Page 56 of Darkest Game
“They’re sweet.” I give them each a head rub and they snuggle back into the mattress. “They were just kept prisoner because of their breed. But don’t let their breed fool you.” My mind flashes to Liam. Everyone in this household hates him for kidnapping me but I don’t think Liam is evil like they make him out to be. Mikhail and Nico have done terrible things. Liam is no different. They’re judging him because he’s involved with the Irish mob instead of getting to know him.
“What are you going to name them?” Mom sits beside me, brushing my hair just like she did when I was a little girl.
“I think Luna for the rottweiler. And Bear for the pit bull. She looks sweet like a Luna and he’s strong like a bear.”
“I think those are great names. I’m just happy to have you back. I never want to lose you or any of my daughters ever again.”
“I know it’s been tough on you, Mom.” I bite my lip. If there’s anyone I can trust with the truth, it’s her. “Mom?”
“Yes?” She extends a hand to Luna and she sniffs it before licking her fingers. Mom smiles and pats her head.
“Would you be disappointed in me if I said I… miss Liam.”
She stares at me in shock. “Irina.”
“Please don’t sound like that. He saved my life, Mom. Multiple times.”
“He’s also the reason you were in that mess. Mikhail told me about it. He killed Jack Finnigan just to get to you. To steal you away.”
“No. He killed Jack to save me. Jack was going to…” My throat seizes up at the memory. His hands on my body. The eagerness in his eyes that made me cold.
“What? Honey, you can tell me.”
“He was going to rape me,” I whisper. “Liam saved me from him. Then he saved me again and again. All from other bad men who would hurt me. From Elaine Finnigan herself. She’s not a good person. She’s not to be trusted. Why can’t anyone understand this? Mikhail and Nico are so dead set on finding Liam and killing him that they’re not listening to me. I don’t think Liam deserves to die. I don’t want him to die.”
“Oh honey.” She runs her hand down my back but it offers me no comfort. “You experienced intense trauma in a matter of a few days. It’s understandable that you would cling to him. That you would seek safety in whoever you could find it in. But Idon’t trust the Irish. And I don’t trust Liam O’Connor. Neither should you. Put him from your mind. You’re home now. We’re all together. Focus on that.”
“He’s my husband.”
“Not of your choosing. Soon, he won’t be.”
I jerk away from her, getting off the bed. Both dogs raise their heads, giving me concerned looks. “Sasha didn’t choose Nico. She was forced into that marriage but now Nico and Mikhail are partners. No one made Sasha divorce Nico. Why can’t you give me the same courtesy?”
“Because…”
“Because?”
“Because you’re no Sasha. You’re the sweetest of my girls. The most innocent. I want to make sure you’re safe and being with Liam O’Connor is not going to make you safe. Now, I understand that you went through a lot of trauma. I’m not angry with you. But you need to start putting Liam from your mind.”
“It’s only been a day since I was saved. Give me time.”
“Of course.” She smiles but it’s tight and doesn’t reach her eyes. “Of course. I’ll leave you be for the night.”
She leaves without another word or look in my direction. My mom was never one for a lot of physical affection growing up. I know she was only trying to comfort me given what I went through. And now she’s back to being the mom I remember. The one who’s always there for her daughters but isn’t exactly warm.
My mind goes back to Liam and the looks he gave me. How intense and sexy they were. My body responds to those memories as a heat spreads through me. I can’t deny it: I miss Liam.
I wish I could speak to him again and figure out what I’m feeling.
But I know that’s an impossible task.
I slump onto the bed and lean against both dogs. They snuggle into me, letting me know I’m not alone at least.
Ana begs for us to go to Central Park as a family for the day.
“It’s not safe,” Mikhail says over the breakfast table. “Not after what happened with Irina and the Irish.”
“I wouldn’t mind going out too,” I say. “I’ve been locked up for so long. It would be nice to enjoy the sunny weather and have fun as a family.”
