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CHAPTER THIRTY

SASHA

“The man wants to spoil you, I suggest you let him and maybe bring home something to let him know how appreciative you are.” Layla smirks, shaking a risqué, crotchless white negligée in my face. I snatch the hanger from her before Patrick, Harry, or the two other guys watching over us catch a glimpse of it.

Surrounded by lace and satin, I run my fingers over the expensive fabrics with a heavy, uncomfortable sigh. I’m not used to being doted on. Catlin lifts a delicate black lace bra from the nearby display and holds it up. “What do you think?”

“That’s hot,” I admit. “You should definitely get that.”

“I meant for you.” Catlin smiles and lowers her voice. “Finn would destroy this the first time I put it on.” She finds a pair of tiny matching lace panties and passes both to me.

Layla grins. “See? We’re already making progress.”

The two of them load me up with more lingerie than any woman needs. That said, Liam is currently 1-0 with my panties, so I’m already down a pair. If they’re going to be torn from me, this might not be enough.

“You aren’t getting anything?” I ask Layla as the three of us make our way toward the fitting room.

“I’m not allowed,” she answers frankly. “Tristan finds panties to be a hindrance and has forbidden me from wearing them. Ever .”

“Oh… I guess I would understand that if you were buying the sensible panties Catlin is,” I tease.

“I own sexy panties, too,” Catlin quips, crossing her arms. “I like comfort, and I happen to be adventurous in other ways. Besides, thongs chafe when you’re running through Central Park trying not to get railed on the running path.”

All of us laugh—a comfortableness filling the space around us—and I realize that this Liam-prescribed shopping trip is about far more than getting me more clothes I don’t need. It has been arranged to give me the opportunity to bond with Liam’s family.

The next few hours pass in a blur of trying on lingerie, dresses, heels, and new running shoes for Catlin. All of us leave with enough bags that the men watching over us are forced to help carry things to the matching black Suburbans in the parking garage.

“This was actually not horrible,” I admit, giving Catlin a hug goodbye. “I had fun getting to know both of you.”

“The boys might not like it.” Layla rubs her fingers together, referencing the gross amount of money we’ve spent. “But we should do this again soon.”

“Definitely!” Catlin agrees. “We should make this a regular thing.”

“We can break the news to them during family dinner this weekend,” Layla chuckles.

“Family dinner?” My voice ticks up. “That’s a real thing?”

“Every week,” Layla smiles. “It generally happens at Quinn and Declan’s place in New Rochelle since it’s the biggest by far. Between the five brothers, Rory, the now four of us, three kids, and sometimes Jorge, we need all the space we can get.”

“This weekend?” I repeat, suddenly nervous about meeting the rest of Liam’s family.

“Don’t stress.” Catlin lightly grips my hand. “The boys will all fawn over you, Conor will make relentless jokes about wanting to sleep with you, and Liam will probably beat the snot out of him for it.”

“It’ll be a nice change from Finn or Declan fighting with him,” Layla giggles.

The three of us say our goodbyes, and I slide into the back of my SUV. We have no more than pulled from the parking spot when my phone dings with a message from Liam.

LIAM

Did you have fun, sweetheart?

I did.

They are so wonderful and welcoming.

Good.

I just got home. See you shortly.

This close to rush hour, it takes forever to make our way across town to Liam’s apartment. We finally reach our destination and park in the garage. Patrick opens my door and helps me from the backseat as Harry grabs my bags from the back. “I’ll bring these up for you, ma’am.”

“Thank you,” I mutter, still very uncomfortable with the treatment I’m receiving. We ride the elevator in silence, and Harry follows behind me into the apartment with my many bags in tow.

“Did you leave anything at the store?” Liam teasingly scoffs when he sees Harry’s full hands. “You can place them in her room, and she won’t need you or Patrick for the rest of the evening,” he tells Harry.

“Of course, sir.” He nods, quickly disappearing down the hallway. He returns moments later and silently lets himself out as Liam leads me toward the kitchen.

Liam leans against the counter and picks up his glass of whiskey. He takes a slow, savory sip and asks to hear more about my day. He listens attentively to every word, showing genuine interest in the mundane details of my day.

“Are you hungry?” he asks when I finish.

I shake my head. “Not really.”

Liam finishes his drink places it in the sink, and rounds the island to the barstool I’m sitting on. “I’m glad you enjoyed your day.” He smiles, parting my knees and sliding the back of his hand along my inner thigh. His fingers dust along my panties, and I bite my lip as his light touch quickly reminds me of how needy he has repeatedly left me today. Gripping my hips, he pulls me from the stool to my feet and tucks my hair behind my ear. “I enjoy seeing a smile on that stunning face of yours.”