performed in order to bring her back to life. Her eyes grew wider and wider as he recounted the tale of the night he found her. How relieved he was when she started breathing again and her mortal wounds knitted close. And his vow that he wouldn’t let anybody hurt her again. “I know it might be difficult to accept this, but I’m hoping you can learn to love me too. You are mine and I would never let you go.” Eva went silent. She bowed her head, staring at the engagement and wedding ring on her fingers. Liam wished he knew what was going on in her head. * Rosa was standing under the portico when Liam pulled the SUV into the driveway. Hades barked with excitement at the sight of his master. Rosa looked relieved when she saw Eva. The housekeeper muttered to herself while patting her chest. They went inside. Eva took a shower and changed her clothes. Rosa served her dinner when she got out of the bathroom. Salisbury steak with pasta and crunchy salad. Eva ate ravenously. Having cheated death for the second time made her hungry. Her gaze lingered on her rings while she ate. He said he loved her and she was his bonded. Giddiness rushed to her head. It was hard to believe a man like Liam would desire somebody like her. He saved her and she was indebted to him. It wasn’t hard to love a man like him. She was already falling for Liam. After Rosa took the tray away, Liam came knocking on the door. “Hey, how do you feel, love?” he asked. Eva could feel herself blushing furiously. “I’m fine.” “You’ve been struck in the head. I need to see your wound.” She grinned. Liam sat next to her on the bed and checked the back of her head. The area where Harrison had struck was a little tender, but it wasn’t bleeding anymore. “Does it hurt?” Liam inquired gently. Eva shook her head. “You sure? I will have Doctor Hall examine you tomorrow. He couldn’t make it today.” He took her hands and squeezed them. “Look at you.” Liam regarded her with great worry. “You have been through a lot over the past few days. I don’t think I could forgive myself if something bad happened to you.” “Do you really mean it? What you said in the car?” “Of course.” Eva looked at her rings. “These are beautiful.” “We can make it legal when you’re up to it.” “Married?” “In the city hall. We need to get you a new identity. My lawyer will take care of that. Then we could have a backyard wedding. Private party, small guest list. Friends and family.” “I would love that.” She lunged at him and hugged him tightly. Damn, he smelled so damn good. His soap. Fresh and clean. Liam wrapped his arms around her and lowered his head, finding her lips. He kissed her. Eva swooned. Heat surged through her veins. Oh, how she wanted him. She wanted to replay their experience when they shared a bed. Perhaps more. She was better now and Liam wouldn’t have a reason to say no. Liam broke the kiss. His breath was labored. His eyes blazed. “Eva…” “Yes.” “You sure you’re okay? You’ve been through a lot today.” “I want you, Liam.” He growled like a starving beast. “You have no idea how much I want you.” “Really?” “Hmm.” Liam undressed her. Her nightgown first, and then her brassiere and her panties. Eva shivered when he touched her. His hands swept over her naked skin with such tenderness, as if she was made from fragile porcelain and he was afraid to break her. “You so beautiful, Eva,” he whispered. He kissed her again until she wanted to faint from the lack of air. He tightened his hands on her breasts and kneaded them. Eva loved the sensation. She loved the way he touched her. An experienced lover. Touches that made her burn from the inside out. Especially when he plucked her nipples and rolled them between his thumb and forefingers. Her bones felt as if they had melted into wax. The pleasure shot from her nipples straight to her pussy, making her hotter and