Taken (6 page)

             
“Don't spank me unless you mean it.” I sigh, letting my body go limp in his arms as I admit defeat.

             
“As soon as I get you home, I will show you just how much I mean it.” He says, his voice rough and trickling with desire. Instantly I feel my insides pool. And just like that I go from a drunk, embarrassing mess, to feeling like my entire body is on fire and wanting only one thing. To feel Liam plunging inside of me over and over again as I scream his name.

Chapter Nine

             
Liam carries me a good two blocks thrown over his shoulder like a rag doll. It doesn't take me long to figure out that he's taking me to
Bella Vita
and I try to squirm out of his grip as he pushes his way through the door. The receptionist behind the counter looks up at us questionably and opens her mouth like she's going to speak but then closes it again, clearly deciding against it.

             
I remember her from the night I brought the pizza box present to be delivered to Liam. Of course at that time, I had no idea that I was asking her to deliver it to her boss. I give her a playful wave as we pass her, smiling widely. She smiles back, shaking her head and then resumes whatever she was doing before we arrived.

             
Liam makes his way through the lobby, not the least bit concerned that everyone we pass is looking at us like we have lost our minds. He turns right and walks down a long corridor until we reach a set of elevators.

             
“Does my beautiful, drunk girl have it in her to walk?” He asks, gently setting me on my feet but keeping my body close to his, ensuring that I don't fall flat on my face.

             
“I could have walked the whole time ass.” I say, giving his arm a playful slap. The elevator doors slide open and Liam ushers me inside. He presses the button to the penthouse and then enters a code before the elevator responds and starts to climb.

             
The trip up feels like an eternity. All the while the air around us buzzes. I push myself further into the wall, brushing up against Liam who is standing directly to my right. Goosebumps break across my skin at the contact and it takes everything I have not to jump him right here and now.

             
The elevator pings signaling we have arrived at our destination. Saved by the bell. The doors slide open and Liam takes my hand, leading me onto a beautiful landing that has to be ten of my tiny apartment. The space is decorated with accent tables all covered with fresh flowers. The cream colored walls are covered with some of the most beautiful abstract paintings I have ever seen.

             
“This way.” Liam says, leading me to the right where a set of double wooden doors sit at the end of the hallway. He punches a code into the keypad that hangs on the wall at eye level next to the door. It flashes green and then the door clicks. Liam opens the door, his hand falling to the small of my back as he leads me inside.

             
The moment my eyes focus, I fall still. Completely in awe. I have never been in a penthouse before and let me tell you, it is like something out of a dream. Ceilings that must be at least twenty feet high. An open spiral staircase that leads to the second floor, where there is an open landing with a clear view of the downstairs from the upper floor.

             
Large cream colored pillars that stretch from floor to ceiling separate the massive kitchen from what looks to be a formal sitting area. Liam leads me into the kitchen. I could spend days in a kitchen like this. Stainless steel appliances, a large island in the center surrounded by black bar stools. There's only two full walls in the kitchen, both lined with cabinets and granite counter tops. The rest of the area is open to the main floor.

             
Liam turns to face me, grabbing me under my arms to hoist me up onto the island. “You good?” He asks, waiting for my nod before leaving me to go the refrigerator to retrieve a bottle of water. He opens a drawer, pulls out what appears to be Tylenol and empties a couple into his hand before making his way back over to me.

             
“Here.” He says, taking my hand and dropping the two small pills in my palm before handing me the bottle of water. “You'll thank me later.” He says on a smile. I pop the pills in my mouth and wash them down with a large gulp of water. It's ice cold and instantly brings tears to my eyes but it feels amazing on my throat, so I take another large gulp before sitting the bottle next to me.

             
“Thank you.” I say, finding Liam's eyes fixed firmly on me. “So.” I say, looking around the large kitchen. “This is how the other half lives.” I smile, making sure that he understands my playfulness. He returns my smile and nods but doesn't speak. Studying me intently as if gauging my reaction.

