Seeking Justice (25 page)

What?

“Two beautiful women drunk on their asses, out alone.”

“I’m not drunk,” I say as he grips my arm and pulls me along with him as he starts for the front door.

“Just plain stupid, Holly,” he says over his shoulder.

“Oh, don’t be so—self-righteous!” she sasses back.

“Yeah, well you won’t be so smart mouthed when your husband gets home.”

I look back, and Holly stops, her expression almost laughable.

“You called Ryan?”

“Yes, I did.” He stops us at the door where Mike waits holding two go cups.

“Why would you do that?” she hisses as we step out into the night.

The Land Rover sits right at the curb, and Liam opens the back door of the SUV for me. I slide in and look up to see him staring at my legs. His gaze slides slowly up my body to meet my eyes. I don’t mistake the heat I see there, and my stomach muscles tighten perceptibly.

Whoa!
One glance from this man, and I’m a goner. I bite my bottom lip and watch as Liam’s eyes narrow.

“Buckle up,” he says tersely and watches as I fumble with the seat belt before handing me my coffee. He shuts my door, and then slides in up front behind the wheel, adjusting the rear view mirror before starting the engine.

Holly slides in beside me.

“Liam, why would you call, Ryan?” she demands, tossing him a glare as she takes the cup Mike hands to her.

“Because you wouldn’t answer your fucking phone!” he says, anger apparent in his voice, and it seems to shut Holly up.

I look up and meet Liam’s eyes briefly in the rearview mirror, and then he looks straight ahead, keeping his eyes on the road as he drives us back to Justice House.

Liam doesn’t talk or look at me again during the drive through town.

Holly and Mike are quiet too, and that’s okay as I think over what Holly told me about Liam’s father.

What I know now just reaffirms my high opinion of Liam. Growing up with a father who was an abusive alcoholic, losing his mother as a young man, and he still managed to improve his life. Most wouldn’t have had the fortitude to pull themselves out of such dismal circumstances, but Liam not only survived, he thrived.

If not for the file Valerie has on Liam, I would have no idea just how far he has come. It’s nothing short of amazing. In ten years, he has accomplished what most men don’t achieve in a lifetime. And through it all, he seems to have managed to stay focused on the important things. He’s kept lifelong friends close, and he genuinely cares and provides well for his employees. I’ve seen how club members and people outside of Justice House respond to him. He’s well-liked and respected. He is a man who has it all and clearly enjoys his success and the life he has built for himself.

But I’ve sensed the loneliness in him and his underlying need. He said he needed me. That he could escape—with me. I study his profile, and I’m overwhelmed with the depth of my feelings for him. He has become so important and dear to me.

Essential even.

As we pull through the gates to Justice House, Holly looks over at me and grins.

“What?” I mouth.

She leans forward. “You can let us out at the club door, Liam.”

Liam’s gaze flashes to mine in the mirror.

“Yeah, I could use a drink,” Mike adds.

At the last second, Liam turns the steering wheel and brings the SUV to a stop on the far side of the Porte cochere.

Almost before the vehicle comes to a full stop, Holly has the door flung open and tugs on my arm. “Come on,” she whispers.

I release the seat belt and scoot across the seat to slide out on her side.

“Stay with me,” she murmurs as she links her arm through mine and leads me toward the outside club entrance.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“You need to shake Liam up a little,” she declares.

I glance back toward the SUV as the security guy greets and opens the door for us. Liam drives on toward the garage to park.

“But, I don’t want to shake him up,” I say.

“Trust me, Cait.”

I sigh, not sure what she’s up to.

“You know how he manipulated you with that whole scenario about making the bar and club off limits to employees?”

“You know about that?” I exclaim.

She laughs. “I figured it out after he didn’t make the announcement. Knowing Liam, I reasoned it was to control you.” She grins. “You’re setting precedent here, Cait.”

I shake my head at her as we enter the club from the foyer.

It’s packed, as usual, and we make our way toward the bar amidst the crowd and strobe lights that pulse to the beat of the music.

As we wait for our drinks, the guy standing next to me at the bar, looks over and smiles. He says something, but the music is so loud, I just shake my head and shrug to let him know I can’t hear him.

I’m relieved when the DJ takes a break, and the noise level drops to a low roar, but at least Holly and I can hear each other talk.

