Forced into Love

Chapter Thirteen

 

Liam is mesmerized at the sight of the mound of milky white flesh. The small rose-colored tip has hardened in the cold. Before his head can become involved, his fingers reach out to caress the forbidden fruit. At his touch a small gasp draws his eyes from his hand and its conquest to her face. Her cheeks are flushed with color and her lips are still parted from her surprise. He is lost to all conscious thought and quickly captures her lips with his own.

As his mouth devours hers, his hand cradles her soft flesh and gently tugs at the hard peak. All his emotions bubble to the surface and he just gives in. He is so encapsulated by his desires, he never realizes as her arm snakes around his neck. It is not until she tilts back slightly for much needed oxygen that his senses begin to return. He looks down at her in horror until her mouth reclaims his.

He feels the pressure on the back of his neck urging him closer. He quickly shifts and she rolls onto her back. His hand sweeps down her bare side and the soft blanket falls away. His own blanket now pools around his hips as he perches his upper body over hers. Her hard nipples scrape against his naked flesh and push him further over the edge. As his tongue entices hers into an erotic tango, his large hand strokes up and down the silky flesh her side, pausing occasionally to allow his fingers to explore her soft curves.

As her other arm slides around his back he pulls back and looks into her panting face. He slides his lips lower to nuzzle her neck and feels her tiny fingers entangling in his hair. The fingertips of one hand press against the sensitive skin on the back of his neck as the others seem to be tracing the lines of his tattoo. His emotions are reeling from a tidal wave of sensations.

Buffy refuses to open her eyes and risk breaking the spell surrounding them. Her desire to keep him close and not allow this moment to escape has her grasping for him physically. Once she breaks the first heated kiss for air, she feels him recoil and desperation forces her to recapture his mouth. She begins acting on instinct and allows her hands to tentatively explore his bare flesh. As his mouth abandons hers and begins it’s erotic travel down the sensitive skin of her neck, she entangles her fingers in his hair and clings tightly.

She presses her face against his head and encounters the cool silkiness of his ear. She lets her warm tongue dart out and flick over the tender lobe. A muffled sound emanating from Liam has her quickly repeating the action and soon she is gently nibbling on the soft flesh. So lost in the feelings he is evoking and the his soft sounds of pleasures, she is barely aware of his hand’s slow exploration until it alights upon her hip and down her thigh. She becomes focused on its daring path and holds her breath as it trails slowly through her thick curls and then back to her hip. Her body no longer feels the cold.

Liam is consumed with both desire and need. He cannot seem to quell the fire inside as he feasts on the salty flesh of her neck and shoulder. And he is pushed into oblivion at the seductive molestation of his ear. He can no longer think but only act. Liam wants her more than he has ever wanted anything in all his 26 years. It is only with the mere shred of sanity left that he is able to resist the primal desire to quickly claim her completely. As he allows himself to become acquainted with her bare flesh, he looks for any amount of reticence. Her seeming compliance makes his moves bolder and bolder. As his fingers make first contact with the ginger hairs hiding her innocence, he feels her body shift as if seeking more.

Buffy moves her head and draws his lips back to her own. As her tongue boldly plunges into his mouth she both hears and feels his deep moan. She feels his hand slide passively down the top of her thigh to her knee. And on its return she feels a slight pressure begging her to allow it access to more sensitive flesh. She hesitates only a mere second before allowing her legs to be parted.

As her thighs open to expose her womanly treasure, Liam pauses and tries to reason with himself. But he fails as his fingers makes first contact to the silky skin of her inner thigh. His cock throbs in anticipation. As his hand strokes her velvety flesh, he wrestles to rein in his overwhelming desire. But the feel of her hand sweeping down his back to his hip and her muffled sigh destroys his last thread of sanity. His fingers make their way upward and he cannot quell the deep moan as he first encounters her damp lower lips.

