#team liam

A/N: We’re still a day or so away from a new year so no. I am not late with a Christmas fic *avoids eye contact*...set in the While We’re Young world with the bff @alj4890​

Pairing: Liam x Riley [ A L W A Y S ]

Tagging: @alj4890​ @vickypoochoices​ @thecordoniandiaries​ @kingliam2019​ @lodberg​ @texaskitten30​ @cora-nova​ @kingliamisbae​

Riley discreetly cracks open the bedroom door that held the product of the love she and Liam share. The night-light emitting a soft glow inside allows her to make out the numbers on the nearby clock. It was a quarter until 9PM and Riley can still hear their 3 year-old son Emerick conducting a press conference in bed. 

“Yes! Christmas will be everyday!,” his excited whisper is heard throughout the room. “Next question?”

Riley silently chuckles to herself, not wanting to alert him of the unknown audience nearby. She is now used to catching one of his press conferences in bed at least twice a week. When she asked him one day why he did that, Emerick simply answered, “I saw Daddy doing it on TV today.”

The joy she felt in that moment at seeing how much their son wanted to be like Liam caused her heart to soar. And now, Riley thought…

“Is he asleep?,” Liam’s soft hands come from behind her waist interrupting her thoughts. She feels the light stubble of his cheek as he presses a kiss to her neck.

“Not yet,” she whispers. “The press conference sounds like it’s almost over though.” Liam’s lips curve into a smile, listening to Emerick’s voice begin to slur signaling his falling asleep.

It isn’t long before Riley closes Emerick’s bedroom door and looks at Liam excitedly.

“Is it time?,” her whispered voice went two octaves higher as she silently clapped her hands.

Liam nodded in silent consent with a wide grin.

“It is, my love.”

They walked, hand in hand, away from Emerick’s bedroom for several feet until reaching the other end of the palace wing that held their own bedroom quarters.

“After you,” Liam said as he opens the door.

Riley eagerly makes her way to the vanity set before producing a small box from one of the drawers.

“Merry Christmas Liam,” she said as she walks toward him. Riley feels her eyes beginning to sting with tears.

Please not now, she silently scolds herself.

Liam exchanges the long rectangular box in his own hands for the one in Riley’s when he places a kiss on her lips.

“Merry Christmas, my Queen.”

Riley can’t help the smile that comes to her as she studies the man standing before her.  

Her kind, passionate, selfless, vanilla-loving, humble, sexy, father of her children, and inexplicably good-looking husband.

“Is everything okay?,” Liam asks, studying the dazed look on her face.

“With you, Liam, I’ll always be okay.”

“Hey, I thought I was the one with the cheesy lines,” he said with a small laugh.

“You inspire me my King,” Riley quipped with a smile.

“Can we open our gift already?!”

“It is your world, my love. I’m just lucky enough to live in it,” Liam replies with a small bow.

“If we weren’t already sleeping together…,” Riley winks at him as she carefully removes the lid from the rectangular box.

“...Liam…”, she tries but fails to form a sentence.

“Do you like it?,” he nervously asks. She inspects the gold chain bracelet and notices the two heart shaped charms attached.

“I had them inscribed,” Liam said quietly.

Riley turns over one heart charm with a large L in cursive.

Always & Forever

She can feel the tears in her eyes threaten to spill as her fingers run over their wedding date beneath those words.

“Emerick wanted to make his own,” Liam said with a chuckle. “It turns out that 3 year-olds surprisingly can’t keep sentences to four words or less when it comes to inscribing jewelry.”

Riley looks up at him with a smile then back to the second heart shaped charm.

A large E in cursive with Emerick’s birth date is the first thing she notices. Just enough for a single tear to escape each of her eyes.

Mom. Dad. Me.

“He had help,” Liam offered when Riley read the words on the charm. She lets out a laugh that sounds like a cry as tears of joy come down her cheeks.

“Liam…,” she eagerly pulls him into a hug.

“Do you like it?,” he asks again.

“I love it,” she assures him with a kiss on his lips. “Please,” she motions for him to place the bracelet on her wrist. Liam gently lifts the gold chain from the box and secures the clasp before placing a kiss inside her wrist.