As our drinks are set before us, hands come down onto my shoulders. I step back against Liam and then realize it’s not Liam when Holly’s eyes widen in surprise.

Oh, shit!
I have a sudden anxious moment when I think about Liam arriving to see another man’s hands on me.

I spin around, and I’m shocked to see Paul.

“What… what are you doing here?” I give him a quick hug as he laughs.

“Good to see you too.”

“I’m sorry, you know I’m happy to see you but…”

He laughs again, clearly amused at my surprise. “Liam invited us.”

What?
I really am surprised now. “Wait. Us? Is Julie here?” I turn to scan the crowd.

“I left her at the table talking with your friend, Bryce.”

I’m reminded of my manners when Holly shifts beside me. “Oh, I’m sorry. Paul, this is Holly Phillips. Holly, my good friend, Paul Sims.”

“Nice to meet you, Holly.”

“Liam invited you?” I ask.

“Yes I did.” Liam’s deep, slow drawl has me quickly turning around. His gaze holds mine for a moment, his blue, blue eyes snaring mine captive with their intensity before he turns to Paul, offering his hand.

“Bryce settle you and your wife at a table?” Liam asks.

“He did, thank you. We appreciate the invite.”

Liam waves his hand. “It should have come sooner.”

Liam turns and surprises me when he pulls me against him. I press my face to his chest, inhaling deeply. I do wish we were upstairs, so I could thank him properly for inviting my friends. I just want to be alone with him.

“I’ll help Paul find his way back to the table,” Holly offers as she steps around us.

“We’ll be there in a moment,” Liam tells her as I look up, his eyes locking with mine.

With a backward glance, Paul follows Holly.

“Surprised?” Liam asks.

“Shocked.” I smile up at him. “Thank you.”

He gives me a knowing smirk. “I’d about decided you were going to miss the occasion.” His hold tightens slightly. “You were gone when I returned, and you wouldn’t answer your phone,” he growls lifting an eyebrow in reprimand.

“You should have told me they were coming.”

“Well now, that would have ruined the surprise.” He grips my chin and leans in just as Bryce walks up.

“Hey, bro. Cait.”

Liam pauses but doesn’t look up, his gaze holding mine. “What is it, Bryce?”

“Churchfell is leaving. He wants to speak with you, says he has a slight problem.”

“Of course he does.” Liam now looks up at Bryce. “Give me a minute.”

Bryce nods and moves further down the bar toward one of the waitresses.

Liam sighs. “Cait, I need to take care of business, and then I’ll join you and your friends. I shouldn’t be long.” He levels his gaze on me. “I expect you to be here when I return.”

It’s as if my body starts humming in answer. “Okay,” I whisper.

“Don’t look at me that way,” he growls. “Not here.”

My lips part as I inhale sharply. “I’ll try,” I say softly. I turn, and then he’s gripping my arm, pulling me back flush to his body.

I’m aware of people looking our way as Liam’s head lowers, his mouth taking possession of what belongs to him. He grips the back of my neck, holding me just where he wants me, his kiss anything but gentle as he proceeds to brand me as his in view of every member watching. When he slowly releases my mouth, his eyes are dark with lust, and I’m clinging to his shoulders, reeling from his kiss.

“Break it up you two,” Bryce growls. “Liam let’s go, Churchfell isn’t going to wait all night while you play kissy face with Cait.” Bryce looks over at me and grins.

I ignore him, as does Liam.

Liam runs his thumb across my swollen mouth as his tongue comes out to lick against his bottom lip. He draws his lip into his mouth as if wanting to get every last bit of my taste that might remain there.

My breath is indrawn sharply before I release a breathy laugh.

Liam’s eyes gleam as his face breaks into that oh-so-sexy smile of his that just makes everything south of my navel melt.

“I’ll be back to get you shortly,” he warns. “Behave.”

“You too,” I shoot right back, and I think I catch a look of surprise as I smile and turn to go in search of Holly. On second thought—I turn back and stepping close, I stand on tiptoe to bring my mouth close to his ear. “I love you, Liam Justice.”

I search his eyes, looking for a response. The look that comes over his face is either one of surprise or uncertainty. I’m not sure which. I smile at him then. A good teasing smile and turn to find Holly. Without a backward glance, I melt into the crowd.