Buffy feels her stomach flip as she experiences the first touch to her inner thigh. She is petrified but as he gently caresses her flesh, she tries to relax and forces her own hand to explore his torso. And as she lights upon the soft skin of his hip a soft sigh escapes her throat. She feels his body tense and his kiss becomes more intense and then she feels it. His fingers are touching her. Her body twitches at the intimate contact and she suffers a sudden need for air. She tilts her head and takes in a deep breath while clinging desperately to him. The air escapes her lungs in an almost desperate sounding moan.

She blushes hotly at the audible sound but soon forgets as she is seized by jolts of pleasure from his fingertips dancing over her sensitive skin. She does not realize how her own hand is clinging hard to his hip as she feels the first deep stirrings of pleasure. She is also totally unaware of her legs opening wider for his exploration.

Liam’s first contact with her intimate flesh has his head reeling. He is lost to all reason and begins fondling her silken folds. As he makes first contact with her hidden bud he feels her body practically vibrate under him. He opens his eyes as she pulls back and first gasps for air and then moans. He suppresses his own moan and tries to quickly manipulate and incite a repeat reaction. As her hips shift and her legs open more he leans forward and recaptures her mouth with his own. As his tongue plunges inside, his finger mimics the motion and for the first time he experiences the heated flesh of her sheath. The tightness around his finger makes him quake and question if it is possible for her tiny body to even handle a man. But when her tongue tangles with his own, he has to try.

Still fondling her nether regions he shifts his body over hers and plants his knees between her legs. As his manhood makes first contact with her bare flesh he interrupts the kiss and looks into her face. He waits until she slowly opens her mossy green eyes and looks into his mahogany ones. With the tip of his cock pressed gently against her virginal channel he forces himself to wait. She gazes up at him and gives him a small nervous smile. That is all he needs. He leans in and teases her lips with his tongue. She wraps her fingers amongst his hair and draws him into a slow almost seductive kiss as she tries to ignore the pressure between her legs.

Buffy tries to focus on the feelings of his lips on hers. She feels his fingers begin to manipulate a small sensitive area above where the pressure is. She responds to the jolts of pleasure cursing through her body by tipping her hips toward his hand. That small movement allows him to thrust forward and through her maidenhead and to the fiery depths of her body. She gasps at the flash of sharp pain. Liam opens his eyes in sorrow but he continuous to manipulate her now swollen bud. As he feels her breathing accelerate he eases forward and is grateful to encounter no further resistance.

Buffy remembers her mother’s timid comments during her last days. Her mother told her everything she knew she would never be there to say. So Buffy knew that the loss of her virginity would be uncomfortable and regretted letting Liam know he caused her any pain . She fears he will back away in alarm or perhaps disgust. She forces herself to relax and focus on the amazing waves of pleasure emanating from where his fingers are stroking her. When he slowly sinks deeper she relaxes more and then buries her face against his neck. She cannot believe the amazing sensations flowing from her core. She finds herself clinging to his bare flesh as he slowly withdraws and returns. Small ripples of pain battle with larger ripples of ecstasy until all she can feel is the overwhelming bliss.

After her single cry of pain he is too far gone to stop. He moves until he is completely sheathed by her hot flesh. Liam can not believe how tight she feels around his engorged member. His eyes nearly cross at the exquisite feeling. He waits what feels like an eternity before gradually beginning to move his hips ever so slowly. It is not until he feels her thighs relax and open wider that he increases his pace. With her face buried in his neck he finds himself brushing kisses along her scalp. He closes his eyes and he struggles against his own climax in hopes to bring her with him. He knows he cannot hold back any longer when he suddenly feels the deep clinching flutter around his cock and hears her muffled moan against his neck. Liam lets out his own deep groan as he is lost in the long forbidden pleasure. He collapses to his elbows as the final spasms flood her fluttering channel.

Buffy’s body feels completely drained. She can barely move her arms and legs as she opens her eyes and glances at her husband. Even though he is panting softly, his eyes are closed and his face is serene. Buffy smiles happily and relaxes.

