Shock robs me of breath.
“The first time I saw your picture, I stopped breathing. I’d never seen someone so gorgeous. Every inch of you, babe. Pure fucking perfection.” He swallows hard. “You’re my dream girl, Bel, and I look like a monster in comparison to you.”
“Are you fucking kidding me right now?”
He looks absolutely serious.
I almost start wailing, my heart twisting painfully for this foolish man who can’t even see his own beauty. “Liam, you’re not monster-looking. Nor are you pretty. That word doesn’t do you justice.” I shake my head. “You’re absolutelystunning. Inside and out. I nearly orgasmed the first time I saw you at the bar.”
“Fuck.” His expression softens. “Are you serious?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.” I spent so much of my time empowering others through my platform; I hate that my own best friend was here, on the other side, feeling so horrible about himself. I don’t care what anyone else has to say. This man is a complete ten in my book. He’s so sexy and I wish he could see himself from my point of view. “The next time you look in the mirror, I want you to see what I see, Liam.”
“What do you see?” he hushes with a vulnerable edge.
“I see my present and my future. I see my best friend.” I frame his face with my hands and gaze into his eyes. “I seemyLiam, the man of my dreams.”
Liam exhales roughly, releasing days’ worth of tension. His forehead drops to mine, his baby blues finally seeing my truth. “You’re everything to me,” he murmurs. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for two years now. Can I, Bel?”
“Yes.” I begin to erase the distance between our lips. “Kiss me, Liam.”
Liam’s hands cup my face and he meets me halfway, stamping his mouth to mine with a low groan.
Yearning and potent passion drive the kiss, which begins butterfly-soft and turns into something raring as we become restless for one another. Our mouths brush and sip impatiently like we just can’t get enough, just can’t get closer, just can’t wait to be one. The need to descend into his skin and build a forever home inside him is jarring.
My hands trickle down to his collar. I pull him impossibly closer. Liam’s soft beard tickles my chin and I moan when his tongue darts across the seam of my lips, asking for permission.
He has it.
Our tongues meet, savouring the sweet taste of this new love.
Liam’s hands grow in confidence, palming my hips. In one swift jerk, he yanks me over his lap. God, the strength of this man. I break the kiss with a gasp and feel Liam’s answering, almost cocky, smirk.
Then he’s back to stealing my air until I no longer remember where he begins and where I end.
My mind runs on an endless loop ofLiam,Liam, Liam.
His hands are in my hair. On my body. Over my curves. He kneads my ass and thighs with a masculine grunt, like he can’t get over how amazing I am. I’m doing the same. Exploring his shoulders. His barrel chest. His thick middle. And then returning to his luscious hair so I can angle his head back and kiss him deeper.
There’s nothing sweet about the kiss anymore.
It’s savage, needy, and hot.
Liam O’Connell doesn’t kiss like a gentleman.
I’m hoping he doesn’t fuck like one either.
We break apart with lustful noises. Liam’s breath puffs against my parted mouth, his eyes half-mast and glazed. My warrior looks conquered after one kiss and I’m addicted to the look on his face, a mixture of torment and wonder. The golden glow of the setting sun really gives him the allure of a battle-hardened warrior coming home to his true love.
Me being the true love, of course.
“That was perfect,” I huff, grinning as I attempt to tame his hair after messing it.
Liam snags my lips in another quick kiss. “Youare perfect.”
ThereI go again, falling even deeper for him.
“Right back at you.” I press my forehead to his while staring into his eyes. “Every inch of you. Pure fucking perfection, babe.”