That’s not exactly how I planned to tell Liam that I love him for the first time but—the moment felt right. And I know I surprised him.

I just hope it was a welcome surprise. I bite my lip, an onslaught of doubt suddenly assails me, and I stop abruptly. People bump into me as I stand there, panic setting in.

“Cait!”

I look up to find Holly, Paul, and Julie looking at me. Holly motions for me to join them. I take a deep breath and smile, hoping they didn’t notice my near meltdown.

It doesn’t take but a drink or two for Holly and me to have our partying mood and giggles back. Bryce has joined us, and he and Paul keep us busy dancing.

I keep looking up to the balcony. The man Liam went to speak with is with the private party going on up there. I’m ready for Liam to be down here with me, not up there with—who knows who. I have no doubt that Miranda is up there. She seems to be constantly involved in any party going on at the Justice, and she usually manages to be where Liam is.

“I’m happy you and Paul are here,” I tell Julie during one of the short breaks the DJ takes that allows us a chance to talk and be heard.

“Me too,” Julie says. “I’ve always wanted to come here. It was really nice of Liam to make the effort.” She looks over at her husband.

I glance at Paul. He seems relaxed as if he’s enjoying himself. I’m hoping this gesture of Liam’s means that the subtle animosity between the two men is over.

I grin at Julie as the music starts again, and Paul, catching us looking at him, stands to claim his wife for a dance, giving me a wink.

Liam finally joins us, and I can feel his irritation that his meeting lasted so long. Bryce says something to him as Liam reaches down to take my hand, pulling me up from my chair. He shakes his head at Bryce and then leads me onto the dance floor.

I step into his arms, and he pulls me tightly against his length. My body quickly responds to the fact that his erection is pressing into my belly. I look up into eyes that seem to blaze with blue fire. My breath catches as his head lowers, and he buries his nose in my hair, inhaling deeply as his hand tangles in the length.

He smells so good. Just a whiff of his scent is enough to cause my stomach to clench. Surrounded by him, immersed in his scent is—heaven. I reach up to touch him, running my fingers over the stubble on his jaw. When he raises his head, my hand moves into his hair. His hand pushes against my bottom as he presses his erection against me.

“Liam,” I moan, pressing my lips to the hollow of his throat. I’m oblivious to the bodies around us. It’s just Liam and me.

His hand moves up to rest against my bare back that the slit in my dress allows. I tremble in response to his hand on my bare skin. When he takes my earlobe between his teeth, it’s as if he’s hit upon a direct line to my lower extremities. When he bites down, it’s a jolt straight to my clit. It’s all I can manage not to cry out.

“Please, Liam,” I plead. I clutch at his back, my long moan pulls me from my sensual nirvana, reminding me we aren’t in private, and we’re practically dirty dancing in the middle of the club’s dance floor. I loosen my hold on him, and my hands move to his shoulders as I tell myself to remember where I am.

Liam’s quiet. He’s not said a word. I’m assailed once again by uncertainty. What does he think of my declaration? Is he angry or maybe indifferent? As we continue to dance, he remains quiet—remote. I shouldn’t have told him here, not as I did. He’s probably thinking about how he’s going to tell me, thanks, but no thanks.

When the music stops, I glance up. His bright blue eyes are watching me. I’m embarrassed that he looks calm and unaffected, whereas my whole body feels flushed, and I’m having difficulty catching my breath.

“Say something,” I say a little irritably.

He jerks me closer, bringing his mouth to my ear.

“I want that luscious mouth of yours wrapped around my fucking cock, right now, darlin’,” he rasps, his voice thick with lust.

I look up in surprise, swallowing hard at his words. I feel my face suffuse with heat. Without another word, he grips my hand, pulling me along behind him. It’s as if a sea of bodies part for us as he heads for the door that leads back into the mansion.

Chapter Fourteen

“W
ait, Liam!” I tug against his hand, and he slows only to pull me against his side. “We need to say good night,” I gasp, looking back in the direction of our table.

Liam doesn’t slow as we continue through the door to the bar and restaurant area. I struggle to keep up as he walks quickly down the hall, and then he’s pulling me into the storage room, the one where only a few weeks before, we shared our first—kiss. He flips on the dim overhead light, and this time when he shuts the door, I hear the unmistakable click of a lock.

