Burn For You, page 18
Liam pulls his mouth from mine and stares down at me in wonder. I watch his pupils explode as I lift my hand and clean him from my fingers with my tongue.
“Fuck,” he whispers reverently, “You’re perfect.”
And then he leans down and kisses me, not caring that I will taste like him. When he pulls back, he readjusts us so he is on his back with me curled next to him. I nestle closer to him, seeking the warmth and comfort that only he seems to provide. I let out a yawn and close my eyes as I listen to the soft pounding of his heart. I drift off to sleep knowing that I am safe.
∞∞∞
When I wake a few hours later, the bed is empty. Disappointment thrums through me but I smash it down. I can’t be overly needy. That’s a sure way to get any man to leave you. Trust me, Dmitry let me know all the time how disgusting my needy attitude was.
But I don’t think Liam would hate it. Honestly, I think he is nothing like Dmitry ever was. He is possessive and protective in a way that feels safe instead of suffocating.
I turn over and grab my phone to check the time, a smile blooming on my face when I see a message from Liam.
Liam: You look beautiful sleeping in my shirt…in my bed. I didn’t want to wake you but I had to head out. I have a few meetings today. Connor is home if you need anything and Greta is going to pick you up for your shift.
I bite my lip as giddy happiness takes over. I love that he thought of me enough to let me know where he would be. It's a small gesture but it speaks volumes.
Elena: I couldn’t stay awake after the workout I had this morning. ;) Be safe today.
I chuckle at myself, proud that I am being playful. It’s a new side of myself that I have explored in…a long time. Or maybe ever. And I like that it’s Liam who brings it out of me.
I climb out of bed and take a quick shower, not wanting to wander the condo smelling like sex. I doubt anyone could actually smell it but I’m self-conscious. Mostly because today was the first time in my life that I experienced pleasure with another person. Dmitry and I…we weren’t ever happy like this. I was naive and thought what we had was meant to be lasting. But it was miserable and I can’t imagine going back to something like that after experiencing what it feels like to be cherished.
I slather my body in Liam’s soap, wanting to have his smell on me and smile. I feel so light. So free. I think maybe this could be my chance at a life that will truly make me happy.
I change quickly into leggings that Greta brought over and a hoodie that belongs to Liam before heading out of the bedroom in search of food. As I step into the kitchen, I find Connor there, meticulously organizing a set of files on the counter. His back is turned to me, but he seems to sense my presence.
"Morning, Elena," he greets without turning, his voice calm and even.
"Good morning, Connor," I reply, hesitating at the doorway. There's a certain aura about him that's both intriguing and intimidating. I don’t want to interrupt him or make him uncomfortable. I enjoy being around him and listening to him talk but that doesn't mean he wants me to be in his space.
He finally turns, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I was just about to go through some data. Would you like to join me in my office? It might be more interesting than it sounds," he adds with a hint of a smile.
His invitation surprises me, but the prospect of learning more about what he does is intriguing. "Sure, I'd love to," I say.
Connor walks over to me with a friendly smile and hands me a smoothie that I hadn’t noticed. I take it without a word, shocked at how thoughtful he is. Then I follow him out of the kitchen.
We make our way to his office, a space filled with screens and various gadgets. It's like stepping into a different world. I’ve seen things like this before on TV…fancy dens that are built to take on the cyber world. I honestly didn’t think they existed. I was definitely wrong because Connor has an immaculate setup.
As we settle in, Connor begins to explain his process, showing me the intricate web of information he weaves together to form a bigger picture. It's fascinating to see him in his element, his focus unwavering as he dives into his work. I won’t lie and say. I understand a single thing he says but I pay attention nonetheless.
"I'm currently tracking several leads," he explains, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "It's like piecing together a puzzle, except the pieces are constantly moving."
I watch, captivated by the dance of data on the screens. "It's incredible what you can do," I say, genuinely impressed.
Connor gives a small shrug, a modest acknowledgment of his skills. "It's just a matter of knowing where to look and what to look for."
I spend the morning with Connor, observing his meticulous way of working while sipping on the fruit smoothie that he made me. His office is a quiet space filled with the soft clicks of his keyboard and the occasional hum of his computer. It's fascinating to watch him, his focus unbreakable, his demeanor clinical yet oddly comforting. I could see myself curled up on this couch reading a book while he works. Sometimes it's nice to be around someone without feeling like you need to make conversation. Connor is definitely one of those people you can sit in comfortable silence with.
As Connor continues to work, a thought crosses my mind, prompting me to ask, "Connor, if you don't mind me asking, how do you always manage to stay so composed? It's like nothing ever rattles you."
He stops typing, turning to face me with a thoughtful look. "I suppose it's partly due to my nature. I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism when I was younger. It means I process things differently than most. Emotions, for me, are like another set of data to analyze rather than react to impulsively."
His revelation surprises me, but it also makes a lot of sense. The way he always says things in a scientific clinical way, like he is reciting the facts instead of speaking from emotions.
"That must be challenging at times," I comment, feeling a new level of respect for him.
