Liam watched, entranced more by the look of utter bliss illuminating Athena’s face than by the erotic scene on the bed. When her eyes met his, he didn’t look away. Shock made a fleeting pass across her face and was replaced by a sultry radiance as she fixed on him. In moments, she was shuddering, orgasm shattering her. Her eyes never left his.
~10~
2 Days Later...
“Buon giorno,” Athena bid Liam a good morning when he arrived in the kitchen. “Would you care for honey over your porridge?” she offered brightly.
“Grazie, no,” Liam tugged his vest hem. “I never eat before a long drive with Nandi,” he said.
Athena gave a solemn nod. “Will it be dangerous?” A wince followed her query. “Scuse, I-I didn’t mean to pry.”
“Va bene,” it’s fine, Liam said. “I know I haven’t told you much about it.”
“Why would you?”
He smiled. “Someone should know where I am in case the run goes bad and I wind up in a ravine somewhere.”
Athena gasped, apparently not appreciating the tease. “Please don’t say that,” she shuddered.
“Scuse,” sincerity filtering Liam’s voice and expression. He nodded toward the stove. “I’ll take some coffee,” he requested to give her something to do. He took a seat at the table and watched her prepare a cup.
They had practically tiptoed around each other for the last two days. Liam decided to take a stab at changing that.
“Nandi and I have an arrangement with a local fabric merchant,” he began. “His demand far exceeds his supply. The curse of providing a quality product, I suppose. My friend Nandi has the only truck for fifty miles. He basically uses it for fishing and to make himself more appealing romantically.”
Athena laughed, while setting out coffee for two.
“I suggested a partnership,” Liam continued, his voice still flavored with laughter as well. “It allows our merchant a wider radius to sell his wares and supply us with a percentage of the profits.”
Athena appeared impressed. “You’re a Renaissance man,” she noted.
Liam shrugged. “I wasn’t trying to be anything more than a friend, doing a favor for a friend. Nandi’s struggled his entire life-it seemed like the obvious move.”
“It wouldn’t have appeared that way to everyone,” Athena said. “You have quite the attractive brain, Mr. Tesano.”
“Yes, well...people see my face and don’t take time to know the rest,” he slanted her a wink to relay the fact that he was teasing.
Again, Athena laughed. “I can see how that might happen. Is this dangerous, Liam?” She asked after a beat.
“Nandi’s concerned,” he admitted. “The scheme is playing out a little differently than what we’re used to so...he’s a bit nervous.”
Athena looked nervous as well. “Promise you’ll walk away if his concerns have merit?”
“Promise,” Liam lifted his cup to seal his word.
Silence carried while the coffee was enjoyed. Then, Athena was clearing her throat and leaning closer to the table.
“Liam, what you saw the other night-”
“It’s not my business.”
“It happened in your house.”
“That doesn’t give me the right to dictate your business.”
Athena’s laughter rang out once again that morning. “You and my father should talk!”
“A father has the right to dictate such business, though.”
“And a lover?”
The dimple spliced Liam’s cheek. “That depends on the lover-on his tolerance.”
“And what of your tolerance, Liam Tesano?”
Liam drained his cup, stood. “I have no tolerance...I don’t share,” he said.
Athena settled back in her chair and regarded him cooly. “I’m sure I could find a few tavern maids who’ve shared your bed... and other beds-”
“It’s you, I mean, Athena. I wouldn’t share you. You should think about that before you come to my bed again.” With that, he inclined his head in farewell and left the house.
Athena didn’t move for a long while.
***
“DiCenzo said they’d signal us with their light, Li? You hearing me, paesano?”
“I hear you, Ric, I hear you,” Liam’s tone offered no hints as to his true mood.
