Page 38 of Ward Willing
Apparently, I’ve forgotten how to speak.
Because all I can think about is how Liam answered those questions two days ago.
The idea of your partner completely surrendering to your physical gratification (such as inducing multiple orgasms or prolonging arousal) turns you on.
It hadn’t gone unnoticed by me that he’d circled choice five multiple times.
It’sso muchworse knowinghowhe does it—how his hands dig into your flesh, how his tongue is laid flat against your clit, how his calloused fingers curl and hook inside of you…
He answered that quiz like a Dom.
I almost wish I didn’t know.
“I’m meeting with Orion before the show,” I say quickly, buttoning my jacket to fend off the cool, autumn air. “I figured you and I would meet in front of the venue around nine?” A low, pleasant hum warms my body when I notice the sweat-streaked dirt covering his abdomen.
He’s not muscled like a lifter, but he’s not lean, either. He has wide, muscled shoulders, but they don’t look like they’re cut from stone. Instead, they look like they were honed over time.Softer,but still imposing. He carries himself with a commanding air—something he must’ve taught himself to do as the oldest of five.
“I’ll come with you,” he says gruffly, walking past me and to the door.
“It’s fine. I have a car coming to get me in…” I look down at my phone. “Two minutes.”
Plus, Orion and I are going to a munch, which is thelastthing I want to do with Liam.
“Cancel it,” he says, eyes finding mine. His face has a hint of dirt along his cheekbones, dusting the days-old scruff he always keeps trimmed neatly. “I’ll drive us. Give me ten minutes.”
“Liam, it’s okay. I’ll see you a bit later anyway.”
He brushes his hair off his forehead with one hand, and my eyes track the movement. His square jaw tenses, and he takes an intimidating step closer.
“I’m going with you. Cancel the car, Zoe. No need to get a ride with a stranger when I can take you,” he mutters. I take a step back and realize I’m pressed against the side of the house.
Liam towers over me, drops of moisture clinging to his damp forehead. I can smell the sweat mixing with the scent of licorice. I’ve always fought back against his protectiveness.
But now? Knowing what I know about him?
You’re onthin fucking ice, Zoe.God, the way he said that. It was like a primal growl.
Whydo I want to submit to him so badly?
“Besides, it’s my birthday, and doesn’t that mean I get to do whatever I want?”
His birthday.
Fuck.
I’d completely forgotten. It’s a big birthday, too, seeing as he’s turning forty.
And I forgot all about it.
Besides, it’s my birthday, and doesn’t that mean I get to do whatever I want?
His words roll around in my mind, and suddenly I’m transported back to his last birthday in Catalina.
“Fine,” I say, my voice almost a whisper. “Happy birthday,” I add, feeling guilty that I didn’t remember.
His mouth curls into a small, victorious smile. “Thank you. I’ll be ten minutes, tops.”
I nod as he brushes past me, and my skin pebbles slightly. As I cancel the car on the rideshare app, I worry my lower lip between my teeth.