"It can be," he admits with a small nod. "But it also gives me an advantage in my work. I see patterns and connections that others might miss."
I reflect on his words, amazed at his ability to turn what some might see as a limitation into a strength. "That's really impressive."
He shrugs, turning back to his screens. "It's just a different way of viewing the world. Now, about Dmitry – his tracks are well-covered. We haven’t been able to find his location since he left the dinner.”
I nod, unsure of what to say, “He’s probably at his apartment…if he still lives there after what I did.”
Connor turns to me with a serious expression, “So…it was you then?”
I nod, nibbling on my lip, “That stabbed him? Yes.”
Connor nods, a small smile playing on his lips, “I wondered when I heard the initial reports. It seemed unlikely that someone broke into the apartment and attacked him. Does he know it was you?”
I nod again, feeling nerves flutter, “Yes. He was awake for a while after I did it. He stared at me until I rolled him over and made him face the ground…but…I just…I couldn’t-”
“You couldn’t allow him to hurt you anymore so you fought for yourself,” Connor interrupts, his tone stern, “That is the only thing you did. You. Fought. For. Yourself.”
Tears start to flood my eyes but I shake my head and force them away. I know Liam said it wasn't my fault and Greta has also told me that I am a survivor. But hearing it from Connor just…clicks. He isn't the kind of man who would lie to make me feel better. He wouldn't do that because he doesn't think that emotions are the answer. He truly believes that I did what needed to be done and that...means everything. The assurance in his voice is a huge comfort, but it's enough to ease some of the tension I've been carrying. I watch him work for a while longer, his fingers flying over the keys with precision.
When it gets closer to my shift, I stand to head back to Liam’s room so I can get dressed before Greta picks me up.
"Thanks for keeping me company," Connor says, giving me a rare smile. "You're welcome here anytime."
I smile back, happy that he seems to at least not mind my presence. "I'll take you up on that," I say, heading out with a newfound appreciation for the quiet, meticulous world of Connor.
I’m quick to change and get dressed before heading downstairs and climbing into Greta’s waiting car. She gives me a huge smile and then dives into telling me about her latest conquest. A lovely bartender named Adam who has a huge cock. It’s nice to sit and listen to her drone on. It's the most normal I have felt in years.
I had a friend a long time ago, she was another mafia kid, but as things changed and alliances broke, my father forced our friendship to end. I think that experience made me extra grateful for the friendship that I have with G. I want to hold onto it and not let it go.
Arriving at the diner, I'm greeted by the familiar faces of regulars and the comforting smell of coffee and fried food. Way gives me a wave and a smile from the kitchen window. I slip into my role as a waitress, I start taking orders, the routine tasks helping to clear my mind. It feels good to be back here where I started this new life. Like maybe I can be okay here with Liam at my side and his friends at my back. Like I won’t have to fight this alone anymore.
I smile when my phone vibrates and I see Liam’s name pop up on my phone.
Liam: I’m missing you, angel. I can still taste you on my lips.
Desire burns through me and wetness seeps into my panties at the reminder of this morning. He has effectively turned me into a mushy puddle. I know he says he is obsessed with me but I think that goes both ways.
Elena: I miss you. Will you be late tonight?
Elena: I hope not, since I want to taste you when you get home.
I bite my lip and glance around, ensuring no one is near me. I don’t have experience with this kind of…flirting?
Or is this sexting?
Foreplay?
I don't know but I like it.
Liam: Don’t tease me, angel.
Elena: I’m not teasing…I want you.
Liam: Fuck baby. The idea of your lips wrapping around my cock makes me hard as fuck.
Elena: Ugh stop. Your dirty mouth makes me wet.
Liam: Mmm…my little angel is wet for me. I’m going to fucking devour you when I get home.
Elena: I can’t wait.
Liam: Connor will be picking you up at midnight to take you home in case this goes a bit late.
Liam: But no matter what…I will be coming home to you.
Elena: I can’t wait. ❤️
Liam: ❤️
Chapter 19
Liam
"In the world of shadows, love can be the brightest light, but it's also the deepest abyss when you lose the one who made your darkness bearable.” - Unknown
My heart is thudding in my chest as I stare down at the texts from Elena. This morning changed everything for us. I think she finally feels safe enough to give herself to me. I don’t plan to rush that. Fuck, the idea of having her lips wrapped around me has me hard as steel. Someday I plan to sink into that tight cunt but again…I have no plans to rush it.
In my mind, our first time together will be her first time ever. That little fucking prick Dmitry doesn’t get to claim her virginity. He stole from her and I have plans for that motherfucker. He’s going to see his death at the end of my barrel. But not before I spend days making sure that his pain is ten times that of Elena’s.
Caught up in my thoughts, I barely notice Declan's gaze on me until he chuckles, breaking my focus. "Man, you're head over heels for her, aren't you?”
Annoyed, I shoot him a scowl. "Shut the fuck up, Dec.”
But he just grins wider, undeterred. "Come on, Liam. Anyone can see it. You've got that lovesick look every time you even think about her.”
I roll my eyes, trying to brush off his teasing. "You're imagining things.”
