Epiphany
Epiphany - Shouldn’t Be Good In Goodbye (Part 8)
Title Inspiration: Shouldn’t Be Good In Goodbye -Jason Walker
Characters belong to Pixelberry
Summary: Nobody told Daniella what to do when the story turned out wrong.
A/N: 🍋
Warning: This series will contain NSFW material. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18 or over.
Catch Up Here
Liam sat in his quarters with Maxwell and Drake, playing cards to pass the time. Maxwell and Drake kept giving one another sideways glances, wondering when their friend was going to bring up the ball in Valtoria which was only a couple of days away.
They, along with Olivia, had been helping Daniella prepare and get the estate ready; unbeknownst to Liam, Elijah was helping as well. They both knew how Liam felt about Elijah, more so after hearing about their little altercation at the masquerade ball after Liam told them what happened.
It was hard for them because they could see where Liam was coming from in terms of being upset about someone trying to swoop in and potentially court Daniella. At the same time, they both didn’t think that he had any right to try and stop the guy considering didn’t seem to have any intentions of breaking off his engagement to try and win Daniella back and fix the mess he made.
“So, how are the preparations for the ball coming?” Liam finally asked.
Drake and Maxwell shared a quick awkward glance. “Good. Little blossom is doing her thing,” Maxwell replied as he laid his hand on the table. “Three of a kind,” he grinned.
“I’m hoping I can talk to her … Madeleine won’t be coming. She’s going to Fydelia to work on … stuff with her mother.” Liam played with the chips in front of him. Drake and Maxwell both knew that when Liam mentioned Madeleine working on ‘stuff’ that it meant the wedding, he just refused to say it out loud.
Drake shot Maxwell a look. “She’ll probably be busy most of the night, won’t she? I mean … it is a ball in her honor … she’s going to have to mingle and shit.”
Liam shrugged. “Yeah, but I’m sure she’ll have a few free moments to talk …” He laid his cards on the table. “Flush.” He shot Maxwell a smirk. Then he noticed the expressions on both of their faces, arching a curious brow. “What?”
“What?” They both questioned in unison.
“Why are you two looking like that …” Liam knitted his brows. And then, for whatever reason, he knew. “She … she’s going to be there with him, isn’t she?”
They both let out heavy sighs. “He offered … to co-host with her,” Maxwell replied, trying to dumb it down to seem like nothing, but he knew he wasn’t fooling him.
“Co-host?” Liam scoffed before his jaw clenched. He shoved his chips forward as he slid back from the table and stood, walking to the bar cart.
With Liam’s back turned, Maxwell and Drake had a silent argument as they gestured to one another for who was supposed to say something. Maxwell pointed at Drake with a stern look and a stiff finger, then pointed to Liam before making a fist and tapping it against his chest over his heart.
Drake shot him a look before running his hands through his hair. “She’ll be hosting, Li. Like I said, she’s going to have to mingle … and shit …”
“Why … why can’t he just go back to England already?” Liam tossed back his glass of scotch before pouring another. He whirled around and looked at Maxwell with an accusatory expression. “This is all yours and Bertrand’s fault!”
Maxwell’s eyes widened. “Woah! Don’t go blaming me and Bertrand because she’s making him her plus one to the ball!”
“Well, I blame mostly Bertrand! If he just left well enough alone, but noooo, he had to try and set her up. He brought that guy here!” Liam tossed back the rest of his scotch.
“Let’s not forget why she was getting set up with people to begin with, Liam,” Maxwell chided. “Because … She. Is. Single!”
“I know she is, Max! I don’t need the constant reminder! It’s … it’s him! I don’t like him!”
“Li, you haven’t even tried to get to know the guy,” Drake said as he gave him a look. “You don’t like him simply because he likes Reagan.”
“I don’t want to try and get to know the guy!” Liam shouted. “Do you even know what his intentions are? I mean, obviously, he’s going to be going back to England at some point! So, I’m not really understanding what his plans with Ella are if he’s leaving anyway!”
Maxwell shrugged. There was an air of awkward silence for a moment as Liam stared at them. Drake gently laid his cards down. “Straight flush.” He slowly reached forward to pull the pot at the center of the table towards him.
