Taken (15 page)

             
He is absolutely breathtaking. His tailor made black tuxedo fits him perfectly, accenting his broad shoulders and trim waist. I have to remind myself to take a breath when I start to feel light-headed. “Huh?” I ask, when I realize he's looking at the dealer and not me.

             
The dealer seems to catch his meaning and instantly slides a massive stack of chips towards me. Liam nods and then pins his hazels on me. I try to say something, anything but damn he is just so beautiful I can't seem to do anything but stare at him with a ridiculously goofy grin across my face.

             
“Consider this a bonus for all your hard work.” He says, leaning forward to brush his lips against mine. “You look beautiful.” He says when he pulls away. I try to ignore the feeling of loss from where his lips had just been.

             
“Liam, you don't need to do that. I have money.” I say, finally finding my words.

             
“Addison, for once, don't fight me on this.” He says, his smile growing wider. “You ladies enjoy yourselves and I'll be back in a few minutes.” He says, kissing me sweetly one more time before walking away.

             
“Damn that man is fine.” Kristina says from behind me. And man is she right. His backside is just as attractive as his front and I have trouble peeling my eyes away from him. Eventually he disappears into the crowd and the fog lifts, bringing me back to reality.

             
“Here.” I say, sliding half of my chips in Kristina's direction. “If he's going to insist I spend his money, you're going to help me.”

             
“You won't get any complaints out of me.” She laughs, turning her attention to the dealer.

             
Turns out I suck at blackjack. I mean, totally suck. Like haven't won a hand in over an hour suck. Luckily, Kristina doesn't share my rotten luck or skill and she has doubled the amount of chips sitting in front of her.

             
Eventually Liam catches back up with us and I leave Kristina at the table after she refuses to leave. “You go on with out me. I'm on a roll.” She said when I asked her to join me. That was a good hour ago and the last time I checked, she still hadn't moved and her chip pile had grown substantially.

             
Liam walked me around, introducing me to a few people whose names I forgot almost immediately. I was too preoccupied watching him to really pay attention to anything else. He was so natural, so at ease every time he stopped to speak to someone or thank them for coming.

             
It was easy to see that Liam was well liked, not that it takes a genius to figure out why. He's a charmer, a sweet talker. And with a body like his and the personality to boot, he has both men and women eating out of the palm of his hand.

             
I didn't miss the dirty looks and glares that seemed to find their way to me every second I stopped to look around. Surprisingly, it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Either I was simply getting used to it or it had everything to do with the fact that Liam kept his hands on me in some way, shape or form for the entire evening. Whether it be holding my hand, his arm wrapped around my shoulders or him guiding me through the casino with his hand on the small of my back, the contact was constant and certainly did not go unnoticed. By me or any of the other women hoping to sink their claws into him.

             
Eventually we end up at one of the high end slot machines. Liam feeding it more money than I make in a week just to get to spin the reel a few times. I don't complain and instead focus on enjoying my time with him. Being close to a man like Liam has the power to blind you from everything except what's right in front of you, him.

             
An older gentleman approaches us after a few minutes and Liam excuses himself to speak to him while I remain at the machine, spinning the reels over and over again, watching hundreds of dollars simply disappear in front of my very eyes.

             
I can't believe people actually gamble with this kind of money. It seems like such a waist. I spin the reel one last time, only three credits remaining on the machine. The first reel stops on a wild symbol, then the second and then finally the third. The machine lights up and an alarm blares through the space, grabbing the attention of several people around me.

             
I sit there staring at the machine, completely frozen. What just happened? The credit screen on the machine starts climbing and continues to do so. “Holy shit, you won girl!” Kristina bounces up beside me. “You won the fucking jackpot!!”

             
“I.... I.... How much?” I manage to get out through my shock and disbelief.

             
“Twenty thousand dollars!” She squeals, hugging me from behind. Several people have gathered around me by the time the machine stops sounding and even then I can't bring myself to move. Twenty thousand dollars.......

             
I finally swivel in my chair to face Kristina. A goofy smile making it's way across my face. “I won?” I question, still in disbelief. “Holy shit. Kristina, I won!” I say, excitement coursing through me.

