Page 45 of Desperate Measures

“Because,” I said, shrugging as I grabbed a handful of underwear and shoved it in the suitcase.

I took another handful, and another, bending down to drop them in the suitcase, uncaring if they unfolded. I dropped a red lace thong on the floor, blushing, I picked it up and shoved it inside the bag.

This was so damn humiliating. Why didn’t I start with socks?

“Michaela, talk to me,” he demanded.

He pressed two fingers to my chin and tilted my head back, trying to force me to look at him. But I didn’t. I kept my gaze averted.

The only thing saving me from complete and total ruination was that Liam had no idea how I felt about him. I had to hold on to that. Spare myself any further indignity.

No, my big, sexy husband didn’t know just how big of a crush I used to have on him.

Okay, fine. I still did, but whatever.

It was a moot point.

“Fine. You married me to get access to my father’s connections, and obviously, I just fucked that all up. I am saving us both some trouble and leaving now,” I replied, refusing to look at him.

“No,” Liam growled, shaking his head.

His dark hair was always so neat. Like he’d just had it cut. But now he’d shoved his hands through it and it looked perfectly disheveled.

Leonine and wild.

Sexy as fuck.

I tried to get my ovaries under control, but holy hell, was he good looking. All that testosterone and male energy on display was too much for my already wounded heart.

I wanted him to want me. To need me like I was starting to need him. I was only trying to save us both a little embarrassment, but like something out of a story he was saying arguing the point.

Does he want me to stay?

I couldn’t bring myself to ask, but then I didn’t have to.

He bent down and scooped up all the panties and things I’d just packed with one hand, then jammed them back into the drawer and slammed it.

“No,” he repeated, his voice deeper, more certain this time.

“No?”

“That’s right. No,” he said it again, taking the suitcase from me.

“What are you doing?” I asked, gaping at him as he grabbed the bag and tossed it to the back of the walk-in closet.

“I’ll show you,” he said, dragging me out of the closet and slamming the door.

I stood there stunned, as Liam took off his suit jacket. His shirt and tie were next. He kicked off his shoes and undid his belt.

My mouth went dry as his muscled torso was revealed to me.

Liam was a good looking man, and half naked Liam was even better.

So damn sexy.

He had a Celtic cross tattooed over his heart with a banner draped over it and his family name inked into his ivory skin just there.

My mouth watered.

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