****
A couple of days later, the estate at Valtoria was buzzing with staff as preparations for the ball that evening to celebrate Daniella becoming a Duchess were well underway. The main room of the estate had been completely remodeled to represent the old sigil of the phoenix, replacing the dove that was in place when she first arrived. Gladys had been running around all morning, making sure that everything was set up to perfection.
Almost the entire court would be in attendance except, much to Daniella’s pleasure, Madeleine. She couldn’t say she was disappointed; it was one less fiasco she had to worry about. But even without Madeleine coming, Daniella was still on edge, just wanting the evening to go off without any issues. She was still under the assumption that most of the guests who would be in attendance that night were rooting and waiting for her to fail. If it was any consolation, being friends with Maxwell certainly had its perks when it came to parties; if anyone could put one together it was him. And with Elijah helping her and Maxwell along with Drake, Bertrand, and Olivia, things seemed to be coming together ok.
Daniella sat out on the balcony off her room, staring at the waterfall. She had shown up early ahead of everyone else, wanting to see if Gladys needed any help and also … just to be alone. She was feeling a bit torn at the moment and she needed some time to herself to try and figure out and process what she was feeling … or not feeling.
Daniella could tell that Elijah had been acting differently toward her in a more caring way, almost as if he was starting to have real feelings for her. She had made whatever this was between them very clear on her end. She wasn’t looking for anything serious and she still stood by that. But what she couldn’t figure out was why. In part, she knew it was because she needed time; she didn’t exactly just get out of the easiest relationship.
That other relationship was the other part, however. Was she fully out of it?
Daniella didn’t know why on earth she was even still thinking that there was a chance that Liam was going to call off the wedding, but this minuscule fraction of her was holding onto a thread of hope and she couldn’t seem to let go of it. If she did let go, it would make it real, and she supposed a part of her didn’t want it to be real.
A small part of Daniella, the small part that still wore those rose-colored glasses, was hoping that at any moment, Liam was going to burst through her door and tell her that he chose her. He hadn’t given her that impression, however, so she didn’t understand why she couldn’t shake it.
Yes, Liam was still holding on to her and what they had for dear life, but he was holding on with the intention to still marry someone else. Daniella didn’t understand why she would allow herself to be put in that position time and time again. She was struggling with an internal battle, her mind against her heart … and her heart kept winning.
That hopeless romantic side of Daniella was still very prevalent, and quite frankly she was getting sick of her.
Now, insert Elijah.
Daniella couldn’t help but feel like a terrible person because while Elijah was nice and sweet, she knew hanging out with him pissed Liam off. She supposed at the time, since they had agreed to keep things casual, that she enjoyed watching Liam being jealous over seeing someone else with her. She enjoyed watching him squirm, and maybe a part of her was hoping that seeing someone else on her arm would open his eyes … but it wasn’t. She enjoyed spending time with Elijah, however, and maybe — just maybe — if she could get that idiotic part of her to let go of that sliver of hope she was for some reason clinging to with Liam, she could actually explore that more.
If only.
“Little blossom?” Daniella was pulled from her thoughts when she heard Maxwell calling her name as he knocked on her door. She walked inside from the balcony and opened it. “Hey!” He grinned. “Did you see downstairs? Gladys pulled out all the stops!”
Daniella chuckled as she stepped aside, letting him in. “I did. She’s been amazing. She wouldn’t let me help with anything.”
Just then, the door opened, and Olivia appeared, wearing a smirk. “Do you have a gown for tonight?”
“Yes, I picked it out—”
“Well, change of plans. You’re wearing this.” Olivia handed her a garment bag. “They restocked the boutique in Lythikos yesterday and when I was looking for my own gown, I came across this, and it screamed Ella. You’re welcome.”
Daniella unzipped the garment bag and laughed. “It’s red …?” She arched her brow.
“Again … you’re welcome,” Olivia smirked.
****
Liam was in his study, finishing up some work before he needed to head to Valtoria for Daniella’s ball. His mind was still reeling from the events of the masquerade.
Hearing Neville talking to Daniella the way he did. His father’s snide jab at her during his speech, which he had yet to speak to him about. Then, finding Daniella on the balcony in tears with her confidence completely shaken. Follow that up with the way she kissed him on the balcony, and his little back and forth with Elijah afterward.
