Chapter Nineteen
Everyone at the table snapped to attention at Bart’s outburst. Lawson looked to the male who was staring directly at him.
“I have to draw a line somewhere. I was happy to offer a temporary solution when Liv asked for my help, but this is something entirely different. I am not prepared to become the national spokesperson for shifters’ rights. I have my career to consider, and both political parties would bury me alive if news got out that I was harboring a community of shifters. I’m sorry, Liv, but I can’t agree to this,” Bart declared, diverting his attention in Liv’s direction. He picked up his beer and took a long swig. The slight tremble to his hand on the bottle told Lawson how angry the male was despite his effort to hide it.
Liv placed a hand over Bart’s hand, and Lawson noticed how it calmed him. Yeah, just friends, his ass. This male had it bad for her.
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed or offered anything without talking to you first. I was merely throwing out ideas, but it put you in an uncomfortable position, and I apologize. We can figure something else out,” Liv reassured.
Bart relaxed, his skin returning to its golden brown and he took Liv’s hand in his and smiled at her. Lawson wanted to reach over and grab the male’s scrawny neck. This tool knew she was vulnerable where he was concerned and was playing her like a violin.
Ashley and Knox walked in at that moment with the main course. They were laughing, and Lawson could only guess what had put the secretive smiles on their faces. He’d give anything to be in their shoes rather than the awkward tension around the table. They set the platters down and took their seats at the end of the table.
“It’s okay, Liv. I shouldn’t have snapped. I’m sorry for losing my temper. My offer to stay here remains. We will just have to agree on how long that might be. The first concern is rescuing the rest of your family, Lawson,” he said, throwing a cocky smirk towards him and Lawson knew what the male was trying to pull.
Playing the hero when he was more like the villain. Fine. Bart wanted to play games. Lawson loved games.
“I have a proposition, Bart. One I don’t think you’ll refuse. As my sister stated, forging is my craft. There’s nothing I can’t wield from metal. I’ve surveyed every inch of your property, including the hotel. There’s a lot that needs to be done to get this place in top condition, especially if you want to open to the public. My brother is a handyman, as well. What if while we stay here, we do the work needed. That way, when we do leave, it will be ready to turn a profit for you. Surely, it’s not beneath you to hire shifters for manual labor,” he sneered, enjoying the deflation of Bart’s arrogance.
Liv sat up straight. “I think that’s a superb idea! And, if they were to stay past renovations then you work out rent or something. Maybe the Scott’s can manage the hotel for you. They own a restaurant as it is, so this is right up their alley. Please say you’ll consider it,” Liv pleaded, clearly excited by Lawson’s offer.
Yeah, who’s gloating now, Bart? Amateur.
Sitting back, Bart crossed his arms over his chest. Lawson knew he didn’t have much of a choice. Bart could say no, but Liv would be upset with him, and that’s the last thing the male wanted. Bart was already in second place for her attention, and he knew it. This arrangement was Bart’s only chance at making headway with her. Plus, any businessman would see this as an excellent opportunity.
“TKO, how can I resist that pitiful face,” he sighed and cast a smile her way. “You’ve got a deal, Lawson. I think this arrangement benefits all. Of course, I’ll want final say on changes to the hotel and the grounds. It is, after all, mine,” he declared, and Lawson knew there was much more behind his insinuation.
“Fair enough,” Lawson answered, offering a hand to seal the agreement and Bart reached over and accepted the shake.
“Alright, now that that’s settled, let’s enjoy our meal. After all, Ashley spent all day preparing it. We can hash out the details of me swiping Jim’s card. Time to get your family the hell out of that prison,” Liv announced, reaching to grab the pitcher of margaritas.
“Excuse me, Mr. Smith, will you still need me here? I’m happy to continue, but if there will be more coming, I don’t know if I can handle all this alone,” Ashley asked Bart, her Spanish accent heavy and thick.
Bart glanced to Lawson. “What do you suggest? I’m not prepared to continue paying her salary for the extension,” Bart stated, and Lawson could see the disappointment in Ashley’s and Knox’s faces.
“Ashley, if you want to stay on, we will find a way to pay you. My mom and sisters will be helping with the workload so don’t worry about that. But, you need to understand that you will be surrounded by shifters. It’s up to you, and I understand if you’re uncomfortable with that,” Lawson said.
“I would very much like to stay,” Ashley replied, and she and Knox shared a heated look.
