I gave him a smile that I hoped looked genuine, when really I wanted to cry. The smell of the funnel cake was too strong. Everything was suddenly too much—the bright flashing lights, the sounds of people laughing and shouting.
“What’s wrong?” Henry asked, his expression serious.
Liam’s body stiffened and then his hand was on my face, tilting my chin so I was forced to meet his gaze.
I chewed my lip, not wanting to say the words. I knew the second I did, the night would be over.
“Westin,” Liam growled, a warning in his tone.
“I’m maybe not feeling the best,” I confessed softly.
Immediately, Liam pulled me into his lap, his strong arms banded around me. “Are you in pain?” His gentle tone stood in stark contrast to the growl rumbling through his chest.
All I could do was nod as my body grew limp in his hold.
“We need to get back to the house.” He stood, holding me close to his chest with one arm, the other under my knees.
I opened my eyes and Henry’s concerned face appeared in my line of sight.
“I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, darling.” He brushed my hair out of my face and placed a tender kiss on my forehead. “I’ll get the guys and we’ll meet you at the car?” He looked at Liam, who nodded.
My lip trembled. “But funnel cake.”
“Don’t worry, gorgeous. We’ll get you funnel cake when you feel better,” Henry said.
I nodded, closing my eyes again so I didn’t start crying at how sweet he was being.
Liam tightened his hold on me as he headed to the parking lot. The gravel crunched under his shoes as we got further away from the sounds of the fair.
I gripped Liam’s shirt, wishing I could press myself against his bare skin. “I’m sorry for ruining the night,” I whispered.
A growl vibrated through his chest. “You didn’t ruin anything. I don’t want to hear you saying that shit.”
The car beeped as he unlocked it and somehow maneuvered me into the back without setting me down. The door shut, leaving us in quiet darkness. Liam’s lips brushed against my skin, softly kissing my forehead. His chest started rumbling but instead of a growl, it was a purr. His sweet scent filled the space and the shooting pain in my head eased slightly as my body relaxed into him.
“I know you don’t believe me,” he murmured. “But you could never ruin anything for us.”
“You didn’t even want me to go to the fair,” I said, biting my lip.
“I was feeling protective, but I’m so fucking happy you got to enjoy yourself. All I want is for you to be happy, and I was wrong to try to keep you from doing something fun.”
His words eased some of the tightness in my chest. He shifted around and I heard the rustling of a pill bottle. “Take these.”
I took the pills from his hand and swallowed them down with the water he gave me.
“Those will probably make you sleepy. Just relax, sweetheart, and let us take care of you.”
I kept my face pressed into his chest, breathing in his scent. Soon, Gray’s scent joined as he slipped into the back seat with us. The guys were quiet as we drove back to the guesthouse, speaking softly as Liam carried me to my room.
“Do you want a bath?” Bear asked.
“Yes, please,” I whispered, cracking my eyes open. “With you.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Bear responded, giving me a soft kiss before heading into the bathroom.
77
BEAR
