Ella

Time ticks by at a blissful near standstill, leaving me in my own personal heaven. I can't remember the last bath I've had, certainly never prepared by anyone else, let alone a man.

But Liam did it without me asking, like he knew my muscles would protest. Even the ache between my legs is melting away.

I sure didn't mind at the time, but when I woke up this morning, I felt like I'd been run over. Although I'm not one for spa services, I would have happily paid for a massage today.

As if to put in its two cents, my mind reminds me that Liam has two strong and very capable hands. And those hands have become intimately acquainted with my body.

How can a man know as much as he does?!

I'm by no means a virgin, but not a single one of my exes got me anywhere near to what Liam did so easily. Hell, I couldn't even get myself off! But one night with him leaves me feeling like a porn star.

Jeezus, what will Sophia say? I told you so, probably... what's worse is she's right. Soph always said that being with the right man makes all the difference.

Pushing those thoughts from my mind, I take the fluffy washcloth and body wash, then set to cleaning up. That Liam had this on hand and a scent I like no less caught me off guard. The man is full of surprises.

After I finish, I stay soaking, not ready to leave the tub's steamy embrace yet. Even though the salts have done their work, leaving me feeling like a new woman, I hesitate. Part of me wonders how much is because I'm enjoying the bath and how much it is because I know Liam wants me to soak.

Soft knocking draws me from my inner debate.

"You still good in there? Or have you turned into a prune yet?" Liam teases. I can practically see the smirk on his face.

"I'm good, just about to get out, actually," I murmur. Though the thought of leaving this warm embrace leaves me frowning.

"Don't rush on my account. I think I'm gonna head downstairs for a minute. Be careful." There's a sternness to his voice that turns my frown upside down.

"Yes, dad," I drawl.

Silence.

Too far?

"You enjoy testing me, don't you, Ella?"

His gruff warning has the opposite effect on me and sends a thrill rushing through me when I know I should tread carefully. Fighting a smile, I answer without thought.

"What ever do you mean, Sir?" The thrill coursing through me multiples ten fold, hearing him let out a throaty chuckle on the other side of the door.

"Is that how you want to play it, little one? We'll see just how playful you are tonight. I'll be back soon."

I hear his heavy footsteps walk away from the door and feel proud, having one that round. One thing that's been painfully obvious since I first met the man is he's used to getting his way.

Though I might not be one to argue or fight normally, I just can't seem to stop myself from reminding him that it's not always going to be his way.

Part of me loves to see that flash in his eyes when he doesn't get his way. The other part of me warns I shouldn't push him...

Before my mind can wander off track too far, I push those thoughts away and rinse off. Wrapping myself in one of the fluffy towels, I take a quick look in the mirror.

There's something different in my reflection, like the bath washed away every care I had in the world. Not wanting to be caught in my towel, I force myself back across the hall to my room.

My luggage is just where I left it the day before and I fish out something comfortable to wear, layering a fluffy sweater over top of a tank top and leggings. Even after sleeping in and the bath, I still feel like I need a nap.

Soft knocking on the door makes my heart flutter. I spin to face it, smoothing my outfit and answer 'come in'. My stomach drops when it's not him.

"Glad to see you too, babe," Soph teases, closing the door behind her.

Shaking my head, I wave her off. "It's not that, sorry Soph."

Sophia laughs and closes the gap between us. She tenderly takes me at arm's length and looks me over before tucking a stray curl behind my ear.

"I take it Mr. Green eyes is making good on his promise, hmm?" Her eyes light up with a knowing light while my cheeks burn as hot as the sun.

"Laim has been..." I trail off, at a loss for how to finish? An amazing sex God? He's shown me things I didn't even know about my own body? No, I mean he's all those things and more, but that's not what sticks out.

"He's been amazing, so attentive..." I smile to myself, thinking about the bath he drew for me.

"The sex is that good, eh?" Sophia arches a brow, like even she's surprised.

"Soph!" I hiss, smacking her arm.

"What?" she cackles, her grin growing. "Didn't I say the right man could make all the difference?"

I pull away from her and busy myself with straightening up my luggage. "You did not just say I told you so about my love life," I grumble.

Sophia hugs me from behind and laughs. "Technically, I didn't use those words... but if the shoe fits? Oh and also, love is a foreign concept to me. I made the statement about your sex life."

I roll my eyes and snort back a laugh. "What was I thinking," I drawl. "So Declan is just sex?"

She freezes, her triumphant smirk faltering.

My jaw drops before I manage a small recovery. "Has the great Sophia Hernandez finally realized that men are good for more than their junk?" My confidence blooms as blush colors her cheeks.

I throw my arms around her and squeal, happy to see my friend so happy. "Wait, have you heard from Tim?"

A sly smirk pulls at her lips once more and she nods. "Don't worry about him. Emilio is taking really good care of him," she says.

"Man, he moves fast." I shake my head, feeling almost guilty dir not warning Emilio.

Sophia shakes her head. "I don't think Tim saw this one coming." She takes a seat on the bed and grins. "I'm not normally one for sap, but I'm glad Tim finally found a good one."

I flop down next to her and lay my head on her shoulder. "Emilio could be good for him... but if he's not, you have to take care of him, cause Emilio's been too nice to me."

"You're too soft, El," Sophia murmurs, then bops my nose. "Never change."

