Page 4 of Sam's Salvation
The door to the ballroom opened. She glanced up. Dismay filled her, but she kept it off her face.
“You can’t disappear yet, my dear. The party isn’t over.” Liam strode toward her. In his monochromatic dark suit and shirt, he cut a handsome figure. It was too bad his soul was as dark as his clothing.
“Sorry. I got a little warm.”
“Ah. How about a stroll in the garden, then?” He walked forward and held out an arm.
Audra clenched her teeth. There went her chance to search his office. Plus, she did not want to be alone with him outside and away from the guests, but a refusal would arouse his suspicions. So, she pasted a bright smile on her face. “Sure.” Taking his arm, she let him lead her down the corridor, into the living room, and out the French doors to the back patio.
“So, how is the wedding planning coming? My mother said you looked lovely in your dress.”
“It’s fine. Things are on schedule.” They were supposed to get married in three months. She’d had her final fitting yesterday. His mother had declared herself Audra’s stand-in, since her own fake mother was dead. Siobhan Brogan was a true matriarch. The woman could be kind when she wanted to be, but, even though technically Liam was in charge, she ruled the family—her son included—with an iron fist.
“Good. I’m looking forward to it.”
She glanced over at the heated tone of his voice. His brown eyes glittered with a dark heat that sent a chill down Audra’s spine. She was glad she’d never have to sleep with him. All indicators suggested it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience.
Looking away, she let a lock of her hair fall over her face, shielding it from view. She took every opportunity she could to play up the demure lady persona. Her operation hinged on being the rich man’s sheltered daughter. Thank God she wasn’t a party animal.
“I still think we should test the waters.” He stopped under a tree, drawing her into the shadows. “Make sure we’re compatible. It’ll be a lonely marriage if we can’t keep things spicy in the bedroom.”
Audra fought another eye roll. Like that mattered? He’d been stepping out on her since she agreed to this arranged marriage. “My father wouldn’t like that. He insisted we wait, remember?” It had been one of her stipulations for taking on this role. They might have had Sean Burton dead-to-rights on a number of charges, but she had threatened to put a halt to the entire thing if he didn’t insist Liam wait to deflower his “daughter.” She would do a lot for her country, but pimping herself out to a mob boss wasn’t in her job description.
Liam hooked a hand around her waist and tugged her forward. “He’ll never know. He’s all the way back in Chicago. None of my people will tell him.” He leaned in and nuzzled her neck with his nose.
Bile rose in her throat. “What about your mother?”
“She’ll be going home soon. It’s getting late, and she’s not the partier she used to be. Especially without father around to insist she stay.” He licked the skin behind her ear.
As delicately as she could, Audra put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him back. “I made a promise, Liam. If I break it, I’ll feel guilty every time I’m around my dad. I can’t do that.”
The passionate glitter in his eyes hardened. Audra was happy she knew how to defend herself and that she wasn’t really the innocent Alexandra Burton. That woman was happily living her quiet life in witness protection while Audra assumed her identity.
“The longer we wait, the more the—urge—to taste this delectable body of yours gets hold of me.” He raked his dark eyes over her body. She’d deliberately chosen a dark dress to hide some of her curves. It hadn’t done much good. The men had actually seemed to look at her harder, trying to see through the black fabric.
“Well, that will just make our wedding night that much more exciting. I’m sure you’ll be ready to do all kinds of wicked and delicious things.” She gave him a coy smile.
Some of the steel disappeared from his gaze. His lips softened into a rakish smile. “How about we save the big act for then and have a preview now?” He slid a hand between her thighs.
Audra deftly side-stepped. “No.” She sent him what she hoped was a sexy look; her disgust was reaching new heights. “I want the anticipation. It will make it so much better.”
He growled and snatched her close again. His lips landed on hers with punishing force.
Don’t bite the arsehole’s tongue.
Don’t do it.
But, oh, how she wanted to. Instead, she swallowed her disgust and parried her tongue with his, hoping she showed the appropriate level of interest. When he grabbed her breast and gave it a firm squeeze, she faked a moan and pulled back. “That’s far enough. Anymore will have to wait.”
“You’re a tease, Alexandra. And I will delight in teaching you what happens to that kind of woman on our wedding night.” He rubbed his palm over her nipple and thrust his hips into her belly.
Audra felt the hard ridge behind his fly. She faked a sultry laugh. “I’m sure we’ll both enjoy it,” she said, playing the naïve heiress. From the look in his eyes, she doubted he would be kind to her body. No, he planned to take what he wanted as hard and as fast as possible. Oh, she couldn’t wait to take this man down. She almost had what she needed. If she could get details of his business meeting, she could potentially close the book on this chapter of her life that had lasted far too long. She was ready to be herself again.
Liam slid a hand down over the curve of her butt and squeezed, then let her go. “Come on. Let’s go back to the party.”
“Could you give me a few minutes? I’m still a little warm.”
A smirk lifted one side of his mouth. “I guess since I heated you up, I can give you a few minutes to gather yourself.”