             
I see Liam enter through the sea of people. His eyes catch mine before he looks at the machine and then back to me, a bright smile lighting up his whole face. “Holy shit baby!” He says, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

             
“Which charity should I donate it to?” I ask. Considering it was his money I was playing with, it only seems right that he should decide.

             
“Whichever one you would like.” He says. “You won not me.”

             
“Yeah but it was your money.” I protest but he only shakes his head, a boyish smile plastered across his face.

             
“Congratulations Miss Grant.” An older lady in a navy suit says, coming to a stop beside me. “Which charity will your winnings be going to tonight?” She asks, holding a notebook and pen in her hand.

             
“Um... I don't know.” I look to Liam for some guidance. “Where would you recommend?” I ask the women when I realize that Liam is going to be no help.

             
“There are several to choose from. All are deserving. Would you like to see a list?” She asks, pulling a piece of paper from her suit jacket and handing it to me. The list is almost an entire page and after what seems like an eternity, I finally settle on
The Jonathan Lucas Foundation
. The money goes towards finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis and the charity was started by the parents of Jonathan, a little boy who died at the age of eleven from the disease.

             
It seems more than deserving. What is more important in this world than saving sick children? With that, my decision is made and I happily sign over my winnings to this very worthy cause.

             
“How did that feel?” Liam asks as the crowd finally starts to fall away. The excitement of my big win finally wearing off.

             
“Amazing!” I say, wrapping my arms around him and hugging him tightly. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give to such a good cause.” I say into his chest.

             
“Now you see why I do this. There is something very rewarding in having the ability to help people.” He says into my hair.

             
My heart swells in my chest as I hug him tighter. There is no way this man can be real. Men like Liam, simply do not exist in the real world. And not just because of his god like appearance but because of his amazing heart too.

             
Me and Kristina head out a little over an hour later. Being a Thursday night, we both have to work tomorrow and it is already after midnight. After a very public display of affection, I finally manage to get Liam to let me leave. This was of course, after convincing him he should stay and finish out the night.

             
What started as an evening I was more than unsure about, ended as one of the best nights of my life. Liam has a way of doing that to me. Turning all the negatives into positives. Giving me something to feel good about. At the end of the day, it really brings things into perspective. One, just how much I love Liam. And two, how incredibly lucky I am to be the woman by his side.

Chapter Twenty-Four

              The next day I am feeling the effects of sleep deprivation. My mind wanders and focusing on anything is near impossible. I find myself forgetting the simplest of things that I usually never miss and as much as I want to blame the constant thoughts and daydreams of Liam for my distraction, I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that my body is running on fumes.

             
I step outside of Strike Tower, overjoyed that the week is over and very hopeful that maybe I will get a chance to catch up on some sleep. But before the relief I feel has time to kick in, it's replaced by the quickening of my pulse and the nervous butterflies that swirl in my stomach every time I lay eyes on Liam.

             
He's leaning against the Range Rover, a look of pure excitement all over his face. I start to make my way towards him and he meets me half way, swooping down to press his lips to mine in a way that makes the earth shift on it's axis. When he pulls back, I let out a small whimper of protest. He laughs, taking my hand and leading me to the car.

             
Once Charles pulls the vehicle into the busy Friday evening traffic, I sink into the seat next to Liam, realizing for the first time just how much I missed him today. God I need to get my shit together. We have only been apart eighteen hours and yet it feels like an absolute eternity.

             
We make small chit chat in the back. I pay very little attention to where we are going, assuming that he is taking me back to
Bella Vita
. But when Charles pulls the car to a stop, I have no idea where we are. It's some sort of airplane runway. I can see a line of small jets all lined in a perfect row and then another sitting on the air strip. I look at Liam, completely caught off guard.

             
“Where are we?” I ask, not missing the mischievous grin plastered on his face.

             
“Harrison Executive Airport.” He says on a smile, clearly pleased with himself that he was able to get me all the way here without me noticing.

             
“Um, why?” I ask, my eyes searching his face. He gives nothing away, instead he just smiles that sweet boyish smile that shows his dimple and climbs out of the car.

