5 comments/ 9066 views/ 17 favorites Halfbreed Ch. 01 By: PixieDiva Halfbreed Ch. 02 Lorena I wake up the next day to see the sun shining through my curtains. It's a beautiful, dry morning and, as I eat my breakfast, I have an overwhelming urge to feel the sun on my skin. So when Amanda shows up to help me open the store, I tell her I am taking a few hours off to work in the garden. I spend a little time cleaning up one bad patch of a stubborn little crawler, then stop. These gardening gloves are scratchy! I stand up, contemplating going down for my other pair, and see a man leaning against the door, watching me. I let out a little yelp of surprise, before realizing who the invader is. "I am sorry if I startled you..." he says, pocketing his phone and pushing away from the door. Just as last night, his words are apologetic but his voice and demeanor do not show any contrition at all. He seems amused if anything. "You need to stop apologizing when you do not feel sorry Mr. Stewart." The words are out of my mouth before I know it and I blush. Why am I being rude to this man? His overly self assured manner irritates me for some reason. He blinks, looking slightly taken aback by my reply, but amusement still glints in his eyes "Please call me Liam... and I really did not mean to startle you." I'm a little put out by the invasion, but man... is he ever a sight for sore eyes! Wearing light colored khakis and a soft, white, button down shirt, with the two top buttons left open and sleeves rolled up to his elbows, he looks like an ad for men's casual. I usually have a problem with men in loafers, but even they look good on him! His hair is still in the low ponytail and I notice it looks black, even in the sunlight. "How did you get up here?" "Your assistant let me in." he stops by my side. That was a little irresponsible of Amanda, what if he turned out to be a creep after all? "You seemed very absorbed in your work. I decided to wait for a natural pause instead of interrupting you." I can't help but smile "That was kind, but you are lucky these are not very comfortable." I wave the offending gloves in his direction "Normally I could go for hours without a 'natural pause'..." "I came to see about setting up my equipment, as we talked about last night..." I had been so excited by the idea of a morning gardening in the sun, I completely forgot about him. Surprisingly, since he was present in at least some of my dreams... "Sure. I guess it's my turn to apologize. I got carried away by the sun and forgot about you..." I try not to blush while looking directly at him "Feel free to have a look around. I'm afraid I can't help you at all though, I know nothing about photography..." "I would like to set up a tripod over there." He says, walking towards the side of the garden facing the bay. "If it would not be in your way..." This is where most of the potted plants live. He should be able to easily find a spot for his things. "Sounds good. You will not be in my way at all. I have to tell you though, the neighbors' cat likes to roam around here. He broke one of my little pots the other night... I don't know if he could interfere with the equipment..." I still feel sad about my little potted violets. "Not your cat then..." he says strangely, then smiles slightly at me "I'm sure the cameras are too heavy for him to do any damage... If you really don't think I'll be in the way, I'll go get the stuff out of my car..." "Nope, feel free..." Still smiling a little, he saunters through the door and down the stairs. I wonder if this means he will be coming here often to check on his equipment? He comes back with a multitude of bags, drops it all on the floor, close to his chosen spot, and starts setting up what looks like very sophisticated equipment. Hobby huh? Not really in a mood to garden anymore, I pick up my tools, take all the clippings to the compost bin and wash my hands, then walk towards him, trying to decide if I should stay up here until he is finished. "Have you lived here long?" All right. Safe small talk. I can do that. I hope! I clear my throat a little to find my voice before answering. "A little over three years. I moved here from Seattle to open my store." "Quiet little town. Don't young people usually move away from these little towns as soon as they are old enough?" Oh-key... Did he just call me 'young people'? How old is he? "I always liked it here and hadn't really anything keeping me in Seattle... So when this house came up for sale it was perfect." "You don't mind the quiet then?" "Not really... I don't think of it like that... and Seattle is just a ferry ride away when I do feel the need for more..." Do I get to ask questions? "What about you? Where do you call home?" He thinks on it for a second. "New York, mostly..." "Oh... mostly?" That's a strange way to put it... "I travel a lot. New York is more like a base than home..." My cell phone buzzes on top of the table, just as I am trying to think of a way to find out if he is available. It's a text from Amanda, she needs me down at the store to approve some items that just arrived. "I have to go down help Amanda..." "I just need another twenty minutes or so... I'll see you downstairs?" -- Mrs Yates is still with me when he walks through