Chapter 5 Five

"I got your flowers, they were beautiful and that was so thoughtful, " Lara said clumsily

" I'm glad you like them." He said as their eyes met, the air seemed to vibrate with an unspoken connection.

He was looking at her like she was the only person in the place.

Lara felt a flutter in her chest, but she tried to brush it off as mere nervousness.

The waiter arrived with their orders, setting the flaky croissants and steaming cups of coffee in front of them. The aroma of freshly baked pastry wafted up, momentarily distracting Lara from the awkward moment

"Enjoy your breakfast," the waiter said sarcastically with a smile, before discreetly withdrawing.

While coffee is typically associated with the morning routine no rule says you can't enjoy a cup of coffee in the evening.

Liam reached for his coffee, his eyes fixed on Lara's as he took a sip. Lara, on the other hand, didn't touch her food. She was still reeling from Liam's admission, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions.

"Liam I don't understand you have a girlfriend and you're still after me." She sipped her coffee looking at him with confusion

It tasted so good.

Liam leaned back in his chair, "Lara it's complicated. Ava...she's not like you .she's..." he paused searching for words

" she's the kind of girl my parents want me to be with. You know the perfect CEO wife."

"What am I?" Lara said raising her eyebrow

"You're the one I want to be with, you're the one who makes me feel alive," he said smiling

It was funny

"That's not fair Liam," she said shaking her head

"You're using me as a distraction from your unhappy relationship or what?

"Lara I can't lose you, just give me this chance." He said locking his eyes

"And as for Ava." He shrugged

"She knows what she's getting into, Lara she wants the lifestyle and the status that comes with being with me."

Lara looked at him in disbelief.

Liam was lying and she didn't know, he had used his eyes and soft-spoken to lure her into believing that he cared about her and didn't want to lose her.

She was already in love.

Liam was beautifully made, his body was crafted with quality time.

"Do you want to come over to my place for a bit?

It's two blocks away." He asked Lara smiling

Lara raised an eyebrow. "What's the real reason you're inviting me over?"

Liam started laughing, "No ulterior motives I promise, I just thought you'd stop by my place before I drive you home."

"Okay fine, but just for a little while."

"That's all I can ask for" Liam grinning

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Liam led Lara to his car, he drove a sleek black sedan, that was parked by the curb. He opened the door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat. Liam got in behind the wheel, started the engine, and pulled out into the evening traffic.

The drive to his house was quiet, with only the soft hum of the engine and the occasional passing car breaking the silence. Lara gazed out the window.

After a few minutes, Liam turned into a driveway, parked in front of the garage, and turned off the engine, he got out and walked around to open Lara's door.

Offering her a hand to help her out, she took it feeling a spark of electricity as their palm touched

As they walked toward the house, Lara suddenly felt a shift in the air,

She looked to the sky, the clear evening had transformed into a dark foreboding stormy sky

"Wow look at that," Liam said following her gaze

"It's about to rain"

The lights in the house flickered slightly and Lara felt a shiver run down her spine, there was something ominous about the sudden change in weather, something that her feel uneasy.

" let's go inside," Liam said breaking the silence

He held her hand and took her inside

He turned on the television

"Feel comfortable, " he said to her

She sat on the couch folding her both legs in, somehow she could see herself not going home

Even if she wanted to use an Uber, she could swear Liam wouldn't allow her.

"I'll need to wash out today's stress," Liam said to Lara as he walked to the way of his bedroom.

She figured it was already raining

She stared at the TV without seeing what was showing.

Twenty minutes later Liam was not in the living room, she had thought to go check on him in the bedroom

Why he was taking so much time to freshen up like a woman!

She shook off the thought and decided to wait until he came out.

He didn't seem to want to come out

She was tired, the sound from the heavy downpour of rain outside was the best lullaby for her to sleep.

She closed her eyes listening to the sound of the storm outside and the quiet hum of the house she felt a sense of peace wash over her and soon she drifted off to sleep.

A few minutes later, Liam emerged feeling refreshed after the shower, he was wearing a sleek pair of pajamas, the soft fabric clinging to his masculine physique as he walked into the living room, he was greeted by the sight of Lara fast asleep.

For a moment he stood over her watching her, taking the peaceful expression on her face, he felt a strong urge to reach out and touch her, to gently brush a strand of hair from her face.

He resisted he didn't want to disturb her.

Instead, he stood there for a moment watching her sleep feeling a sense of connection to her that he couldn't quite explain.

It was 8:30pm and the rain was still falling like it was never going to stop.

Without making a sound, Liam gently scooped Lara up from the couch, lifting her into his arms. She murmured, nestling her head into the crook of his neck, but didn't wake. Liam held her close, feeling her warmth and the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

He walked carefully to his bedroom, not wanting to jostle her awake. As he entered the room, he kicked the door shut behind him with his foot, then laid Lara down on his bed. She snuggled into the pillows, still fast asleep.

Liam stood over her, looking down at her peaceful face. He felt a surge of protectiveness towards her, and a deep desire to keep her safe. Without thinking, he climbed into bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. As he held her, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, and soon he drifted off to sleep, Lara secure in his arms.