16. Liam

16

LIAM

W aking with Ethan in front of me was a new experience. I’d rather have been face-to-face with Clara instead of the back of Ethan’s head. Still, it wasn’t a bad situation. New and different in the kind of way I’d happily get used to. I stretched both arms over my head, the pop of bone and sinew cracking in time with the fire.

Clara sighed and snuggled deeper into the covers. I grinned and propped up on my elbow, reaching past Ethan to stroke Clara’s cheek. Her eyes popped open with a suddenness that startled me, but I kept the pad of my finger on her jaw. “Morning.” I mouthed the word at her.

Ethan grunted, his elbow coming back to jab me in the stomach. He stopped after landing the blow, his eyes opening in slow motion. I’d never seen Ethan look startled before. It was a strange look for him. He blinked at Clara, then turned to look at me over his shoulder.

Alexander woke next. He came awake faster than any person should, his eyes startlingly clear.

Clara nuzzled her cheek into my palm.

“What’s the plan for today?” I locked eyes with Clara, who broke away from me and sat up.

She concentrated a little too hard on the blanket around her waist. “Work.” Her throat bobbed in a hard swallow. “We should work today. You have computers and everything we need, right?” She continued before he answered. “Or Harvey could fly us back to Summit. Harrington is depending on us.”

“We can work here.” Alexander rolled to his feet and stretched.

How on earth could the man get out of bed when we had an exceptionally sexy Clara lying there? I’d rather spend the day in front of the fire with Clara.

I flopped onto my back. “Breakfast first. I refuse to work on an empty stomach.”

“Fine.” Alexander scrubbed both hands down his face. “I’ll check the generators. You’re in charge of the kitchen.”

“What, no staff at the mansion?” Clara clicked her tongue, the tone mocking. “How do you survive?”

“On takeout and Marissa’s goodwill to come clean once a week.” I ignored Alexander’s glare and shrugged. “Marissa loves her job.”

“She’s well compensated for her time.” Alexander gave Clara a reassuring look and held out a hand.

Clara took it and allowed him to help her to her feet. She broke off contact as soon as she’d gained her balance.

What the fuck was that about? Two days ago she could barely stay away from us and now she skittered off like a frightened mouse. My eyes narrowed even as Ethan shoved at me to get me off the bed. “Roll the other way.” I shoved back, then stood just to piss him off.

Ethan grumbled under his breath and threw the blanket into the center of the bed.

“You’re so pissy when you wake up. God.” I rolled my eyes, enjoying the startled laugh from Clara, and made my way to the double doors leading out into the foyer. “Breakfast in half an hour. Don’t be late or you’re eating cold food.”

“Might be cold anyway,” Alexander called out to my back. “I have no idea what’s in the refrigerator.”

“Right. Because you’re never in the kitchen.” Unlike me. I whistled on the way across the polished linoleum. I’d become blind to Alexander’s wealth over the years, but I saw it afresh now through Clara’s vision after recognizing her shock yesterday. Alexander had expensive tastes, and it showed. From million-dollar art on the walls to the brand-new, top-of-the-line appliances that he never used, the house breathed wealth and privilege. It almost made me feel bad. Almost.

Thirty minutes later, they all walked into the kitchen, freshly showered and wearing varying expressions that ranged from Alexander’s annoyed look to one that almost resembled fear on Clara’s face. What was she concerned about? “How’s your mom?” I kept my voice gentle and welcoming, hoping to get back whatever trust we’d lost overnight.

She lifted one shoulder and let it fall. “Same.” There was a hollow echo in her words that cut me to the bone. “I wish I could see her in person.”

“You will.” Reaching over the counter, I squeezed her hand.

Clara flipped her palm over and wrapped her fingers around mine. For that brief moment, she allowed my touch to comfort her, but then she pulled away, retreating to that place where I could not follow.

“We can work for a few hours, but I’d rather not run the generators all day.” Alexander cut into his egg, allowing the yolk to run across his bacon. “Things should be up and running in another day, but there’s no need to risk it.”

