Coming home to Kiara and having her prepare dinner for us was incredible.
It also obliterated the last of my patience. There’s no doubt in my mind she’s meant for me, and it’s time she realizes it.
Mine.
Stripping out of my suit, I step into the shower and let the warm water rain down on me. Washing my body, my thoughts are held hostage by Kiara.
With Jimmy passing away, everything else took a back seat to making arrangements for the funeral. But now that everything is returning to semi-normal, it’s time to claim her.
To own her.
Fuck patience. It’s never been one of my strong points.
I want her, and I want her now.
She’s been through hell, Liam.
I think about how I’m going to handle the situation.
You should probably hear how she feels before going caveman on her ass.
Stepping out of the shower, I quickly dry my body, then go to the walk-in closet to put on a pair of sweatpants and a shirt, impatient to have this talk with her.
After shoving the sleeves up to my elbows, I grab my Glock from the island in the middle of the dressing room and tuck it in behind my back.
Walking out of the bedroom and heading downstairs, it’s to find the place empty. Like the impatient bastard I am, I stalk back up the fucking stairs and scowl at the closed door of the guest bedroom.
Calm your ass down.
It feels like it takes forever before the door opens, and Kiara steps out still dressed in work clothes even though she stayed at home today. A frown settles on my forehead. “Don’t you own anything comfortable?”
She glances down at the light blue top and suit pants. “Yeah, but I’m not wearing it in front of you.”
The corner of my mouth lifts, and I tip my head toward the room. “Change, Kiara.”
She gives me a playful look. “Yes, sir.” Mumbling something under her breath, she disappears into the room.
Sir.
Jesus.
A single word from her has me hardening.
I let out a sigh because I have to wait again until she comes out wearing tight as fuck pants and a t-shirt.
Now that’s much better.
Being the impatient fuck I am, I corner her in the middle of the hallway, taking her eyes prisoner.
Her eyebrows draw together. “You want to talk here?”
I nod, and it has worry darkening her irises.
“This is all new to me,” I admit, hoping I don’t fuck things up.
“Everything’s pretty much taken care of,” she interrupts me, her fingers start to fidget with the shirt. “I can stay with my mom until the Finn problem is dealt with.”
“Fuck no,” the words burst from me. “That’s not what I mean.” Taking a breath of air, I mutter, “I’m not good at this. Just listen.”
Running a billion-dollar empire, I can do. Going to war, I can handle. But looking down at this woman who’s half my size, I’m in uncharted waters.
Confusion flutters over her face, but she gives me her full attention. “Okay.”
“I want you here,” I say so she won’t worry as much.
Her mouth curves up, drawing my attention to the fading bruises. Lifting my hand, my fingers flex before I place my palm against her cheek. I soak in how soft her skin is, how feminine she feels.
“Liam?” she whispers, her eyes searching mine.
Tilting my head, everything she makes me feel is clear in my voice. “I need you to stay. With me.”
“Until Finn’s been taken care of?”
I shake my head. “Forever.”
Her eyes widen. “You want me to move in with you?” Instantly her surprise is replaced with a nervous expression. “I… ah…”
I bring my other hand to her face and take a step closer. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone, Kiara. Jesus, I can touch you. You have no idea what that means, what you do to me.” Determination and possessiveness darken my tone. “I have full right to claim you.”
Her breath leaves her in a rush. “Dad warned me you might do that. It was one of the reasons he didn’t want me working at Byrne Enterprises.” Her tongue darts out to wet her lips. “So… are you going to?”
“Yes.” I take a deep breath, then shake my head. “But I need you to want this as well. I don’t want to force you.”
Lifting her arm, she takes hold of my wrist and pulls my hand away from her face.
Fuck, don’t make me force you.
“So you’re saying I don’t have a choice, but…” she shakes her head. “Honestly, I’m not sure what you’re saying.”
Frustration ripples through me. “I want you to want me.”
Confusion flutters over her features again. “But you don’t do relationships.”
“I didn’t.” I stare at her for a moment, the unseen force pulling me to her, tightening its hold on me. “Like I said, I’ve never done this before. All I know is I won’t be able to let you go. I want to be able to touch you whenever I want.” I close the distance between us, my chest brushing against hers. The close proximity forces her to tilt her head back. “I want to own every inch of you.”
“I’m not a possession you can claim,” she says, her tone soft.
I suck in a deep breath of air, my chest brushing against hers. “I know.” I pull my wrist free from her hold, then glancing down, I trail my fingers up her arm, watching goosebumps spread over her skin. “You feel it too, Kiara.” My eyes lock with hers again. “We were meant to cross paths. It feels like you’re the other half of me.”
Her features soften, all the worry draining away, then the corner of her mouth lifts. “Are you even attracted to me?”
Nodding, I let out a chuckle, then admit, “I’m obsessed with you.”
“That doesn’t sound creepy at all,” she teases me. “Sooo… you want to date?”
“No, I want you to be mine. In every way. So I can touch and kiss you whenever I want.” There’s a predatory tone to my voice as I add, “So I can fuck you.”
“And here I thought you were a romantic,” she chuckles, sounding slightly nervous again.
I probably should’ve waited before telling her I want to fuck her.
“Never claimed to be one.” My gaze drifts over her face. “I want an answer.” My fingers wrap around the side of her neck. “Are you going to give yourself to me?”
Because, fuck, I will take you if I have to.
She sucks in a deep breath, then glances down the hallway. “This is happening fast.” Lowering her head, she admits, “I really like you, and I’m not opposed to starting a relationship,” raising her chin, her eyes lift to mine again, “but I just need a little longer before…” she clears her throat, “jumping into bed with you.”
Instantly my negotiation skills come out to play. “Okay, but I want you in my bedroom.”
She raises an eyebrow at me. “but no intercourse until I say I’m ready.”
Reluctantly, I mutter, “It’s a deal.”
Laughter bubbles over her lips, then she gives me a look of warning, “If you pull out a contract for me to sign, I’m going to slap you with it.”
“No contract.” I start to lower my head. “Your word is enough for me.”
“Good,” she murmurs, her eyes lowering to my mouth.
“Say the words,” I demand, the urge to kiss her becoming overwhelming.
“Which ones?” her breaths fan over my lips.
“You’re mine.”
She lifts her hands, placing them against my chest. “I’m yours.”
My mouth crushes against hers, needing to taste the promise of her words. Needing to taste her.
My body pushes hers back until she’s pressed against the wall, my self-control slipping through my fingers at the speed of light.
Her unique sweet flavor bursts over my tongue, the velvet feel of her mouth threatening to drive me wild.
Jesus.
I lift both my hands to her face, and holding her in place, I devour her. She sets my soul on fire, emotions exploding in my chest.
Mine.