             
“Mr. Mason. It's so good to see you again.” An older gentleman with white hair, dressed in a navy suit says, shaking his hand. “You are all fueled and set to go. Marathon will be expecting you around ten this evening.” He says. Liam says something I can't make out and the older gentleman smiles widely and nods before walking away.

             
“Well are you coming or are you just gonna sit there?” He asks, stretching his hand out to me. I take it and allow him to pull me across the leather seat and help me to my feet.

             
“What's going on?” I ask, my voice hoarse. I don't know why but I am extremely nervous about whatever is going on. The man said the jet was ready to go so obviously I have figured out that whatever we are doing requires flying.

             
“I'm taking you away for the weekend.” He says as if it's no big deal.

             
“Um and you were planning on telling me this when?” I get out breathlessly, unable to make my feet move even though Liam is beckoning me to follow him to the back of the car.

             
“Surprise.” He says on a short laugh. He meets Charles at the back of the vehicle where the older man begins pulling suitcases out of the back hatch. I still haven't made any attempt to move. Honestly I think I'm in shock.

             
“Liam, I can't just go away with you. I have to work Monday and...... and.... what about Kristina? She'll be worried sick.” I fumble through my excuses. I don't know why I'm fighting him on this. The thought of going away somewhere just me and him is like a dream come true. But it's so sudden and I have had no time to prepare. “And I don't have any of my stuff.” I whine the last part, my hands instinctively going to my hips.

             
He takes two long strides to close the gap between us. He tugs my body to his and looks down to meet my eyes. “I am nothing if not extremely prepared. I promise you that you will have everything you need. And just in case you don't believe me, I had Kristina help me for good measure.” He says, his lips curling into a 'yeah I'm that good' kind of smile.

             
For a moment I have no response. My words, my excuses, all go out the window. Kristina knew and she didn't tell me? Boy is she going to get it when I get back. Deciding that there is no point in arguing this, I change my tactic. “Where are we going?”

             
“Somewhere secluded. For the next forty eight hours you are mine and mine alone. No cell phones, no distractions, just me and you.” He says, brushing his lips against mine.

             
“So you're not going to tell me the location?” I stick out my lower lip in a pout. He can't possibly intend to keep this from me the whole flight, can he?

             
“You will see when we get there. Now come on.” He says, taking my hand and pulling me behind him as he makes his way to the small jet that is sitting in the landing strip.

             
“Oh no, you are not getting me on that thing.” I say, digging my heels into the ground and holding tight, trying to stop him. He laughs but continues to pull. When I start to stumble forward, he sighs releasing my hand and turning to face me.

             
“Really Addison? Am I going to have to carry you aboard? I promise you it's perfectly safe. This is how I always travel and Nick is one of the best pilots I know.”

             
“Sorry but no. Little planes terrify me. There is not a chance in hell you are getting me on that thing. You want to take me somewhere, then buy a plane ticket like a normal person.” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

             
He sighs loudly before pinning his eyes back on me. “Have it your way then.” He says, swooping me into his arms so quickly I don't have time to respond.

             
“Liam put me down!” I squeal, flailing in his arms. It does me no good. His arms are wrapped around me tightly giving me no room to wiggle free. He's holding me like I'm an infant, my body curled against his chest. If I wasn't so freaked out at the thought of getting on that plane, I would probably be enjoying this.

             
He makes his way up the landing and doesn't set me to my feet until we are in the plane and the door is closed behind us. He places his hands on both sides of my face and looks down at me. “I promise you.” He says, running his thumb across my lower lip. “I would not put you on a plane like this if I wasn't one hundred percent certain that it's completely safe.” His eyes bore into mine and I can feel myself start to relax until under his gaze. No matter how terrified I am, I believe him when he says this.

             
I nod hesitantly, deciding there's not much I can do about it now. He smiles and takes my hand leading me to my seat. The plane looks very small from the outside but is surprisingly much bigger on the inside. There are four rows of three seats, two rows on each side.

             
Liam takes my hand and leads me further into the plane. “The bathroom is in here.” He says, pushing open a wooden door and leading me inside. The moment my eyes adjust to the dim lighting I gasp. Directly in front of me is one of the most luxurious bedrooms I have ever seen. Dark walls and pale blue bedding make every aspect of the room pop. I didn't know planes had bedrooms.