“So we’re staying here?” Clara’s wide eyes took in the expansive kitchen. Her throat bobbled again, and she grabbed her glass of water, gulping a good portion before setting it down again.

Alexander’s expression remained carefully neutral, which meant he’d noticed Clara’s sudden shift as well. “Is that okay?”

“Yes. Fine.” Clara answered too quick, her attention riveted on her plate. She picked at the food, pushing it around more than eating. “I think I’ll get started. Where are the computers?”

“I’ll show you.” Ethan pushed his plate aside and stood. “Good breakfast, Liam.”

I took the compliment in stride and shoved the dirty dishes into the dishwasher. Alexander remained behind, his slow, methodical process of eating keeping me in the kitchen as curiosity took hold. “What?” I asked once Clara and Ethan were out of earshot.

He swirled his water around the glass like it was a fine wine. “Something’s bothering Clara.”

“No shit.” I took his empty plate and glass and added them to the dishwasher.

Alexander stood and faced the hall where Ethan’s voice trickled back. Clara answered him, that same dullness in her voice. “See if you can find out what it is.”

“Already working on it.” I moved past him. “I’m going to take a shower. I’ll talk to Clara later, once we’re finished for the day.” I’d spent enough time with her to understand that she would not break down with all of us watching. She was strong and capable, and she had shouldered her own burdens too long to let go on a whim. I’d give her time to adjust to this new situation and ease into asking about her problems.

It took a full twenty-four hours for Clara to relax. We worked, ate, worked more. When we talked, it was about the project and nothing else. Anytime any of us attempted to direct the conversation to something personal, she shut us down with a polite version of fuck off and leave me alone.

It pissed me off a bit. Alexander and Ethan turned their focus to the project and left me to wheedle my way into Clara’s psyche. I stopped her midafternoon on the second day as we walked out of Alexander’s office. “I’ve danced around this long enough. What’s wrong?”

She inhaled sharply, like she couldn’t believe I would dare to ask.

“I’m worried. We all are.” I slid my palm down the inner part of her arm. “Something changed between our time at the office and here.” I hated the next words, but they were necessary. “Have you decided you’re done with us?”

“No.” The word launched out of her with enough force that she rocked on her heels. Her eyes flew wide open, the darkening shadows ringing them purple in the harsh lighting. “It’s not that. I…I really enjoyed everything.”

“But you don’t want to do it again?” I braced for rejection.

Clara swept her arms around my waist and gave me a fierce hug. “I do. I still want all of you.” I swore I heard the threat of tears, but when she spoke again, they were gone. “I’m worried about my mom. That’s all.”

Shit. “I’m a selfish bastard, Clara. I’m sorry.” I returned her hug. “Of course you’re worried. And here I am pressuring you about sex. Damn it.” I released her and threaded a hand through my hair. “Forget I said anything. Have you called your mom? Can you do a video chat with her? I’ll have Alexander talk to Harvey. Maybe he can fly you to her house.”

“Liam, stop.” Clara grabbed my hands. “Harvey can’t fly me to Mom’s. There’s nowhere to land. And I talked to her a few hours ago. She sounds fine. It’s me. I’ve never gone this long without seeing her face-to-face. I’ll be fine. I thought work would distract me.”

This was why I’d hesitated to push too hard.

“Ethan and I are going out.” Alexander stepped out of the office, his face inscrutable. He spotted Clara and a softness entered his eyes. He raised his brows, silently questioning me.

Clara turned toward Alexander, giving me the chance to shake my head. I believed that she worried about her mom, but my gut instinct told me there was something else.

“I’ll fix us something to eat.” I welcomed the chance to cook, hoping it would take my mind off my misstep with Clara.

“What are you making?” Clara’s attention swung back to me. A smile bloomed on her beautiful face. “I’m a terrible cook. Maybe you could show me how you do it.” There was a challenge in her eyes, a daring to tell her no.

I’d rather spend eternity with my ass on fire than disappoint this woman. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll show you.” I threw the challenge back at her.

Alexander and Ethan slipped away. Alexander gave me one last look over his shoulder, but I ignored it in favor of Clara’s vivid playfulness.