"Okay." I smile, feeling happier than I have in a long time. I can't remember the last time that work, friends and my romantic life were all lined up at the same time.

"Any preferences for dinner?" She asks, breaking the silence. "I believe the men folk are trying to decide that now."

I pull a face at the thought of leaving the comforts this place offers. "As in going out?"

Sophia pulls herself up and scoffs. "Yes, miss hermit, as in leaving the confines of your perfect room... with the bed you've yet to sleep in. Venturing out to some fancy restaurant or—"

"Har, har, very funny," I say, frowning. "I'm well aware of how going out to dinner works. I'm just kind of enjoying staying in... I'm a bit tired too."

"I bet you are," Soph teases. "Actually, dinner in sounds better to me too. What have you got in mind?"

I chew on my lip, mulling over what's on hand. There's still leftovers from Emilio's fajitas, along with plenty of meat and veggies and cheese even.

A sappy smile takes hold as I think back to Tim's cooking lessons. "What about pizza? It's easy, customizable and hands on..."

She holds a hand out for me and nods to the door. "Let's go save them from themselves, then."

I take her hand and she tugs me up, hooking my hand on her elbow. Sophia leads the way with a determined charge, owning the space.

Downstairs in the sleek, open concept living room, we find the others. Immediately, my gaze lands on Tim, sitting on the arm of Emilio's chair. They're very close, but it's the bright purple hickies on his fair skin that steal my attention!

"There you are," Declan says, moving over towards Sophia. His smile lights up his crystal blue eyes as we are forgotten, leaving just them.

I step away, giving them space. Strong hands land on my hips and guide me against a strong body. Liam smiles at me as I melt against him, such a simple act that feels as natural as breathing.

"Before we get off topic again," Tim cuts in, wiggling his brows at me. "Indian or Thia?"

"Pardon?" I ask, furrowing my brows.

"For dinner," Liam explains. "No one can seem to decide."

"I was thinking Italian," Sophia says, sliding her hand seductively up Declan's chest. "But then El reminded me how awesome her home made pizza is."

Liam frowns. "I didn't invite you all out here to make you cook for us." His gruff voice is full of disapproval.

I can't hold back my laugh. "I happen to like cooking."

His frown deepens.

"Honestly." I look up through my dark lashes, willing him to believe me. "After sharing your amazing home with us, let me return the favour."

Liam's eyes widen a hair, but a smile slowly takes hold. "If it means that much to you, then pizza it is."

"Yes!" Tim pumps his fist in the air, being a bottomless pit for pizza.

"There's a number on the fridge," Liam says, walking me over to the kitchen. "Call them up for any ingredients you might need."

Excitement mounts in me as I run through the ingredients I'll need. A moment later, I start diving through the cupboards, no doubt looking like a squirrel on a hunt for its nuts.

"Do you have a stand mixer?" I ask, shoulder deep in a gadgets cupboard.

"A what?" Liam asks. The scrunched up look on his face makes it look like I've asked for the moon.

"Step aside," Emilio says, practically shoving Liam out of the way. He stretches up on his tippy toes and drags a shiny high end kitchen aide stand mixer out of a cupboard above the fridge.

"Huh, wonder why it wasn't here with the waffle maker and power mixer?" I mumble, looking at the cave I was in.

Liam pulls a face and holds out a hand to help me up. I take it and he pulls me up like I weigh nothing.

"I didn't know I had any of that," he grumbles, peering into the abyss of kitchen gadgets.

"How?" Emilio gasps, then shakes his head. "Never mind, I know how. You just hired someone to fill it up."

Liam shrugs. "When have you ever seen me cook?"

A crooked grin slips on my lips, eager to see him out of his element. "Well, I guess tonight will be extra special then."

His expression turns guarded as he studies me.

"With Emilio teaching us to make fajitas last night, I thought you might enjoy learning to make pizza." His head tilts ever so slightly, as if to ask, really?

Declan barks out a laugh, earning a glare from Liam that reduces him to a fit. "Sorry, man, but this is gonna be great."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Liam arches a brow in warning. "I don't seem to recall you being a great culinary master."

Declan laughs again. "Sure aren't, but I'm not the control freak." A giant grin splits his face. "This is gonna be a night to remember."

Biting my lip to stop from laughing, I finish checking for ingredients. "All we need is flower, yeast, and cheese."

"On it," Emilio says, plucking the card from the side of the fridge and pulling out his cell.

Slowly, everyone drifts away, leaving me fussing over preparations. Liam walks over, caging me in the corner with his larger frame.

The position sends heat flushing through me as my mind drifts to last night. His smirk tells me his mind can't be far off.

"Having fun?" He asks with a warning edge to his tone.

I swallow hard, my throat instantly dry. "Of-of course, Sir, the kitchen is my happy place."

His gaze darkens, and he leans forward, planting his palm on the counter beside me. The very air between us grows thick and takes on a charge.

"Dangerous game, kitten. That wasn't what I meant and you know it." Liam looks like he's getting ready to devour me.

His growly voice does something to me, lighting an inferno in my core. Alarm bells ring, warning me to tread carefully, but the thrill coursing through me makes that unlikely.

"Seeing how playful you are today, let's play a game." The hungry look in his eyes tells me this isn't going to be like any game I've ever played before.

"What have you got in mind, Sir?"