“And, I’m in construction so any renovations needed here in the hotel, I’m your guy,” Knox added.
“Great, I’ll be needing your expertise for sure,” Lawson confessed, taking a bite of Ashley’s beef enchiladas. The female could cook. Not his mom’s comfort food, but the love of her culture came through in her dishes, and Lawson appreciated that.
The group relaxed, enjoying the meal and even managed to lighten the conversation and laugh and cut up a bit. When dinner and dessert were over, Lawson and Liv were in the kitchen cleaning dishes while Ashley showed his mom and sisters to their rooms.
Lawson glanced to Liv who was engrossed in drying the pile of clean glasses and platters he had stacked after washing. Grabbing the sink hose, he pushed the lever, squirting water in her direction. He purposely aimed at her t-shirt, smiling when she screamed at the feel of the cool water.
“Oh, you’re gonna get it now, buddy,” she squealed, grabbing the hose from him.
He ducked the spray shooting towards his face, and, luckily for him, she missed. Reaching over, he grabbed her hands, pinning them behind her back.
“No, now you’re gonna get it,” he husked, lifting her and throwing her over his shoulder before reaching over to turn off the water.
“What are you doing?” she shouted, laughing so hard he could barely understand her. “We’re not done cleaning yet.”
“We’re done here. TBC in my room,” he breathed, biting her firm ass nestled inches from his face.
Another scream followed, and she tried to swat his butt but missed. “Dammit, Lawson, put me down. I can walk, you know,” she yelled, trying to sound angry, but her giggles told him she was enjoying the play.
He picked up the pace and started running as she flopped over his shoulder, chuckling every time she attempted to hit him. He heard her flip-flops hit the floor as she kicked her feet, but he didn’t bother retrieving them. She was trying to hurt him, but her actions tickled more than anything. Not that he dared tell her that. Instead, he acted like she was inflicting pain so he could get another round of laughter from her.
Walking into his suite, he kicked the door closed and marched to the bed, slinging her down on the soft mattress. Her breaths were coming out in pants, and her voluptuous bosom heaved. She was the sexiest creature he had ever laid eyes on, and he was about to show his admiration.
* * *
The way Lawson devoured her with his sensual gaze had Liv aching inside. She squirmed on the bed, trying to get comfortable but his scrutiny had her core clenching with need. Liv wanted to discuss some of the topics from dinner, but that would have to wait. Right now, she couldn’t think clearly. All she wanted was for him to be inside her.
“Liv, stand up,” he husked as molten silver perused her body.
“You’re the one who threw me on the bed.”
“Stand up,” he said again, more demanding this time.
Unable to deny him, her body immediately obeyed his command. Scooting to the end of the mattress, she stood up. She could feel the heat pouring from his body. Liv wanted to feel him against her in the worst way but resisted the urge to touch him.
“Stop biting your lip,” he ordered, staring at her mouth.
She swallowed hard against his direction but did as he asked. She waited for what would come next, heartbeat racing in anticipation.
“Take off your top and bra. Now.”
She immediately did as he asked. Her wet t-shirt was pasted to her skin, thanks to his shenanigans in the kitchen, and it was a relief to remove it. She reached around and unclasped her bra, allowing it to fall to the floor. He stared at her breasts, and they puckered under his examination. Her nipples hardened, and she couldn’t stop from arching her back, needing contact.
The curl to his upper lip let her know he didn’t have as much control as he wanted her to believe and she smiled in return.
“Take off your shorts and panties, Liv. I need to see all of you before I decide where to start.”
Sounded perfect. Naked was Liv’s goal, too. She reached to the button of her shorts and unzipped them before sliding them down her hips. As sheer panties came into view, Lawson groaned. She loved that he appreciated her figure.
“Do you like what you see?” she asked, slowly running her hand across her stomach before dipping inside her panties. His eyes were fixated on her movements. She inched lower, feeling the wetness between her legs.
“Take them off,” he croaked, unable to hide his desire.
Her eyes remained on his, as she slipped the fabric down her legs. She slowly stepped away from the garment pooled at her feet, waiting for his next command. Her heart pounded against her chest and her core clenched with need. If he didn’t touch her soon, she was going to combust.
“Now what?” she asked, and her knees became weak when he began removing his clothing, starting with his t-shirt.
