Chapter Eighteen
Liv stood at the stainless-steel counter, chopping vegetables. Ashley was busy bustling around the kitchen, preparing dinner for later that evening. Liv offered to help make a few platters of munchies, mainly needing a distraction from Lawson. She glanced toward the man, standing at the back door. He was staring out the window, lost in thought.
She couldn’t deny it. Lawson’s quick objection regarding his wolf stung. The last twenty-four hours with him had been the most incredible of her life. She wanted to know everything about him. His likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams- all that bullshit that a new relationship brought. She wanted to know every part of him, including his animal. His reaction had made her feel like she was unimportant. Worse, like she was nothing but a random fuck for him.
Men, they’re all the same, she thought as she continued chopping the carrots. “Whoa, chica, why you so angry with the veggies?” Ashley commented with a laugh and gave her a puzzled look.
Lawson glanced Liv’s way, and their eyes met briefly, but she looked back to her cutting board, receiving a resounding sigh from him.
“Sorry, Ashley. Guess I got carried away. I’m done with the carrots, what next?” she asked.
“There are cucumbers and bell pepper to cut if you don’t mind,” she replied as she continued frying tortillas for the enchilada meal she was making. Liv had discovered that the Hispanic woman was a remarkable cook and her mouth watered from the delicious aromas permeating the kitchen.
“They’re here, Liv. I hear their vehicle pulling up,” Lawson said and walked out of the room.
Liv watched his retreating back, and the knife cut deeper into her chest. Did he not care at all? Had she been a complete fool all this time thinking he was one of the good guys? It wasn’t as if he’d made any promises to her or professed any feelings beyond an attraction.
“Olivia, I can finish up with this. You should go and meet the guests,” Ashley suggested, and Liv met her gaze.
The woman gave her a knowing look, tilting her head towards the direction Lawson had gone. She was right. This was an important moment for him regardless of what was going on with them. She was petty which was rude.
She smiled towards Ashley and nodded. “Yes, I should. Thank you.”
Liv put down the knife and wiped her hands on a towel, taking a deep breath. Head held high, she left the kitchen and walked towards the family room.
As she turned the corner, she stopped at the large opening. Lawson was in a group embrace with his mom and three sisters. It struck her as odd that all four women looked to be around the same age. She picked his mom out based on her attire. Her blouse and skirt fell below her knees while the others were dressed more like her in shorts and t-shirts. All were beautiful women.
Tears streamed down the women’s faces, and Liv suddenly felt like she was intruding on a very private moment. The urge to slip away unnoticed had her inching backward until then the front door flew open, and Cassie barged in, followed by Bart.
“Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, this place is incredible, Bart! Why have we not had a party here?” Cassie shouted, turning in circles as she took in the place.
Laughing, he gave Cassie a light shove. “Because I’m afraid if I let you stay here, you’ll never leave,” he teased and walked to Liv. “Hey, TKO, how’s my girl?” Wrapping his arms around her waist, he lifted her off the ground and squeezed tight.
She hugged him back, feeling like she was on the verge of tears. She couldn’t get emotional right now. Bart wouldn’t understand, and it would bring unwanted attention and questions.
“Liv,” came a deep voice behind her that made her core clench. She released her hold on Bart and he slowly set her down. She turned to see Lawson standing a few feet away.
“I’d like you to meet my family. Hi, Bart, it’s good to see you again,” Lawson stated, but his gray eyes never left hers.
“You, too. I’m going to check on things in the kitchen. Come on, Cass, I believe you promised to make margaritas,” Bart stated. Cassie gave Liv a quizzical look before turning to follow Bart.
Straightening her t-shirt, she ignored Lawson’s stare, walking past him into the family room. The four women sat on one long sofa. Lawson walked up behind her, placing his hand to her lower back and a shiver ran up her spine from the contact. Why did he have such an effect on her? It wasn’t fair when she apparently had little effect on him. She’d thought she was special. What an idiot. Any guy held captive for three years would want to fuck for twenty hours straight after being released.