Riley surveys the new jewelry on her wrist as a new wave of tears pool within her eyes as she the large L and E shine brightly underneath the light. “So…,” Liam clears his throat before continuing, “there is room on that bracelet for you know...the future.”

Riley raises her eyebrow but stays quiet, allowing him to finish.

“The future. Trips. Vacations. Pets. Even maybe…,” Liam’s eyes move away from her gaze, “...children.”

She can’t help the smile that comes to her lips with excitement building up inside her.

“When you’re ready of course Riley,” Liam rushes to assure her. “I know we discussed it early in our marriage about raising a family. With Emerick turning 4 soon I thought we can start trying again. It doesn’t have to be soon but I’m just--.”

“Liam I love you,” Riley interrupts him by placing a finger on his lips.

“...But…,” Riley’s hesitancy causes Liam to prepare himself for news that she wasn’t prepared for another crazy nine months. After all, he attempts to assure himself, it is only fair they both be on the same page.

“I think you should open your gift first,” she urges him.

Liam narrows his eyes in suspicion at her odd request.

With the lid removed, Liam blinks a few times ensuring he wasn’t seeing things.

“Love…,” he whispers. Liam picks up the black and white sonogram picture and glances at Riley.

“We can’t start trying for another baby,” Riley said with tears running down her cheek.

YES. LIAM IS BACK.

I've always loved Liam and Fallon together. Of all the guys she was paired up with this season, I liked Liam the most. And what better way to start a new dynasty than with a member of another ridiculously wealthy, batshit crazy family?

In this chapter we will meet Liam’s mother by way of a letter she wrote many years ago. You are interrupted by a phone call from Liam and have a little family time with Regina and Constantine. 

NSFW! Pixelberry owns all characters but I do love writing about them! Enjoy!

Master List

You are in your office holding the letter Constantine gave you just minutes ago. It is a letter from Liam's mother, written to the woman he chose to be his bride.

You slowly unfold it as your heart begins to thump wildly in your chest. Taking a deep breath… you begin to read…

My dearest daughter,

Let me start by saying it is not my wish to introduce myself to you in this manner and yet somehow, there is a feeling within me that I won't be there the day my sweet Liam marries the love of his life. As dismal as this all may seem to you, I still want to be a part of your life. Even if only in memory. I'm sure you've been told many things about me by now, but I want you to know me as a woman and not just as a queen, wife and mother. I suspect you and I share many similarities in our thoughts and overall character. I've tried to imagine the kind of person my son would fall in love with and ultimately marry and I must believe that even though he is bound by the expectations of being royalty, Liam will never let the court decide that direction of his life. Only his beautiful heart will control that outcome.

Since you are the woman he has chosen to spend the rest of his life with, I wish to give you my most heartfelt blessing. And if I know my darling son, he was most likely in love with you long before he would even admit it to himself. I have often observed how he will sit for hours carefully planning an activity. It amazes me how he considers every possibility before making any type of decision. When he realized his feelings for you, he quite possibly considered more of the impact his life would impose upon you than the attachment he felt. I am certain he left no stone unturned and when he finally confessed his love for you, there were no questions left to answer. His decision was unequivocal.

Liam has a kind and generous heart and he genuinely loves those closest to him, but I believe that falling in love means more than a casual emotion, and his vision of love is deep and abiding. Several months ago, he and his circle of friends were play acting, as most children do at this age. But, when it came time for him to choose a 'wife', he would not participate. He just walked away and as he approached me, I could see that he was troubled. When I asked him why he didn't want to play with the others, he simply said, "Mother, they want me to choose a wife." I explained that all children play this game in one form or another, but he was not going to be one of them. He said, "Being in love should not be a game and I won't pretend to be married to someone I do not love." I couldn't argue with that. Even at this youthful age, he knows love and marriage are to be revered…

You sit back for a moment… thinking how Constantine had expected him to do that very thing. You ache inside at how close it was to becoming a reality and how miserable his life would have been. Thank God fate had stepped in and saved you both from a dismal existence. Turning back to the letter, you continue reading…

I was very proud of him in that moment and I couldn't help but smile. He dashed up to his room and I followed. Right before entering I overheard him talking to his favorite stuffed animal, so I stopped to listen. "When I'm ready to choose a wife, she won't be like any of these girls at court. She will be smart, beautiful and kind and she won't care that I'm a prince. She'll love me for who I am and not because of a dumb title." Those words penetrated to the very depths of my soul from the moment I heard them spurt from his mouth. Instead of going in, I slowly backed away to give him this moment of privacy. He has such a beautiful heart and I'm sure that is just one of the many reasons you fell in love with him to begin with.