I barely have a moment before he’s unzipping his jeans.

“On your knees, sugar.” His voice is gruff with arousal.

Oh!
My knees almost buckle with my body’s reaction to his blatant need. The thought of this strong man needing me, desiring me as I do him, evokes a strong response in my body. Knowing he couldn’t wait for us to reach his office, inflames me.

I lower to my knees, and then he’s gripping my hair roughly, pulling my head back.

“Hands behind your back, sweetheart.”

I do as bid; desire to have my mouth on him, pooling with a hot need low in my belly.

He grips my chin with his free hand. “I’m going to fuck your mouth, and I want you to keep your hands behind your back, do you understand?”

“Yes.” I’m suddenly panting. My erect nipples chafe against the fabric of my dress with each rapid rise and fall of my chest, heightening my arousal.

He releases his impressive erection in all its long, thick glory.

Holy Hell!
I am more than a little intimidated, and as my body starts to tremble, Liam strokes my hair back with one hand and the length of his erection with the other.

“Suck, darlin’.”

I swirl my tongue around the bulbous head of his erection. “Mmm…” I hum. Liam Justice tastes good. I lean forward as much as the hand clutched in my hair will allow and suck him into my mouth.

“Look at me,” he commands, his voice already sounding tight with the control I recognize. I look up into a blazing blue fire. He releases my chin, his hand joining the other to fist in my hair.

“This is going to be quick,” he gasps as he rocks further into my mouth. “Suck hard, baby.”

I do, there’s no way I cannot as natural instinct takes over and the strong desire to please him becomes a driving force as I draw him to the back of my throat.

“Fuck!” he growls.

He grips my hair to the point of pain as he begins to move, thrusting his erection deep into my mouth. I close my eyes and remind myself to relax.
Keep calm and breathe.

“Keep your eyes on me!” I look back up as he thrusts deep, withdrawing quickly only to plunge deep again.

As my throat spasms around him, he stills, his head thrown back. A long, low moan erupts from deep in his chest as he holds my head still with my face pressed to his groin. Just as I start to panic at not being able to breathe, he pulls back. And then he’s thrusting his erection in and out, sometimes deep into my throat, other times shallow as I continue to suck forcefully. His breathing is loud and raspy, labored as he grips my hair, his biceps bulging, holding my head just where he wants as he continues to fuck my mouth. There’s no gentleness, only hard, fucking need.

His legs are braced apart, his whole body rigid, unrelenting with his movements. Just as I feel his body tense, he buries himself deep, his hands pulling my hair painfully. A growl erupts from deep in his chest.

My gag reflex has kicked in and I bring my hands to his hips, pushing against him. I feel the liquid heat shoot down the back of my throat as Liam cries out and stills.

He releases my hair, and I jerk free. He stumbles back against the door, and I fall forward onto my hands at his feet, drawing in great gulps of air.

“Fuck!” he growls loudly.

He reaches down, drawing me to my feet to pull me against his body. He holds me tightly, his large hand at the back of my head pressing the side of my face against his chest. I can hear his heart beating, matching the fast tempo of mine. He pulls back, looking down into my face.

“Are you okay, darlin’?”

I nod.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I whisper.

His hand caresses the side of my face and he leans down, his lips resting on my forehead. I lean into him, loving his arms around me. All too soon, he releases me and adjusts himself into his jeans. I step back suddenly feeling shy.

“Let’s go.”

He unlocks and opens the door, stepping out into the hallway. He holds his hand out to me, and when I join him, he grips my upper arm pulling me along with him. I’m relieved we see no one on our way through the mansion. I’m sure my hair is a wild mess.

The moment we walk through the door of his office, Liam turns to grip my upper arms; he walks me backward, forcefully pushing me up against the wall. I gasp at the surprise of his action as he looms over me, pressing my body to the wall and holding me there with his hard frame.

Oh, my.

I feel small—dwarfed by his size. It’s a heady feeling, knowing I am so much weaker than he is. That I am under his complete control.

He rubs the rigid length of his arousal against my stomach. I’m not surprised he’s ready to go again, and I’m more than ready. I bite my lip, moaning softly.