the doors a little while later. She makes the most beautiful hand painted silk scarves. I feel privileged to have them in my store and, not surprisingly, they sell very well. I try really hard to focus on the story she is telling me - something about her grandson who has gone to college - but get distracted as Liam moves towards my work station. "You have other business to tend to. I will leave you in peace dear." She gives Liam an up and down look and winks at me "I will see you again soon." We hug and she goes on her way. Oh my, it would seem not even Mrs. Yates is immune! Liam is examining some of the pieces on my table when I walk up to him. I feel a little more comfortable here, surrounded by my tools and the furniture I chose so carefully. It is like he is in my territory, so I am safe. "These are beautiful." he points to the set I am working on right now. I am quite proud of it myself. Having finished a necklace and earrings, I am half way through a cuff bracelet in the same style. The stones are bold and the delicate, lacy, silver-wire work compliments them perfectly. That is how I feel at least. "I like the contrast. The way the metal balances the stones..." He says pensive and I melt a little. He gets it. "Thank you. That was the idea." I blush and smile, like a mother who has been told her baby should be the next Gerber Baby. His disconcerting eyes follow me as I move around my table and that tingling in the back of my neck intensifies, as if caused by his scrutiny. After a moment he says "Well... I am all set, up there." pointing to the ceiling "Thank you for letting me do this." He hesitates for a moment, as if he is thinking about saying something else. "It's no problem..." I offer. He looks at me for a little longer. What is it?! I am afraid I will really start blushing if he keeps this up! Seeming to change his mind, about whatever he was about to say, Liam gives me a little nod "Bye then Lorena... I guess I will see you tomorrow." Weird... "We open at nine." I say, just to avoid him knocking on my door at seven in the morning or something. He chuckles "Got you." -- I reach for another tissue before closing the book I just finished reading. This was a tear jerker! I knew it was sad, I knew it would make me cry. Still, it's such a beautiful story! Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. It's almost two am though! What was I thinking?! I should go to bed right now, Fridays are busy days, and I have a lot of work to do. Now I will not only be tired in the morning, I know the lingering sadness of the story will stay with me. I need to re-read Pride and Prejudice urgently! Jane Austin's wit, and Elizabeth and Darcy's happy ending will wash away the gloom left by poor Lou and Will. My mind is filled with thoughts of Liam, unexpectedly. Wow! What brought that up!? OK, the guy is sex on legs. And, by his manners and way of talking, one can tell passion would not be lacking. He is just so intense! Even when he was just making small talk, that feeling of... coiled energy, never seemed to go away. Despite my claims to the contrary, I did notice he didn't come today to check on his cameras. Much to Amanda's annoyance, as she had made a bet with me. She is convinced he wants to ask me out on a date. I have no idea why! The guy is polite, sure, but men like him are just not interested in the 'small town jewelry maker' type. A noise upstairs startles me out of my reverie. That bloody cat again?! Maybe I should scare him, throw some water or something, to stop him from coming here? What if the stupid animal toppled all that expensive looking photography stuff? Ugh... I better check, just in case. I put my coat on and grab the baseball bat my brother gave me. The idea of a burglar here is almost ridiculous, but I like to have it in hand anyway. It's cold! The steps feel like ice, even through my socks. Why didn't I take the time to put some shoes on?! Another noise reaches me just as I put my key on the door to the garden. Sounds like someone walking! I hear a scary, hiss-like sound and the cat screeches. Good lord! Cat wars in my garden?! Maybe there is a mouse after all! Opening the door slowly, my grip firm on the baseball bat, I step out... and find Liam perched on top of the picnic table. I jump in surprise, letting go of the door, to hear it close behind me with a bang. "Please, don't scream!" he says calmly. My breath is caught in my throat. That is probably the only reason why I don't let out a scream anyway. What is he doing here!? And how on earth did he get up here?! The door was locked! "I am sorry... I didn't mean to scare you..." he gets down from the table, with his hands out in front of him, in a pacifying gesture. At least, this time, he really seems to be sorry. "What the hell are you doing here?!" I sound all squeaky. Should I run? Call the police? "I didn't have a chance to come check on my stuff during the day..." "Couldn't it wait until morning?! Jesus! I almost had a heart attack!" I am still shaken, but more in control now. Enough to be pissed off, and to actually see him. His long hair is loose, flying around a little in the breeze. He is wearing a pair of low riding, black cargo-like pants and nothing else. Despite everything, I swallow dry at the