“Fuck you.”

He chuckled, the sound low and rumbly and ridiculously sexy. His hand was smoothing up my inner thigh a moment later, and the relief was so strong, I could’ve cried.

Liam’s entire hand slid over my core, my body so slick that there was barely any friction. He dragged his palm lightly over me, and I pressed it harder against my skin.

He got the memo, and when he ground the heel of his palm against me, it felt so good I had to suck in a breath.

“You like it rough, Clove?” His voice was so low in my ear, it sent goosebumps down my arms.

“Guess so.”

“Want to take my fingers rough tonight?”

“Don’t even think about it.”

He nipped my earlobe again, and his fingers finally brushed my clit.

I came instantly, gasping as my hips jerked with pleasure. Liam continued working my clit through my climax. When I pushed his hand away, he set it on my inner thigh.

“That’s enough,” I panted.

“You’re going to be up again in an hour or two,” he warned.

“I’ll be fine.”

His hand stayed on my thigh, pulling one of my legs over the top of his knees as he settled me against his chest. The motion left me with my legs parted, but I needed the airflow at the moment.

“We’re not sleeping like this every night,” I warned him, my energy giving way to exhaustion quickly as heat died down.

“Alright, Clove.” He licked another bead of sweat off my throat. “Sleep well.”

“I’m going to keep calling you Steam if you don’t give up the terrible nickname.”

“Go ahead.” He kissed my throat, where he had licked it. The spot was sensitive to his breath thanks to the small, damp patch he’d left there.

I fell asleep quickly, feeling warm, comfortable, and safe.

Liam was right.I was up again two hours later, swearing and panting as I sweated through another sex dream. When I put his fingers on my core, he got me off twice before letting me fall sleep again.

Three hours after that, I was waking him up yet another time. When I apologized, he growled. And bit my throat lightly while he got me off.

The sun wasn’t even rising yet when I woke up for what felt like the dozenth time, a little before 5 AM.

I rolled out of bed with a huff of frustration and padded into the bathroom.

Liam’s footsteps were silent as he followed me in, but I could feel him behind me.

He didn’t say a word while I turned the shower on, stripped my clothes off, and stepped beneath the water.

“Whatever you have to say, just spit it out,” I grumbled at him.

“I thought you’d prefer a little time with your thoughts.”

“If you want me to have time to keep being pissed with you for starting this mate bond, sure. I’d love time.”

He studied me while I grabbed soap off the side of the shower. Someone had stocked the toiletries after my bath yesterday. Probably Liam.

Screw him for being thoughtful.