It was definitely an eventful evening.
Liam didn’t know what that kiss meant for Daniella. Granted, he was the one that made the first move, but she pulled him back into it, and based on his conversation with Elijah, he had seen the whole thing. A part of him felt for Elijah because he knew how easy it was to fall for Daniella, and he could tell just by reading him that he had some sort of feelings for her. But when Elijah presumed to know anything about his and Daniella’s relationship, it set him off. He knew nothing about their true feelings for one another or their history. And he now knew based on that conversation with Elijah that he had every intention of pursuing Daniella at some point, telling Liam that he would be out of the picture soon.
Now, Elijah was escorting her to the ball that evening.
There was a knock on his study door, and Liam called for them to enter. He looked up, seeing his father step inside with a wide smile. “Liam,” Constantine grinned. “I just wanted to let you know that we were back.” Liam didn’t say anything, only offering a curt nod before looking back down at the papers in front of him. “Is something wrong?”
Liam looked up at him. “Why did you do that the other night?”
“Do what?” Constantine gave him a questioning look.
“You’re toast … your comment about weaknesses and being the downfall of our country … you know, the part that you directed at Ella,” Liam chided.
“Nonsense, Liam. I was simply—”
“Save it. I saw you. You looked right at her when you said it.” Liam sighed, dropping his pen on his desk; he rubbed his eyes as he stood. “Was any of what you told me the truth? About her safety? Or was that just a ruse … a cover-up for another excuse?”
“Liam, you know I told you the truth about her safety. How do you know? Look at what happened to your mother. That’s proof enough to know that what I said was no lie!” Constantine narrowed his eyes.
Liam clenched his jaw. He hated when he brought up his mother and what had happened to her, and his father knew that he hated it. “That doesn’t give a reason for why you purposely directed your comment to her!”
“You’re reading too much into it, son. Do I think of her as a weakness? If I’m being honest … yes, but not in that way. She is your weakness, Liam. She would be seen as your downfall because of that.” Liam shook his head as his hands balled into fists. “You made the right choice. I know it wasn’t easy, I know you still care for her. But you’re protecting not only her from harm but yourself as well. Trust me … I know what it’s like to lose the love of your life because I chose to listen to my heart instead of my head. I don’t want you to ever feel that pain. That grief.” Constantine looked down for a moment before looking back to Liam. “You’re doing yourself a favor … and you’re quite possibly saving her life.” He turned and headed for the door; when he grabbed the handle, he looked back at him. “Give mine and Regina’s best to the Duchess. We won’t be able to make it to the ball.”
****
Daniella slipped on the gown that Olivia brought her. It was a strapless red dress with a plunging sweetheart neckline and a high slit up her thigh. She fixed her hair into simple loose curls, finished applying her makeup, and slipped on her heels. She glanced at herself in the mirror, giving herself a silent pep talk. She heard a knock and called for them to enter.
Upon hearing a low whistle, she turned to see Elijah. She chuckled before giving him a little spin. “You look … wow.” His eyes roamed over her in the dress before meeting her gaze, and he smiled.
“Thank you.” Daniella moved towards him.
Elijah leaned in, kissing her cheek. “Ready?” She gave him a reluctant nod, and he sensed her nerves. “Hey … don’t worry about anyone else tonight. Worry about Dani. Just enjoy yourself. And if you feel the need to, come up here and take a breather. This is your turf, so no one can stop you.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and she smiled. They walked out of the room and headed downstairs.
Daniella and Elijah came around the corner and upon seeing them, Gladys announced them into the ballroom.
Daniella looked around as they made their entrance, seeing everyone smiling and clapping for her, save for Neville, who she noticed in the back of the room at a table where he remained seated. She decided then that she was going to try not to let anything ruin her night, and if she needed, she would do what Elijah suggested and take a breather. She gave a quick speech, thanking everyone for coming and for welcoming her as Duchess before she went to make her rounds and mingle.
After making it halfway around the room, she felt a tap on her shoulder. “I knew that dress would look good on you.”
“Thanks again,” Daniella smiled at Olivia before she looked down, smoothing down the front of the dress.
“Little Blossom! What do you think of the outcome?” Maxwell gestured around the room.