Moments pass before Liam opens his eyes and glances at Buffy. He smiles and gently brushes his lips over hers. He want so badly to tell her that he loves her but knows it will sound trite. He kisses her again until he feels her shiver under him. Overcome with guilt he slides his now flaccid sex from her and reaches for the blankets puddled underneath them. He lays beside her and pulls her close to spoon against his chest before wrapping them both in a small cocoon of baby soft wool.

Buffy bites back a whimper as she feels their bodies untangle from the intimate connection. She eagerly snuggles into his offered embrace. With his bare chest pressed tight against her equally bare back, she feels truly happy for the first time since her mother passed away. She sighs softly and relaxes in his arms. With his warm breath tickling her ear she soon falls into a sated slumber.

Liam cradles her close and smiles as he feels her drift off. He brushes a couple of light kisses along her temple.

Liam: Mo alainn bean, graim thu. (My beautiful wife, I love you)

He smiles to himself and soon is also asleep.

 

 

At the house

Willow stares out the window at the lashing wind and rain.

Cordelia: They probably stayed at the inn in that castle place.

Willow: Castle Hayne. And there is no inn there. But I am sure they found a place to stay.

Cordelia: So stop worrying. I am getting hungry and you have not started cooking.

Willow bites her tongue and turns to walk into the kitchen. She sets about cooking while keeping an eye toward the back window. The sounds of the storm wrecking havoc makes her hands shake in fear.

 

 

Before dawn

Buffy is awakened by a very natural need. She is at first unsure of where she is but soon the memories come flooding in. She can still feel Liam’s body pressed against hers. She wants desperately to stay right where she is and never leave his embrace but her bladder has other ideas. She reluctantly begins to extricate herself. Moving slowly she slides from under the warmth of the blankets. Aware of both the cold and her nudity she darts to her clothing and rapidly dresses.

One glance at Liam assures her he is still asleep. She moves quietly to the door and outside. The ground is scattered with large puddles left by the downpour. She runs quickly across the sodden yard to the remnants of the old outhouse.

Liam is jarred by the rush of cool air from the opened door followed by the thump of its closure. He looks around confused then runs his hand through his disheveled hair as he sits up. Glancing around the room, the memories of the night before come roaring back. His happiness is short lived as he sees the deserted room. He raises to his feet and looks about once more before stalking over to his clothes. He picks up his shirt and examines the still damp cloth. He shakes his head and begins slipping it over his head.

Buffy opens the door quietly and her eyes fall upon the nude male standing in all his glory. She covers her mouth with her hand as she stumbles back out the door. Her heart pounds hard in her chest. She can feel her cheeks burning as she backs away. She tries to think about anything but the image emblazed on her brain. But even happy thoughts of the night before are camouflaged by the vision. She stands next to the wagon wondering how she can look at him after….well having looked at him. She lays her arm on the side of the wagon and buries her face.

Liam hears the thump of the door and yanks his shirt down. Looking around he is still alone. He grabs the rest of his damp clothes and quickly dresses. When done, he walks over to the pallet on the floor. He leans over and picks them up before striding purposefully out the door. He sighs gratefully as he sees Buffy petting the horses.

Liam: You alright?

Buffy cannot look at him and nods.

Buffy: I am fine.

Liam glances at the sky sadly.

Liam: We should be going home.

Buffy nods again.

Buffy: Yes, Willow will be worried.

Liam walks over and hands her the blankets before starting to guide the horses to the wagon. Buffy steps back and behind his back buries her face in the soft wool. The faint smell of their mingled bodies brings back the image of being cradled in his arms. And more importantly it reminds her of their lovemaking. She watches him under hooded eyelids as he hitches up the wagon. She tries to figure out what to say to break the awkward silence but she keeps flashing on visions of his fine chiseled body and is left unable to find the words.

Liam finishes with the last binding and turns to her. Her eyes cannot meet his. Liam frowns sadly.

Liam: Are you ready to go?

Buffy nods and walks toward the wagon. Liam helps her up and then joins her.

Liam: You should use the blankets to keep warm.