             
I scoot off the island, amazed that I don't fall on my face the moment my feet hit the floor. My buzz is wearing off but I still feel a bit woozy and make double sure that I feel steady before I let go of the counter and make my way into the formal sitting area.

             
The space is enormous. Hardwood floors throughout the entire first floor. Large matching black accent rugs are placed strategically through out the room, which houses three large couches forming a square 'U' in the middle of the room. The focal point is the large stone fireplace on the wall directly in front of the seating area. There are a few paintings on the walls but nothing personal. Nothing that says 'Liam lives here'. There are no family photos, no personal items anywhere. It's like he lives as a guest in his own hotel.

             
I make my way further into the space, running my hand along the back of one of the black leather couches as I pass it. Everything is so elegant. From the light colored walls to the modern decor scattered throughout the room.

             
I can feel Liam come up behind me without a sound. My skin prickles when I feel his breath on the back of my neck. “Let me show you my favorite part.” He says, stepping to my side and entwining his fingers with mine. He leads me to the back wall, which is covered  floor to ceiling in black fabric. He hits a button on the remote in his hand and the fabric splits apart like magical curtains revealing a wall of windows.

             
I drop Liam's hand and hesitantly step forward. “You can see the whole city from up here.” I gasp, realizing for the first time how high up we are. The view is something you only ever dream of having. Like we are in a glass box floating over one of the most amazing cities in the country.

             
“Come here.” Liam says, taking my hand and pulling me to the left. I don't realize there is a glass door until he slides it open, revealing a balcony that has to be at least a thousand square feet.

             
“Wow.” It's all I can manage to say as I walk to the edge of the balcony and wrap my fingers around the steel railing. I lean over a little bit and look down, instantly regretting it when the ground seems to be coming at me. I immediately step back, my fear of heights getting the better of me.

             
The balcony is a place I could imagine opening up for a party. Lounge chairs and tables line the space, a large grill located in the corner. I think I have died and gone to heaven. Seriously? I mean I know there are people that live like this but for the life of me I never expected to ever step foot into a place this amazing.

             
I turn to face Liam who is still standing in the doorway watching me. “Is this where you bring all your women?” I joke, not missing that his expression lightens a little.

             
“I have only ever brought one woman here and she's standing right in front of me.” He says, his eyes dark and hooded. A chill crawls up my spine at the intensity of his stare. Like he is stripping me bare with nothing but his eyes. I feel exposed and honestly it scares me a little.

             
“Honesty.” I say, shaking my finger at him, trying to lighten the air around us. My body is wound up so tight that even the alcohol is not helping calm me. I feel like if I don't get my hands on Liam soon, I'm going to tear apart into a million different pieces and simply float away.

             
“This is my home, the one place I can go and be free. I refuse to taint that with random women who don't know how to take a hint.” He says, smiling to himself. “Seriously though, other than my employees, you are the only woman I have ever brought here.”

             
My heart rate picks up speed and suddenly I feel very hot under the blazing Nevada sun. “But you brought me here?” I ask, my voice coming out shaky.

             
“I did.” He says, not elaborating. He crosses his arms over his chest and leans back into the door, his eyes never leaving mine.

             
“And here I thought you were just some average bartender.” I laugh, turning my body away from him to look out over the city once more. “Average I can handle. I'm good with average. But this.... It's incredible.” I breathe, feeling Liam step directly behind me. His arms slipping around my waist and pulling my backside firmly to his front.

             
“You are what's incredible.” He whispers against my neck before planting a soft trail of kisses up to my ear. “Seeing you here, in my home. It's all I have ever wanted. You belong here Addison. You belong with me.” His words come out so gentle, his teeth nipping at my earlobe sending shivers through my entire body.

             
I don't get perfect often. Let's be real, perfect doesn't exist. But standing here, in Liam's arms, the city of Las Vegas stretched out before us, I feel about as close to perfect as I ever have. A breeze whips around us and for a moment I feel like we are in our own little paradise. No distractions, no one coming between us. Just me and Liam perched in our palace in the sky.

