles tight just before the orgasm rocked her body. It was uncontrollable pleasure ripping through her, taking her to such a good place she never wanted to leave. She was in the middle of her orgasm when Liam called out her name, his body stiff as he pressed her deeper into the mattress. He was shaking, his breath coming in gasps.

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, his dick growing soft inside her. She didn’t want to move or leave this warm bed. She wasn’t sure when they fell asleep, but the sound of her alarm brought them both up.

After turning off the alarm, she glanced over her shoulder at him. He still seemed hesitant, like there was a little guilt hiding somewhere deep inside him. She rolled to him, studying his face.

“I want you here with me tonight.”

His gaze met hers, his eyes serious. “Are you sure?”

Warmth filled her. “Yes. Now come on, I need to shower and get dressed.”

He stood, reaching for his phone as they entered the bathroom. They showered quick, and she dressed in a dark pants suit. His eyes didn’t stray from her as she pulled on her clothes.

“Like what you see?” she asked.

“Oh yeah. I’m thinking how nice it’ll be to strip that off you later.”

She stared at him, amazed he was still thinking about sex. Then she rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“What?” Liam asked. “You’re beautiful. Amazing. You’re like this beautiful, amazing woman who deserves so much more than I could ever offer.”

She turned on him, her anger rising. “Don’t say that. You are wonderful and amazing.”

He shook his head and his expression changed, his emotions were shuttered, hidden from her, and he was like that husk of a man with no light in his eyes. “Last night, I attacked when you touched me.”

She moved to him, touching his shoulder. His gaze lifted, and a small spark was lit somewhere inside him. The husk was filling with his soul again.

“But you didn’t hurt me. You figured it out and slowed,” she said evenly.

His gaze flicked over her body and his lips quivered. “You promise you’re not hurt?”

“I’m fine. Really, Liam, I’m okay.”

His eyes narrowed, and his lips thinned. “Okay, but I swear I never want to hurt you. If you’re scared, tell me.”

She placed her hand on the center of his chest, her gaze steady on him. She wanted him to understand she trusted him, loved him. The word shot through her and she sucked in a breath. Did she love him? Did she really love Liam?

“Is something wrong?”

The urge to hide her revelation washed over her, but she met his gaze and opened her mouth then closed it. He didn’t move, just waited with his gaze on her. Courage drove her forward.

“I care a lot about you. I want you here. I know that sounds a little crazy. I shouldn’t be telling you to bring things here, like a change of clothes, toothbrush, or any of your other things you need to get ready in the morning, but I want to wake up with you next to me.”

He cupped the side of her face. “I have a small place, it’s mine, but small. Your house is larger. I don’t want to assume—”

“I want you here.”

“Okay, so we both want to be together, is that right?”

“Yes.”

The smile on his lips, the warmth in his eyes, made her feel alive. She smiled back and closed the distance between them. When they parted, his gaze was still warm, his smile wide.

“You need to get to work and I need to get to the base. I’ll probably be late tonight.”

“I’ll make something for dinner.”

“Just don’t wait on me. It could be a very long day.”

How would living with this man be? Not that they were really living together, just sometimes he would spend the night. God, she was taking this way too fast, but she needed Liam. No man had ever been close enough for her to want to live with them. Liam was different. Having him in her bed had been comforting, but it was more than just the comfort, there was the sex. He turned her inside out, taking her higher than she’d ever been before. She wanted to get to know him, and maybe him spending a few nights a week over here would help with that process.