expanse of bare chest, abs and muscled arms in front of me... God almighty! The diffused, yellowish light from the street lamps bellow gives his smooth skin a darker glow. Everything looks as good as I thought it would... "I am sorry... I... just arrived back in town, and couldn't sleep... so I decided to come and have a look at my stuff." "How did you get up here Liam?" He hesitates for a second "Have you heard of parkour?" I blink at him, par-what?! Then I remember seeing a program about it on TV. "Oh... those people that jump around on the street? You do that?" "I do." he says, leaning against the table and crossing his arms over his chest. He seems very calm, but it doesn't fool me. This sounds like such a bunch of crap... I get the impression he is making it up as he goes along. But how else could he have gotten up here? And he does look strong enough to go up a wall. Those arms... Good lord! I better look away before I start drooling! I walk to the edge of the garden and look down. It seems way too high for that kind of thing... but what do I know? "Where are your clothes? And your shoes! You must be freezing!" "It's strenuous exercise... keeps me warm." Do I detect humor in his voice? I look at him again. He is watching me, a mysterious little smile on his face. "Something amusing you Mr. Stewart?" He shakes his head "You are an intriguing woman Ms. Clarke..." What?! "I find you, half naked on my rooftop, in the middle of the night, and I am the intriguing one?!" He barks a laugh "You weren't supposed to find me. I had hoped to be up and out of here without disturbing your sleep. But that stupid cat actually jumped on my back!" he holds his hair out to the side a little, and turns half way, so I can see a pair of deep scratches on his left shoulder. I also get a glimpse of his flexed abdominal muscles, and my breathing hitches without my consent. Trying to look unaffected, despite the blood thundering in my ears, I say "Oh... those could get infected..." then I hesitate, for only a moment, if he was a 'bad guy' he would have already done something by now. Right? "Come down to my apartment with me, I will clean those scratches up for you." Liam inhales deeply and turns back to me with a look of, I don't know... Hunger? Longing? It makes my mouth go dry again. Hmm... maybe this is not such a good idea? But those scratches do look painful. After a second he looks away "Don't worry. It's just a little scratch..." "You are bleeding. Cat's claws are terribly dirty. I would feel bad if you got an infection..." "Aren't you afraid of letting a stranger into your home, in the middle of the night like this?" I lift my baseball bat and give him a raised eyebrow "I am hardly defenseless. One untoward move and those little scratches will be the least of your worries." He chuckles again, shaking his head "I promise to behave then." Oh if he only knew... I am beginning to wish he wouldn't behave at all! -- Crap! I haven't really thought this through... I am a little unsure about what to do, its warm in here, but I am only wearing a big t-shirt and panties under this coat! After a second's deliberation I decide to take the coat off anyway, The old t-shirt is big enough to cover my thighs, and hardly the epitome of sexiness or temptation - specially when paired with my Hello Kitty socks, like now. Liam sits on my little armchair, while I gather some gauze, antiseptic, ointment and band-aids. His presence seems to fill my whole apartment. Everything looks so small around him... Luckily I have kept the place tidy this week. There are no bras or dirty dishes about. He looks a bit gloomy, like he is not completely happy about being here. His eyes follow me around unnervingly. "Here we go..." I bring everything to my coffee table and hand him a hair tie. "You really didn't need to do this. It's not even your cat..." he says while tying his mass of hair into a low ponytail. "You have so much hair! It's beautiful..." I say softly, without thinking. Ugh... I seem to do that a lot around him "This might sting a little." I make quick work of cleaning the wounds, then spread some antiseptic cream on it with my fingertips. Oh... the sudden urge to just run my hands over all of his exposed skin is almost overwhelming. There are two dark lines tattooed on his back. They curve in, from the top of his shoulder blades, all the way down, almost to the low waistband of his pants. Strange... I think my fingertips linger for a little too long, betraying my rather lustful thoughts, because Liam lets a breath out and moves his shoulders slightly. When he looks at me, his pupils are dilated. We are so close, I notice for the first time the delicious scent of his after shave or cologne. Good god, even his smell is gorgeous... What am I doing?! I try to snap out of it. Pretending to be very absorbed in covering the deeper parts of the scratches with a couple of band-aids. "There you go... that should be enough to keep you from a horrible death by infection." I am afraid I sound a little breathless, but I can't help it. "Thank you." His voice is quiet now, it sends a little shiver up my arms. "Be right back." I walk away from him, to wash the sticky ointment from my fingers and to try to catch a full breath of air into my lungs. When