Warrior Nights Read online

  “Wait. What?” She rose and advanced on him. “You have a regular job?”

  “Sure. This place costs rent, and I can’t pay it in cherry pie and hugs. Morgan’s Mountain Spring Pure Water.”

  “But doesn’t it all taste the same?” Kara shrugged off her leather jacket and hung it up on one of the pegs set in the wall by the front door.

  He grabbed his chest as if she’d stabbed him. “Don’t let my boss hear you say that. I drive a forklift, load up the trucks. Midnight shift. You’ll have the place to yourself tonight.”

  Kara frowned. “You’re going to leave me here?”

  “Unless you want to come and sit in the break room for eight hours, sure. Got to leave you alone at some point, and now is as good a time as any.” He stripped off his shirt and headed for the shower. “My place, first dibs on the hot water.”

  Chapter Ten

  She walked him to the front door, unable to quell the nervous fluttering in her belly.

  “Here’s my cell phone number. Any problems, call me. Lock the door after I go and don’t open it to anyone,” Liam ordered. “I’ve got my key. The only other person who has one is the superintendent, and Jon’s not going to come in without knocking first.”

  “What if it’s Marie?” She couldn’t pass up the chance to toss obstacles in his path, the verbal jousting helping settle her nerves.

  “Then she’ll break the door down and arrest you. If she’s coming by this late at night, it’ll only be for that reason. Or to tell you I’ve been killed at the warehouse.”

  The light joke shot deep through her heart.

  “Are you going to leave me the gun?”

  He paused, one hand on the doorknob. “Do you think you’ll need it?”

  “I might.” Kara gestured at his boots. “You’ve got your combat knife in your boot.”

  He scowled as he pulled up his jean leg, revealing the dark green sheath. “Lucky guess.”

  Liam eyed her for a minute before retrieving the pistol from the small of his back. “Do you know how to use this?”

  “Of course.” She said it too quickly.

  “Nice try. If you don’t know, you’re a danger to yourself and others.” He tucked the pistol back away. “Tonight, I’ll leave you with all the kitchen knives. I think you’ll manage.”

  “Coward.”

  “Survivor.” He hesitated and for a second and she thought he was going to kiss her. “I’ll see you in the morning. Lock the door—I’ll be listening for the sound.”

  “Okay.” Kara watched him leave, her heart racing. She twisted the metal knob and heard the deadbolt slide home.

  On a whim she pulled the small curtain aside to see Liam staring back at her. She resisted the urge to open the door because it was too cold, and she wasn’t in the mood to fight.

  At least not right now.

  Liam wagged his finger at her and walked away. Kara stayed at the window until the truck rumbled out of the parking lot and into the darkness.

  Now she was alone and in the bathtub, surrounded by thick, soft bubbles courtesy of a small packet she found in his medicine cabinet—obviously a gift of some sort that had gone unused.

  She drew a deep breath, tamping down the fluttering in her belly.

  Alone.

  Kara lifted one leg and stretched it out, watching the water drip off her heel. The scalding hot water soaked into her muscles, drawing away the aches and pains of the day’s activities.

  Liam hadn’t flinched at a long day of work before going in to do his shift tonight. He’d be dead tired when he got back in the morning, of that she was certain.

  Dead.

  The vision caught her off-guard, her hands curling around the edge of the tub as she flashed back to another time, another place.

  She smiled as she stood there in the darkness, watching from the trees as Brenna and Erik embraced—they didn’t know it would be their last time together.

  It’d taken some work to separate the berserker from his fellow warriors, the promises of a good fight luring him out of Valhalla. It skimmed the line of how much she was supposed to have access to in her quest, but it’d get the job done. After that, Kara would return to Valhalla as the lead Valkyrie, dragging Erik’s soul behind her as her former sister spiraled down to Helheim.

  In the end, that’s all that mattered.

  Kara stepped forward, ready to taunt the couple as the mammoth fighter landed near the campsite, roaring as he swung his ax.

  She’d win and fulfill her mission, no matter what she had to do.

  She always did.

  Kara sat up with a gasp, water running down her face. Wet hair slapped her cheeks as she struggled to get a grip on the edges of the tub. She’d submerged her head while in the trance, the lack of oxygen snapping her back before anything bad could happen.

  She rubbed her face, the fresh tears mixing with the scented water.

  What have I done?

  Her stomach twisted into knots, an icy cold ball settling in her gut.

  What did I do?

  Kara grabbed at the nearby towel and stood up on shaking legs, hoping they’d carry her to the couch.

  “Jack. Jack!” The shout brought Liam out of his reverie, his half-eaten sandwich sitting on the table in front of him.

  “Dude, pull your head out of the clouds. Last truck’s here for the night, and I want to go home early.” Harry gave a sharp laugh. “Thinking about your lady friend? You two are the talk of the town. Ex-lover shows up at your front door, demanding you take her back? Like something out of a romance novel.”

  “Is that what you’re hearing?” Liam stood up.

  Harry chuckled. “If you’re not interested in keeping her, why not do me a favor and introduce us?”

  “Woman’s not into charity,” Liam deadpanned. “Besides, I thought you were still sweet on Lucy at the diner.”