“It’s perfect, Max,” Daniella grinned. “Thank you for all of your help.” Drake approached and handed Daniella a glass of whiskey that she thanked him for before tossing it back in one gulp to try and calm the jitters she was still feeling.
“Hello, Ella.” Daniella heard his voice and slowly turned to see Liam. His eyes roamed over her in the red dress before flicking back to hers. “You look absolutely stunning,” he smiled before leaning down, kissing her cheek.
“Hello, Liam,” Daniella nodded. “Thank you.” Liam was about to ask her to dance when Elijah approached, beating him to it. She looked back at Liam. “I’ll, uh … catch up with you later.”
Liam watched as Elijah laced his fingers through Daniella’s and led her to the center of the dance floor. He felt the jealousy already starting to rise as he turned and walked to the bar.
Daniella noticed the flicker of jealousy flash across Liam’s face when Elijah pulled her out on the dance floor; a part of her liked knowing that he was jealous, and she felt herself get a brief rush from it for a reason she couldn’t explain. Elijah pulled her close to him, resting his hand on the small of her back before they began gliding across the floor.
Every once and a while, Daniella’s eyes landed on Liam across the room at the bar. He was watching her.
“I have to leave a little early tonight,” Elijah said, and she looked at him with a questioning look. “Remember? I’m going back to England for a couple of days to help my dad with some business.”
“Oh, right,” Daniella nodded. “I’m sorry. With everything else going on, I completely forgot.”
“No worries,” Elijah smiled before he spun her out.
****
As the night continued, Liam watched Daniella walk around the room with Elijah, who hadn’t left her side long enough for him to try and speak with her alone. As he stood at the bar, getting yet another refill, a young brunette approached him, trying to strike up a conversation. Liam didn’t seem to be paying much attention to it, but entertained it to a degree to not come off as rude. The woman was not so subtly flirting with him, or at least trying to, that much he knew, but his attention was elsewhere, still watching Daniella.
Daniella finished making the rest of her rounds, having officially greeted everyone that was there; she felt as if she could relax somewhat now. She had a few drinks in her and was feeling loosened up from those as she sat at a table in the back of the room away from everyone else.
“So, now that the real work is done and you can relax … what do you think about your first ball?” Elijah asked from his seat beside her.
“It wasn’t bad. I mean it helps that certain people aren’t here,” Daniella laughed.
Daniella glanced around the room and her eyes landed on Liam at the bar; he was speaking with a brunette woman whom she didn’t recognize. She was a woman, she knew how the game worked, and she could tell just by the way this woman was looking at Liam as they talked that she was flirting with him. Liam didn’t seem really into their conversation, however.
Daniella didn’t know why, but she couldn’t peel her gaze away from them.
As the woman continued speaking to Liam, he glanced over to see Daniella’s eyes locked on him. She gave him a questioning arch of her brow, but he didn’t do anything to respond. Then, he watched as Elijah leaned in and kissed her cheek before standing and heading toward the bar. He came up to get them more drinks, each of them offering the other a sideways glance.
When Liam shifted his gaze back, Daniella was still staring at him. Not Elijah … him. He had a thought as to why she suddenly couldn’t peel her gaze away from him, but he wasn’t entirely sure if he was correct in his assumptions. Only one way to find out, he thought.
“Would you like to dance?” Liam asked the woman beside him. She grinned wide and nodded.
Liam stood and took her hand, leading her out to the dance floor. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close as they started to glide around the floor. He nonchalantly glanced over just as Elijah made it back up to Daniella with their drinks; her eyes remained trained on Liam, giving him a look. He knew then that he was right. She’s jealous. He tried hiding his smirk.
Watching Liam dance with this woman, who was clearly flirting with him at the bar moments before, was like a trainwreck that Daniella couldn’t look away from. His hand was on the small of her back as she looked up at him through her lashes with a grin. Daniella felt irritated at that moment, but she wasn’t sure why. She tossed back her drink that Elijah had just refilled for her, and then it hit her. She was jealous.
Daniella had never been jealous of anyone with Liam before. Yes, he had Madeleine, but she always knew that she didn’t have to worry about Liam with her because she knew that he wouldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole. Despite being engaged, he had no desire to be with her in any way. But this … this woman was a stranger, and obviously flirting. And while Liam didn’t appear to be flirting back, for some reason, Daniella couldn’t shake the annoyance she was feeling.