I come back to the room he is standing by my bookshelf. His head tipped to the side, reading the titles of my books. "You have very eclectic taste Ms. Clarke..." I blush "Well... I like to read, almost everything. Do you read?" He looks at me with a smile "Yes... I do like to read, mostly non fiction though, history. But I will read a novel once in a while." "I stayed up to finish this one tonight. That's why I was awake..." I point to the book laying on my couch. There is a small pile of tissues by it. Ops... I guess not so tidy after all. "Is it good?" he picks it up to read the back. "It's very good. But it's kind of a romance novel, not really your thing, I would think." "Can't say I have read any... maybe I should try?" "Hm..." I shrug "You are welcome to borrow it, if you want... You probably wont like it though, so don't feel bad about bringing it back unread." He thinks on it for a moment. Everything he does around me seems to take a lot of deliberation. It's weird. "OK..." his beautiful blue eyes study me again, and my heart seems to have trouble keeping a steady beat. What am I doing!? Talking like this, with a half naked man I barely know, all alone in my apartment, only the little coffee table in between us, in the middle of the night! I am half naked myself! After another moment of what looks like deep pondering, he seems to make a decision "You have been very helpful, Ms. Clarke... maybe you will let me buy you dinner? As a thank you..." Wait. Is this his way of asking me out? Is that what all the thinking was about?! Even though Amanda claims to have seen it coming, It still catches me completely by surprise. "Oh, you don't have to do that... It has been no trouble at all." He lets out a little rueful laugh. "OK. Let me try to rephrase that: I would like very much to take you out to dinner Lorena. Are you busy tonight?" "Thank you, but I already have plans for this evening..." I don't know if I'm feeling relieved or disappointed, to tell the truth. But it's probably for the best. I'm just way out of my league here. "Next week then?" he replies immediately "I am busy this weekend, but you can pick a day next week." and, all of a sudden, his eyes go really intense. Almost daring me to say no. "Any day, Lorena." Jeez... I can't really escape that now, can I? He is obviously not used to being denied and some mischievous part of me feels an urge to say no again anyway, just to show him. Besides, how does he know I don't have a very jealous boyfriend or something? Regardless, I find myself agreeing meekly "Uh... OK." I laugh a little, this whole situation is so weird! Oh well, it looks like I'm going on a date. "I am free next week, I mean... maybe Tuesday?" Liam smiles fully at me for the first time ever and the air seems to go thick. I can't breathe properly. That smile is a weapon of mass destruction! Too dangerous to be walking around freely like this. "Tuesday it is. We will talk again before then, to decide on a time." "Sounds like a plan..." To my dismay, I sound breathless. He walks slowly around the coffee table towards me, until he is standing within arms reach. Moving some loose strands behind my ear, he then watches his fingers as he runs them down the length of my hair, capturing the ends of a curl in his hand. It's such an intimate gesture! I am paralyzed. I can do nothing but watch his beautiful face. A battle seems to be happening behind his striking eyes, as he looks at his fingers, playing with my hair. Halfbreed Ch. 02 "Beautiful, mystifying, Lorena..." His eyes meet mine for a second, his fingertips skim my cheek gently and he steps away from me again, towards the door. "I better let you sleep now..." I find my voice only by the power of some miracle "I will open the door downstairs for you..." How is he getting to wherever he is going? He is barefooted and half naked! "No, no... don't worry. It's cold out there. You go to bed. I will get out the same way I came in... for luck. My car is parked not too far, and I still need to get the memory cards from the cameras." I look at him for a beat, then shrug. It all still sounds like nonsense, but whatever. My knees are a little wobbly and I feel very tired all of a sudden. Emotionally drained, both from the book and from this whole conversation. "OK... You should be careful though. People around here have been a bit antsy, since the police found two women dead on the beach north of here. You don't want to get shot by accident." "Thank you, I will keep that in mind." He puts the book into one of his many pockets and makes his way to the door. "I will lock the upstairs from the inside for you before closing it." -- On Tuesday, my doorbell rings a few minutes before seven. I have decided not to invite him up now, so, grabbing my coat and bag, I make my way downstairs, walking deliberately slowly. When I open the door, Liam is just standing there, looking... well, scrumptious comes to mind. His eyes are down and he seems a little lost in thought. "Hi..." I say softly, trying not to startle him and it comes out all husky, like a cheesy 'come on'. I feel myself blush immediately and my resolution to stay relaxed wavers a bit. "Good evening. May I say, you look lovely tonight Ms. Clarke." he says playfully. "Oh