He laughs, shaking his head. "Yeah, sure I am. Just remember, I've known you all my life. I can tell."
I scoff but don’t argue. He’s not fucking wrong. I’m head over heels obsessed with the woman. I got one single taste and it just solidified what I already knew. She’s fucking mine.
The car comes to a stop and I glance out the window at our meeting place. The warehouse looms ahead, looking particularly eerie since it was abandoned. I can feel the weight of anticipation as I lead Declan and a few of our most trusted members into the belly of this beast. The Eastern Seaboard Cartel is not to be taken lightly, and this meeting could set the tone for our relationship moving forward. Thirty years of alliance could all burn to the ground because my father is finally stepping down. Changes in leadership signal changes in an alliance.
As we step inside, the dim interior is momentarily disorienting. The only light comes from a few harsh overhead lamps, casting deep shadows across the concrete floor. At the far end of the warehouse, I see them - the representatives of the Cartel, their figures outlined against the backdrop of stacked crates.
We advance slowly, our footsteps echoing in the vast space. I take my time to look around and ensure that we aren’t being set up. There’s a tension heavy in the air and I can already tell this won’t be a simple meeting. Declan is at my side, his usual calm demeanor an anchor in this sea of uncertainty.
I stand stiffly, my eyes fixed on the representatives of the cartel standing across from me. Their faces are hard, unreadable masks, but their eyes – they're sharp, calculating. The leader of the Eastern Cartel is standing beside his second, a man with a deep scar running across his cheek, and beside him is a younger woman in a fancy suit. Ricardo Martinez has a cold, calculating gaze, and I know that the stakes of this meeting are high.
It’s his right-hand man who speaks up. “Liam O'Sullivan, your reputation precedes you. I’m surprised to hear that your father is stepping down. But we need assurances. The streets are getting heated, and we can't afford slip-ups. How do I know that our alliance still stands?”
I meet his gaze head-on, my expression unchanging. "You have my word. The O'Sullivan name stands for reliability. We've controlled the East for decades. You won't find a better ally in this city. Or are you questioning our loyalty?”
There's a moment of silence as they consider my words. I can feel their skepticism, the unspoken doubts hanging in the air. That’s to be expected with any change of leadership but I still hate it. I don’t want their doubt. I’ve worked with my father since I was a teenager. There’s no one more suitable to take over.
“Speaking of loyalty, what’s this rumor I hear that you have entered the skin trade?” I say calmly even as my skin crawls with the idea that we are aligned with anyone who would go into such a fucked up trade.
Ricardo steps forward, annoyance on his face, “Liam, you know as well as I do that our business interests in the skin trade are highly profitable. That’s money that we can't afford to pass up.”
My jaw clenches with resolve. The cartel's involvement in the skin trade is a line I've been unwilling to cross, no matter the potential profits. It’s one of the few illegal activities that my father has never condoned and I don’t plan on changing that now. They know thi as well as I do.
I shake my head, my decision made, “I understand the financial gains, but I won't compromise our principles by getting entangled in that filthy business. It's a line we should never cross. If you want to continue then that’s your choice, but the alliance would come to an end.”
Beside me Declan chimes in, his voice low and dark, “Liam's right. We won’t risk our reputation and our family's legacy by aligning ourselves with anyone in the skin trade. You have known this for years, Ricardo.”
Ricardo’s expression darkens, and his voice takes on a sharper edge. “This is the way you want to conduct business?”
I hold his gaze, unflinching, “This is the way we have always conducted business. Which is something you know very well, Ricardo.”
With every passing moment, the tension in the room escalates, and I can't help but wonder if they will choose to throw away an alliance that goes back thirty years. It would be a loss, for sure. But at the same time, I pride myself on knowing that we have some kind of morals. I won’t risk that for money.
Finally, the scarred man nods slowly. "Very well, O'Sullivan. We'll proceed with the deal. We will halt advances into the skin trade.”
I nod, a ghost of a smile touching my lips. "Understood."
The woman with cold eyes, interjects, "And what about the Romanov situation? We've heard rumors."
I keep my face impassive, despite the surge of irritation at the mention of the Romanovs. "That's a separate matter. It doesn't concern our operations or this partnership."
They exchange glances, a silent conversation passing between them. I remain still, my hands clasped on the table. I refuse to discuss Dmitry or the Romanovs with them. But I especially won’t discuss Elena with them. I don’t give a shit if the entire alliance falls apart. She’s not something that can be talked about or bartered. If they so much as say a single shitty word about her, heads will roll.
Ricardo approaches me slowly, his face becoming uncharacteristically kind as he murmurs low so only Declan and I can hear, “I met Elena Dominikov a few years back. She’s the only good thing to have ever come out of that family. If the rumors are true, then she has found her way to Boston. I hope that her safety is something you prioritize. And if you should ever find yourself in a position to take down Viktor Romanov and his shitty excuse for a son, then just know we stand beside you.”
I’m shocked silent, barely able to nod at his words. I thought that hearing her name on another man's lips would infuriate me but knowing that they would step in to help her is reassuring. I can imagine that if or when the time comes, I will end up calling on him.