He had the body of a God. Tall, muscular and dominant in every way. He was the predator and she his prey. Surprisingly, she was more than okay with that. His broad shoulders and sculpted chest rippled with his movement as he reached down to remove his boots and jeans.
He stood before her in nothing, but boxer briefs and her eyes bulged at his erection. She still couldn’t believe that his enormous shaft had been inside her body, but damned if she wasn’t aching to feel it again. She met molten gray eyes and quivered with need. “Please, Lawson, I’m dying here,” she confessed.
He circled her body then came up behind her. She felt his lips at her neck and moaned from the contact. He trailed up to bite her earlobe, and she pressed back, needing to feel his hardness against her.
“So impatient,” he whispered in her ear as his hands traveled up her sides and cupped her breasts.
She whimpered, arching into his grip while pushing her rear for contact from behind. He responded by pressing his hard length between her cheeks. Wrapping one arm around her chest, he pulled her tight against his body while his other hand cupped her sex.
“I need you ready for me, Liv. I want to be inside you right now, so I need you wet as possible. Tonight won’t be slow and easy,” he murmured against her cheek.
All she could do was nod because he grabbed her chin and pulled her mouth toward his as his lips came crashing against hers. His tongue pushed her mouth open as he explored inside. Her knees buckled when his fingers pushed inside her opening, but he held her weight against his body.
Writhing against his ministrations, she reached up behind her head to lock an arm around his neck, allowing a deeper kiss. He growled when she sucked his lower lip into her mouth. Picking her up, he moved to the bed and laid her down. His body followed, and she spread her legs, making room for his body to position between her. He placed a hand on each of her inner thighs and slid them around to cup her bottom, lifting her up as he poised at her entrance.
Lawson enjoyed when she touched him, especially when she stroked him as he entered her. Gripping him, she teased the slit of spongy head, and he groaned, pre-cum wetting her palm in the process.
“Take me, Lawson. Now,” she begged, lifting her hips more as she led him inside her body.
He shoved deep, plunging to the hilt in one swift move and she lost her breath. She thought she was ready, but he was too long and thick. He leaned over her body and with one hand, grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head as he slid in and out of her body. She wrapped her legs around his waist, adjusting to his size and he thrust deeper. He felt so good, and she worked her hips in circles, needing more of him. He obliged by reaching his free hand to pinch and tug her nipple. She cried out, bucking against his body.
The way he moved inside her while his hand tormented her breast was agonizing and satisfying all at the same time. She wanted him to stop but demanded he continue. She struggled as he held her arms above her head and it fueled her appetite.
She caught the same glimpse of his wolf as his pupils dilated and the gray turned a solid black. An image of a dark gray wolf came to mind as Lawson dominated her body in every way.
“Cum for me, Liv. Scream my name,” he urged, and his voice brought her out of the mental fog.
He moved his hand from her breast to reach between their bodies. His thumb pressed against her clit and she detonated when he swirled over the engorged nub.
“Yes, Lawson, yes!” she panted as she continued meeting his thrusts.
Her climax catapulted her into a state of euphoria as stars danced in her vision. Lawson quickly followed, shouting his release. His hot seed jetted inside her womb, and then he suddenly released her wrists, wrapping both arms around her body so that their sweaty bodies mashed together.
As her orgasm waned, she placed both hands on either side of his face to claim his lips. Mouth burning, she craved the kiss that would soothe her fire. But when they met, it wasn’t heated and frenzied.
No. This time, the kiss was slow, deliberate and meaningful. Lawson’s tongue eased inside, exploring tentatively. SLiv loved his lips. Soft, full, and firm and she enjoyed the dance their tongues learned together.
He rolled onto his back, pulling her with him so that she straddled his frame while he remained inside her body. It was slippery and wet where their bodies joined, and she couldn’t help but wiggle her lower body against his. He chuckled, palming her ass cheeks and squeezing.
“Careful or that stick of dynamite may go off again.”
“Kaboom,” she moaned, clenching her muscle as she started moving her sex up and down his length.
She would never tire of this man pleasuring her, and she loved that he was ready to go again. He pushed his hips upward, his lip curling upward.
“I bet you cum before I do,” he challenged as his fingers teased her sensitive folds. Liv sat straighter and leaned back to give him better access. When he swirled across the sensitive nub, she began moving her hips against his ministrations.
“You’re on,” she countered and reached behind, carefully fondling his soft sack before moving further to massage his perineum. His responding growl told her she had this one in the bag.