****
As the night continued, so did Daniella watching Liam with this woman. Eventually, she noticed that Liam seemed more rapt in his conversation with the stranger, and it dawned on her that while everyone else may not even notice it because he was doing it so subtly, he was flirting back. And she was pretty sure that he was doing it to get a rise out of her considering he kept looking up at her while doing so.
Daniella watched as Liam leaned down and whispered something in the woman’s ear as his eyes shifted and locked on her. She felt her jaw tense. What the hell is wrong with me, she questioned as she turned, walking to the bar for another drink.
Daniella knew she had no right to be jealous. Liam certainly wasn’t hers; he was engaged to someone else as it was. She tried shaking it off as she made it to the bar, spotting Drake and Maxwell standing there. She ordered a drink before turning, eyes once again landing on Liam as he walked the woman out to the balcony and out of view. She swore at that moment she felt a fire course through her veins as she abruptly turned back around.
“Uh … Reagan? You alright?”
“What?” Daniella snapped as she looked over at Drake. “Oh … sorry. Yeah, I’m fine,” she forced a smile.
****
A short time later, Elijah approached Daniella; it was time for him to go. She nodded, walking with him out of the ballroom and outside, where a vehicle was waiting to take him to the airport. “Thanks for ‘co-hosting’ with me tonight,” she chuckled.
“I’d co-host with you anytime,” Elijah smiled. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, letting it linger for a moment before taking a step back. “I’ll see you in a couple of days.” She nodded and smiled before he turned and slid into the SUV.
Daniella walked back inside after watching Elijah drive off; she plucked a flute of champagne off a passing waiter’s tray as she walked back inside the ballroom. She stood in the doorway and glanced across the room just as Liam walked back inside from the balcony with the woman. Her jaw tensed as he locked eyes with her again, but this time they held the stare for a long moment.
With the ball winding down and people starting to leave, Daniella didn’t feel the need to stay down there any longer; she didn’t want to watch Liam with this woman anymore. She downed her champagne and set the glass down before turning on her heel and exiting the ballroom. She was feeling irritated and needed to get out of there.
Daniella walked into her room and began pacing the floor. “What the hell is your problem … pull yourself together,” she whispered to herself. She was pretty sure the amount of alcohol that she had wasn’t helping matters.
These jealous feelings were completely new to Daniella and she hated it, but she couldn’t get the way that woman was looking at Liam out of her head. Or the way he kept looking at her while it was happening, almost sure he was doing it on purpose. She was getting a taste of her own medicine and she didn’t like it.
Daniella walked out onto the balcony and took a deep breath as she looked up at the sky. Only a few minutes into trying to clear her head, she heard a knock on her door; she walked off the balcony, opening it a moment later to see Liam standing on the other side.
The jealousy came back as she stared up at him. “Can I help you?”
Liam fought back a smirk. “I just wanted to see what you were up to … you just left the ball.”
“I’m not up to anything, Liam. I just wanted to come to my room … for fresh air …”
“Mind if I join you?” Liam leaned against the door frame, and she stared at him for a moment before stepping aside to let him in.
Daniella knew this was going to be a bad idea, but she did it anyway; she internally berated herself as she shut the door. She closed her eyes for a moment before her hand raised, turning the lock on the door. She turned and brushed by him, stepping back out onto the balcony and Liam followed.
They stood in silence, letting the cool night air wash over them. Daniella wanted to ask him about the woman, but she didn’t, because she didn’t have a right to; it was none of her business. He was none of her business.
Liam leaned on his elbows against the balustrade as they stared out at the water. “You and Elijah seemed to enjoy your evening …”
“And you seemed to find a new mistress candidate,” Daniella spat back; the words came out before she could even process or filter them, and she grumbled to herself over what she had just said.
Liam glanced over at her, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he slowly rose up, outstretching his arm on the railing. “Are … are we a little jealous?” he cocked his brow.
Daniella snapped her gaze over to him. “No. Why on earth would I be jealous? You’re an adult who can do what you want.”
