Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

The next morning I call my friend who has just had a baby. Sitting outside near the pool, I listen to her go on and on about how much she loves her baby. How it was such an incredible experience. I have to admit I feel a bit of a tug inside. The thought of having Liam’s baby thrills me to no end.

After our conversation, I head back inside. When I see Liam, I know I have to give him a hard time.
“Liam James Payne! Are you playing video games on our honeymoon?”
He turns to me with the look of a little boy who just got caught.
“I was just trying them out, to make sure they worked.”
I smirk. “Oh sure.” Then I move to straddle Liam on the couch. Pulling my shirt over my head, tossing it aside, I tell him. “I’ve got something better you can play with.”
Liam’s eyes show that familiar naughty sparkle as he tosses the controller behind him. “I like this game.” He picks me up, carrying me to the bedroom to play.

That evening we decide to check out a small club in town. We meet a nice couple at the table next to us. They come here to Greece often and tell us all the best spots to visit. They also know a lot about the villa we’re staying at. While they share some stories with us, Liam whispers in my ear. “Gotta wee, be right back.” He kisses the top of my head, before heading off.
Several minutes later, I realize Liam hasn’t returned. Looking across the room, I see him with a bunch of piranhas...I mean women. These aren’t the typical fans. I don’t mind those, most are very nice. I make my way over.
I take Liam’s hand, pulling him away from them, towards me. “Sorry ladies, he’s taken.”
Liam grins. Putting his arm around my waist, pulling me close, his mouth almost on mine. With his back to the women, he puts up his left hand to them and wiggles his fingers, showing off his wedding band. “Very happily taken.” He says before moving in for a kiss. I, in turn, kiss the hell out of him; making sure those piranhas know he’s all mine.
As we walk back to the table, I have my hand firmly on Liam’s ass.
“Mmm, I like when you’re all jealous and possessive, Love.”
I squeeze his ass. “You can show me later just how much you like it.”

We stay for awhile longer. Before we head out I make my way to the restroom. I’m inside the stall when I hear voices.
“Did you see the way she had to come tear him away from us?”
It’s the piranhas.
“I know. Jealous much?”
“She’s not even pretty enough for him.”
I close my eyes. That’s the one, the one that hurts. Bringing up my old insecurities. I don’t want to hear anymore. Not wanting them to know they’ve hurt me, I open the stall door, heading straight to the sink. I feel all their eyes on me as I wash my hands. Before I leave I touch up my lipstick. Then I hold my head high as I walk past them. “Excuse me.”

I walk straight to Liam, take his hand, pulling him outside.
“Are you alright, Babe?”
That’s when the tears flow.
“Liz, Babe, what’s wrong?”
I recount the story to Liam.
“Oh Love, don’t listen to those jealous bitches. They only say that because they wish they were as pretty as you.”
He squeezes my hand. “You know, that to me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Both outside and inside. I mean come on, I even call you Beautiful.”
I smile. “You always know the right things to say to make me feel better. I love you, Handsome.”
“I love you more, Beautiful.”

Notes