“Mom, Brenlee, this is Liv. Liv, this is my mom and baby sister. And, of course, you’ve already had the misfortune of meeting the twins,” he said with a smirk which earned him a middle finger from Hannah. He laughed and winked at her, and she blew him a kiss. It was obvious this family had a sense of humor and enjoyed horseplay.
Liv offered her hand to his mom first. “It’s such a pleasure, Madeline. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about all of you from Lawson.” His mom smiled broadly and stood to shake her hand.
Madeline Scott was tall, and her hand was big but warm. Liv could see where Lawson’s gray eyes came from as his mom regarded her. “Oh, my dear, the pleasure is all mine. I owe you so much. You brought our Lawson back to us. You are a remarkable female,” she boasted, and Liv instantly liked her. She had kind eyes that reminded her of her own mother’s and a soft voice that held such love and devotion for her family.
Just then, Ashley walked in carrying a large tray of hors d’oeuvres and placed it on the oversized coffee table. Bart followed next and introduced himself to Lawson’s family, taking drink orders. “Liv, Cassie asked for your help in the kitchen,” Bart said as he exchanged small talk with the Scott family.
Making her way to the kitchen, Liv glanced back to see Lawson watching her. She gave him a slight smile, and the curl to his upper lip had her melting. Turning back, she continued her trek to the kitchen, wishing she could rewind the past hour and have a do-over. She didn’t like the doubt and uncertainty that plagued her since their last conversation, and she didn’t like the way she had acted.
As soon as she walked into the kitchen, Cassie looked up from a glass pitcher and blurted, “Okay, spill it, now.”
“What are you talking about?” Liv hedged.
“Don’t give me that crap. You have that I’ve-been-sexing-all-night-look plastered across your face. Trust me, I know it well,” Cassie laughed, dumping tequila, triple sec, and frozen limeade into the container. When she cracked the top on a can of beer, Liv stopped her.
“What are you doing with that?” Liv asked, thinking Cassie had lost her marbles.
“This is the secret ingredient. Can’t have a redneck margarita without beer, baby,” Cassie replied, dumping the can into the pitcher. “And don’t’ change the subject. I want details, dammit.”
Liv could feel blush staining her cheeks. She couldn’t lie to Cassie. She would know it the minute she opened her mouth. Exhaling, she said, “Fine. I had sex with Lawson. A lot of it. All night. There. You happy?”
Cassie’s scream echoed through the kitchen. “Are you serious? Oh, shit, Liv. He’s yummylicious!”
“Shhhh, he has like super-hearing. They all do,” Liv whispered, waving her hand like a crazy person in hopes of quieting her friend’s loud outburst.
“How was it, you know, with a shifter?” Cassie inquired after she lowered her voice. It was like looking at a bobble head doll vigorously nodding while her eyes bugged from curiosity. “Oh, you’re biting your lip. That good, huh?”
“Stop it! Yes. It was incredible. Best sex of my life,” she uttered and had to grab a glass and pour herself a drink.
“Good for you! Bout damn time you had a man take care of your needs. Has he got a friend?” she asked, waggling her eyebrows. Liv couldn’t help but laugh. Cassie would lose her mind if Liv told her how big Lawson was.
“He does have a brother. In fact, that’s why I asked you to come. His brother and dad are still at PRL, and we need to get them out.”
At that moment, Lawson walked into the kitchen and Cassie looked to Liv, sharing a girlfriend moment. The snicker was inevitable and had Liv blushing.
“Everything okay in here?” he asked, coming to Liv’s side and wrapping his arm around her waist.
“Couldn’t be better. I’m Cassie, by the way. We haven’t been formally introduced,” she announced, flashing her winning smile. Good Lord, she was the biggest flirt on the planet.
“Hi, Cassie. I believe I owe you a huge thank you for your part in my escape. Hope I can return the favor some day,” Lawson answered, pulling Liv closer to his side. Immediately, she molded to him, enjoying the contact.
“Well, I’ll keep that in mind. Now, if you two will excuse me, I’ve got margaritas to serve. Don’t stay too long in here,” Cassie drawled, sashaying out of the kitchen.
