Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

I wake up next to Liam, in Venice. I look around our beautiful suite at the Londra Palace hotel. Liam is still sleeping, I quietly slip out of bed and make my way to the balcony. Venice is such a beautiful city. I stand there taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Suddenly I feel arms around my waist and whiskers rub against my cheek. “Good morning, Love. What are you doing?”
I smile and relax into Liam’s embrace. “I am admiring this beautiful city.”
“It is lovely, but it doesn’t compare to you, Beautiful.” Liam says in a deep, raspy morning voice.
I turn in his embrace to face him. “What on earth did I ever do to deserve you, Handsome?”
Liam grins. “It must have been something amazing.” He bats his eyes with the most innocent look on his face.
We both laugh. “You are such a dork, Liam.”
He feigns hurt. “I can’t believe you called me a name.” He walks away with a pout.
I take his hand and pull him back to me. “Aw, did I hurt your feelings? Does this make it better?” I get on my tiptoes, wrap my arms around his neck, my mouth on his.
“Mmm, I think I can forgive you.” He grins. “Let’s go explore this incredible city together.”

Liam and I have an amazing first day in Venice. We explore the Piazza San Marco. Then sit and enjoy a coffee before visiting St. Mark’s Basilica. Such an amazing history in this city.
Over lunch the waiter suggests we wander aimlessly through the streets and alleys. To just get lost in the city. So that is exactly what we do. Liam and I holding hands, strolling through this romantic city. There’s no place else I’d rather be right now.
We eventually find ourselves at Campanile. The city’s tallest building. We take the lift to the top. I have a fear of heights. Liam knows this, however he doesn’t say a word. He just wraps his arm tightly around my waist, letting me know I’m safe. We stand there looking out at the exquisite view of the lido, or beach. I find myself relaxing completely into Liam. Trusting him to protect me one hundred percent.

We stop for some gelato before heading back to the hotel. “I have one more thing I want to show you.” Liam tells me.
We take a short ride on a boat to the Venice Modern Art Museum. Outside is an incredible sculpture of a skull. I look up at Liam excited. “I love it!”
He grins. “I know you like skulls. So when I heard about it, I knew I had to bring you to see it.”
“Thank you, baby.” I take a ton of pictures before we go inside the museum.

Back at the hotel we enjoy dinner in our room. After, we sit together on the balcony overlooking the canal. “I was reading about Ponte des Sospiri. The Bridge of Sighs. Venetian lore says if two lovers kiss on a gondola under the bridge they’ll be granted eternal bliss.” I tell Liam.
He smiles. “How romantic.”
I lay my head on his shoulder, he pulls me in close. We sit like that for some time before Liam disappears inside for a bit.
He returns to the balcony. Putting out his hand for me to take he says. “Come with me, Love.”
Liam leads me to to the large jacuzzi tub in the suite. The water is clear with several rose petals floating in it.
I grin. “No bubbles huh?”
He winks. “Nope, no bubbles.” He bends down for his lips to meet mine. I eagerly accept his urging tongue. We hastily undress and make our way into the tub. Liam looks me up and down. “ You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait till you’re my wife. I love you, Liz.”
My breath catches.
“I can’t even find the words to tell you how much I love you. You are my world Liam, I want nothing more than to be your wife. To grow old with you.”
We make love in the tub, before moving to the bed where we cuddle together. I fall asleep with Liam singing quietly in my ear.

Notes