Rogue Love (3 page)

We packed quickly. Neither of us had much to bring. After packing his bag and checking out of the motel, we rode back to my parent’s house. Luckily, everyone was still at church so I had a few minutes to through some clothes in a bag and leave a short note on Sarah’s bed explaining that I had to leave.

I didn’t have time to cry, but I felt my emotions pushing at the dam inside my when I placed the folded piece of paper on my sister’s bed and looked around the familiar room one last time.

Liam’s strong arm snaked around my waist. I leaned against his broad chest as I said goodbye to the only life I’
d ever known. A few minutes later we were on the road headed out of town. By the time my family returned home from church, Liam and I had passed the border of Mercy River and were headed to parts unknown.

“So where exactly are we going?” I asked when we stopped for lunch and a pee break.

We had driven past a lot of empty countryside and this diner was the first real sign of civilization we had seen since leaving Mercy River. It wasn’t much, but then again, neither was Mercy River.

“I don’t really know,” Liam replied, taking another bite of his hamburger. “That’s kind of the point, isn’t it? Freedom?”

“Yeah,” I agreed reluctantly. I had assumed that he had a bit more of a plan than that. I thought maybe he had drawn a route on a map that he was following or something of the sort. Having no plan at all, while freeing, also made me anxious.

“I would like to see where you grew up. Can we head there?” I asked finally swallowing the last bite of my sandwich. The idea excited me. I wanted to see where Liam was from, maybe even meet his friends and family.

“No. We can’t.” Liam’s curt reply caught me off guard. I glanced up at him, but he was looking out the window into the cornfields that seemed to spread on endlessly.

“Why not?” I asked. I wasn’t going to be put off that easily.

“Look, Mary, your family wasn’t entirely wrong. There are bad guys who look like me. I used to be one of them.”

“I don’t believe you were ever bad,” I replied teasingly, but Liam’s quick glance in my direction cut the smile from my face.

“Mary, I can’t go home. The guys I grew up with were all part of a biker gang. When I was old enough, I joined them.
Some of them were good guys, once upon a time. But things just got worse and worse. The things they did…” He paused and his eyes locked with mine. “Mary, I don’t want to tell you the details, but it was bad.”

“And you participated in those things?” I asked. A cold dagger of fear entered my heart as I tried to imagine funny, sweet Liam as part of a horrible gang. Had my parents been right all along?

“At first,” he admitted. “I told myself that it was for the good of my brothers and that it wasn’t so bad. But then it got worse and worse. I refused to do something really horrible. I spoke out and they kicked me out, but not before teaching me a lesson.”

“Liam lifted a corner of his shirt and I saw a long, jagged white scar running up the side of his torso.

“Liam!” I gasped. I tried to reach across the table, but he lowered his shirt and stared back out at the cornfields.

“I managed to get away from them,” he finally said in a whisper so quiet I couldn’t tell if he was talking to me or to his self. “But I can never go home.”

“I understand,” I said quietly, placing my hand on top of his.
Neither can I
, I added in my head.

We rode the rest of the afternoon in silence, watching as the cornfields faded to factories and we approached a small city. It wasn’t much, but compared to Mercy River it looked like a grand metropolis.

I watched the tall, grey buildings grow larger and larger until we shrank into insignificant ants in their shadows. The roar of cars and the hum of conversation drowned out my thoughts. I clung tightly to Liam’s waist until we pulled into the lot for a small motel.

I stood silent as Liam arranged for a room for the night, suddenly coming to the awkward realization that I was going to be spending a night in a room, alone with this man who had only a week before been a complete stranger. Now, he was all I had in the world, and all I wanted, but the old warnings from my past still blared loudly in my head.

Liam opened the door and I breathed a small sigh of relief. There were two twin beds separated by a small nightstand. I felt silly for even thinking that my gallant knight, who rode in a on a black motorcycle and saved me from my repressive life in Mercy River, might even think of taking advantage of me.

I collapsed on the first bed, finally allowing the exhaustion of the day to seep out of my bones and claim my body. The red floral bedspread was scratchy and smelled like smoke, but I had never been more grateful for a place to rest.

Liam smiled down at me as he placed our bags on the chair in the far corner. “I’ll shower first, while you rest.”

I nodded sleepily, wondering if it would even be possible to pull myself off the bed to shower. My eyelids grew heavy as soothing sound of running water echoed from the small bathroom. I stopped struggling against my exhaustion and let the enormity of the day settle around me like a thick blanket, helping me drift off into unconsciousness.

A cool hand on my cheek startled me awake. I blinked, looking around in confusion. Where was my purple bedspread? Where were my floral curtains that I made in home economics class in when I was fifteen?

