Page 30 of Liam
Fuck. “Nylah, I didn’t mean it like that. I just want you safe.”
“If they were after you, then I can stay in a motel and be safe.”
Every muscle in his body pulled too fucking tightly at the idea. No part of him wanted this woman out of his sight after hearing those assholes in her place tonight.
Callum cleared his throat and talked with the officers, turning the focus away from them.
Liam took a small step closer, lowering his voice. “Ny…please let me protect you. Without knowing exactly why they were here, we can’t assume the menweren’tlooking for you.”
She nibbled her bottom lip, glancing at her condo and then back at his chest.
He cupped her cheek, tilting her face up to his. Independence was important to her. He could see that. But he needed her safe. “Please.”
He wasn’t too proud to beg if he had to.
“Just until the lock on the door is fixed,” she said quietly.
His chest tightened. It wasn’t enough. But by the set look in her eyes, it was all she was offering for now.
“Just until it’s fixed,” he agreed, the words tasting like acid in his mouth.
* * *
Nylah steppedinside Liam’s house with her mouth slightly agape. The ceilings were high—so high she was sure there’d be an echo if she spoke. There were intricate details on the wooden railing of the stairs, which she twitched to run her fingers over. And those cornices…they looked original.
“When was this house built?” she asked quietly, captivated by the wooden floorboards.
“Eighteen eighty-nine, but it was remodeled about ten years before I bought it.”
Gorgeous.
The marbleized slate mantel with the cast iron firebox underneath probably kept the house toasty warm in the winter. She moved farther into the house, seeking more of the house’s personality. It was modern and new, but with small original details. A cozy breakfast nook. An old iron fire back.
“I didn’t picture you living in a house like this,” she said quietly, her feet itching to step into that kitchen and touch every fine detail.
“What kind of housedidyou picture me living in?”
His voice was close. When she turned, he was right there. Heat radiated off his skin. “Something with sleek, modern lines and dark, masculine tones.”
“I guess looks can be deceiving.” He slipped his fingers though hers, causing a shudder to run down her spine. “Come on, I’ll show you to the spare room.”
She trailed up the stairs after him. Why did this man touching her feel so right? Why did she want to pull him closer? Hold him longer?
With a quiet sigh, she followed him into a large room. A bed with a beautiful mahogany headboard centered the space. An open door to the right led to a connecting bathroom.
“Are you sure you don’t mind me staying here?” she asked, turning back to him.
“You can stay for as long as you need.”
She swallowed, the familiar panic of losing her freedom crawling around her chest, squeezing at her heart. “Just until the lock’s fixed.”
His eyes narrowed. The action was subtle, but she caught it. She moved to step past him, but his fingers slid around her wrist, stopping her. That simple touch spiraled up her arms.
He stepped closer. “Even if those men were after me, they obviously know you’reconnectedto me.”
“Liam, I’m just…concerned. About what this means for us.”
“It means I’m keeping you safe. I’m watching out for you.”