Gripping my wrists, he raises my arms above my head, bringing them together to hold in one of his large hands. His other, circles the side of my neck, his thumb pushing up under my chin, so my face tips up. He holds me this way as he brings his mouth down on mine, his hand sliding up along my jawline, holding me immobile. His kiss is forceful, rough and deliciously sensual. I feel need claw low in my belly as his tongue plunders the inside of my mouth, seeking, exploring. I tentatively bring my tongue to his, and I feel his erection become even harder between us. Liam licks and bites at my lips, sucking and stroking with his tongue as I writhe in his grasp.

When he suddenly releases me, I almost fall to the floor, but he grips my arm to steady me and pulls me across the room to the bar area. He abruptly leaves me standing as he turns to pour a drink from a decanter and then reaches into his mini fridge to pull out a bottle of water, setting it on the bar top.

I hate this feeling of uncertainty that I’m having. Perhaps it’s Liam’s detached attitude. He’s said little to me since his meeting in the club.

He turns and looks at me, taking a sip of his drink.

“Take off your dress, Caitlyn.”

I inhale sharply as my insides turn to liquid. With fumbling fingers, I reach up behind me for the button at my neckline, my gaze locked with his. I slide the dress down off my shoulders and hesitate before letting it drop, to pool at my feet. I’m naked save for my thigh high stockings and heels.

Liam’s gaze drops to my breasts, and my nipples tighten and elongate under his smoldering stare. As his eyes move slowly down my body a tremor courses through me. He sips his drink his eyes meeting mine again over the rim of his glass. There’s a salacious gleam there.

I close my eyes, biting my lip, willing myself to calm down.

When I hear the sound of something hard and sharp coming down on the bar top, I open my eyes and cry out with surprise as Liam grabs me. He quickly spins me to face the back of the couch, roughly pushing me against it. Taking my hands, he places them in front of me on the back of the couch.

“Do not move your hands,” he commands in a hard voice.

Before I have a chance to respond, he’s skimming his hands up the back of my thighs, moving them up over my bottom. He presses his hard body against my softness pushing me into the back of the couch, firmly holding me there.

“I have to remind myself, that this is all new to you,”—his breath is hot against my neck, bringing goose bumps to my chilled skin—“that you don’t try to willfully displease me.” His hands move to my breasts, cupping, and molding around their fullness, pinching and pulling at my nipples.

My back arches slightly. With his body wrapped around mine as it is, he allows me little movement. My heart rate escalates, and I try hard to control my breathing, which is loud in the room.

“But I also know I can’t let you continue to blatantly disregard my authority.”

I frown. “Liam, I don’t—”

“Quiet.”

When I try to turn, so I can see his face, his hold on my breasts tightens, and he presses me more fully into the couch.

He lowers his head close to my ear, his voice raspy. “You will not come, darlin’.” His lips skim down the side of my neck to my shoulder. One large hand settles on my quivering stomach. “If you come before I give you permission—I will punish you.”

Oh!
I almost feel faint with the reaction his words elicit in my body. I’ve only been able to have an orgasm for the first time in my life since I met him a few short weeks ago. How am I now supposed to be able to control them?

“Mmmm,” he hums. “I almost hope… you fail.”

Fuck!

He steps back and delivers a hard slap to my bottom. I jump and yelp.

“Upstairs now, darlin’.”

I don’t move fast enough to suit him, and he gives me another hard swat.

“Ow!” I rub at the sting on my bottom.

Liam heads for the elevator, and I quickly scoop up my dress, holding it to my front.

I step into the elevator, clutching my dress to my breast, and when I start to put it back on, Liam laughs, but there’s no humor in that laugh.

“Don’t bother,” he says.

The doors open, and he holds his hand out for me to precede him.

“Are you mad at me?” Surely there’s more to this than me leaving earlier.

He lifts that damned eyebrow again. “Should I be darlin’?”

My mouth drops open slightly.
Damn it.
I don’t want my question turned back on me. “No.”

He snorts softly. “After you, Caitlyn.”