Liam’s amused face looking down at me brought all the memories surging back. And just as suddenly, the tears started to flow. Silently at first, the warm tears streamed down my cheeks, forming salty puddles against my nose and finally absorbing into the scratchy motel sheets. Liam’s expression changed to concern as I tried unsuccessfully to blink away the onslaught of tears.

“Mary? What’s wrong?” His voice was so smooth, so sweet and comforting, but for some reason it only made my silent tears turn to racking sobs.

Liam seemed to understand, pulling me up against his cool, damp chest. He held me tightly against him and I buried my face into his hard muscles, finally allowing myself to mourn all that I had lost. After a few minutes my sobs subsided and my sadness faded to a dull ache and then finally dissipated.

“I’m sorry,” I finally managed to squeak out, pulling my face from the comfort of Liam’s chest to gaze up into those incredible blue eyes. “I really am glad I came with you. But I guess it is harder to just turn my back on my old life than I realized.”

Liam placed his cool hand on my cheek again. It was rough and calloused, but his touch was more comforting than he could possibly know.

“I know it is hard. I felt the same way when I left my home,” he said finally, staring into my eyes with a cool intensity. “The guys were like my family, even if they eventually turned rotten. They would have killed me if I stayed, but that didn’t make leaving any easier. I know it hurts to run away from a life that was poisonous because home always feels safer than the unknown. But if you want to grow, you need to leave your cage. You are allowed to be sad, Mary. I promise that I’m here for you.”

His lips pressed softly to my forehead. Though the kiss was chaste and sweet, it sparked a fire in me at once. I turned my chin up, my lips catching his in a hungry embrace. Liam kissed me back with full force, his soft lips crushing against mine as his hand gripped a handful of my blonde tresses. His tongue pressed insistently at the seam of my lips until they parted to let him through. He explored my mouth gently until I followed his lead. I reveled in the soft, smoky flavor of his lips against my tongue and sighed against him as I inhaled the sharp, clean scent of soap that wafted from his freshly washed body.

I wanted to have more of him, to finally partake in the mysterious, dirty sins that I had been warned about. But exhaustion weighed me down. I pulled back regretfully from Liam’s peppered kisses on my lips.

“I should shower before bed,” I explained, looking down to hide my creeping blush.

When I looked up shyly, Liam was nodding. The towel wrapped around his waist hid his desire, but I could read it on his face. He wanted what I wanted, but tonight wqs not the time.

I showered quickly, letting the cool water wash the dust and grime of the day from my body. The tiredness and ache had settled deep in my bones, but sleep would help with that. Liam was already settled into his bed by the time I changed into my nightclothes.

I settled into my own bed and let the thick veil of sleep claim me quickly. My sleep was dreamless, or else I didn’t remember them. I didn’t wake up until the harsh rays of midmorning sun shone into the room and I awoke for the first time away from Mercy River.

Liam rolled over in his bed and groaned.
I felt the same way about being yanked from the comfort of my deep slumber, but I had to smile at the way his tousled brown hair stood up in strange patterns, like a piece of wild modern art.

“Good morning,” I called out cheerfully as I stretched and sat up in the creaky bed.

Liam groaned again and struggled to pull himself upright. “It isn’t fair that you wake up like that,” he complained, gesturing in my direction.

I laughed and hopped out of bed to get ready for the day. I was a morning person by force of habit. My parents would never allow me to sleep in, so I was used to waking up at the crack of dawn and getting straight to work on whatever tasks I had for the day. In addition, my smooth, straight hair and the fact that I rarely wore any makeup meant I didn’t wake up with wild hair or raccoon eyes. It was one of the few perks of being a low maintenance girl.

Liam grumbled but finally pushed aside the blankets and stumbled out of bed. I rummaged through my bag until I found a suitable outfit of jeans and a fitted lilac t-shirt for the day’s ride. I wasn’t sure how long we would be on the road, but I figured I might as well get comfortable.

I quickly changed in the bathroom and pulled my long hair into a quick braid down my back to keep it from flying wild in the wind as it had the day before. By the time I had washed up and exited the somewhat grimy little bathroom, Liam had already changed into his jeans and a clean white t-shirt and had his bag packed and ready to go.

I rushed to throw everything in my bag, but couldn’t stop myself from sneaking a few peeks at Liam as he waited by the door. The white shirt made the tan of his skin stand out more starkly, which helped accentuate the gorgeous blue shade of his eyes. He was almost too perfect. The swirl of black tattoos down his strong, bulging arms added a perfect air of danger and mystery. I felt a tingling in my core and had to look away. It was too damn easy to get distracted by him.

“I’m ready,” I finally announced, swinging my bag over my shoulder.

We checked out quickly and followed the same highway as the day before for a few hours. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, my stomach began to rumble. Liam must have felt the same pangs, because only a few moments later, we pulled over at a highway rest stop to grab some food. While I waited in line to order us some greasy burgers and French fries, Liam went outside to make a call. He returned as I was carrying our tray over to one of the food court style tables.