             
Liam doesn't let me linger long, instead he leads me to the far right of the room and pushes through another door, revealing a bathroom twice the size of the one at my apartment. This room is done in all white and pale yellows and reminds me of a wild field and summer time. There's something very comforting about it.

             
Liam turns to me like he is going to say something but before he has a chance to a man's voice comes across the intercom advising us that we are ready for take off and to please take our seats.

             
Liam leads me back to the seats. I choose to sit next to the window. If I'm going to die in a plane crash, I at least what to know when the impact will happen. I shiver a little at the thought and snap my seat belt in place. Liam takes the seat to my left and once he is secure, he reaches over and gives my hand a light squeeze.

             
I don't look at him, fearful that if I do I might burst into tears. Fear does not look good on me. I hold his hand but my eyes stay locked on the window. When I see the plane leave the earth, my stomach twists and my breathing picks up speed. Liam holds my hand a little tighter trying to reel me back in but it doesn't help.

             
I can feel the panic setting in, feel my breathing coming in labored spurts. My entire body feels damp with sweat and for a moment, I swear I'm going to vomit. But eventually the plane levels out and my nerves start to ease a little more with each minute that passes.

             
It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I'm not a fan of flying in general but I can get through it pretty easily on a larger commercial plane but on this little thing, it's a wonder I haven't passed out yet. I finally turn to Liam to find him studying me intently.

             
“I'm sorry, I didn't realize how scared you really were. I thought you were just messing with me.” He says, his forehead scrunching together in concern.

             
“I... I'm good.” I manage to get out, though my voice is shaking and my words are broken. I can see the regret climb across his face and guilt whips through me. “I'm okay.” I say again, my voice a little stronger. I give him a reassuring smile and for the first time since entering the plane, I start to relax. Not completely but enough that I don't feel like I'm gonna spew my lunch all over the place.

             
“Come here.” He says, unlatching his seat belt and standing. He holds his hand out to me and waits for me to mirror his actions. With shaky hands I manage to get the buckle undone but when I stand the plane hits an air pocket and my knees give out, my stomach landing somewhere in my throat.

             
Liam stops me from hitting the ground. Once he's comfortable that I am stable on my feet, he entwines his fingers with mine and leads me into the bedroom. He releases my hand and pulls back the covers before climbing in fully dressed. He holds his arms open for me and I go to him without any hesitation. I snuggle into him, my head on his chest, as he tucks the blankets around us.

             
“Try to get some rest.” He says kissing the top of my forehead. Normally I would say there is no way in hell that I could sleep while flying in this death trap but now, tucked away in this beautiful room, with Liam's body entwined with my own, I feel my eyelids grow heavy and the numerous nights of very little sleep catching up with me.

             
“Dream sweet Addison.” I hear Liam say just as the world grows black and I drift off to sleep.

Chapter Twenty-Five

              Surprisingly, I sleep almost the entire flight. I don't know what time it is when Liam wakes me, saying we are getting ready to land and leading me back to my seat. When we exit the plane a few minutes later, I still have no idea where we are but given the tall palm trees that line the area and the overwhelming smell of the sea, it doesn't take a genius to figure out we are somewhere tropical.

             
Now, standing on the balcony of the most beautiful beach house I have ever seen, I feel a million miles away from the everyday worries and stresses of life. Miles and miles of private beach at my feet. The ocean so close that a short two minute walk would have my feet buried deep in the sand with the shore rushing up to my knees.

             
Liam gave me the grand tour of the beautiful house that I learned was once owned by his parents. As he walked me through the massive six bedroom, two story home, he told me all about coming here when he was very young and how it was one of the only happy memories he had with his parents. Apparently he had been waiting for it to go on the market and once it did he bought it immediately.

             
The entire house is decorated in pale blues and yellows. Hard wood floors cover every room of the house and the furniture has a fun beach feel to it. While you can tell everything in here is of the highest quality, it seems homey and comfortable. I could imagine spending the rest of my life here. Curled up in one of the lay back chairs that sit on the enormous patio, the sound of the waves in my ears, the smell of the sea in my nose.