Page 47 of Wraith
“I’m sorry, Liam. I shouldn’t have missed that.”
“It’s all right. This is why we do these fact-finding trips.” Liam reached over to take her hand for a reassuring squeeze. “We’re going to have to take a closer look. Are you up for this?”
“My life is in someone else’s hands,” Amelia said, determination raging inside her. “I don’t like it. I want to have a hand in taking my world back. So, let’s do this.”
Liam kissed her. “Okay, let’s go.”
Before leaving the car, Amelia grabbed the weapon he’d given her. She went over how to use it in her head before dropping it in the large pocket of her coat. Together, they braved the cold air. The frigid cold froze any exposed skin within seconds as her teeth chattered. Still, she didn’t complain. As the trudged through the snow, she couldn’t help thinking Lili would not whine about the cold.
Amelia frowned at her jealousy and walked in Liam’s footsteps, being careful not to leave more of herself there than she needed to. He didn’t have to tell her, Amelia knew the less she can prove they were there, the better.
They inspected the building, trying doors, looking in windows. They couldn’t get in, but she figured got a layout of the land by staring in the window. He pointed things out to her about the area in the back, the way the building faced, they colours the nooks and crannies. Eventually, they escaped to the car, where she cuddled into Liam’s side. He cranked the heat. Without waiting, Liam eased the car out of the lot and turned toward their hotel. They stopped for more food and coffee then continued on.
At the hotel, they sat together and ate. She enjoyed this moment with him, loving the softness of his touch, the smile dancing in his eyes. After a while, he grabbed some paper and a pen and began scribbling.
Amelia cleared her throat. “Do you have family?”
“Here and there,” Liam said. He didn’t look up.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning—my mother died when I was a kid and my father a few years ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
Liam kissed her shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m an only child and my father didn’t come with anyone. My mother has family, but they weren’t close. I have an uncle in Alberta and cousins. What about you?” He went back to his sketch.
“All I had was my father.” Amelia admitted. “After mom died. And Lisa. I come from a long line of only child families. That’s why I wanted a big family, but it doesn’t seem to be in the cards.”
He paused and met her gaze before setting aside what he’d been working on to level his gaze on her. “You’re young, Hummingbird.”
She shrugged. “I haven’t found anyone I wanted to help me with the family yet. I don’t just wanna have a child with anyone, you know?”
For a while, Liam said nothing. He merely stared at her then smiled. “Well, don’t give up. I think you’d make a great mom.”
Amelia’s heart soared. They talked for a little while before Liam left her alone. Unable to sit still, she paced the room, looking at one thing or another. Her mind went back to their talk. She’d never admitted her thoughts on a family to anyone, except her best friend. But for some reason, she couldn’t stop herself with Liam.
“Hummingbird?”
Amelia looked up from the drawings Liam had done after returning. It was what he’d seen inside the building. He further impressed her with his skills and she made a mental note to ask him about it later.
“Hmm?”
“I have a surprise for you,” he said, extending a hand to her.
Without thinking, she accepted his had and allowed him to lead her toward the bathroom.
“Close your eyes.,” he said.
Amelia laughed. “Okay.”
She did as he asked and soon, they were moving again. When they stopped, Liam began undressing her. Amelia giggled and licked her lips.
“Liam Snyder, if you wanted my body all you had to do was asked.” She teased him. “All you would have to do was pinch my nipples or kiss my neck.”
Liam pinched her bare nipples and she trembled. Amelia melted.
“I’ll know this for next time,” Liam said, close to her ear before nipping at it.
