Page 8 of Full Throttle 2

Angrily, Liam took off his jacket and threw it on the bed. “I just want you safe!”

Colby backed up and away from him. “I’m a James! Asking me to give up driving is like asking me to cut off a piece of my body. I can’t do it!”

Her words hit Liam square center mass. His head dropped low as his chin touched his chest. He ran a tense hand down the back of his head.Liam knew how important racing was to her. He could see the hurt and betrayal in her eyes.

I just fucked up.

The silence between them grew louder. He had to make it right.

He walked the small distance to Colby and reached for her. She gave him more grace than he deserved but willingly came into his arms.

Liam held her tight and placed his lips on the top of her head. “I feel helpless and don’t know what to do about it. Especially since it’s not a feeling I’m used to, but lashing out at you is not the answer.”

Colby whispered into his chest, “I need you to believe in me.”

Again, her words cut deep. Liam was a world-class jackass. “I do believe in you. It’s just...I’ve never loved a woman the way I love you. Hell, I’ve never lovedanywoman before, and the possibility that you could get hurt, or worse, makes me crazy. Colby, you’re an incredible driver. I would even say one of thefinest ever to do it, but those bastards are not playing by the rules.”

Colby pulled back slightly and looked up at him. “But...that’s the story of my life. Rules are for people like you. They don’t apply to me and never have. I’m an expert at learning how to maneuver around the bullshit. Both in life and on the course.”

“I just want to keep you safe.”

“I understand, but that’s not what I need.”

Her words were hard to hear. Liam had money. He could buy Colby anything, but that’s not what she wanted from him. “What do you need?”

“This.” She stood on tiptoe and tilted her head back so he could kiss her.

Liam tightened his hold. “I can do that.” He covered her mouth with his and kissed her hard. She melted into him. Holding her body in his arms only strengthened Liam’s resolve to love and protect her even more.

Lockwood Racing had to get their arms around this problem. He didn’t want to get in Brian’s business, but Colby washisbusiness.

Breathless, she spoke softly, “I don’t want to spend the night before you leave for the next six weeks fighting.”

“Me either.”

“Good. I know it’s hard, but will you be back in time for my last qualifying race before the playoffs?”

Liam placed his arms underneath her legs and scooped her up. “Yeah, but I don’t want to think about that right now. I just want to focus on you. You’ve had a helluva day.”

Colby snuggled closer into the crook of his neck and breathed in the sandalwood and his natural scent. “I’m exhausted but getting a second wind.”

A corner of Liam’s mouth edged up. “Oh yeah?”

“Mmmhmm. I need to release some pent-up energy. Have any ideas on how I can do that?”

“I can think of a few, but you’ve had a long day. I’m content with just lying in bed together.”

Colby lifted her head slightly to gaze into his ocean-blue eyes. “Do you think for one minute that I’m going to send my man off for six weeks and not give him a little something to remember while he’s gone?”

Liam could already feel his body responding. “It would be nice...very nice, but not necessary. I’m not a Neanderthal.”

“Six weeks is aloooooonnnngtime, and I need you.”

“You?”—Liam raised a brow—“need me? You don’t need anyone.”

Colby touched the side of his face. Her voice softened. “I always need you.”

When he reached the bed, he set her down gently, joining her as they sank into the mattress.

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