“But I can’t …” Liam looked at her with a longing expression before he turned his body to face her. “And I think you’re jealous, Ella …” He stared at her, watching her eyes dart between his gaze and his lips.
“I am not.” Daniella turned away, looking out at the waterfall that was illuminated by the moonlight.
“Oh,” Liam smirked, biting his lower lip. “It didn’t bother you to see me and that woman tonight?” She swallowed hard at his question, and he took a step closer to her. “You don’t think I held her a little too closely when we danced?” He watched her jaw muscles tense and quickly release. “You aren’t wondering what I whispered in her ear?” He took another step closer as he continued to goad her. “Or, what about when I took her out to the balcony?” He moved once more, now standing directly beside her, so close that his chest bumped her arm.
Daniella slowly turned to face him again; her eyes narrowed, and he knew he had struck that perfect nerve.
Liam leaned in, capturing her lips in a searing kiss, but this was different than the times before. Daniella kissed him back with such fervor, so deep it left him dizzy and weak as he groaned against her lips. His arms wrapped tightly around her as she looped hers around his neck, pulling him closer so there was no space left between them.
It was as if she were trying to send a message and it was one that he had been waiting for.
They parted a few moments later, both breathless, and Liam opened his eyes, looking down at her as she stared up at him with a lascivious look in her eyes. “Trying to prove something?” he quipped in a smoky whisper.
“Shut up,” Daniella chided.
Drawing him back down, Daniella captured his lips again; he walked backward until she was pinned between his body and the frame of the balcony door. Every one of her movements was meticulous and calculated, from the way she slid her hands under his shirt and raked her nails down his muscled chest, to the way she slowly rolled her tongue against his and tugged his bottom lip as they parted. She knew exactly what they would do to him.
“Green is fucking sexy on you,” Liam growled as he kissed her again. He loved this proprietorial side of her, a side that he had never seen or experienced before. Now he wanted to see more, curious to see what else it would bring out of her.
Daniella pushed him back, breaking the kiss, but his arms remained around her. “I’m not jealous.”
Liam arched his brow, watching her face as he slid his hand up her thigh through the high slit in her dress. He paused when he reached the lace fabric of her thong, but only for a moment before he pressed his fingertips into her with just enough pressure to make her gasp and shudder. He began moving his fingers, teasing her with slow, tantalizing circles; his eyes didn’t leave her, watching as her breathing picked up and she bit her lip.
Liam took her other hand and placed it on the crotch of his pants; she instinctively began stroking his straining hard cock through the fabric. “See what you do to me?” he asked in a gruff voice.
Daniella’s other hand came up to the back of his neck and she pulled him down, finding his lips once more in an impassioned kiss as both their hands continued to work each other, each trying to see who would cave first. Liam moved his lips to her neck, kissing upward in slow open mouth kisses, gently sucking and biting her sensitive skin. He kissed that spot just below her ear and a soft moan escaped her as his fingers continued moving in slow circles.
“Liam,” Daniella breathed.
A slight smirk tugged at the corner of Liam’s lips as he halted his movements and looked at her.
Suddenly, Daniella spun him so his back was now against the door frame; her hands worked the fastenings of his dress shirt, tugging it open once she got halfway through the buttons. She ran her hands possessively down his taut chest before they dropped to his pants, roughly working them free; his pants and boxers fell around his ankles a moment later, and he kicked them off. Her hand reached back, and her eyes remained locked on his as she slowly unzipped her gown. She let it pool at her feet as she stepped out of it, standing before him in just her thong.
Liam’s eyes scanned over her as he gnawed his lip. “God, you’re beautiful.” He stepped forward and reached for her, but Daniella shoved him back into the door, causing his brows to raise in surprise.
Daniella put her finger to his lips. “I think you’ve said enough words.” She reached down grasping his cock, stroking just right at a slow, tantalizing pace as he pushed himself further into her hand.
“Ella,” Liam groaned. She drew his mouth back to hers, silencing him with a fierce kiss; she tugged hard at his bottom lip as they parted, earning a low growl from him. She released him from her hand and took his, leading him over to the bed; she pushed him back onto the mattress, leaving his knees hanging over the edge.
