Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

I hear the beginning notes of Mirrors as Liam and I step on the dance floor. I had suggested we dance to the song Liam wrote for me. He insisted that it should be Mirrors, since so much changed for both of us that night he sang it to me in the kitchen, the kitchen right here in our villa.
I close my eyes, remembering it, Liam’s arms around my waist, singing in my ear.
I feel those same arms around my waist now as we sway to the music. “Remembering?” Liam asks me. I nod my head yes. “Me too, Beautiful.” Then I no longer hear Justin Timberlake. I only hear Liam singing it softly in my ear. I know people are watching us, honestly though, it feels like we are alone.
As the next song begins, Liam’s parents join us on the dance floor. First they dance together, then Liam dances with his mum while I dance with Geoff.
I get a little teary knowing at some point my parents would have joined in as well. Just then I watch as Caroline taps Liam on the shoulder and they begin to dance. I feel a hand on my own shoulder. Turning I find Harry. “I know this is a difficult part for you. May I have this dance, Lizzie?”
My sad tears instantly turn to happy tears, as I realize the amazing people I have in my life. “Thank you, H.”

Before we move to cut the cake, Liam pulls me aside. “Liz, I know we talked about how you wanted remembering your parents to be a more private part of the wedding. Anything big would be too hard for you.”
I nod my head. “Yes.”
“I just wanted you to know I hadn’t forgot about them.” Liam pulls a picture of my parents from his pocket. “They’ve been with us all day, Beautiful.”
I put my hand to my heart. My eyes brimming with tears. “Oh, Liam. Thank you.”
Liam smiles. “Darling, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled out this picture today and thanked them for giving me you.”
My tears spill over. Liam takes me in his arms. “I love you, Handsome.”
“I love you more, Beautiful.”

The cake is actually a surprise to me. Liam handled it all on his own. I’m going to be honest, I half expect a Batman themed wedding cake.
Instead they roll out an exquisite all white multi layer cake with intricate piping. “Liam, it’s incredible.”
He grins. “Hold on, I’m not done.”
I watch as they lift the domes on each side of the wedding cake. I laugh at what is revealed. On one side is a smaller Batman cake, and on the other, a Cinderella cake.
Wrapping my arms around Liam’s neck, up on my tiptoes, I give him a kiss. “It’s perfect, Liam.”
He’s a little hesitant. “You really like it?”
“How could I not love it? It’s us!”
Liam grins, pleased with himself.

As we cut the first slice of the big cake together, I recognize the filling immediately. I have no intention of smashing the cake in Liam’s handsome face. Instead I feed him a bite, as he’s chewing I take some of the filling on my finger. Rubbing it all over his lips before moving in to lick it off. I hear Liam’s quiet moan, thinking to myself that we will be leaving this party soon.
Liam then feeds me a piece of cake. He then loads up his finger with filling. First he leaves a dot on the tip of my nose. I laugh as he puts his finger to my lips. I open my mouth taking in all of his finger. I watch his eyes change as I suck the filling off. I have to admit, I love that I have that effect on him.
He leans down to kiss me. “Mmm, cannoli cream filling.” I whisper against his lips. “We will need to bring some of that back to the cottage with us.”
Liam sighs. “And how soon will that be?”
I laugh. “Are you getting inpatient, Mr. Payne?”
Liam whispers roughly in my ear. “Yes, Mrs.Payne. I want you, desperately.”

Notes