Indebted by A.R. Hawkins Read Free Book Online Page B

too deep.”
    Finally, we’re out front, and I’m feeling numb. I think I’m going into shock. This has been one fucked-up day.
    Liam shouts, “Hey, Tristan, can you take Jeremy back for me? I need to get Aaron out of here, he’s starting to freak.”
    “Sure, man,” he agrees, seeming slightly put out. “Jeremy, put some hustle in it. I want to get home sometime tonight.”
    The car ride is quiet, but thick with tension. I have no idea what I’m in for when we get to his place, since I’ve seen much more than I should have. Plus, he’s probably still mad over the Jeremy thing. I’m going to have to smooth things over when we arrive. We aren’t best buddies, but we had an easiness earlier I want to keep.
    Walking into Liam’s condo is shocking. The place is huge. Not knowing what to do with myself, I walk over to the windows to see an expanse of prime Chicago view. It’s breathtaking, and seeing it calms me a little. I hear Liam shuffling behind me, so I decide to accept the consequences.
    Turning, I start to nervously pull at my sweater. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble with Jeremy. I hope you guys can still work together.”
    “Stop right there.” I look up at him to see disbelief written on his face. “How can you possibly think I would blame you for that jackass’s behavior? I know that was all him. Hell, I can barely keep him from humping my leg. One look at you was like waving a red flag in front of a bull.”
    “I… I… was afraid you would think I came on to him,” I said, embarrassed to admit it.
    He smiles a little at that. “The thought never crossed my mind. Did it cross yours?”
    I shudder. “Not in this lifetime.”
    For some reason, he finds this hilarious, and starts cackling. I watch, feeling warmth sweep over me because I made him laugh.
    Deciding to push forward when he settles, I add, “I wasn’t going to get out of the car, I swear. He had a gun. I’m sorry—”
    “For Christ’s sake! That wasn’t your fault either, I know that. I’m not mad at you, so would you stop assuming I am?”
    No matter what I say, I keep making things worse. I feel a lump form in my throat, and while trying to swallow it, I look at the floor.
    Liam is suddenly right in front of me. I feel his breath on my hair, and reaching down, he puts his fingers under my chin and lifts me to face him. I can’t even fathom the look he’s giving me. We stare at each other for a few moments.
    Liam breaks the silence. “Stop worrying so much and go with the flow. As long as you’re not my enemy, you’ve nothing to worry about. Just be yourself this weekend, that’s all I ask.”
    I feel lighter. “I can do that, though you may regret it. I’m a big kid when allowed to play.”
    I’m smiling like an idiot now, and he reaches up, putting his hand on my face. Slowly, his thumb rubs against my cheek.
    He has a small smile on his face as he says, “I like this.”
    The feel of his rough skin on my face sets desire loose in me. His gaze turns hungry too, but after a moment, it’s gone.
    He steps back and clears his throat. “You’ve got to be starving, I know I am. I, uh, I don’t know how to cook, but I can order a pizza.”
    He almost sounds nervous; it’s cute. Yeah, for a guy who nearly killed someone in front of you. He said he was protecting someone, that’s a good thing. Delusional….
    The next thing that comes out of my mouth shocks me. “I can cook. You have anything in the kitchen?”
    Liam seems pleased at this. “Yeah, I have someone come in and stock the place up.” He shrugs. “Not that it gets used.”
    “Do you mind showing me the way?” Damn place is so big. I might have to send up a flare if I go it alone.
    “Sure, this way.”
    As he leads, I take notice of his ass. I want to reach out and squeeze, and I feel my dick twitch. Averting my eyes from those cheeks doesn’t help much, because he has a strong, wide expanse of shoulders. I start to harden a little.