why... thank you, Mr. Stewart." I say imitating his tone and then, pointedly looking him over "You don't look too bad yourself." His throaty and sexy laugh sounds so damn good... "Ready to go?" "I'm all yours tonight." What? Where did that come from? "You shouldn't say things like that, unless you mean them, Lorena..." his tone sends butterflies into my stomach, but he goes back to casual and friendly before I can really react "I hope you don't mind a bit of a drive? I thought we might try the Hideaway." "Oh...?" That's a forty minute drive! He wiggles his eyebrows at me "I promise to let you choose the music for the drive?" "All right. I can live with that." Liam opens the car door for me. Oh, I get to ride in the little toy car tonight! It's a bit low but I manage to get into my seat, as elegantly as can be expected. "Why the Hideaway?" I ask, when he is in his seat. "One of my friends was there this week, he can't stop raving about the food. Have you eaten there before?" "No. I have heard about it though. It's supposed to be really good." I hope he knows, they are usually booked solid every night for weeks in advance. He starts maneuvering the car around "Now, about that music?" "Oh yeah... Let's see... Do you have any Justin Bieber? or Britney Spears? Oh... maybe some SpiceGirls?" I say deadpan, but when I look at his horrified face I can't keep it up. We laugh, and I feel a little less daunted by the idea of spending forty minutes trapped in such close quarters with him. He has old Kings of Leon playing with the volume low, and I am happy with that. We talk about music and cinema for a while. As it happens, we like a lot of the same music. He seems to watch a great amount of horror movies, which I don't particularly like, but has never seen a Julia Roberts romantic comedy! How did he escape that? Hasn't he ever had a girlfriend!? It's a strange ride. The conversation flows easily enough, but Liam seems to have an aloof persona firmly in place tonight. He is not asking any personal questions, and giving me only general responses, when I ask about New York, his travels, the brothers he mentioned... Even though I think I understand, it still disappoints me a little. The fact he has no interest in getting to know me, won't even pretend to have an interest, makes the point of this date a little too clear. His hand leaves a burning impression in the middle of my back, despite the layers, as we walk into the restaurant. The place is packed. While I take my coat off, Liam talks to the hostess. I see him touch her arm lightly. She seems to melt like butter in his presence and, as if in a daze, makes some alterations to her seating chart, then calls one of the waiters to show us to our table. I feel a little embarrassed for her. Do I look like that when he talks to me? I hope not! The table is small and in an intimate corner. Another waiter brings out water, introduces himself and talks about the food. I am in a mood for red wine and happy to let Liam choose a bottle for us. When we are left alone he sits forward in his chair, leaning on his forearms, looking at me with a thoughtful expression on his face. The proximity is intoxicating. I smile a little, he is making me nervous with his silence. Laying my hand by the side of my plate, trying not to fidget, I have a look around the place. It's a lovely decorated restaurant... Without warning, Liam takes hold of my hand gently. That electric feeling I had before is there again, almost making me gasp. Suddenly, I am hot all over. "Are you trying to make me nervous, Liam?" A slow smile plays on his lips and he shakes his head. Studying the hand he is holding he says "Beautiful long fingers. Artistic fingers..." then he lifts his eyes and gently squeezes the tip of one of them, while looking straight at me. I let out a little gasp. OK...That was hot! I am caught completely off guard. "Good... I was starting to wonder if I had any affect on you at all..." he says with a secret little smile. The waiter comes back with the wine and takes our order. I'm so thankful for the break and for the chance of having my hand back! We toast and I take a sip. The wine is very nice. I drink some more for courage. "So, I assume there will be no jealous boyfriend, storming the restaurant to rescue you?" his turquoise eyes never leave my face. I smile a little at his wording "No... I probably wouldn't be here if there was a boyfriend..." "I didn't think so." "Why? Do I need rescuing?" "Ah Ms. Clarke, if you only knew..." "You are trying to make me nervous!" He chuckles and sits back in his chair, relaxed. I try to relax too, with some success. This is a lovely wine... By the time they clear out our plates, I am really enjoying myself. He is sweet, funny and seems completely focused on me, interested in everything I have to say. The food was delicious but I can't even tell if I have eaten a lot, the power of his undivided attention is incredibly distracting. The moment I lay my hand on the table again, he takes it. Not content with simply holding my fingers, Liam starts to gently massage the tops of them with his thumb. I have to hold myself, to avoid squirming in my seat. This is too hot! The energy between us goes from easy conversation to charged in an instant. The effects