Daniella dropped down between his legs and leaned over; her lips lavished attention to the spot just below his navel, something she knew drove him crazy. She peppered slow kisses as she moved further south. “You’re mine,” she whispered, taking him by surprise again as he looked at her. Liam loved every bit of this possessiveness she was suddenly showing. She took hold of his cock again, her lips and tongue trailing up the base to the tip where her tongue swirled and flicked. “Say it.” She locked eyes with him as she began to slowly stroke him again as she wrapped her lips around his tip.
“I’m yours,” Liam breathed. Keeping their gazes locked, he watched her velvet lips slowly slide down the length of his cock as she engulfed him in the wet heat of her mouth with a sultry moan that sent vibrations through him. He let out a breath as his head dropped back. “Christ, Ella,” he moaned as his hand slid through her hair. He could feel himself hitting the back of her throat, drawing moans from him as she worked him expertly.
Each time Liam could feel his release building, Daniella would suddenly slow down or stop altogether before starting again, edging him over and over. His chest was rising and falling heavily as his muscles tensed; his hand grasped her hair as he tried to get her to pick up the pace, but she wouldn’t budge.
“F-Fuck!” Liam moaned in both frustration and pleasure as he ran his fingers through his hair, grabbing a fist full of it as beads of sweat began to form on his brow from her teasing. Teasing, he thought. She was doing it purposely. “Ella,” he gasped as her free hand began to explore the rest of him. “Love, please,” he moaned, unable to take it any longer.
Daniella slowly slid him out of her mouth before rising to her feet. His breathing was ragged as he closed his eyes and she smirked.
Liam opened his eyes to see her expression, and he shook his head with a slight grin before sitting up on the edge of the bed; he pulled her by her hips to him, his lips trailing across her stomach as his hands slid up to her chest to caress her, rolling her pebbled nipples between his fingers. She ran her hand through his hair, gently tugging on it and pulling his head back so he was looking at her. She leaned down, capturing his lips as he slid her lace thong down and she stepped out of it. He pulled her down to straddle him, lining his pulsating cock up to her entrance.
Liam’s hands slid up her back to her shoulders, and he pushed her down at the same time he drove his hips up; he watched her head drop back as he filled her and she began rocking her hips into him.
“God, Liam,” Daniella mewled. His hands were on her hips, guiding her movements, pulling her down hard into each of his thrusts.
“You feel fucking amazing,” Liam growled, grasping her neck and bringing her lips to his again, unable to get enough of her. He snaked his arm around her lower back and turned, flipping her to the mattress. He kneeled before her and lifted her hips off the bed, driving himself into her hard and deep as his fingers dug into her skin. He pulled her hard into each thrust, setting a rough and relentless pace.
“Ohhhh, fuck, Liam!” Daniella moaned. Her hands grasped at the sheets as her pleasure began to crest.
Liam could feel her body tensing, her walls fluttering around his cock. “Let go, love. Come for me,” he rasped.
Daniella fell apart at his words. Her back arched off the bed as his name fell off her lips in a mantra of breathy moans. He reached his hand down where they connected, rubbing the pad of his thumb in tight circles over her sensitive clit as he continued driving himself into her. “Li-Liam!” she gasped before sucking in a sharp breath as he prolonged her high; a burst of wetness coated his cock as her body trembled beneath him.
“Christ, Ella,” Liam groaned from the sensation. His thrusts became frantic, driving into her faster and harder until finally releasing himself. His entire body tensed with a shudder as his fingers dug into her supple skin with a long, gravelly groan.
Liam leaned down, hovering over her for a moment as his head dropped onto her shoulder; he felt her hand run through his hair, both of their bodies trembling as they slowed their breaths.
After a few long moments, Liam rolled to the side, holding the covers up; Daniella slid beneath them, nestling into his side as his arm wrapped around her. He looked down at her head on his chest and slid his thumb under her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. She shifted up, pressing her lips to his as her hand went to his cheek.
****
Daniella woke the next morning with her lower half covered by one of the sheets. She turned her head to see Liam laying there, still sound asleep; her eyes squeezed shut for a moment as flashes of the night before came flooding back. She quietly slipped out of the bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she walked out onto the balcony, trying to gather herself and her thoughts.