             
I turn in to him, my face eye level with his chest. I run my fingers along his broad sculpted muscles through the thin material of his dress shirt. I hear his breath hitch, watch the rapid rise and fall of his chest as his breathing becomes more labored.

             
My insides are on fire. Every fiber inside of me is craving for his touch. I lightly trail my fingers downward, finally settling on his erection straining against his black slacks. He lets out a low groan from the back of his throat as I tease, my fingers moving in circles, then back up and down again at a tortuously slow pace.

             
“Fuck this.” He growls and that's all it takes. He spins me around and pins me to the glass wall behind us, his mouth instantly finding mine in a heated passion that has us both panting within seconds. “Tell me to stop.” He whispers against my lips.

             
“Don't stop.” I pant back, deepening the kiss. He groans again, picking me up and lifting me off the ground. I wrap my legs around his waist, my arms latched securely around his neck as he pushes us through the glass door and carries me inside.

             
Everything in me is screaming victory. I want this so much, so badly, I feel like I might die from the anticipation of feeling him inside of me once more. Owning me, consuming my body with his. The electricity and the passion that seems to sing around us when we are anywhere close to each other is unlike anything I have ever felt in my life.

             
I don't have the power to turn my back on this. Walking away is not an option. I didn't walk into the fire, I was thrown head first into the flames. I didn't give myself to him, I was taken and this is exactly where I want to stay.

Chapter Ten

              My heart rate kicks into more of a gallop as Liam devours my neck, down my chest, biting gently at my nipples through the fabric of my shirt. I arch into him, needing everything he has to give me and more. He lays me across one of the couches in the formal area and peels my jeans from my body. I struggle to breathe, watching the desire pool in his eyes as each inch of my flesh is revealed. He's drinking me in like a man who has gone days without water and my body is the only thing that can quench his thirst.

             
He plants a small kiss to the ball of my foot and then the other before trailing featherlight kisses up my legs. When he reaches my thighs he pauses for a moment before hitching his thumbs in the band of my bikini's and quickly removing them. He plants a small kiss to my pubic bone before making his way back up, removing my shirt and bra in the process. By the time he reaches my mouth, I am completely naked, my skin burning in trails where his lips had been.

             
He removes his shirt, positioning himself on top of me before dipping down to kiss me once more. My lips part on a moan and he slips his tongue inside, swirling my mouth like he needs to taste every inch of me. My body responds, my breathing coming out in short pants, my heart beating so hard and fast I can feel the vibration through my entire body.

             
Nothing will ever top the way Liam makes me feel. How he seems to know each and every need I have. How he seems to understand what my body wants without me ever needing to speak a word. I fumble between us with the button and zipper on his pants, finally freeing him. He wiggles them down his legs and then settles in between my thighs, his erection toying with my entrance.

             
I arch up, my eyes burning into his. I see the hesitation, his need to take this slow. But I also see that he is losing the battle. His want clearly written all over his beautiful face. His eyes are hooded as he leans in placing his lips to mine once more. He doesn't enter me, instead he just hovers there like he's waiting for something. I don't know what but my impatience is starting to show through and I am not above begging.

             
“Please.” I breathe against his mouth. He pulls back and studies me for a moment, his eyes burning holes through me. “Please.” I say again, arching up. I see the defeat in his eyes. The way his features fall like he is disappointed in himself but he just can't deny me. A sweep of triumph runs through me as he slowly enters me. He pauses just a couple inches in and then slowly moves a little more. He continues this until he is completely submerged inside of me.

             
His eyes glass over and I see the desire and the need take control. Like a light switch has flipped, he pulls out and then hammers into me so hard I cry out, both from the pain and the pleasure. His thrusts become relentless, a hard pounding that has me scooting up the couch. I cling to him tightly, taking all of him. Despite the discomfort from being stretched to the max, the feeling is indescribable. The pleasure prickling every inch of my body until I am at the brink of explosion.