She tapped one finger against her chin and sashayed her way to the kitchen. What caused the sudden shift in demeanor? She’d gone from standoffish to coy in a few heartbeats. Maybe talking had helped clear her head. “Let’s make eclairs.”

My heart skipped a beat at the sexy sway in her hips. Hips I hadn’t held in far too long. Maybe I was way off base, but she seemed to be making an offer. Was it wrong of me to willingly put aside my earlier worries and take her at her word?

“I hope you’re ready to work some dough, because it’s not going to be a simple recipe.” I caught up in a few strides and hooked an arm around her waist.

She rested a hand flat on my chest and peered up at me. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m tired of letting work consume me. It’s time for a little sexual deviance.”

“I thought you wanted all three of us.” I waited for her answer, my breath seized in my lungs as I cursed myself three ways to Sunday. The emptiness of Alexander’s house echoed around us. I had her all to myself and I might’ve screwed it up.

Her shoulders rose in a shrug. “I do. But right now, I want you.” She hooked a finger in my shirt collar and pulled me along to the kitchen.

I’d never been more grateful for the T-shirt and jeans I kept at Alexander’s. He’d had clothes brought for Clara, and she’d gone through the entire wardrobe with a look of dismay before choosing the soft cotton pants and T-shirt, claiming that work-at-home attire should be comfortable and functional. Alexander had perked up at the mention of home but remained quiet when it progressed no further.

We were all losing our minds over Clara, and I was more than happy to agree to her request. I loved seeing her happy. The last day with her moping around and not knowing what was wrong tore me apart. I’d give anything to make her happy. “One serving of sexual deviance coming right up.” I whipped up an eclair dough and passed it to her. “Get your hands in that while I work on the filling.” I walked her through each step and managed to sneak in a kiss or two as I showed her how to stretch and knead the dough. “You taste like cotton candy,” I whispered in her ear, my arms around her waist as we worked to pipe out the eclairs on a baking sheet.

“Oh?” She licked her lower lip. “I thought it needed more sugar.”

“There’s no need for more sugar when you’re around.” I kissed the side of her neck, nipping lightly when she angled her head to the side to give me better access. Her pulse thrummed beneath my lips, the unsteady beat mimicking my own. “I could lick you from head to toe.” I tipped her head toward mine and brushed my thumb over her bottom lip. Sugar crystals tumbled to the counter and cascaded onto the floor when she dropped the bag.

“We should clean that up.” She arched her back and ground her ass into my erection.

I turned her around and settled between her legs. “Or you could lay in it.” I nipped her earlobe. “There’s a can of whipped cream in the refrigerator.”

“Hmm.” She framed my face in her hands and pulled me down for a kiss that threatened to drown me in her scent. “You mentioned whipped cream once. Got a thing for food, huh?”

“I have a thing for you.” My hand drifted down to the band of her pants and slid beneath her panties. “You’re soaked, Clara. And I’m hungry.”

Her eyes went dark and delicious. “You have to share.” She cut a sharp look at my cock. “I need an appetizer.”

“Is that all?” I walked her backward around the counter and fished the whipped cream canister from the refrigerator. “I could give you a whole meal.”

“Oh, you will.” She took the can from me and held it up to her mouth, shooting a dollop onto her tongue.

I chased her lips, the sweetness of whipped cream on my tongue threatening to drive me crazy. Her free hand dipped into my pants and wrapped around my cock. She tugged when I broke off the kiss and took the canister from her. “My turn.” Her shirt went first. I removed it in seconds and tossed it over my head. “I’m going to start here.” I unclasped her bra and let it fall. Her nipples peaked, then tightened further when I placed the first dollop of whipped cream around the areola.

Her moan of pleasure spurred me forward to trace the line of sweetness around her nipple before tugging it into my mouth. She palmed the back of my head and squeezed my cock. “I was beginning to think I’d imagined how good you make me feel.”

The words pummeled through me. I’d make sure she never forgot again. If I had to spend the rest of my life reminding her, I would do so willingly.