Obviously, the alcohol played a role in what happened the night before, but at the same time, Daniella was of sound mind; she knew exactly what she was doing and what was going to happen when she let him into her room. She just didn’t seem to care. And that was the problem. She couldn’t keep doing this.
“Good Morning, my love,” she heard Liam’s voice.
Daniella closed her eyes at his term of endearment for her, and she let out a breath. “Morning …” She turned to face him, running her fingers through her tousled hair. “Liam … we need to talk.”
“About the amazing night we shared? Or the fact that I should make you jealous more often?” Liam chuckled as he leaned down to kiss her, but she pressed her hand against his bare chest, stopping him.
“Liam, I’m serious.” Daniella looked up at him, and he could see the tears starting to dance in her eyes. “Yes … last night was amazing … it always is … but I can’t…” She let out a sigh. “We can’t keep doing this.” He could see the torn expression she was wearing.
Liam slowly nodded, already knowing. “Ella … I know what you’re going to say—”
“I don’t think you do,” Daniella interrupted as she blinked back the sting in her eyes. She looked away from him for a moment. “I’m not blaming you, Liam … for this,” she gestured between the two of them in their current state, both wrapped in bedsheets. “I blame myself. I’m the one who keeps allowing myself to be put here …” She looked down as she let out a heavy breath. “And the only way I can make sure that I’m not here again … is to give myself some space from you …”
“What … what do you mean space?” Liam’s eyes frantically searched hers as he took her hands in his. “Ella, I know I’ve made mistakes, and I’m so sorry … but you and … space is not going to erase—”
“Liam, I need space. I can’t keep playing these games, and I’m doing it to myself. I’m clearly not strong enough to be around you and control myself. And I keep doing it, knowing that there’s no future here. Knowing that nothing is going to change. And I can’t keep stoking this fire because every time I do, I’m the one who gets trapped in the inferno of it all. I need time … to find myself and figure out who I am … without you.”
“Without me?“ Liam took a small step back as he stared at her. “You know who you are with or without me, Ella. You’re the same strong, incredible woman that I met that night in New York. I get my strength from you. I see you and I feel like I can take on the world.”
Daniella shook her head, dropping it as her tears slipped out; she could feel Liam’s hands grasping hers as if he were holding onto her for dear life. “Liam, please. I just … I need this … I need this time away from you.” She couldn’t look at him, knowing she would see the pain in his expression.
Liam’s jaw was tensing, not out of anger but in fear. Despite the night they shared, he could feel her slipping even further away. “I know I hurt you, Ella, and I hate myself for it. I wish … I wish you could see that it wasn’t for selfish reasons. I promise you, my intentions were only ever to protect you.” She was still looking down at the ground when he heard her breath hitch with a soft whimper. Hearing her pain … he knew, and his eyes began to sting. “But if being … if being ‘without’ me is what you need … I won’t fight you on it … even though I want nothing more right now than to beg you to reconsider.” He stood there for a moment watching her as she continued to stare at the ground and cry. He cupped her face in his hands and lifted her gaze to meet his. He leaned down, placing a soft lingering kiss on her forehead before turning and walking back into the bedroom.
Daniella could hear him shuffling around and gathering his clothes.
A few moments later, Liam came back onto the balcony. He stared at the back of her, feeling his heart racing; he needed to make one last attempt. “No matter how many times you tell me to leave … it won’t matter …” he whispered as he stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, softly kissing the spot on her neck before she bowed her head. “We were meant for each other, Ella.”
“You say that, and yet … you’re still marrying someone else,” Daniella replied in a cracked whisper. “Please leave … before this gets any harder.”
Liam’s arms fell from around her, fighting back his own tears.
A moment later, Daniella heard him leave the balcony; the sound of the bedroom door opening followed, and for a long moment, she waited, knowing he was still there.
Liam lingered in the doorway with his back to the balcony, waiting for something he knew wasn’t coming. He closed his eyes before finally walking out.
When Daniella heard the door shut, she leaned against the balcony railing as the pain of their second goodbye poured out in her tears. This time, however, she knew she had no one to blame but herself for how she was feeling. She kept putting herself here, setting herself up to be hurt; she knew each time what the outcome of her actions was going to be, yet she did it anyway.
Daniella needed to be away from Liam if she wanted to have a fighting chance at moving on.
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