I spot the book on the counter—the same one he used on me last night. Perfect.
I grab it, creeping closer.
He’s humming. Actuallyhummingsome Irish tune, completely oblivious.
I raise the book high and bring it down with a satisfyingsmackagainst his ass.
He jars forward, his hands gripping the edge of the sink. Darting to the side, I splash water at him. Droplets hit his face and chest, and he whips around, his eyes wide with shock.
I back away, holding the book in front of me like a shield, beaming. “That’ll teach you not to mess with a strong heroine with main character energy.”
At first, he just stares at me. Then, a slow, dangerous grin forms. “How did ye get free?”
“Like you said, there are a lot of items around I could have used. Like a hairpin.” I blow him a kiss.
“A hairpin. What a naughty girl.” He laughs, then deadpans, brows dancing. “I’ll bepinningyounow.”
My breath hitches. I do a double-take, my heart lurching. “Wait, what?—”
He lunges.
I shriek, spinning and bolting toward the living room. My bare feet slap against the hardwood as I dart around the couch, headed for the patio door.
I know he’s going to catch me. He’s faster, even in his condition.
His arm hooks around my waist, and I yelp as he lifts me off my feet. We tumble onto the couch, his weight pressing me into the cushions.
Frantic giggles burst out of me while I try to squirm away, but he’s got me pinned. Just like he said. His hands find my sides, and I…oh, no.
“No—Liam, oh my go?—”
He tickles me.
I dissolve into helpless, ridiculous laughter, my body twisting and writhing as I try to escape. My face grows hot, my chest heaving through the giggles.
“Nooo—Liam—I caaan’t?—”
His fingers are gentle but relentless, finding every ticklish spot. Tears stream down my face, and I’m reduced to begging.
Then, his hands go still, and he shifts his weight, settling over me. His body is warm and solid against mine.
Including the hardness between his legs.
I gasp, and my eyes fly to his.
With a gaze dark and intense and a wicked smirk, he captures my chin with one hand, tilting my face up. “You’re in trouble, mo Róisín.”
“You started it,” I tease.
“Aye. And I’ll finish it too.”
He leans down, his warm lips brushing against my neck, tingling the skin. My nipples harden, scratching against the fabric of my dress.
A soft moan escapes. “Liam.” My hands find his shoulders.
His mouth trails up my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin just below my ear, and I arch into him, my body responding beyond my control.
And then?—