Liv looked up at Lawson and fell into his gray depths. “Liv, I didn’t mean to upset you earlier,” he stated, cupping her face in his palms, trailing a thumb across her lip.
Arousal flooded her system at the simple gesture. She needed to get a grip on her libido before she hopped on the counter and shamelessly threw herself at Lawson. Shaking off her thoughts, she tried to focus.
“You know what, let’s not talk about that right now. Your family is here, and this is a joyous occasion. The last thing I want to do is ruin that for you.”
“It is joyous, and I’m thrilled they’re here, but right now I need to know that you’re happy, as well. Last night was…sinful, and, I can’t stop thinking about it. When you are near my entire body feels it. I want you again,” he husked, gently placing his mouth on hers.
Goosebumps skated across her skin as their kiss quickly escalated. So much for controlling her desire. His tongue darted inside her mouth, and she swallowed his groan. When he pulled her flush against his hard body, her core clenched with painful need and she lifted her leg to hook around his hip.
A throat clearing startled her, and she jumped from Lawson’s hold. Bart stood in the doorway of the kitchen, a grim expression on his face.
“Lawson, could you give me a minute with Liv? Alone,” he ordered.
Lawson looked to Liv and she nodded. “It’s okay. We’ll be right there.”
Lawson left the room, but not before pinning Bart with his death stare. As soon he was gone, Bart turned dark brown eyes her way.
“Liv, what the hell are you thinking? You can’t be serious. A shifter? Do you have any idea how violent they can be? You realize he’s an animal,” he spat, walking to stand inches in front of her.
“I like the guy, okay? Is that so terrible? And, for your information, he doesn’t want me to see his animal, so don’t worry about me getting hurt by his wolf,” Liv retaliated, but her words backfired, reminding her of the conversation with Lawson. He had practically described the same concern as Bart.
“And what happens if he can’t control himself and his animal comes out anyway? Liv, I’m all for helping him and his family to safety, but I can’t support you in a relationship with one of them. I can’t do it. I care too much,” he confessed and stepped closer until where they were touching.
Bart reached up and stroked a hand across her cheek. Her jaw clenched at the mixed emotions that crossed his face. Emotions she didn’t want to see from a man she saw as nothing more than a friend.
Taking a step backward, she reached for her drink and took a sip. “I appreciate everything you’re doing. And, I know you are concerned about me, but don’t be. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. Now, we should join the others so I can discuss my idea.”
“Please don’t tell me this involves another security breach because I don’t think you can pull off another midnight caper,” Bart said with a grin, and his mood lightened. Thank God he seemed to be himself again.
Liv knew he was protective of her. He always had been. And it had been so long since she’d had a boyfriend, he wasn’t used to her attention going elsewhere. He just needed some time to adjust, then their relationship would go back to normal.
“Well, not exactly. Come on, I’ll explain,” Liv announced, grabbing her drink with one hand and Bart’s arm with another.
* * *
Lawson helped Bart put several tables together, forming one larger seating arrangement that would accommodate their group for dinner. The main dining area was as large as the family room with a couple dozen small tables, which was understandable for a hotel, but they wanted to eat and socialize in a more intimate setting.
Ashley came in with table linens, and she and Knox covered the wood tables while Liv and Cassie set candles in various spots. Lawson couldn’t help but admire the intricately carved bar along the far wall. He was a welder but appreciated the work that went into the craftsmanship. With a little elbow grease, it could be the focal point of the room.
Everyone grabbed a chair and started placing them around the table. As soon as Liv claimed her spot, Bart rushed to sit on her other side. The male had a serious hard-on for her and Lawson didn’t know if she was oblivious or just didn’t want to admit what anyone could plainly see.
Cassie set her chair opposite Liv, and Lawson sat on Liv’s other side. Sitting down, he picked up her delicate hand and kissed the back of her fingers. She smiled, and pink stained her cheeks.
