Page 73 of Recklessly You
Sophie’s gentle touch swats my hand away and adjusts my tie. She smiles widely.
“You look handsome, Liam, and very edible.” She winks, and my lips curl into a mischievous smile. Of course, only Sophie knows how to put me at ease.
“Ready, mi bella?” I extend my hand for her to take, which she does.
Just as we’re about to walk out the door, Duke runs out of the spare bedroom. He no longer pays me any attention. It’s all about Sophie. He whines, and Sophie kneels down, scratching behind his ears. Damn, even the dog’s whipped. I roll my eyes when Duke gives her a look of adoration.
Thirty minutes later, we arrive at the Bahia Resort, where the event is taking place. I rented Sophie and I a hotel room at the resort so we wouldn’t have to drive home so late. As soon as I step out of the car, I get this airy feeling that something doesn’t feel right.
CHAPTER 25
SOPHIE
As we walk toward the resort, the gentle breeze from the bay caresses our faces. The venue is set up beautifully outside, facing the bay. The tables are decorated with bouquets of wildflowers and draped in pristine white cloths. Flickering tiki lamps illuminate the winding path leading to the resort, casting eerie shadows that seem to dance. Liam escorts us in, his hand resting on my exposed lower back, his thumb tracing in a circular pattern.
The room fills with soft, ambient music floating through the air. Several of Liam’s coworkers approach us. Liam introduces me as Sophie, his date, to the woman officer, who looks at him like he’s eye candy. He introduces me as his girl. I’ll take that, unlike last time when he told Crystal bubble butt I was his friend. Once we reach the bar, Liam wraps his arms around my waist possessively.
“What do you want to drink, baby?”
“I’ll have a Vanhattan.”
He nods and gives our order to the bartender. Then he leans into me, and his lips brush past my cheek to my neck. A shiver rockets through me when his hot breath fans my earlobe, and he whispers, “All I can think of is taking you to the hotel room and stripping you down. And for you to show me how edible I am.” Liam’s hand slides up my leg. My dress has a slit up the side, allowing his touch to wander freely. “No underwear?” His fingers hook my entrance, and I gasp. “My naughty girl wants my fingers in her wet pussy.”
Just then, the bartender comes with our drinks.
“Liam,” I say with panting breaths.
He chuckles and bites my ear. He licks his finger, then he grabs the drinks.
John and his wife approach us as we make our way to the table where we’re seated. I’ve met John a couple of times at the gym, but I’ve never really spoken to him. The room is filled with officers and their plus ones.
“Hey, you’re looking sharp, Liam.” John smiles. “Nice to see you again, Sophie. This is my wife, Beth. Beth, this is Sophie, Liam’s girl.”
Beth, a tall, gorgeous brunette, leans in to give me a warm, inviting hug. “So nice to meet you, Sophie. You look stunning—those eyes. God, girl, Liam is a lucky man.” Beth offers a beaming smile.
“Thank you, Beth. Likewise.”
John wraps his arms around her but looks at Liam. “Ready for tonight?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Good man. Great idea doing this gala—it helps so many people,” John replies.
We chat for a bit longer before John and Beth make their way to the appetizer table. Liam and I sit at a corner table just as the rest of the people began to sit.
“In a bit, I have to make my speech,” he says, scooting his chair closer to mine.
I love how he doesn’t shy away from holding my hand or kissing me in front of his co-workers. He’s even possessive if they give me a look not to his liking.
“About what?”
“I’m the founder of the Fallen Officer’s Charity Gala.” His boyish expression melts my heart.
“Oh, Liam, why didn’t you tell me? You just mentioned what the gala was for.” I reach for his hand and squeeze. “This is amazing, Liam, it’s…God, it’s beautiful. So many people are here tonight. You have a heart of gold. You’re helping so many.”
Liam shakes his head, avoiding my compliment. “Sophie, my heart is nowhere near gold. My heart is black.” He smiles weakly. “I’ll be right back, baby. I need to make that speech.” He places a kiss on my forehead before I can correct him.
If only he could see what I see.