  “Maybe it’ll make her jealous.” The worker jabbed a thumb at the doorway leading to the warehouse floor. “Be nice to surprise her for breakfast if we can get out of here early.”

  Liam finished the cup of coffee in two swigs. “On my way. Drop the platform and make sure the driver’s tight against the door this time. Last fellow had me nearly pitching over the edge, damned fool afraid to back up properly.”

  “Gotcha.” Harry walked off, leaving Liam alone again.

  He cleaned up and headed back out on the floor, his mind racing as he thought about Kara again.

  Another few hours and he’d go home.

  As he swung himself up into the metal machine he caught himself.

  Home. To Kara.

  Liam wasn’t sure when he’d started thinking of the small apartment as home and when he’d ever looked forward so much to the end of his shift.

  A few hours later he strode out to his truck. It was hard not to speed on the way to his apartment building, the first rays of daylight beginning to spread out over the Ridge.

  The smell of fresh bread baking drifted through the truck, and he pulled into the bakery on impulse.

  Mrs. Monnetti appeared at the window and waved. He grinned as he got out of the truck and headed for the door, the thick doughy aroma already making his mouth water.

  Fifteen minutes later Liam arrived at the apartment burdened with a fresh loaf of egg bread and a box holding six pastries of different types. The bread had been his initial goal, but Mrs. Monnetti had insisted on adding the sweet treats.

  “The bread’s delicious, but you can’t go wrong with pastries.” She waved off the extra payment. “Bring her around sometime, and I’ll teach her how to make them on her own.”

  He’d laughed and nodded, waving on his way back to the truck.

  Now, as he approached the door and fumbled to dig his keys out of his pocket, he realized he was smiling. Liam gave himself a mental shake—he wasn’t used to being happy about not working, the silence between his ears sometimes a home for the saddest thoughts.

  The door was still locked, and he let out a sigh
of relief.

  Both because it meant she was still there and that she was safe. It had crossed his mind more than once during the past few hours that she might cut and run again, taking the opportunity to vanish from his life.

  “Kara?” He swung the door open, juggling the box of pastries and the bag holding the bread. “I brought breakfast.”

  He paused, seeing her asleep on the sofa. The television was set on the all-news channel, the low drone of voices filling the apartment.

  The sight almost broke him.

  She lay on the couch, wearing one of his dress shirts with her bare feet poking out from under the dark green blanket she’d pulled down from the back of the couch. The flash of leg through a fold told him it was all she was wearing, a juxtaposition of hot and cold.

  He licked his lips, wanting nothing more than to descend on her and give in to the inferno that had been raging under his skin since her reappearance in his life. But there were too many questions keeping him at bay.

  He stood behind the couch and reached down, shaking her gently. “Hey. I brought breakfast.”

  She turned onto her back, letting out a deep, throaty sigh that sent his heart into overdrive. Her eyes stayed closed as she flipped back away from him, mumbling something under her breath. The shirt front fell open, giving him a clear view inside.

  Retreat, his inner voice screamed. Retreat.

  Liam growled at the shadows and, after checking to make sure the front door was locked, went to his bedroom—frustrated and alone. As he stripped off his clothing and tossed it in the corner, he vowed to resolve this situation, one way or another. Maybe she could move in with Geraldine for the time being or…

  Exhaustion washed over his thoughts and pushed him into sleep despite his body crying out for release. Liam grunted and pulled the covers close, dreaming of having her in his arms.

  She roared as she swung at the woman facing her, bringing the lance down hard on the wooden stick her opponent held. The smell of burning flesh choked her nostrils, screaming and yelling coming from someplace nearby.

  Kara’s chest swelled with satisfaction, the chaos she’d unleashed feeding her pride. This was what she wanted to do, needed to do in order to finish her task and return home victorious.

  No matter who she had to hurt or kill.

  “You don’t have to do this,” the woman pleaded. Kara recognized her as a former sister, a friend…

  “Yes. Yes, I do. Because we can’t change who we are.” The spear came down again, smashing through the staff.

  Kara woke with a start, her face wet with sweat. Her muscles ached as if she’d actually been in a fight.

  In her heart she knew the memory was true, a part of her past.

  What did it mean?

  Kara looked over to see Liam’s jacket on the peg by the door.

  He’s home.

  She rubbed her eyes and sat up, letting the blanket fall to the floor. It’d been a last-minute decision, pulling one of his shirts out of the closet to relax in. Could have put on the track pants and sweatshirt again, but she wanted to feel…

  Free.

  Unburdened.

  She padded into the kitchen, following the mouth-watering smell of fresh bread. The box of pastries was a welcome find. After finishing off a cheese danish, Kara headed down the hall. The door to the bedroom was ajar, and she could see Liam lying there, his bare back to her.

  He looked…

  Sad. Alone.

  A man seeking redemption for his choices. His decisions that had sent many people to their deaths long before their time.

  She finished the snack, still standing in the doorway.

  Her memory might not have fully returned, but she knew she was no angel. She’d hurt those she was supposed to help and turned her back on family and friends. Now she had a second chance to make things right.

  Maybe they weren’t so different after all.