“I was able to get in touch with some friends of mine,” he said as he slid into the seat across from me. Reading my face, he quickly added, “They are friends from a city just a few hours from here. They aren’t part of the old gang. I met them on my recent travels and they would like to meet up later tonight. Would you like that?”

I nodded thoughtfully, twisting a limp greasy French fry in my fingers. Now that I had absconded from Mercy River, Liam was really the only friend I had left. Grace would always be my friend, but she was way off on the east coast and it would be good to meet some new people. Anyone who was a friend of Liam’s was sure to be interesting.

“That would be great,” I agreed.

We rode out again as soon as we finished our meal. The bike rumbled underneath us as we zoomed down the long, flat highway that stretched through middle America. There was a certain beauty to the flat, dusty countryside. This was my new home, I realized. On a bike, on the road, hugging Liam’s muscular back. Everywhere and nowhere. It was terrifying and liberating.

Just as the sun was starting to fade into a cool, evening breeze, we pulled up to a motel at the edge of the next small city. I looked ahead at the tall buildings, taking in the glowing orange sunset over the tall skyline.

“We are going to meet them at a bar a few blocks over,” Liam explained as we put our bags down in the room that was nearly identical to the one we had stayed in the night before.

I quickly washed up and changed into my favorite baby blue sundress. It was covered in a layer of blue lace and fitted tightly at my waist, flaring out in an A-line and stopping just at my knees. It was the kind of dress that made me feel happy and girly when I spun around and it flared out around me in a perfect circle. I washed my face and unbraided my hair so it fell in loose golden waves down my back. I exited the bathroom to find that Liam had changed into a clean blue t-shirt that matched his perfect blue eyes.

“We match,” I laughed, twirling in my pretty blue dress.

Liam smiled and walked over to me, placing his arm around my waist. “You look beautiful,” he whispered in my ear.

He held my hand in his as we walked down several city blocks. The area was a bit run down but it had a trendy vibe that made it feel less threatening. Plus, with Liam by my side, it was hard to feel afraid. He walked with confidence and I knew that he would protect me if anything went wrong.

We stopped outside a red door with the words “Crow Bar” emblazoned in black across it. Loud music thumped against the walls, echoing out into the increasingly crowded streets. Liam pulled open the door and ushered me inside.

My eyes adjusted slowly to the darkened room. There were several long bars on the edges of the room and crowds of people pushed forward to order their drinks while others swayed in time to the music. I felt suddenly out of place in my pretty little sundress. Most of the girls were wearing bandage dresses that looked to be painted onto their bodies, revealing cleavage and pieces of their sides and bellies.

“Liam!” a voice exclaimed. I looked up to see a large, smiling man barreling through the crowd towards us. He gave Liam a big hug and then extended his hand to me as Liam introduced us.

“This is Kyle,” Liam shouted over the music. He helped me when I first left the club and was wondering around aimlessly. Kyle smiled broadly and I could read genuine affection in his eyes as he slapped Liam on the back and guided us to where he and the rest of his group had secured a table.

There were two other men, Tom and Josh, and Josh’s girlfriend Amy. They all greeted me with big smiles and were welcoming. Tom, Josh and Kyle all had previous been involved with various motorcycle clubs and had left when things turned bad, just like Liam. Amy had been with Josh back when he was part of the gang and she left with him when things went south.

I looked her over, feeling slightly intimidated. She had long, stick straight raven black hair and wore a short black leather mini skirt with a tiny black tank top that barely covered her ample breasts. Her bright red lipstick made her look the perfect seductress. I felt so silly in my little blue dress. Liam seemed to notice my nervousness, even if he didn’t know the cause.

“Would you like a drink, Mary?” he asked, squeezing my hand. I nodded and he headed to the bar to order a round.

He came back with a cup that looked like it held soda but smelled strong. “A jack and coke,” he explained, handing it to me.

I took a gulp and almost spit it out. The alcohol flooded me immediately and after two more gulps I already started feeling more relaxed. Kyle went and bought everyone another round, so I was able to transition straight to my second drink. Liam watched me with amusement as I scrunched up my face and downed the drink in several big gulps.

“I didn’t take you for a big drinker,” he explained.

“I’m not. I mean, I wasn’t. But tonight I am,” I slurred. The alcohol was working its magic, leaving me feeling relaxed and cheerful.

“Let’s go dance!” Amy called out to the group.

Liam gave me a questioning look and I nodded enthusiastically. Nodding made me dizzy, but Liam’s strong hand steadied me as I jumped out of my seat to head to the dance floor. I had been to many school and church dances, but there was always strict supervision and many rules. I wanted to finally let loose.

