Beccy looked at him shyly. “I don’t know. Whatever way you think fit.”
“I asked you a question.” Liam brought the riding crop down sharply on her backside. She let out a small, excited yelp. “Honesty, remember?”
“Right now, I’d like to kiss you...and touch you.”
You and me both, thought Liam. “We’ll see about that. You have to earn your rewards. Now go, take a look around, unpack your case. I’ll make us a drink.”
Liam sat at the dining table sipping his coffee while he waited for Beccy to finish her exploration of his apartment. He’d had every intention of launching into full dom mode as soon as possible, but from the minute he’d seen her on the platform, and every delicious moment since, he’d felt something more than just lust. They’d fallen immediately into a relaxed conversation in his car, as if they’d know each other for years. He’d quickly realised that not only did Beccy know more about him than most of his friends, but that she was the real deal. Her online persona was practically identical to her real personality. The only difference he had found out so far was her “LOL” was actually an infectious hand-over-the-mouth shoulder jiggle. At that moment, he’d known any day without hearing that laugh would be a day wasted.
His past dom-sub relationships had burned intensely, but the flames had quickly fizzled out. He knew he didn’t want that to happen with Beccy. Although she was a skilled submissive online, her real-life experiences had been limited to the occasional spanking and being tied to a bed. He had to take things slowly and ease her body and mind into it gradually, even though the thought of any delay sent a dull ache twisting through his groin.
“I’m so envious. Your place is beautiful,” Beccy said, sliding onto the chair next to him and picking up her tea.
She murmured happily as she sipped her drink. White, two sugars. He knew exactly how she took all her drinks and which ones she preferred in different times and situations. They’d had a long discussion one night about the best way to serve every drink they could think of. Hell, he didn’t know if half his drinking buddies preferred tea or coffee.
“The difference between your place and mine is like...” she crinkled her nose while she thought. “...Sean Connery.”
Liam frowned.
“My house is like him as Indian Jones’ dad—rugged and grumpy, while your apartment is like his James Bond—smooth and sophisticated.”
“Your house is grumpy?” Liam laughed.
“Oh God, yes. I swear it grumbles when I leave my dirty dishes in the sink. My aunt probably trained it to do that.” Her shoulders jiggled as she snickered.
Despite his rules, Liam reached out and took her hand. Her brown eyes flashed with impatient desire. Damn, it’s going to be hard to take things slow, he thought.
“What does she think about you coming to London to meet a total stranger?”
“I told her it was for work—a training thing.”
“So, you lied.”
“She would have fretted too much. You know how she’s very protective of me, even more so since I moved out. If I’d have told her I was going to meet someone, she would never have agreed to feed Shadow.”
“You finally told her you had a cat? How did she take it?”
“I had to tell her. I can’t let poor Shadow starve while I’m away. She wasn’t pleased. I just don’t get why she hates cats so much.”
“I’d let you have a hundred cats if took away that frown.”
Beccy’s frown vanished and she grinned. “A hundred?”
“Well, maybe one or two. Right, are you ready to be wined and dined. I’m going to take you out to my favourite spots.”
The frown returned to her face. “I thought we were...I thought you wanted...”
Liam squeezed her hand. “Patience. Before we do anything else, I want to take you on a proper date. I want you to be sure about me before we take this further. You might decide you can’t stand me or think I’m a serial killer.”
She stood up. “That reminds me, I’d better not forget to slip my switch blade into my bra when I get ready.” With a cheeky wink she headed off towards the door to the bedrooms. “Who says I’m not a serial killer too?”
LIAM FOLDED HIS ARMS behind his head and stared out at the bright full moon. There was no way he was going to be able to sleep. His head buzzed from the mix of alcohol and excitement pulsing through his veins. He’d taken her to see Cats, where he’d spent as much time watching her reactions as he had the show. They’d eaten at Aqua Kyoto because she had once said that she’d wanted to try sushi. Then they’d spent the rest of the evening at his local bar, trying an array of cocktails. Her eagerness to experience everything had been contagious and, for once, Liam allowed himself to enjoy the evening. There were no seduction games played, no wishing she’d eat faster, so he could whisk her home, no ulterior motives. He’d simply relaxed and followed her captivating lead.
By the time they’d returned home, Beccy was far too intoxicated to do anything than allow herself to be tucked up in bed. Liam knew he was in no fit state to be in control of any BDSM situation, and he’d tumbled into his own bed. Strangely he was not regretful or disappointed, he’d had the best evening he’d had for years.
The pale shadows cast by the moon slipped across his bed as Liam’s thoughts turned lustful and he mentally went through his box of toys deciding which ones would be best to use on Beccy the next day.
A thud came from the next room followed by a click as the guest bedroom door opened. Liam turned over to face his open bedroom door. A faint light filled the hallway and a stumbling shadow passed by his door. A stronger glow briefly lit up the hall as the bathroom light went on and then the door closed.
Don’t call her into your bed, Liam told himself. Wait until you’re both clear headed. But the twitch in his boxers was proving hard to ignore.
The bathroom light clicked off and the door opened. Liam shut his eyes, hoping to shut out the temptation. In the darkness, his ears strained to complete the picture in his head. Quiet footsteps padded down the tiled hallway and stopped outside his door. He heard the faint rustle of material.
Please don’t come in; I’m not strong enough to turn you away.
A tension filled the air. Liam pictured Beccy watching him sleeping, bathed in moonlight. Had she put on pyjamas? Was she still wearing just the sexy, black lingerie that he’d tried not to stare at too long when he’d taken off her dress to put her to bed? Was she imagining slipping in beside him, running her hands over his skin?
The silence was driving him crazy, lurking like a stealthy tiger waiting to pounce. Finally, when he could stand it no longer, he opened his eyes.
He blinked as his brain tried to focus on the silhouette crouched down in his doorway. What was Beccy doing? Liam squinted as the shadow moved. Her head lifted. Liam sucked in his breath. Glowing, amber eyes stared back.
Chapter Five
The van rattled and coughed as Tommy guided it onto the grass verge and turned off the engine. The only sound was the erratic ticking of the engine as it cooled. The trees, still and silent, cast moonlit shadows over the old, uneven road. Frost had started to settle on the undergrowth and sparkled in the glow of the van’s headlights. If it wasn’t for the loud pounding of Tommy’s pulse in his ears, he might has taken a moment to enjoy the peaceful scene. Instead he emptied the bin bag onto the passenger seat and studied its contents: a gun and ammo, and taser he’d exchanged with Psychotic Phil for the necklace; a torch, a long, thick chain and three sturdy padlocks purchased from a garden centre; his old, cricket shin guards; and the strange pouch from his mother.