his tiny caresses are having on me are totally out of proportion. Am I really that needy? I have to suppress a laugh. It has been more than three years Lorena... I look at him and he is watching me, as if privy to my internal discussion. Liam lifts one eyebrow in question, a little predatory smile playing on his lips. Good god, he is sexy! I just realize I know nothing really personal about him. I wanted to ask questions! Now I have told him more than I usually share with anyone, while I don't even know for sure if he is single! I feel the urge to pout, like a sullen toddler. "Alright. Ask away..." he says, and sits back on his chair again, still holding my hand. Amusement dancing in his eyes. Oh... Did I say something out loud? Did I actually pout? I have to clear my throat a little before I can think of a way to respond. His touch is too distracting. He lets go of my hand then, and I have a moment of insanity, thinking he can read my mind. His smile spreads on his lips and I feel my body react to him all the way to my toes. This is absurd! Focus Lorena! Questions! Yes... I wanted to ask questions. I consider asking him about his opinion on the subject matter of the book he borrowed, but decide it's too grim for first date chat. Hmm... what to ask first? "Do you have a wife, 2.4 babies and a dog missing you right now in New York?" I blurt out. Oh... smooth... I can immediately feel my cheeks burning at the bluntness of my attempt at checking his availability. I'm so not good at this! Liam barks out a laugh. Won't even pretend he doesn't know what I'm doing. "Nope... no one to miss me... I travel a lot, for work..." "Sounds lonely..." "It can be... but this kind of traveling sometimes has it's rewards..." He signs for the waiter and hands him his credit card, without even looking at the bill. "Come, there is a park down the road. Fancy a walk with me?" His look makes me think I understand exactly how the little gazelle feels, face to face with the lion. Still, when he offers me his hand, I take it. The butterflies are threatening to come out of my mouth by the time we have our coats on and are out of the door. It really has been too long since I have played this game, I am so afraid of making a fool of myself... but I guess the time to run away has long passed, so I take a deep breath and try to relax. Just be yourself Lorena. Nothing else you can do. The night is cold, the air lovely and fresh. He holds my hand as we walk in silence, seeming lost in thought. I can't think of anything to say, my mind is spinning a little. There is a narrow ladder going down to a walkway in the little park. He steps down first, and holding my hand over his shoulder, helps me negotiate it. Looking down at the steps, afraid to slip in the semi darkness, I don't realize he has stopped at the bottom. As he turns around, I take one step too many, ending up way closer than I had planned. Up close like this, his delicious smell invades my senses again. He looks down at me and our eyes lock. Is he going to kiss me this time? This is perfect. If he does, I might just melt into the water. But he hesitates for a second too long, then looks away, taking a step back. Oh-key... This is confusing... and a little annoying, to tell the truth. What's his deal? He lets go of my hand and we walk in silence again for a while. This is a lovely little park by the water, the night is perfect for a walk, but I'm starting to feel uncertain about all this. Maybe I should just ask him to take me home now... His voice almost startles me "I always tell my men to be... prudent around girls, when we go to small towns like this..." he says this carefully, as if measuring his words, watching my face "We never stay long, you see... and I would hate to think we left any bad impressions... or broken hopes when we pack up and leave..." It takes a second for what he is saying to sink in, but when it does I am floored. How... How condescending! What is he talking about!? Ugh!! It's obvious he thinks we are a bunch of simpletons, and that the women will be all buying wedding dresses before they know it, if his 'men' get involved with them. Message received Mr. Stewart! I stop walking. There really is no point in pretending I don't know he was talking directly to me. Like I need reminding to keep my hopes down, because he will be leaving soon!? What does he think I am? Twelve?! I am done with him, but I feel like I need to say something. "You may consider though, that the girls around here are not as naive as you think. They may be having a little fun with... your men... as you say, exactly because they know they will be gone soon. No small town awkwardness to deal with in the future." Liam stands there, looking all intense and broody. Taking a deep breath I say "I have had enough walking, I think. And I need to work early tomorrow... Maybe you can drive me back now?" then I turn around and start walking the other way, without waiting for him. The idea of forty minutes in a car with him now is so horrifying, I wonder if I can find another way to get home. I think I hear him mutter "Oh, fuck it!" as I walk as fast as I can without running. He catches up to me just as I reach the steps and takes a hold of my arm, to stop me "Feisty little thing