Page 74 of Recklessly You
He gracefully navigates his way through the sea of people, who pause to converse with him and give him a pat on the back. It’s clear how many admire him. Who wouldn’t? He’s a special kind of person.
When he reaches the microphone, he smiles at the crowd. “Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for joining us in honoring our fallen officers at our charity event this year. This cause will help those grieving loved ones without worrying about their finances and give them the peace of mind to grieve while we support and grieve with them.” Liam’s husky voice booms with authority, filling the room.
My heart swoons with so many emotions filling it. One in particular. Love. Yes, I’ll admit it.I’m in love with Liam Rodriguez—wholly in love with him. I watch as his lips move and his firm jaw tightens as he speaks—those soft lips, how his brows furrow, how a strand of his silky black hair falls to the side. What I love is how his eyes stay trained on me as if we are the only ones in the room. Maybe I can love enough for both of us. I just don’t know for how long if he’s unwilling to letthe light in. His words give me time, which flows through my mind; How long can you give a person time before you burn to ashes?
“Thank you all once again for joining us. Have a wonderful night.”
The crowd cheers. Liam steps down from the podium as more people swarm around him. Soft music begins to play, and couples dance. Liam shakes the chief of police’s hand and then walks toward me just as a woman approaches him. I remember her—the partner he had with him when he interrupted my date. Ashley, I think her name is. She smiles brightly at him, fluttering her eyelashes. He shakes his head and points to me. She frowns and walks away.
“No one puts baby in the corner.” He extends his hand, quoting my favorite line fromDirty Dancing.I can’t help but hold my stomach in laughter. I take his hand once I can control my laughter. His lips turn into a smirk.
“Are you going to get all Patrick Swayze on me, throwing me up in the air?” I say, letting my admiration show in my voice.
He laughs as we walk to the dance floor. “I would if I knew his moves. Otherwise, I’d break your neck.”
I smile as he wraps his arms around my waist, and I pull my arms around his neck, bringing him in for a kiss. “You did really good out there, Liam. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks.”
I’m surprised he’s open to my compliments since he usually changes the conversation whenever I offer one.
“You know, I don’t agree with the nameDirty Dancingfor Patrick Swayze’s movie.”
My forehead creases.
“Listen,” he says, licking his lips as we sway to the music. “I don’t consider it dirty dancing in the movie…now what we did in the club, that’s what I call dirty dancing.”
I snort, unladylike. “You’re unbelievable.”
“It’s true, your ass rubbing on my dick, me close to blowing a load. That’s dirty.”
I laugh, swatting his shoulder. “You’re an idiot.”
He grins. “I’myouridiot.”
“That you are,” I say, looking into his eyes.
He tenderly kisses me, our tongues tangling with each other. “Let’s get out of here, Sophie. I need to get you out of this dress. Our hotel room is close by,” he murmurs into my mouth.
I nod, out of breath. “Let me just run to the restroom.”
“All right, I’m going to let the guys know I’m leaving. I’ll wait for you right here.”
I nod. “Okay.”
* * *
Once I flushthe toilet and wash my hands, I reapply my ruby-red lipstick. The loud, reverberating boom of gunfire startles me, and my heart races as my breath quickens. I need to get to Liam. I open the door carefully, sticking my head out to peer into the chaos. Gunshots pop off, and people run and scream in all directions. Leaning up against the cold tile wall, I drag myself until I find a safe spot to hide. Then I see five masked men, all in black, shooting in every direction. People are running out. Police officers point their weapons and take cover from the gunmen, and people hide under tables. I move cautiously toward a utility cart and crouch in its shadows. My heart pounds in my ears, and gunshots reverberate all around me.
“Sophie, Sophie,” I hear a husky voice yell.
“Liam,” I answer in a shaky voice.
Liam runs to me. His face is ghost white. He grabs my face, inspects me, and scans my whole body. “Are you okay, baby? Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine. Are you? Are you hurt?” I ask.
“I’m fine. Let’s get you out of here.” He swallows, his gaze stuck on me, reflecting pain and fear. “Listen. If something happens to me, don’t stop. You keep running to safety, find a place to hide. You understand, mi bella?”
