Page 9 of Liam

Renee

Liam tucks Max back into the crib. I absently smile at the sight of such a fatherly action. My heart races as I think about the way he’d treat our babies. Dang, why am I letting his words dominate my common sense? I should know better especially the way my life has gone so far. Things start out good for so many couples. Then something goes wrong, life has so many twists and turns before the end comes.

“Liam. I’m going to sleep in here,” I tell him, silently hinting that I want to be alone. I think back to when things were good with my parents. All it took was one trip into the world of drugs. And I lost them to the federal system.

“Why? Are you worried about him?” he asks, missing my little implication.

“Yes,” I lied, hoping that he’ll understand.

“Okay. The bed is big enough for the both of us.” I press my lips closed, holding back the sigh. He catches the look on my face, then he adds, “Don’t over think this. I told you that you’re mine. If you think I’m going to sleep away from you, you’re out of your pretty little head.”

He pulls me into his arms and presses his lips to mine, coaxing a moan from my body. This is what scares me. What if this is too good to be true?

“Baby, I’d hardly call this too good to be true. We have a kid that’s not ours. We’re going to have ups and downs as we learn to be parents at the beginning of our relationship.”

“I suppose you have a point.”

“Of course I do. Still, that doesn’t change that I’m never letting you go.”

We fall into bed together, snuggling throughout the night, waking up only once with Max. “Don’t ever doubt me, Renee. I’ve waited a lifetime for you,” he whispers just as the sun begins to rise. His words sit in my heart, and I wonder if I can break the cycle.

“Are you off to work?” I murmured against his chest.

“Yes, sorry, beautiful.” He kisses the crown of my head and then he tilts my chin up to kiss my lips. “But I’ll be home right after work.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me because I’m selfishly counting the hours until I can come back, and I haven’t even left.”

Chapter 9

Liam

“Thank you for taking my call. My friend said you were the best.” I got into the office early and called in some favors. I have a top security agent with the skills to get the answers I need. At least that’s what I’m told.

“Yes, Mr. Hart. Mr. Blake informed me you would need some documents on a specific person. Please provide me with the name, and I’ll see what I can do by this afternoon. Is there anything particular that you’re looking for?” he questions as if he’s taking my order at a restaurant.

I read off her name, and I don’t catch any sign that he’s surprised by the last name at all. He must be a true professional. “I want to compare her phone calls and to see if this number is in there. And also, if you could get her medical records for the last two years, that would be great.”

“Can do.”

“Thank you,” I say.

“Yes, sir.” We ended the call, and I have a good feeling about it. Now, I have to deal with getting Renee tied to me completely without much of a fuss. I understand that my father’s history, her parents’ tumultuous marriage, and then this whole debacle on top of our hostile first few days gives her pause, but I’m more serious than I’ve ever been on anything.

I need a ring, and to convince her that we’re meant to be. I knew that from the first moment I met her. It’s strange the way that life throws you some curveballs; the key is to know when toswing. Renee may think that this is temporary, but I’m not going to let her run from me.

I sit at my desk ruminating about all the things that made me fall in love with her. I think about the way she made dinner for me even though she had no idea I would eat it. I love the way she smiles and bites her lip. The way she stood up to me, even if it didn’t last long. How is it possible that my heart pounds wildly as if I just went on a ten-mile run from one look in her eyes? I think about her more than I should, and I never plan to stop.

****

I’m about to leave the office and get home to my beauty and little brother when my phone rings. It’s my connection. Damn the man is fast. “I’ve got some interesting stuff for you. What email do you want it sent to?”

I read off a secure email then drag up the file on my computer. As soon as I read the contents, I’m pissed off. He’s been talking to her regularly for six months. I’m sure it’s way longer than that, but the bastard knew she was pregnant. I have a lot to consider. I need to know how far back their relationship goes.

A thought hits me why she never mentioned the baby. What if she thought it was his, then it turned out to be my father’s, so she dumped him off on me? I’m betting that’s what this was about. She got everything my bastard father gave her. I guess Max was more than she wanted to take. She’s going to lose everything, and so is that shady lawyer of mine.

Chapter 10