Liam lay awake in a bed too big for one, staring at the ceiling, thinking about Myra. He didn't know what he'd been expecting when he kissed her, but he did know he’d been unprepared for fire she ignited, for the nearly overwhelming desire to take her right then and there. He'd known and fought his attraction for her since she was just a teenager. He'd taken many lovers, had a few girlfriends, but none had set his body and soul aflame the way Myra did. Even now, lying in a bed surrounded by nothing but cold sheets and the memory of her face, the way her skin felt beneath his palms, the way her lips molded so perfectly to his own, his body ached with need.

He'd left her more than three hours ago. Dropped her off at her door like a gentleman, instead of throwing her over his shoulder and dragging her back to his cave. He'd wanted to. Oh, how he'd wanted to. And she would have let him, of that he was sure. The way she softened into him, responded to his advance, let him take their kiss where he wanted it to go and no further - yes, Myra was submissive, and now more than ever, he knew he could have her, would have her. He wasn’t going to let her get away.

His mind was set. Myra would be his and his alone. The thought of another man's hands exploring her sweet body made his fists clench in possessive fury. Whatever boys she'd had before had been nothing compared to him. He would vanquish their faces from her mind, the memories of them from her body, he would show her how sweet surrender could be.

With a groan Liam rolled from his bed and padded softly to his office. It was obvious he wouldn't be sleeping tonight. He might as well get the wheels turning on his plan to make Myra Valentine his.

* * *

Myra woke on Saturday morning feeling less than refreshed. She had tossed and turned for hours, replaying Liam's kiss, jumping back and forth between ecstasy and terror at the thought of how everything was changed with that one, heart-stopping, mind-blowing act. Her mind was a jumbled mess, nothing made sense. She needed to talk, so she dialed the people she knew could help her navigate this unknown territory.

Her mom picked up on the first ring.

"Hi, honey." Brenda Valentine’s greeting always made Myra smile.

"Hi mom. Is daddy around?" Myra tried to sound upbeat, but her mom instantly caught the undertones of anxiety in her voice.

"What's wrong, Myra? Did you hear something about Adam?"

"No, mom. Nobody's been in contact with me." Everyone was a little frustrated at how long it was taking them to act on her case.

"You know, we wish you would stay with us. We'd be so much more comfortable if you weren't alone." Her mom chided gently. "But here, your father's here now."

"Hi, pumpkin." Her father's warm voice instantly soothed her frazzled mind.

"Hi, daddy." She paused, unsure where to start now that she had their attention.

"Just say it pumpkin." Her father advised, somehow always knowing how to read her. "We'll deal with whatever it is together, ok?"

Myra took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, staring at the ceiling. Liam loved this family and they loved him. She didn't want to jeopardize that, but she needed her parent's advice.

"Liam kissed me." She finally blurted out, waiting for the resulting slew of questions or curses. They never came. Instead, she heard the deep rumble of her father's laughter, quiet at first, then louder until she could picture him bent over with the force of it. She really was in a twilight zone. Stunned, she remained silent, not knowing what to say, how to respond. Finally, it was her mom who spoke after finishing her own chuckle.

"Oh honey, we've been expecting this for a long time."

What?

"I didn't think it would take so long.” Her father chimed in. "Thought we were going to have to lock you two in a closet or something."

What the what?

"So, you're okay with this?" Myra asked tentatively.

"Okay? Pumpkin, that's why we were sending you two to the cabin together. We figured if two or three days of secluded winter bliss couldn't make it happen, nothing would."

Myra's head was spinning. She pinched herself, then cursed softly. Not a dream, then.

“I’m so confused." She groaned.

"Honey," her mom's voice filled with compassion. "Liam talked to us, all of us, three days ago. He is as much a part of this family as you or your brother or sisters, and he is head over heels for you, but he wanted the family's blessing before pursuing you."

"Pumpkin," Her father interjected. "If you have the feelings we think you have for him, you need to know that your family supports you. Liam's a good man, an honorable man. He'll treat you right, I have no question about that."

Myra's head was still spinning, but she felt like she had a better understanding of Liam's actions. He'd taken the initiative to talk to her family, to keep that relationship safe, and that gave her a confidence she couldn't quite explain. She pinched the bridge of her nose, but the silliest grin spread across her face while she did. She couldn't believe this was really happening.