The music pounded loudly, beating a rhythm into my body. My blood rushed through my veins, pumping to the dizzying beat and I stared up into those beautiful blue pools in Liam’s face. His infectious, mischievous smile looked back at me. He was amused by my newfound bravery.

“Don’t laugh at me,” I leaned in and whispered in his ear. The music was loud, but he heard me.

“I’m not laughing at you. I like seeing you let loose,” he murmured back, pulling me tightly to him.

I snaked my arms around his muscular torso, allowing my skin to press against the warm, hard contours of his muscles. The music pounded in my ears and the harsh glare of the strobe light blinded me. I didn’t know how to dance like these girls. I didn’t know how to be sexy.

“Don’t think so much. Just let go and move your body to the music,” he whispered huskily in my ear. It was all I needed. I stopped thinking and let my body move with his.

His body moved perfectly with mine and my desire peaked as we pressed against one another in a desperate, primal way.

It seemed like only moments passed, though it must have been longer. “Let’s get out of here,” I whispered.

Liam was quick to comply.
He grabbed my hand and led me to the door. We stumbled out onto the street and the cool chill of the night air hit us with a refreshing blast.

I barely noticed the walk back to the motel. All I could think about was Liam. His arms. His muscles. His tattoos. I wanted to see all of him at once. I needed to have him.

Liam thrust open the door to our room and swept me into his arms, carrying me easily to the first bed. My body lit up as his arm brushed against my breast before depositing me gently on the bedspread.

“I want you Liam,” I moaned, pulling up the hem of my skirt to reveal the pink lacey panties beneath.

Liam groaned and looked down at me with a fire in his eyes that matched mine.

“Fuck Mary, I want you too. You’ve cast a damn spell on me and I can’t even think straight.”

“Then take me. Fuck me,” I commanded boldly.

“I can’t,” he groaned, sinking down onto the bed next to me. “You are drunk. I don’t want our first time to be like that. I want you so fucking much, Mary. But I want you to remember every detail when I finally make love to you.”

He reached out and gently ran his hand over my cheek, then leaned down and pressed a soft, warm kiss to my forehead. I felt the fire still sizzling inside me, but I knew he was right. I shouldn’t lose my virginity when I was too drunk to remember how it felt. I want to feel Liam inside me so badly, but his chivalry touched my heart.

“Will you at least stay here next to me?” I asked.

“Always,” he murmured.

I moved over to make room and Liam climbed into the bed next to me. I curled up against his strong body, feeling the safety of his strong arms around me as I drifted off to sleep. We were both fully clothed, but I had never felt so intimate with another person.

I slept soundly in the warmth of Liam’s arms. I didn’t wake up until I felt him stirring next to me. He was moving carefully, trying not to wake me as he sat up in med, but the movement jolted me from my deep sleep.

“Liam?” I asked groggily, rubbing at my eyes.

“I’m still here,” he whispered. “How do you feel?”

“Ok. I have a headache though.”

“Here, have an aspirin and some water and you’ll feel better soon.”

He hopped out of bed to retrieve a glass of water and the bottle of pills from his bag. I quickly swallowed the pill and drained the glass, realizing that I was experiencing my first ever hangover.

“Thanks,” I croaked.
“I should probably shower.”

The shower helped wake me up and by the time I was finished scrubbing, the aspirin had started to works its magic on my headache. I toweled off my hair and body and exited the bathroom with the towel still wrapped around me.

Liam watched me intently as I walked back into the room. I saw his eyes appraising my newly scrubbed body covered only by the small towel.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you. I’m not used to drinking alcohol,” I admitted.

Liam smiled. “I figured,” he said, reaching out to take my hand. “You were much more…bold than usual last night.”

I nodded, blushing at his implication. I remembered throwing myself at him and him turning me down.

“I’m sorry for being so forward,” I mumbled.

“Hey, don’t be sorry. I liked it. I wanted you so badly, but I didn’t want to take advantage of you.”

“Really?” I asked shyly. Knowing he didn’t judge me for my slutty behavior made me feel a little bolder. “I’m not drunk now you know.”

Liam’s eyes widened and he pulled me towards him. His lips crushed against mine as his strong arm snaked around my still damp body. I felt a zing of electricity inside me at his touch. The aching between my legs grew fierce as he kissed me passionately.

“No, you aren’t,” Liam agreed pulling back slightly. He brought his other arm up and slowly, teasingly pulled my towel loose. It dropped down to the floor, leaving me standing completely naked in front of him.

I felt embarrassed and self-conscious, but Liam’s eyes roved my body in obvious appreciation.

“Fuck, you are beautiful,” he murmured, reaching one hand up to gently trace the soft contours of my breasts, waist, and hips.

“Let me see you?” I asked, hoping to level the playing field and finally get to see his perfect body.