Page 87 of Liam
Sloane’s eyes flick to the pole in the center of the dance floor, then back to me. “The pole. Show him what he’s missing.”
I freeze, heat rising to my cheeks. “I—what? You want me to?—?”
She smirks, giving me a nudge. “Come on, girl. It’s all ingood fun. Plus, I guarantee Liam won’t be able to keep his hands off you.”
I glance over at Liam again. He’s watching me, his brows knitted together like he’s trying to figure out what’s going on. There’s a mixture of jealousy and frustration in his eyes, and I can tell he’s about to reach his limit.
Ava grins. “Oh, I’d pay to see this.”
Sloane stands, tugging me up by the arm. “Well, good news, it’s free.”
I hesitate, my heart pounding in my chest. “I don’t know…”
“Come on, Aleria,” Sloane says, her voice playful but full of challenge. “Show him what he’s missing, and drive him wild.”
With a deep breath and a shaky smile, I let Sloane push me toward the dance floor. The lights dim, and the music slows to something dark and sultry.
I approach the pole, my heart racing.Okay, Aleria. You’ve got this.
I glance back at the table and see Sloane give me a thumbs-up. The guys still stand frozen, unsure of what’s about to happen. Liam shifts in his seat, his eyes burning into me, his jaw clenched.
With the music vibrating through me, I let go of the nerves and reach for the cool metal. My hand slides up the pole, and I spin around it, letting my body move to the beat. I sway my hips, teasing, giving just enough to keep their eyes locked on me—especially Liam’s.
His expression shifts, darkening with every roll of my hips. The tension builds as he watches, his eyes stormy with amix of frustration and undeniable desire. I’ve got him right where Sloane wants him—on the edge.
I arch my back, rolling my hips in a slow, hypnotic rhythm, drawing attention with every subtle movement. My hand glides down the pole as I twirl around it, my legs wrapping around it as I lift myself into a spin, my body moving to the beat.
I glance his way, and my pulse quickens at the sight of him. His eyes are dark and intense, fists clenched at his sides.
Sloane and Ava watch from the sidelines, but I don’t care about anyone else right now. It’s just me, the pole, and Liam’s eyes locked on mine. I arch my back again, sliding down the pole in one fluid motion, the cool metal kissing my skin. My legs stretch out in a graceful arc, my body curving as I let the music guide me.
I twirl one last time, my body brushing against the pole as I spin back up, hair spilling over my shoulders. The heat in the room is electric, but the fire in Liam’s eyes sends a thrill through me. He’s unraveling, and I suspect he won’t hold back much longer.
And I’m right.
Liam snaps. In one swift, possessive movement, he crosses the floor and grabs me by the waist, pulling me off the pole and into his arms. The air between us sizzles with tension as his hands grip my hips, pressing me against him.
“You think you can do that and get away with it?” His voice is low, dangerous, and filled with raw desire.
I give him a teasing smile, breathless. “Depends. What are you going to do about it?”
His response is immediate. He crushes his lips to mine, thekiss deep and demanding, claiming me in front of everyone. The world disappears, leaving only the heat of his body against mine, the pulse of the music, and the fire igniting between us.
Liam’s hand slides to the small of my back, pulling me flush against him. His other hand tangles in my hair, tilting my head to deepen the kiss. I melt into him, my fingers gripping his shirt, desperate to be closer.
Our lips move together, urgent and passionate. His tongue traces the seam of my lips, seeking entrance, and I grant it. The taste of him—whiskey and mint—intoxicates me more than any drink could.
I nip at his bottom lip, eliciting a low growl from him that sends shivers down my spine. In response, he backs me up against the nearest wall, pressing his body against mine. The cool surface contrasts with the heat radiating from Liam, intensifying every sensation.
We break apart for air, both panting. Liam’s eyes are dark with desire, his pupils dilated. He leans in, trailing kisses along my jaw to my ear.
“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he whispers, his breath hot against my skin.
I can only manage a breathy “Show me” before his lips capture mine again, softer this time but no less intense. The kiss is slower, deeper, a promise of things to come.
When we part, the world comes back into focus. I notice the whistles and cheers from his family, the knowing smirks on their faces. But I can’t bring myself to care. All I can focus on is Liam, his forehead resting against mine, his hands still holding me close.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispers, his eyes never leaving mine.
