“If my father finds you, he’ll kill you,” I pleaded. Who knew if he’d show up to check my virtue? I didn’t mention the condom because being a father would mean nothing if he was dead. Besides, I couldn’t exactly ask David or my father to buy Plan B for me without explaining what I’d done. Liam was assigned to protect David and couldn’t go out and buy it either. Ultimately, I was more worried about Liam remaining breathing.
“I’m not leaving without you.”
Under different circumstances, I would have done a happy dance after hearing those words. But that wasn’t my fate. “I can’t. Just like you would do anything for your mother as you told me at the hotel, I’ll do the same for mine.”
“I’ll get your mother the help she needs. You don’t have to do this.”
“You don’t know my father. He will destroy you, me, and everyone we love if he doesn’t get his way.”
“Then I’m staying until I convince you.”
“David is a good guy. He’s actually a great choice for a husband.”
His expression hardened. “Rich.” Bitterness formed a frown on his lips.
“Money isn’t important to me. It is to my mom. I will do what I have to, to protect her. I don’t want to do that in front of you.”
I willed him to understand. David had almost kissed me tonight, and it wasn’t hard to guess that Liam hadn’t accidentally made the racket to stop it from happening.
“Go to sleep, Natalie. I’ll see you tomorrow and take you and your husband-to-be for a joyride around the city.”
He rolled to his side, giving me his back.
I wanted to cry but couldn’t. I had to be strong for all that would come next.
Thirteen
Liam
It had been so easy to walk away from Carrie, and I thought I’d loved her. I didn’t know if it was just dumb pride or something else, but I couldn't leave Natalie.
I also didn’t believe she wanted David. She could have kissed him, and she hadn’t. She fled and couldn’t look at me. Instead of sneaking into his bed in the middle of the night, she’d come to me.
Expensive sofa though it may have been, I hadn’t slept well at all. I gave up and took a shower in the guest bath. My cock hardened as I thought about how close Natalie was. I could easily slip in her room and work out all the aggression we were both feeling.
I dressed in jeans and a long thermal top. Chicago winds brought cold to a whole new level. I was in the middle of making a quick breakfast for myself when Natalie came in.
“You’re still here,” she whispered.
The knife I had been using stilled in my hand. “I am.” Though I hadn’t whispered, I hadn’t projected my words either.
“You can’t stay.”
“Why? Are you afraid His Royal Highness will hear us?”
“Liam, this isn’t easy for me,” she said, inching closer.
When her skin brushed mine, it was like touching a live wire. I could see it in her eyes, she’d felt it too. “Just admit you have feelings for me.”
She pursed her beautiful lips, and I couldn’t help myself. I dipped my head and captured her mouth. She had all the opportunity in the world to stop it. She didn’t. In fact, she relaxed against me, slipping her arms around my neck, and pressing herself more firmly to me.
“You’re dangerous,” she said, breathlessly.
Fuck my life, I thought as I combed my fingers through my hair to keep them to myself. I wanted to lift her on the counter and fuck some sense into her. But I had more respect for David than to do that. I owed him nothing when it came to her. She was mine. But technically, I was working.
“This is reckless,” she persisted in hushed tones. “You’re going to get yourself killed.”
“You’re right. I am dangerous. To your father. I have more than nine lives, baby. I can take care of myself.”
“How? He’s got thugs working for him. They’d do anything he asks, even kill for the money he pays them.”
“And yet, here I am.” I let that sink in for a moment, and with a wide grin, I added, “I have a particular set of skills,” quoting one of my favorite movies and winked at her. “Don’t worry your pretty little head. I’ve got this.”
“David?”
I placed my hand on her shoulder. “He’s a decent guy, a good one. I’ll give him that. But you’re not his. He isn’t the only one with family money. Have you forgotten why I came to New York? I can help your mother get the care she needs.”
She took a step away from me, pinching her chin in thought. “You don’t understand. My father wants the Royal name for some reason. And believe me, there is a reason. He’s not going to walk away from this, especially if he thinks he’ll look weak doing so.”