             
Liam pulls back, slowing his rhythm to place a soft lingering kiss to my mouth. When he pulls back, he hovers over me for a moment, his movements slowing to an almost stop but not completely. He just stares at me and while I am on the highest of highs right now, it still makes me feel self conscious.

             
“I love you.” The words come out heated and intense. My heart constricts. I want to tell him I love him too. I want to scream it from the rooftops and tell the world but I can't. I can't speak those words yet, no matter how hard it is to keep my mouth shut. With him buried deep inside of me, our bodies becoming one, with the way he's looking at me, it would be so easy to let the words fall from my lips.

             
I fight the urge and keep my mouth shut. Wrapping my hand around the back of his neck, I pull him down to me, taking his mouth with mine as his movements pick back up. I feel his muscles go tight above me, his back going rigid. I know he's close and as much as I want this to last forever, I don't think I could hold on any longer if I tried. I cry out as my orgasm rips through me with the intensity of a thousand suns. My entire body ablaze.

             
He follows almost immediately, collapsing on top of me. I can feel his heart beat against my chest, strong and hard. I run my fingers through the back of his dark hair but make no attempt to move. I could stay with him like this forever.

             
After a few minutes of neither of us moving, I feel my eyelids start to grow heavy, my fingers trailing lightly up and down his back. I don't know how much time passes but eventually I drift off to sleep, my mind floating away on a little cloud, my body at perfect peace.

****

              “Wake up beautiful.” Liam's voice pulls me from sleep but I can't find the strength to open my eyes. I don't want to get up, I want to stay like this forever. Suddenly, I remember that I am at Liam's house, that he is here.

             
I shoot up, disoriented. “What... What time is it?” I blurt out, my voice full of sleep.

             
“It's just after seven. I thought maybe you could come down and have dinner with me.” He gives me a shy grin and I realize this is the first time he's probably ever done this, if what he says is true and that he's never brought a woman here before.

             
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep.” I say, stretching my arms above my head. Liam's eyes fall to my chest and I follow his gaze realizing that I am still naked. I grab at the sheet and pull it to my chin.

             
It takes me a moment to realize that I don't recognize my surroundings. “Is this your bedroom? How did I get in here?” I blurt out, looking around the enormous room with dark gray walls and black finished furniture.

             
“It is and I carried you.” He smiles again. “I can't tell you how long I have wanted to see you like this. Naked in my bed. Today is a very good day Ms. Grant.” He says, leaning forward to brush his lips against mine. “Now get dressed and come downstairs, your food is going to be cold.” With that he stands and exits the room.

             
He carried me? Wow I must have died for a while. I'm usually not that deep of a sleeper but I am guessing that getting that drunk in the middle of the day will do that to a person.

             
I push myself out of the bed that I swear is so large it has to be in a category all it's own. I thought California King was the largest bed you could have but this one, well it seems much bigger. I think I could get lost in it. I spot my clothes neatly folded on top of the dresser/vanity unit along the far wall.

             
I start to walk towards it but then the urge to pee hits me so hard, I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to a bathroom. I search the room, seeing three different doors. I pull the one closest to me open, revealing a huge closet lined floor to ceiling with clothes and shoes. Wow, I didn't realize a man could own this many articles of clothing.

             
I shut the door and go for the next, located on the back wall to the far left. I jiggle the handle but it doesn't open. Confused, I try again but nothing. Locked. I wonder about the contents of the room and why he would feel the need to lock a door in his own home when he lives alone but I need a bathroom too badly to really worry too much about it.

             
I walk across the room to the opposite wall and open the third and final door. At first I can't move but then mother nature reminds me that I have to go now and I rush inside. I quickly use the bathroom, glancing around the large space as I do. It's enormous with double vanity, standing shower and a whirlpool bathtub that looks the size of a small swimming pool. Yep, I will definitely be talking Liam into a bath later.