aren't you?" His look is hot enough to weaken my knees but I am too mad to care. Looking into his beautiful, stormy eyes, I say as calmly as I can "This game you are playing is beyond irritating Liam! I think this date is over." I try to turn around but he still has my arm, so I look up at him again. "Is that why you are here then Lorena? For a bit of fun?" the longing and hunger I saw the other night are there again, in his beautiful blue eyes. It leaves me paralyzed for a second. Stepping closer, Liam cups my face with his big hand. When I don't move away immediately, he seems to take it as permission, and kisses me hard, no preambles. I think about protesting, but I am sure we both know this is what I have wanted all along, so it seems futile. His lips are soft and warm, and oh so good... my hands go to his chest, more for support than to push him away at this point. It feels just as hard and strong as it looks. I moan, parting my lips, and he deepens the kiss, enclosing me in his arms. A few seconds into it and I have surrendered completely! I don't really want it to end! So I run my hands down his broad chest, around to his back, under his jacket. Clinging on to him, raking my nails gently over the soft material of his sweater. Holy crap the man can kiss! Only when the need for air becomes unbearable, we stop. He puts his forehead against mine, his breathing is as altered as my own "I was only trying to protect you, troublemaker." he says softly. I laugh "Hm... and who is going to protect you?!" Liam chuckles, shaking his head, then kisses me again. I feel myself melting. His tongue is deliciously insistent. He tangles one hand into my hair and uses the other to explore the curves of my body, drawing me against him, dominating me with his size and power. We are just kissing and I am in heaven! The loud ringing of his phone startles both of us. Well, that's one ridiculous cliche we have covered... I lay my forehead against his chest and try to catch my breath, feeling like I want to scream at whoever is on the phone to go away. "Great timing as always, Nick..." Liam says and listens for a beat. His arm around my waist still holding me close, his expression darkens and he mutters "sorry" to me. I smile, shaking my head while he says "Have you talked to anyone else?" My brain has had time to start working again. I can see all the ways in which this is a bad idea, but I tell my mind to shut up for a change. He is gorgeous and, apparently, into me. I deserve a bit of fun. Liam says a clipped "Don't do anything until I get there. Just let me know if the situation changes." and hangs up. Pocketing his phone, he kisses me again. Hard and demanding. It's a full body assault, I am left whimpering in need as he trails nibbling kisses down my neck. Jeez! If he can do this with a kiss... "Ah troublemaker... it looks like you will escape tonight, to think better about what you are doing..." he says against my neck, his voice raspy. I feel so breathless after the last kiss, I cannot muster speech. "Something came up, I need to meet someone... Can you drive a stick?" What?! "Yes... Why?" I offer when I can find my voice again. "I want you to take my car and drive yourself home." "Are you crazy?! I can't leave you without a car! I can call a cab, Liam, if you need to be somewhere else... It's no problem." "Don't even think about it." he gives me his little sideways grin "This way I have an excuse to see you again..." Yeah... Like you need one of those. Silencing my protest with another quick kiss, he puts his arm around my shoulders and walks me to the car. After showing me where everything is and turning the little toy on for me, Liam takes a hold of my hands, to pull me back out of the car, and steps in close. Holding my chin up gently, looking me in the eyes, he says "I still want you. Think about it." Just like that, I am all out of breath again. It makes me laugh "I believe I will not be able to think about anything else for a while..." Liam gives me his devastating smile and kisses me again, swiftly, then steps back. Saying with a serious expression "Lock the doors and don't stop for anyone." I feel the urge to stick my tongue out at him but do as I'm told. Oh god... He said he still wants me! My insides flutter at the thought, but I stop myself short of dreaming up what will happen when he comes for his car. He is just passing by Lorena. Don't forget that. Too wired to sleep or even read when I get home, I change into my oldest and softest t-shirt and, wrapping myself in my favorite quilt, sit on the couch, to watch mindless late night television. I can't help staring at the little armchair though. The memory of him here, in my tiny living room, half naked and broody, haunts me. Liam Maybe I should be glad for the interruption... Figuring out what the deal is with this woman should not involve bedding her! She is not one of the groupies that comes to the nightclubs, or one of those sophisticated trill seekers he meets in the big towns. She is a sweet, lovely girl and he should leave her the bloody hell alone! Oh, but good intentions be damned, he was not lying, he still wants her... Liam tries to put Lorena out of his mind and concentrate on the problem at hand. Nick sounded very confused, It seems