I don’t want to turn my bare backside to him, so I sidle out of the elevator. When I look up, he’s still standing in the door of the elevator, watching me. I blush and swallow uncomfortably. What puts him in these moods? And I know it’s not only because I disobeyed him. Now that I think about it—

“I don’t deserve for you to be upset with me,” I say looking up at him. When he doesn’t say anything, I continue. “You deliberately gave me the impression you were leaving with another woman!”

His brow furrows. “I was leaving with another woman.”

“And I’m supposed to be okay with that?”

His face darkens with anger, and as I take a step back in alarm, he’s on me, gripping my arm, bringing his face close to mine.

“I told you once, darlin’, it isn’t wise to rile me.”

I believe him because right about now, he’s scaring the hell out of me.

“I’m afraid, sweetheart, you have two transgressions to answer for now.”

I frown. “What?”

He doesn’t answer as he grips my arm tighter. He pulls my dress from my clutch, tossing it back toward the elevator, and then he’s pulling me along behind him through the apartment. I can barely keep up with his long, angry strides.

“Liam, please. Why are you so angry?” My voice comes in gasps. When he doesn’t say anything, I ask, “Wh-What are you going to do?”

He pulls me to a stop outside the room that I first suspected was a storage room. The sex swing episode changed that perception. My stomach muscles tighten at the prospect of another night on the swing.

He looks down at me, his blue gaze burning with an unfathomable emotion. His hold on my arms is forceful as he pushes me against the wall, stepping up against my body, pressing into me. His sexy, mind-fucking scent engulfs me. Fisting a hand in my hair he roughly yanks my head back as his mouth comes down on mine. He kisses me hard—ruthless, inflaming me with apprehension and need all at the same time.

I’m gasping when he releases my mouth and steps back from me. My nipples have tightened and they jut out proudly from my response to his nearness. I blush under his lustful stare. It’s a little unnerving the way he’s looking at me.

“I can’t decide if I should punish you, or throw you down on the floor and fuck you until you beg me to stop,” he growls.

I swallow uncomfortably. “Liam.” I breathe his name. I know what I choose.

Suddenly, he’s looming over me, intimidating me further with his size. His hand encircles my throat as he brings his face close to mine.

“You fucking belong to me!” he hisses from between clenched teeth.

I inhale sharply, my eyes opening wide. I’ve never seen him this way. This angry. “I know,” I answer, my voice breathy.

“If I ever see you letting another man touch you—” He presses me back tightly against the wall.

What the hell?

I shake my head against his hold. “I haven’t,” I whisper.

His free hand moves between my legs to cup my sex firmly as he continues to hold me against the wall. “This—is mine.”

His eyes are positively glacial. There’s no warmth, none of the teasing affection he usually bestows upon me, just ice-cold blue.

“What’s wrong?” I whisper.

“You tell me,” he growls.

I frown, “You’re so angry.”

His hands drop to his side, and he steps back, releasing me.

“I’m always angry. Get used to it,” he snaps before turning to head back down the hall to the living room.

I follow slowly, conscious of my nakedness, and I let my hair fall forward to cover my breasts. I lean half way around the doorway and watch as he pours himself a drink.

He’s fully clothed, as usual while he has me naked. He’s dressed in jeans and a white, button-up dress shirt, dark stubble shadows his jawline, and his hair is messy from running his fingers through it. My fingers positively itch to pull at those dark locks. He is the sexiest man I have ever known. Looking at him, as he is, in all his confusing anger, I know I am crazy in love with him, and I want to help him.

“No, you’re not,” I say.

He pauses to look up, his eyes moving over me. “I’m not what?” he asks as his attention returns to his drink.

“Angry all the time.”

He glances briefly at me again. “Would you care for something?”

Okay. He doesn’t want to discuss his anger. “Clothes.”

He snorts softly before knocking back his drink, and then reaching for the bottle to pour another.

I take a deep breath.

He walks toward me then, unbuttoning his shirt as he crosses the room. My breath catches as he stops in front of me to shrug out of the shirt, draping it across my shoulders as his gaze holds mine.

His shirt is warm from the heat of his body, and I want to reach out and lay my hands on his chest, his warm skin.

I slip into the shirt under his watchful eye. My whole body grows warm with flush as my senses come alive to the fact that he is half-naked now.

“You’re not always angry, Liam.” His eyes narrow as if in warning. “There’s something wrong, something that’s bothering you, and I know that it is important—”