Buffy nods and hands him one before wrapping the other around herself. Liam watches her before draping the second over her lap. Buffy shakes her head.

Buffy: You need to stay warm too.

Liam: I will be fine.

Buffy: You will become ill again and back in the bed.

He frowns and takes the offered blanket. He does not want to burden her with his care again. Liam looks over to see her staring off in the distance. He turns his head sadly and urges the horses forward. Silence envelopes them as they head home.

 

 

Hours later.

While Cordelia sits napping in the rocker in front of the fire, Willow watches out the window anxiously. Her bottom lip is sore from biting it for hours. Her eyes stare unwavering from the deserted street. Water runs in tiny streams toward the river. Just as she is contemplating going next door to ask assistance in starting a search party, she sees a dark shape in the distance. She watches intently as it moves closer until she is convinced it is her missing master and mistress.

By the time the wagon enters the yard, Willow is standing outside wrapped in her cape. Liam pulls the horses to a stop and leaps to the ground. He reaches up and lifts Buffy down easily.

Liam: Willow, please assist Buffy inside and help her get warm and dry.

Willow: Yes, sir.

Willow glances at Buffy’s unreadable face for one moment before wrapping her own cape around the petite blonde and guiding her to the front door. Willow notices that Cordelia is no where to be seen as they move inside to the fire.

Buffy: I just want to change my clothing.

Willow: Yes, ma’am.

They women disappear into the bedroom and are still there when Liam enters the house. He glances around and sighs. He is quietly sipping hot coffee in the kitchen, when the ladies walk in. He looks into his wife’s face until he realizes she will not meet his gaze. She walks quietly over and begins to pour a cup of coffee. With her back to the room she softly speaks.

Buffy: I laid clean clothes out for you on the bed.

He stares at her back and mumbles his thanks before exiting. Willow feels the uncomfortable tension and is saddened.

 

 

The next few weeks crawl by slowly. Buffy and Liam’s tension adds an odd dynamic to the household. The relaxing evening readings come to a halt and most conversations are dominated by Cordelia. She revels in the disharmony and lack of competition.

As each night goes by Buffy lies alone in bed wishing Liam would quit sitting by the fire and be by her side. She is scared to approach him but lays awake wondering if they can repair the rift. She misses his friendship and has no idea how to repair the damage. Many nights are filled with silent tears staining her pillow.

Liam in the meantime is a wreck. He cannot forgive himself for violating the most important person in his life. He finally admits to himself that his feelings have grown beyond anything he could have ever imagined. He thought he cared for Darla during their time but for the first time he knows how it feels to love with all his heart. And he has destroyed her and any hope for a real marriage.

Each night he sits staring into the fire until he is sure she has fallen asleep. When he finally crawls into their bed, he rests close to the edge. He fears if he allows himself to enter her personal space, she will lose the small control she seems to have surrounded herself in. He is aware of the many tears she has shed over his violation. He cannot figure out a way to repair the damage he brought upon their relationship.

Buffy watches Liam’s whole demeanor change over the weeks. She is most insecure over his surprising desire to accompany them to mass. She worries at this odd change as every Sunday he sits beside her with his head bowed and his lip moving in familiar cadence of the prayers. Buffy fears he is using the mass to remind himself why he cannot leave their marriage. She sits quietly beside him fighting the torrent of pain twisting in her already mangled heart.

 

 

The weeks become a month and then two as the distance seems to be cemented between them. Willow watches them each day and wishes she knew what happened. More importantly she wishes she could fix it. Cordelia has even grown tired of the tension. She is ecstatic when Riley finally pulls into port. She urges him to take her to the local inn, so she can escape for a short time.

Willow clings to hope and chooses to cook a romantic meal for them. She even sets the table with the Irish china and freshly dipped candles. Buffy notices the efforts as she dines alone that evening. Both women have turned in when Liam drags home. But the night has had a greater effect on Buffy. Her sadness has evolved into anger. Willow’s efforts have spurned her to finally confront her husband.

