Page 31

This needed to stop. Now, before she lost control completely. She dragged her mouth from his, breaking free.

His massive chest heaved against her, drawing deep breaths into his lungs. She licked the taste of him from her bottom lip, and his lids went heavy. “Think I understand now why you wanted my hands occupied,” he confessed. “Otherwise, I’d have had that robe off you in two seconds.”

She hardened her mind against the tempting images his words evoked. Her chin burned, and she smoothed her fingers over her abraded skin. The discomfort reminded her of why she’d tied him in the chair to begin with.

“Yes, well, if you want any more of those in the future, there’s something we need to take care of first.”

Still straddling him, she reached for the tray, withdrawing a small bowl.

Liam eyed the lather-coated brush in her hand and arched a brow. “You’re going to shave me?”

“Yes, since you seem incapable of doing it yourself.”

His lips quirked. “Never had a woman shave me before.”

She worked up a bit of foam, then painted his scruff-covered cheeks.

When she swapped out the brush for a straight razor, he narrowed his eyes. “You know how to use that thing?”

“Better than you, I imagine. Now hold still.” She pressed her fingers to his temple, tightened his skin, and drew the blade down his cheek.

“Lyle Hastings confessed he was the one who’s been sending you dismembered cats.”

“It doesn’t surprise me.” She worked the razor, shaving Liam’s whiskers with short, gentle strokes.

“He approached me at Howlers the other night, wanting to take out a hit. He never mentioned you were his target.”

She paused in her ministrations. “I assume you declined.”

“Told him I was retired. That I wasn’t taking jobs anymore.”

“Are you? Retired?” she clarified, wiping the blade on a towel.

“Yeah. Figured it’s time for me to kick back. Take it easy.”

“That doesn’t sound like you.”

“Yeah, well, people change. Doubt Hastings will give you any more trouble.”

She worked the blade down Liam’s jaw, moving to his throat. “I’m certain, now that his murderous plans for me have been exposed, and he’s on Tiberius’ radar, he wouldn’t dare to harm me.”

“Tiberius,” Liam snorted. “Hastings tried to have you murdered, and Tiberius slapped the bastard on the wrist.”

“That’s right. And it was just as effective as throwing him into the buffet.”

“But not nearly as satisfying.”

She grinned. “I suppose not.” How she loved seeing Lyle Hastings humiliated that way. Crawling on the ground, covered in filth.

Liam flinched from the blade. “Hey, easy there.”

“Merde.” She reached for the heated towel and wiped the lather from his skin.

Blood welled from the nick she’d made beneath his chin, close to his Adam’s apple. The tantalizing scent of his blood rolled through her senses, tempting her to steal a taste.

“You’re bleeding,” she said, failing to hide the hungry rasp in her voice.

Liam’s eyes gleamed, and he tipped his head back, challenging her. “You made this mess. Only seems right you should clean it up.”