Page 108 of Liam
As the waltz slows, I guide Aleria through the final turn, her body fluid and graceful against mine. Her eyes never leave my face. That spark of defiance mixed with something deeper—something that tugs at my chest in a way I can’t ignore. The music fades, but neither of us moves. We’re suspended in the moment, her hand resting in mine, her breath still coming quickly.
“You still surprise me,” I murmur, my voice a low rasp against her ear. “Every time I think I know all your moves…”
She tilts her head back, her eyes dark with a teasing glint. “And here I thought you’d learned how I work by now.” Her lips curve, daring me.
“Oh, I’ve learned,” I say, letting my hand slide just a fraction lower. “But there’s always room for discovery.”
Her breath hitches, just barely, and it sends a thrill through me. She leans in, lips brushing close to mine, teasing me with the warmth of her breath. “Careful, Liam. I’d hate to overwhelm you.”
I smirk, my grip on her waist tightening as I pull her closer. “I don’t get overwhelmed, Aleria. But I’d say you’re dangerously close to pushing me there.”
She presses against me, her hand trailing over my chest, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. “Maybe that’s exactly what I’m aiming for.”
My gaze drops to her mouth, the urge to close the distance almost too much. “Keep tempting me like this,” I murmur, my voice a rough whisper, “and I might just forget we have an audience.”
She grins, mischievous and bold. “Who says I mind being watched?”
I smirk, brushing my thumb over her hand before letting go. “And you’re more dangerous than I thought.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Dangerous?”
“For my sanity,” I murmur, leaning in just enough for her to catch the heat in my words.
Her lips curl into a smile, but before she can fire back, Cora’s voice cuts through the air.
“Are you two going to stay glued together all night, or can I grab my brother for a moment?”
Aleria laughs, stepping back with a roll of her eyes. “Saved by the wedding planner,” she quips, and with one last glance, she slips away.
I stand there for a moment, watching her go, before turning toward the edge of the garden where Cora directs me. The night air is cooler here, the buzz of the party fading into the background.
Logan and Lucas are tucked away near the bar, their silhouettes bathed in the soft glow of string lights overhead. Ava and Sloane stand not far away, talking with Dad and a few guests, and Ryder appears at Cora’s side, handing her a drink.
Logan has already loosened his tie and draped his jacket over the back of his chair, looking every bit like an exhausted, newly-minted husband. Lucas leans back in his seat, cradling a glass of whiskey, his expression unreadable—calm, but with that ever-present edge beneath.
I grab a drink from a passing server and make my way over, sinking into the chair beside Logan. “Looks like you’re surviving married life so far,” I say, raising my glass to him.
Logan chuckles, raking a hand through his hair. “Sloane’s already plotting our honeymoon. There’s hiking involved. Lots of it.”
Cora, who appears beside Lucas as if by magic, lets out an inelegant snort. “Oh, joy. Nothing says ‘romance’ like blisters and cliffs.” She takes a generous sip of her wine. “I’m officially done with nature’s obstacle courses.”
Lucas grins, nudging her. “Aw, come on, Sis. I like the idea. Where’s your sense of adventure?”
“It fell off a cliff,” Cora deadpans, “along with my dignity. I’m done.”
I chuckle, remembering the infamous hiking incident she told us about. “To be fair, you got a knight in shining armor out of it. Or should I say, a Ryder in muddy boots?”
Cora’s cheeks flush, but there’s a smile tugging at her lips.
As if on cue, we all turn to Logan, our voices blending in perfect, family-honed synchronization: “Stay away from hiking!”
Logan holds up his hands in surrender, laughing. “Alright, alright. I’ll suggest a nice, safe beach resort. Although,” he adds, “I hear the tide can be pretty treacherous...”
Cora groans, draining her glass. “That’s it. I’m confiscating your Indiana Jones collection.”
A comfortable quiet falls over us as we sit there, the distant murmur of the party blending with the night sounds. The four of us, together, just being siblings again. No boardrooms, no threats looming over our heads, just peace.
“Some night, huh?” Cora says, leaning against the railing with Ryder at her side.