She arises before him and sits in the kitchen sipping coffee while she waits for him to dress. Willow watches her wondering what has put the fire into her mistress eyes again. The sound of heavy footfalls make them both turn their head sharply. Buffy jumps up in surprise.

Buffy: Oh, Good morning, father.

Hank: Morning. Is that coffee I smell?

Willow: Yes, sir. Shall I pour you a cup?

Hank: Yes, please.

Buffy sees Liam enter the room and greet her father. She follows them silently into the dining room. Willow quickly sets another place.

Hank: So how are the shipments going?

Liam: We have been very busy. I am glad that Finn and you are back. I have shipments waiting in the warehouse.

Hank: I saw that. You seem to have been bringing in the goods. But I was concerned at the state of the office.

Liam: I agree. But I have not had much time. Been having trouble finding reliable workers.

Hank: I understand. Well maybe I can check the ports up north for a few men.

Liam: Well I already wrote to a friend back in Ireland. He hopes to book passage soon.

Hank: You believe he can handle the work?

Liam: I know he can. And I trust him.

Hank: Very well. I leave it to your discretion.

Buffy finds herself feeling pride in Liam. She also quickly decides to tackle the office in hopes of resurrecting their former friendship.

 

Three Days Later

Buffy thanks Colin for his escort before closing the office door. She looks at the clutter of papers on the desk and table. She drops her cape and hat on the small settee against the wall and settles into his chair. She begins to slowly sort through the stacks of documents.

She is soon immersed in the quiet chore. With the desk quickly organized into stacks she moves over to the table. She settles into the chair that just a few months ago was witness to some of her happiest days. Days spent here in this office working with Liam. And here she was back and he was not even aware she was there. She wonders how he would feel if he knew.

Buffy pushes the thoughts from her mind and begins to sort through the rest of the piles of papers. She is near the bottom of one stack when she unfolds one rumpled piece. She glances at the letter and moves to place it in the stack of merchant correspondence when the name scrawled at the bottom sinks in.

Buffy flattens the document on the table and struggles to read the childish handwriting.

Liam,

I have finally been able to save the cost of my passage. I set sail next week on the Karpathian. By the time you receive this letter, I will be on my way to you. I cannot wait to see you once more. Everything will be all right then. I love you.

Darla

Buffy hands are shaking as she tries to deny what she has read. Liam loves another and she is coming to claim him. Her heart which she has felt twisted for months now shatters into a million pieces. She cannot see the stacks of papers through her tears. The letter crumpled in her hand answers all her questions.

She is still in shock when the sound of approaching footsteps is heard outside the building. She panics and stuffs the letter under a stack of papers and rushes to the desk. She is sitting there staring at a stack of manifests when the door opens.

Liam stops abruptly in the doorway.

Liam: Buffy?

She takes a deep breath and struggles not to burst into new tears.

Buffy: I…I…I…well you told father you needed help.

Liam walks over and glances around at the stacks on the desk.

Liam: You did not need to do this. I have help coming soon.

Buffy is unable to look at him and stares at the papers.

Buffy: I am sorry if I assumed too much.

She stands up and walks over to the settee as Liam watches her. She refuses to allow him or anyone know that he can hurt her so deeply.

Liam: Buffy?

Buffy stops with her back to him.

Liam: I am thankful for the help. I just do not want you to feel responsible. You have too much at home to worry about.

Buffy nods and picks up her cape. Liam walks over and helps her settle it on her shoulders.

Liam: How did you get here?

Buffy: Colin escorted me.

Liam holds out his arm.

Liam: Then I shall walk you home.

Buffy hesitates a moment before she hooks her hand inside his elbow and lets him lead her out. The hurt fills her heart and she is unable to even feel the guilt of dragging him from his work. Her feet move as her head spins trying to find away to deny the words now seared in her brain and heart.

Liam glances at her as he has done for months. He thinks how pleased he was to find her in his office. Well, he was happy until she seemed to want to bolt at the sight of him. He walks her home in silence and knows that he needs to stop hoping he can fix the damage he caused.