  Kara slipped into bed behind Liam and drew the blanket up, tucking her arm around his waist before closing her eyes.

  It was a dreamless sleep, a deep rest replacing the weak, thin nap she’d had on the couch. Kara woke slowly, sensing it’d been some hours since she entered the bedroom. At some point they’d both rolled over and now he held her, curled around her protectively.

  She paused, not sure what to do. It was tempting to stay and wallow in the warmth but judging from the erection nudging the base of her spine, decision time was near.

  If she stayed…

  His steady breathing continued for a few minutes before it hitched, a deep breath rocking her hand.

  She turned over and looked at him.

  Liam smiled. “Hello.”

  “Hi.” She couldn’t think of what else to say.

  “I’m not a good man,” he whispered. “And this won’t end well. It can’t end well.”

  “I know.” Kara pressed her lips into a tight line before continuing. “But I’m tired of being alone and tired of being myself. Let me be someone else right now.”

  “The woman from the hotel?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “No. Someone new.” She ran her fingers through his loose, long hair. “Let’s remake each other.”

  He smiled. “I think that’s an excellent idea.” He moved in for a kiss.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kara groaned into Liam’s mouth as he slid his hands over the shirt, the heat from his hand burning through the thin fabric onto her skin. His hands roamed over her, slipping from her naked legs, up under the shirt, and down again.

  She arched against him, keenly aware she was already wet in anticipation and wanton need. Her cheeks burned as she tried to control herself, grabbing at his shoulders like a drowning woman.

  Liam pulled back first, a smile touching his lips. “Been a while for you.”

  It wasn’t a question.

  “Me, too.” One eyebrow arched. “Let’s see what we can do about that.”

  Before she could ask what he meant, one hand went to the center of her shirt, flipping each button open with ease. He dropped light butterfly kisses along her jaw, his other hand tangling in her long hair to hold her still.

  It was an ongoing battle. Liam’s fingers caressed one breast, then the other, skimming across the nipples with a light touch that had her rising to demand more.

  He denied her, mouth settling on her neck with a light nip of his teeth as his hand continued to stroke and roam over her hip, her breasts, her stomach… everywhere except where she wanted it to be the most.

  “Patience,” he murmured as he moved back up to claim her mouth. “I said we’d take care of things. I didn’t say I wouldn’t tease you a bit first.”

  She drew back, readying a snarl, but his grip intensified at the back of her neck, holding her in place.

  “My house, my rules.” The dominant growl stoked the fires inside her, a desire she hadn’t known existed.

  Kara went to speak, but his hand slipped between her legs and she was lost, gasping for air.

  With a shock she realized he knew her body better than she did—at least for now.

  Then his lips met hers again, fingers seeking out her innermost secrets with ease and purpose.

  She shook once, twice, before shattering in his arms, her scream muffled by his mouth.

  When she could breathe again, she opened her eyes to see him grinning.

  “There. That’ll take the edge off.”

  “And you?” She drew in a deep breath.

  “I’ll manage.”

  “Well, that’s not quite fair.” Kara kissed him again before pushing him onto his back and flinging the blanket back. Her shirt hung open and his gaze fell on her breasts, now plainly visible. His expression changed from adoration to pure lust, the hunger in his gaze fanning her own.

  She straddled him, feeling his erection press against her core. It was hard to resist the urge to rise up and have him—but not right now.

  He may have dominated her before—now it was her turn to call the shots.
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  Kara kissed him again, breaking away to drag her lips down his neck, relishing the throaty moans. Her hands dug through his long hair, drawing it out to the ends as she rocked against him.

  Flashes of memory came back to her as she slid down, pressing her palms against the well-toned chest muscles. A dark hotel room, the silk sheets and bottle after bottle of champagne…

  Her nails scraped across one nipple, sending him writhing under her.

  “Don’t worry,” Kara whispered. “I think I remember what you like.”

  She dropped her mouth to his chest and kissed it, moving back as he let out a low grunt. His hands went to her head, twisting in the loose blond strands.

  “Kara…”

  The heated whisper nearly sent her over the edge again on its own, his tight abdomen rising and falling under her gentle inspection.

  She took hold of his hands, entwining her fingers with him.

  “Patience,” she said as she pulled his hands away, moving to press them down into the mattress. “A little more patience.” She released his hands, pleased to see them staying in place.

  She drew her finger along one long half-circle scar, mapping out her plan of attack before following it up with her mouth.

  He twitched and moaned under her tongue, hands bunching up in the sheets as he struggled to keep control.

  Finally, she arrived at her goal.

  And stopped.

  Liam raised his head, mouth open and a plea on his lips. She gave him a delicious smirk and stripped off his shirt, tossing it to one side before descending on him.

  He let out a throaty groan as she ran her tongue up his shaft, one hand cupping his balls as the other stroked his cock with long, leisurely strokes. His hips rose and fell as he thrust into her hand, totally at her mercy.

  She smacked her lips before dropping her mouth down, swirling her tongue around the crown before taking him in.

  Her fingers caressed his balls, the steady wet strokes drawing guttural grunts from Liam as she continued the slow, sensual torture.