             
I make my way to the sink to wash my hands, catching my reflection in the mirror. My hair is tangled and messy but other than that I look pretty good. My cheeks are flushed, giving my otherwise pale face some color. My eyes are bright and I can't help but notice that I don't just feel happy, I look happy. Hell, I am happy.

             
I splash some water on my face and then rummage through a few drawers looking for toothpaste. I locate it and squeeze a little on my finger before putting it back in the drawer and closing it. I do a quick freshen up with my finger, making a mental note that I should start carrying an extra toothbrush in my purse for occasions like this.

             
I make my way back into the bedroom and quickly slip on my clothes before exiting the room and making my way across the landing that oversees the main floor. Liam is in the kitchen but I can't tell what he's doing. His back is to me and the columns that run through the formal room obstruct a clear view into the kitchen.

             
I make my way down the stairs and through the formal room. There is a delicious smell floating through the house and my stomach grumbles, realizing for the first time since waking that I am famished. I know Liam hears me but he doesn't acknowledge my presence right away. I slip in behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

             
“Dinner's ready.” He says, turning with salad plates in hand. I drop my hands and give him room to sit the plates on the island. It is only then that I notice the chicken simmering on the stove.

             
“You cooked?” I ask, not able to keep the shock from my voice.

             
“Why are you so surprised. I grew up in Italy remember? My grandma constantly had me in the kitchen, determined to pass every family recipe down to me since I was the only grandchild. I tried to protest and tell her that she needs to save it for a granddaughter but she's a stubborn woman.” He laughs a little to himself, walking back to the stove to flip the chicken. “I must admit, it has come in handy. You would be surprised how quickly you get tired of hotel food, no matter how great of a chef you have.”

             
“So you cook. Is there any other hidden talents I should know about?” I joke, taking a seat on the bar stool that he pulls out for me.

             
“I'm full of hidden talents.” He says, his voice sultry and sexy. I feel my skin prickle. Every part of me coming alive at nothing more than his voice.

             
“I bet you are.” I say playfully as he presents me with my dinner. A salad, some type of Italian chicken, rice pilaf and steamed vegetables. The aroma fills my nostrils and it smells delicious. “This looks amazing.” I say, waiting for him to join me.

             
We share light conversation over dinner, which not only looks and smells delicious but the taste is incredible. I have to give it to the man, he can cook.  I help him clear the dishes and put them in the dishwasher before grabbing my wine and joining him on the balcony.

             
The sun has set and the night air feels amazing. There's not a cloud in the sky and from way up here I swear I can almost see a star or two poking out. Liam takes a seat in a lay back lounge chair and pats the space between his legs. I walk over to him and take a seat. Positioning myself between his legs, I rest my back against his chest.

             
His smell invades my senses and I feel the desire creeping back in. Not that it ever really goes away but certain things about this man make it damn near possible not to jump his bones every five seconds. I relax into his embrace, his arms resting over my chest.

             
We lay there for a while not really saying anything. It's a moment where no words are necessary. Where simply being with each other is enough. I have so many questions, so many things I still want to know but I am hesitant to bring them up. I am so content right here and now, I can't help but wonder if any of it would really make a difference.

             
“Stay with me tonight.” His words come out airy against my ear.

             
“I can't, I have to work.” I say, my fingers trailing up and down his thigh at a leisurely pace.

             
“You can. I will drive you to work.” He says, placing a soft kiss to the back of my neck.

             
“I don't have anything to wear and I can't wear this.” I gesture to my jeans and tank, that after the days events are stretched and rumpled.

             
“Don't freak out okay?” He says hesitantly from behind me. Doesn't he realize when he starts a sentence like that my gut reaction is to freak out? “I kind of took the liberty of having Dave pick up some clothes from your apartment while you were asleep.” He says quickly, as if it will be comparable to ripping off a band aid.

             
“You what? Liam!” I exclaim, giving his leg a little swat. “For all you know the man could have been sniffing all my underwear.” He can't see the smile stretched across my face but his chest vibrates with laughter and he knows I'm kidding.