one of their females has come down with some form of disease. What the hell is going on? Walking back down to the beach, he finds a darker corner in where to change and takes off, towards the house Nick is working to set up as their temporary center of operations. Nick is waiting outside when Liam gets there. His baby brother looks worried. Liam can't remember the last time he saw Nick looking anything but complacent. This may be even more serious than he thought. "Where is Anna?" "She is sleeping now. Should I call father?" "Gareth and Tristan back yet?" "No, they will be staying in Vancouver another night." "What exactly happened Nick?" "I don't know! She came over to spend the night... I thought we were going to have some fun... but then she told me she was not feeling well..." "Why is she here? How did she escape her guardian? What were you thinking?!" Nick at least has the decency of looking embarrassed for a second. "She is twenty years old Liam. Not a youngling." "Still! We do not pray on our own females!" "Oh please! Remove the stick from up there, will you? I am not praying on anyone. We are friends, we talk and we fool around. Nothing for you to concern yourself with." "Anything you did that could have caused this?" "No! Of course not! She said she hadn't been feeling like herself for the last few days, but she didn't complain or anything because she didn't want to distract from Illana's ceremony." "And what exactly is her problem?" "The symptoms she described sound like what humans would call a cold or the flu... This is really strange Liam. Maybe we should just call father, I will deal with the backlash..." Halfbreed Ch. 02 "Let me see her. I will talk to Andrew and then we will decide what to do." "Oh yeah! I didn't think of Doctor Shepard! Good idea." Following Nick into the house, Liam finds the young female still sleeping, seemingly peacefully. She is showing a sheen of perspiration around her forehead, making her blond hair look damp, and her temperature seems a little elevated, but it's difficult for Liam to tell just by touch. "Where were you when I called?" Nick asks after a moment. "I was busy..." "Did you see the hippie? Have you figured it out yet? Why we can't read her mind?" "Not really... I did get a few glimpses tonight, but nothing like what we are used to. She seems perfectly ordinary otherwise." Apart from her scent... "Maybe she needs to be... distracted further, you know, to open her mind. Maybe I should have a go..." An absurd pang of possessiveness towards Lorena hits home at these words. It's very clear what Nick has in mind, and the idea of his brother 'having a go' at his little troublemaker makes Liam's blood boil. "You will stay away from her!" He says, a little more forceful than he intended. At Nick's strange look, Liam continues "Just cut it Nick. I'll deal with Lorena. We have a real problem here, lets concentrate on that." -- Andrew Shepard is a human doctor, one of only a handful of humans who knows about their kind. After a brief talk on the phone with him, Liam feels a little more relaxed. The doctor has agreed it's best if he comes over to have a look at the young female, do some blood tests maybe, before they take any other action. The private jet should deliver him here before morning. After a few phone calls to organize that flight and another check on the still sleeping youngster, Liam feels like there is nothing more to be done at the moment and an idea starts to take hold in his mind. It's only two in the morning, there is time... "Look, Nick. I need to stretch... You keep an eye on her. The doctor should be here in a few hours." Nick looks surprised but doesn't ask any questions. "Sure. Just... be careful?" "I have my phone, let me know if anything else happens." -- Leaving most of his clothes and his shoes behind, Liam makes his way out the back of the house. Nick made a good choice, this property is perfect for their needs. The house is big, it sits in a good portion of wooded land, there is even a small clearing, perfect for taking off and landing unseen by curious eyes. Taking off with a short run, Liam flies high and circles a couple of times, enjoying the freedom, the view... trying to relax. But before even making a conscious decision on it, he finds his wings are taking him towards the town, and a certain house. Staying high until the last minute, then focusing all his power on concealment, Liam gives in to temptation, and lands quietly on Lorena's little roof garden. He takes the opportunity to check on the cameras setup, trying to convince himself that's why he is here. Using the increased hearing his beast brings he listens for her, expecting to find peaceful sleep. He finds instead the sound of the tv. Is she still awake? Liam checks the window he knows opens into her bedroom. She is not in bed. Looking deeper into the apartment he finds her asleep on the couch. Even Nick would call him insane, Liam admits, but he can't go away without another taste of her. Opening the window wide, he changes as he jumps in. Landing on her bedroom floor as quietly as a man his size can. She never stirs, so he closes the window quietly, walks into the next room and sits on the armchair, across from her. To be continued... Halfbreed Ch. 03