Athena was preparing to bring cups and saucers to the dining room when she sensed she wasn’t alone in the kitchen. There was no need to turn and she didn’t have the chance to when his hands went to her waist, preventing the move. He cupped her hips briefly before linking his hands together before her waist.
“What are you doing?” she hissed.
“Relax,” Giaimo murmured. “They’re still in the other apartment. I told Li I was going to the toilet.”
“Stop,” Athena angled her head, but was unsuccessful at avoiding his lips nibbling one side of her neck. “There’s a toilet over there too, you know?”
“Mmm hmm...” the nibbling continued. “Relax...”
The word was like a caress on her skin. Giaimo smoothed a hand up to cup one heaving breast before finding his way inside her dress bodice.
“Stop...” her command sounded like a caress as well. She arched into his wide palm when it covered and squeezed her bare flesh.
“We’ve got time,” Giaimo murmured. “My brothers are telling Liam we may’ve found the swine who threatened you.”
She gasped, not sure if it was in reference to the news or what his fingers were doing to her nipple. “After all th-this time?”
“Better late than never.”
“H-how?”
“Later,” he cupped her chin, angling her head around so that he could kiss her hard and deep.
“But how?” Athena managed to free herself a few inches.
“We know where they live.”
“You’re certain?” She turned fully in his arms and saw the lethal glint flashing in reaction to Giaimo’s vivid gaze.
“I saw him, remember?”
Like that, memories of the night returned in full measure. Recalling her terror and the security of her rescuer’s embrace, Athena rested her head to Giaimo’s chest.
When he caressed her hips again, she didn’t resist and accepted his next kiss with a sweet wantonness that turned lusty in seconds. Giaimo crowded Athena into the angle made by the stove and counter. His hand returned to its place inside her dress and their kiss resumed its lustful display. They were oblivious to everything, the dishes they rattled on the counter, the soft whistling of the coffee pot and even the appearance of little Humphrey Tesano in the doorway.
~12~
“Please don’t tell me I’ve missed lunch.”
Erica Lewis’ laughter filled the office. “My uncle sends his apologies for not telling you sooner. He has a standing lunch date with one of his lady friends each month. He would’ve called but guessed you might already be on your way, when he remembered.”
“One of his lady friends.” Liam arched a brow.
“Mmm,” Erica hid none of the snugness from her smile. “The outings tend to last the day.”
“Just the day?” Liam couldn’t resist tacking on and joined Erica when she burst into laughter.
“He’s really sorry about this,” she said once they sobered a bit.
Liam waved her off. “Forget about it. It’s not like I don’t have my own selfish reasons for coincidentally dropping by right at noon a few times a week.”
“Well!” Erica pretended to be surprised and more laughter stirred. “Uncle Earn will be happy to know how much you enjoy your talks with him.”
Liam really did enjoy the chats with the larger than life Earnest Claymore. The captain was always pleased to speak privately with Liam who had quickly become a treasured business partner and friend.
“It’s your chicken and salmon croquettes I enjoy most,” he admitted unashamed.
Again, Erica’s laughter filled the office. “Uncle Earn will be pleased to know you tolerate me for the same reason he does.”
“That’s doubtful. Tell your uncle I was here, okay?” Liam hastily tacked on the request before Erica questioned his prior response.
“I will, but,” she waved toward the room, “why don’t you join me? It’s not as flashy as what I put together for my uncle but it’ll put a nice coating on your stomach for the rest of the day.”
Liam meant to refuse, but caught a whiff of Erica’s lunch. Moving closer to her desk, he inhaled deeply.
There was more laughter from Erica’s direction. The gesture seemed to illuminate her lovely, almond dark face. “It’s only vegetable beef soup,” she said.
“The beef smells outstanding,” Liam marveled.
Erica nodded. “Leftovers from the roast my mother made over the weekend. All the seasonings wind up in the soup.”
“Genius.”
“Not even. My cooking talents are on the bottom tier. My mother is the genius. Please?” Erica once again encouraged Liam to join her.
“Sure there’s enough?”
She smiled, stood. “Have a seat.”