It floored him how she could be so cute and innocent and then as soon as her eyes hooded and lust consumed her she transformed into a wanton sex goddess. He had to admit he found both sides irresistible.
He felt someone brush his leg and looked over to see Brenlee at his other side. His mom sat across from him, and the twins sat beside her. Brenlee wrapped her arm around his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek.
“I still can’t believe you’re here, in the flesh. I’ve missed you so much, brother” she confessed, light brown eyes welling. She was the baby of the family, even though she was sixty years old, and he was most protective of her.
Reaching over, he ruffled her blonde hair. “You have no idea how good it is to be sitting here with all of you. All we need now is to get dad and Ryan out, and we’ll be a family again,” he reassured, wanting to relieve the worry he saw on her face.
Ashley asked Knox to help her bring in the food, and they left the room. Lawson hoped they didn’t take the long way to the kitchen, by way of Knox’s bedroom. The two were enjoying each other’s company, and Lawson was happy for the male. What little he knew of him, he liked so far.
Luckily, they returned a few minutes later carrying glasses, a couple bottles of sangria and some beers. Bart offered to bartend while they went to the kitchen for the food.
As Bart poured, Liv sat forward, and placed her arms on the table. “So, let’s get down to business. The last time I went into PRL to get Lawson out, Cassie hacked the security system. The problem was, the main lab remained locked, so I’m assuming it operates separately than the rest of the building. The only thing I know that accesses that room is Jim’s entry card. So, here’s my thought…if I can get my hands on his card, can you make a copy of it?” she asked Cassie, looking hopefully towards her friend.
Cassie twisted her mouth then sighed. “Probably not. Typically, a chip is embedded in an admin’s card and it cannot be duplicated,” Cassie responded and Lawson could tell Liv was disappointed with the answer. He was, too, for that matter.
“Okay, not the best news, but I figured you might say that. My next thought is that I take his card anyway and later that night we repeat our original plan, including RV and all. Then we bring the shifters here. I’ll take photos of what Jim is doing in the lab and send copies of them along with my resignation, threatening to turn him in if he even considers retaliation,” she explained, looking to each member of the group as she spoke.
“No! I don’t want you putting yourself at risk again. We were lucky the first time, and I was there to protect you. I don’t like this,” Lawson interjected.
He knew Jim had made advances towards Liv and he didn’t trust the prick as far as he could throw him. The last thing she needed to do was put herself in a situation where he could take advantage.
Everyone kept silent for a few minutes but then Lawson’s mom spoke. “Liv, I want to say I think you’re one of the bravest females I’ve ever met. I can see why my son is so captivated with you, but I also understand his concerns,” she said, smiling at him, “but there is another issue. Dunlap is no longer a safe city for our kind. Too many were taken, and I fear when the smoke settles, and we return to our normal lives, this man, Jim, will do something worse. As it is, our town has become a shell of what it used to be. We are terrified to leave the shelter of our homes. Our family business is going under because no one ventures outside unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
“What if you come to live here? I’m not saying the whole town can live here at the hotel, but your family and maybe some others. At least you’ll be safe here,” Liv stated, looking to Lawson to see if he agreed.
The woman tilted her head in consideration. “This property is vast, for certain, but there are no protections here. Not even a gate and fence to keep others from walking right up to the front door. At least our home in Dunlap has a secure border,” his mom countered.
Lawson thought about that, too, and was part of the reason he felt his family needed to leave ASAP. They could start over in a new city as soon as his dad and brother were rescued. That would be best for everyone.
“Maybe Lawson could build a fence here. Metal is his specialty, after all,” Hannah suggested, and the Scott family nodded their acknowledgment.
“Oh, I didn’t realize that,” Liv replied.
Lawson saw her bite her lip and knew she was nervous or upset. She probably felt that was a detail he should’ve shared with her, but it hadn’t come up in their conversations. There was probably just as much that he didn’t know about her. They had been so consumed with the physical that everything else had taken a back seat.
“Wait a goddamn minute! Moving in here was not part of the plan,” Bart barked and slammed a fist on the table, his tan face turning dark red.