Chapter Seventeen
Liam pacedlike a caged lion in his room. Despite the tempting possibility that had insinuated itself in his mind earlier, he wasn’t sure about it now that it became more tangible.
After leaving Lazarus’ bedroom, he had checked on the boys who were now camping in Lucas’ room. The three of them were thick as thieves, all excited to spend Christmas Eve playing games and anticipating next day’s fun. Liam was happy to see that, but he discreetly reminded Zoe’s young brother that the two kids had to eat and sleep, and not play video games all night or Santa Claus would undoubtedly put them on the naughty list. They promised even to take a shower and put on the pajamas Archer had purchased for them all so they could remain together for the time being. Cary told him that Catriona had checked on them twice already, and even brought them food between work.
Twice, Liam had walked past the room where Catriona had isolated herself and hesitated before going his way after checking on their security and helping Kai and Sam haul boxes inside the living room. From what he’d seen, they’d soon be drowning in Christmas decorations. Archer was expecting a fir tree in the morning.
Once everyone had retreated to their quarters, Liam didn’t have any other choice but to return to the suite he shared with Catriona.
Night had fallen, and it put even more pressure on his mind, and Catriona wasn’t back yet.
After taking a shower and lying on his bed, he turned on the TV in his room and started flipping the channels. Mindless chatter had a way of calming his mind and settling his body, a habit due to all the hours he’d spent in rehab for his leg. At the thought, he looked at it, and saw the scar above the joint. With a frown, he bent his knee. How long had it been since he’d felt pain radiating from it? How could the pain have vanished so suddenly?
It prompted the memory of Catriona massaging his flesh. His cock stirred, and he put his palm over it through the thin pajama pants. It would be so easy to let his fantasy about the little nun take over his mind. Could his lust be triggered by what he couldn’t have, or the trauma of his childhood? Was he that twisted?
With his palm lightly rubbing his length through the fabric, he told himself that it wouldn’t be the first-time filthy thoughts had taken over reason. After all, wasn’t he the son of a monster? Finch wouldn’t have waited for Catriona, like he didn’t with his own mother.
Heat overtook him as he couldn’t deny himself anymore and discarded his pants. Partly pushing his body against the headboard, his fingers circled his erection, unmoving for the moment, just enjoying the pressure. Pre-cum started oozing, but it wasn’t enough to lessen the friction, and he didn’t want quick pleasure. If he were to let his body go, he’d draw out the lust until his body screamed for release.
Liam imagined her returning to their suite, closing the door to her room, desperate for a shower before getting under the covers. In his mind, he saw her sit on the edge of the bed, removing her sensible, bland clothing, piece by piece. She may have believed it concealed her body, but not enough for him not to guess at her curves under the fabric.
She wasn’t like other women when she undressed in his mind; there was no sensual teasing or glances in his direction, no caresses as she tossed away each article of clothing. What turned him on like never before was how she revealed her pale skin to his gaze, unaware of her beauty.
His hand had started to move, excruciatingly slowly over his pulsing flesh when he heard the faint sound of someone entering the suite. Catriona.
Her movements weren’t silent, but soft, as if she avoided making noise. How could this angel of compassion and light be attracted to a man like him, who was at this exact moment jacking off with her in his mind? The situation aroused him even more, intensifying the sensations.
Keeping his eyes closed, only imagining what she was doing, Liam gathered the pre-cum seeping at his tip to accelerate his pace, unsure how long he’d last, but certain it would be explosive.
His brain swimming in desire, making it difficult to think straight, Liam didn’t hear the soft knock on his door through his labored breath and thumping in his ears, and only the feminine gasp made him realize he wasn’t lost in his fantasy anymore.
He opened his eyes to see Catriona, with a deer caught in the headlights look on her face. Unlike his fantasy, she was still dressed from neck to toe, her hand clutching the doorknob. The good guy in him wanted to stop and cover himself, but his evil side grinned. Maybe it was because he craved her body, or perhaps it was that overwhelming need for connection that intensified as soon as she appeared. If she were serious in her request for them to be together, everything was about to be played out right here and now.
His hand resumed stroking his erection harder than before, and he believed she’d started breathing again. Twice she opened her mouth as if to speak, twice she closed it and licked her luscious lips.
“If you want to keep your innocence, little nun, leave and close the door behind you. Last chance.” His voice was lower and more menacing than he’d expected, but it conveyed precisely how he felt now.
The door shut, all right, but Catriona remained inside the room. Civility was slipping through his fingers, being replaced by a hungry predator. Pushing himself from the bed, Liam stood gloriously naked before her, so close if she extended her arm, her fingers could touch his skin.
He should’ve warned her again, but he couldn’t speak, fighting the urge to take her right there and then. The stillness broke when she removed her shirt. Catriona’s gaze never wavered from his when she shed her pants. It was clear she was resolute in her decision, even if it mixed with fear and doubt. If he could think straight, he would’ve been fascinated by how faith animated her, but the animal in him was coiling, ready to satisfy his hunger.
In her simple white underwear, Catriona once more proved her courage, or her foolishness, and reached back to unclasp her bra. When her breasts were bare, her deep pink nipples taut under his gaze, he knew it was his point of no return.
Liam took another step and he crashed his mouth on hers. The kiss was laced with seduction and lust. As his hands circled her waist, a shiver shook her entire body. His tongue traced her lips before sliding in and out, a promise of what was to come.
This was a full-blown attack on the senses, his palms caressing her ribcage until he cupped her breasts. The moan that came from Catriona spurred him on, and he abandoned the sweetness of her lips to take a delectable nipple between his teeth. As she arched back, Liam glanced at her face, and his angel was looking at him with genuine fascination and surprise. As he gently bit and licked, he glided a hand back down the swell of her hip toward her butt. Just as he reached the plump flesh, a soft hand caressed his shoulders. The little nun emboldened her touch and soon, the delicate digits traced his chest and tickled his abdomen before stroking the hard erection between them.
His body reacted, his hips pushing toward her in a silent plea. Catriona obeyed and Liam gasped when she loosely fisted him. It was apparent she needed to be guided. “Tighter, love. I won’t break. Harder.”
As she followed his command, blood surged in him, and her lips started kissing the offered skin of his shoulder. Abandoning her heaving breasts, he peppered a path with kisses back to her mouth.
There was nothing experienced in her hesitant and light touch, but she couldn’t more arouse him. Straightening, he forced himself to stand still as she explored his body.
Liam almost expected her to shy away from him as he towered over her, but again, she surprised him by leaning forward and pressing her lips between his pectorals. The touch could’ve been tender if she hadn’t licked his skin in the process. Not only had she tasted him, but her hands resumed their exploration.
Caught in the sweetest torture, he couldn’t detach his gaze from the beautiful woman lavishing his body. There was no calculation in her, nor fear or disgust on her face. The more she explored him, the more he could see the excitement in her; she relaxed more, and there was a tell-tale flush on her chest and cheeks.
Power flooded over him, his attention split between indulging in the pleasure she was giving him and turning the tables on her.
