He releases me with a loud, exaggerated pop, smirking up at me like he’s the devil himself.
“Let’s do this,” he says, voice dark and full of promise. “The faster we get him out of here, the faster I can get you back in bed.”
I laugh breathlessly, turning toward the door, still feeling the ghost of his mouth against my skin.
“Where are you going?” he asks, suspicious.
“My bag’s in the other room.”
Before I can even blink, he jumps to his feet completely and gloriously naked and strides past me without a care in the world.A moment later, he’s back, tossing my overnight bag onto the bed like a caveman presenting a prize.
“You’re staying in here,” he declares, hands on his hips, like he’s daring me to argue.
I lift an eyebrow, pretending to consider.
“Okay.”
He blinks, clearly not expecting me to cave so easily. “Wow. Didn’t think you’d agree that fast.”
I grin wickedly, sauntering toward him with a sway to my hips that I know he’s tracking with laser focus.
“Let’s just say,” I murmur, stopping inches from him, “I have my reasons.”
I gesture pointedly toward his very naked, very ready body.
“Easy access being one of them.”
Liam lets out a low, sinful laugh. The kind of sound that makes my thighs clench without warning.
“Fuck, honey,” he says, voice rough as gravel, dragging his gaze down my body. “You keep looking at me like that, and we’re never making it to dinner.”
I wink, grabbing my bag and sauntering into the bathroom to get dressed. Because now? Now I want him squirming all night. Thinking about exactly where we’ll pick up once Teddy’s gone.
I emerge from the bathroom, smoothing my palms down the sides of the short black dress. The Chief really does have good taste. The dress is sleek, simple, and exactly what I would’ve chosen for myself. It hugs my curves without being too tight, the hem brushing mid-thigh, just enough to be dangerous.
I fasten the delicate chain around my neck, my fingers brushing the locket that holds Opal’s photo. A small comfort and a reminder that she's still with me.
I gather my hair up into a high ponytail, letting the loose strands frame my face.
When I step back into the bedroom, Liam emerges from the closet at the same time.
And God, he’s lethal.
Black jeans, a black button-up stretched across his broad chest, and dark red boots that I realize with a kick to my heart match mine exactly.
For a moment, we just stare at each other.
Time slows.
The air thickens.
His gaze roves over me, hot and possessive, lingering on my legs, my hips, the locket glinting at my throat.
And then he stills completely.
“I’m gonna cancel dinner.”
I bite back a laugh, brushing past him on the way to the kitchen, knowing full well he’s burning holes into the back of my dress with his eyes.
