Page 70 of All That She Needs

Liam sighed my name, barely a whisper, but in that single breath, it felt like he was telling me he loved me.

He was still slightly shaking when he pulled me even closer, pressing his forehead to mine, and we stayed that way for a long moment, both of us catching our breath.

I came like I never came before in my life. Maybe because he was beautiful. Maybe because his expert hands seemed to know exactly what I needed. Maybe because I could feel how he felt about me in every whisper of my name. Maybe because of what I felt for him.

Or maybe it was all the above.

"Last time I came in my pants," his voice was still rough as he licked his dry lips to moisten them. "I was fifteen."

I giggled, lifting my forearm to cover my eyes, suddenly feeling shy. But somehow, I managed to ask, "What happened then?"

"I caught Mrs. DeBerry, my English teacher, fucking Albert the janitor in the broom closet." He chuckled. "The door wasn't fully closed."

Laughter instantly bubbling out from my mouth, and I lowered down my arm, finding him grinning wickedly.

"Mrs. DeBerry just recently divorced," Liam continued, "and Albert was a hunk. Last I heard, they got married. Have kids together. They're doing well too. Albert even has his own cleaning company now."

"Good for them," I gave a nod.

"What made me come back then was not because of their fucking. But it was her expression—so lost in passion, so consumed by lust. Like she didn't give a fuck about anything else but chasing her pleasure with him. At that moment, Albert was the only thing on her mind, and nothing else mattered. She didn't care that she could lose her job, didn't even care if someone might see. And I wanted that—I'd always wanted that. I wanted to see that expression on the face of someone I love."

I sucked in a breath, unsure of what to say.

"I saw that in your face, Asha. I finally saw that look meant for me." He turned fully toward me, his gaze intense, before he leaned in and kissed me softly. "You know I'm in love with you, right?" he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. "Tell me you do."

I closed my eyes, letting myself melt into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace seep through every inch of me. My voice was barely a breath as I whispered, "Yeah... I do."

"I'm not asking you to say it back, Asha. Not yet," he murmured, his gaze steady and filled with a quiet plea. "But I know you feel something, too. You just proved it to me." His hand enveloped mine, his thumb brushing over my knuckles as though he was sealing a promise. "All I'm asking is for a chance. For us to have a chance. I'll show you I can be everything you need, Asha. I want to be everything you need."

"Oh, Liam." My eyes stung, my vision blurred. But for once, my tears weren't from sadness—they were from purehappiness. This beautiful man, with his kind heart and soft words, was saying exactly what I'd wanted to say before he'd completely disarmed me with his touch, with his kiss.

"Why are you crying?" Liam asked, gently tilting my chin up to search my face. Panic flashed in his eyes. "Did I say something wrong?"

I shook my head, trying to stem the flood of tears, but it was pointless. My voice broke when I tried to speak, cracking with the force of my emotions. "I came here to tell you the same thing, Liam. That's why I'm here." Sobs escaped me, each word spilling out between shaky breaths. "I want to give us a chance. I feel so much for you; I couldn't put it into words. But it won't be easy, Liam, especially with Kayden and Chloe... I worry about how they'll take it." I paused, inhaling deeply, grounding myself. "But I want to try. For us. You make me feel happy, Liam. I never thought I could be happy again."

Liam's expression was a mixture of shock and joy. He was speechless. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close, hugging him tightly as I sobbed into his shoulder. It felt like more than just a hug; it was everything I needed at that moment. I could feel his strong arms enveloping me, holding me steady, and as I clung to him, I realized this was a beginning I was ready to fight for.

"I love you, Asha," He whispered into my ear. "No other man could love you like I do. I promise you that."

And I believed him. With all my heart, I believed him.

*** *** ***

When I got home, my smile lingered, refusing to fade. I could still feel the tingling on my lips from Liam's kisses, and the spot between my thighs pulsed gently, a reminder of the moments I shared with him.

I shouted my kids' names and made my way to the kitchen, drawn by the clanking of pots and pans, signaling that Sandy was cooking. I promised them I would be home for dinner tonight. The delicious aroma guided me, but as soon as I stepped into the kitchen, my heart sank. The smile slipped from my face.

Sitting on the kitchen stool, watching Sandy cook, was Aiden.

As our eyes met, he slowly rose and walked toward me, his expression serious. "I know I shouldn't be here, but I really need to talk to you."

Part 34: Aiden

I caught a brief glimpse of Asha's face before she noticed me. For those few seconds, she looked truly happy; her smile wide and unguarded. She was almost bouncing as she walked; her steps light and carefree. But the moment she saw me, her expression fell, her happiness disappearing in an instant. Her reaction struck me. It was obvious that I was only causing her pain and anger. Knowing that filled me with regret.

I approached her carefully, bracing for any anger she might throw my way—I knew I deserved it. "I know I shouldn't be here," I said, keeping my voice steady. "But I really need to talk to you."

"Okay," she replied slowly, her eyes narrowing with suspicion as she took in the black and purple bruising on half my face from yesterday's incident. She didn't mention it, though, and instead turned to Sandy. "What time do you think dinner will be ready?"

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