Page 206 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“Which is why waiting now is also a smart decision…” He circles my clit, my thighs burning as I struggle to hold myself up while my body aches for more of Liam’s touches.

The buildup intensifies as he adds more pressure, and my knees shake. Before I can beg for more, Liam removes his hand, then slaps my ass.

“Two more weeks, baby. We got this.”

Is he fucking kidding me right now?

My arms give out, and I drop to the mat, then scowl at him. “Seriously? That was mean!”

“Sorry, but you left me no choice.” He shrugs with a shit-eating smirk as he sits on the arm of the couch. “You wanted to play with fire, sweetheart. Showing off your sexy nipple rings, wearing tight as fuck pants that show off your curves, and eating whipped cream off your fingers last night.”

I stand, roll my mat, and stuff it under my arm. “The whipped cream was a happy accident when it fell off my spoon, but the other two, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Liam’s head falls back as he bellows out laughter. “Mads, please. I’ve been watching this dance of yours for three years, remember? I know all your tells. Your flirty innuendos. And the not-so-subtle way you eye fuck me.”

I growl. Damn him.

“Baby, come here.” He waves me over, but I look at him cautiously.

“Why? You want toalmostfinish what you started?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Quit being stubborn and get your ass over here.”

I stand between his legs, dropping the mat. Liam wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer until there’s no space left. Cupping my face, his thumb brushes my bottom lip.

“Remember when you were ready to jump my bones and lose your virginity, but I made you wait?”

I groan. “Yes.”

“And we took the time to get to know each other and explore our feelings. Wasn’t making love that first time so much more special because we didn’t rush?”

Shrugging, I answer, “I guess so.”

“Youguessso?” He lifts a brow, and I break out into a laugh.

“Yes, of course. It was very special.” I wrap my arms around his shoulders. “But during those two weeks, we were still being intimate with each other, just notall the wayintimate.”

“And after the fight when we’re able to forget about JJ and the O’Learys, won’t waiting feelwaymore special?”

I lower my eyes. The emotions I’ve bottled up inside threaten to release, but I try holding them back.

“Mads?” He tips my chin up toward him. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” I whisper.

“This isn’t nothing,” he says, wiping a tear that slipped out. “Tell me.”

I swallow hard, feeling silly for getting emotional. “What if…” I start, then lick my lips. “What if there is no after the fight because you don’t survive,” I finally choke out. “We abstain from sex and have no last time.”

“Is that what this is? You’re worried something’s gonna happen to me, and we’ll have missed out?” he asks, wrapping a piece of loose hair behind my ear.

“Well of course, I’m worried!” I toss out my arms. “If you die, we wasted every last opportunity to spend together.”

“Maddie…” he says slowly, grabbing my face. “I’m not gonna die.”

“You can’t promise that. I looked up videos on underground fighting, and it’s fucking ugly.”

“Fuck, Mads. Why’d you do that?”