Liam does have a beautiful heart and she is right, it is only one of the many reasons you fell in love with him. You marvel at how perceptive she was and is about him.

I must assume that you are not a noblewoman by birth, as I know my son and he has never taken an interest in the lifestyle to which he was born. He wants so desperately to just be a 'normal' person and I can't imagine that will ever change. Also, I have read that most men will marry a woman with qualities like their mother and women will marry similarly to their fathers. If this is true, then I will believe you are a commoner like myself and possibly quite tenacious and down-to-earth. Which brings me to the next point of this letter… I was determined to create a life of my own and the only way to do that was to move away from my home and family. They were not direct descendants of nobility, so I had no aspirations of ever becoming Queen of Cordonia. Upon arriving to the capital, I immediately secured employment as an assistant to one of the local florist's. I became quite skilled at arranging and assembling the flowers, much to my own surprise.

There was to be a ball at the palace within the week and the royal florist had closed its doors for mourning, due to a death in the family. With over one hundred matching centerpieces needing to be created, our little shop was hired to complete this seemingly impossible task. We worked night and day for three days straight, only sleeping in shifts on a cot in the back room. As embarrassing as it might sound, I'm not sure I ever went that long without a full bath, or proper nutrition, but when we finished on time, the accomplishment far outweighed any inconvenience.

Two days after the ball, and our recovery from sleep deprivation and mal-nourishment, we were visited by the King of Cordonia. He wanted to thank us for accepting the job on such short notice and to offer an official request to become the new royal florist! Of course, the owner accepted, and I could see that Constantine wasn't as interested in that as he was with me. I already knew that his first marriage had ended in an annulment after she abandoned him and their young son. My heart went out to him and how hard it must have been trying to raise his child alone… It wasn't long after, that he began to frequent the shop, usually around the time we would close for lunch. For weeks, we spent that time getting to know each other and one day, in front of the store owner and his own guards, he asked if I would be interested in spending some time with him away from the shop and I eagerly accepted. By then, I had fallen in love with him and I was convinced that he felt the same.

After ten months of proper courtship, we announced our engagement… much to the dismay of the nobles at court… They only saw me as a simple commoner who would most likely be the reason for the fall of the monarchy… To my surprise, Constantine didn’t let that deter him from making me his queen. It was hard, but in those few short months before the wedding, I had gained the support of most everyone in the court, not to mention the people. Now, I can’t take all the credit but what mattered the most to me was that I would be with the man I loved… nobles and their arrogance be damned! I know Constantine can be quite commanding in his duties as the king, but in private… he is the most loving and romantic man any woman could hope for. It’s why I fell in love with him to begin with.

After we were married, one of my primary duties as queen was looking after Leo. He is quite boisterous but is always polite and kind to me. I never tried to take his own mother's place, but I never objected to him calling me mother either. It was very rewarding caring for Leo, but what I wanted more than anything was a child of my own. I'll never forget the day I learned that my dream would soon become a reality. After the arrival of this precious gift, my life was complete. Having the title of queen has its advantages, but there is nothing more rewarding than being a mother. Once you've experienced it for yourself, you will know exactly what I mean... Motherhood is bliss!

Just then, your phone rings. As you pick it up, you see it's Liam and smile.

CATHERINE "Hello sweetheart!" LIAM "It's so good to hear your voice my love." CATHERINE "I miss you already." LIAM "I missed you the moment I left this morning." CATHERINE "Aww Liam…you are so sweet." LIAM "Only to you. So how has your day been My Queen?" CATHERINE "Okay I guess, but I did have an interesting conversation with your father this morning." LIAM "Oh? What about?" CATHERINE "He mentioned your coronation and…" LIAM "Why would he bring that up again?" CATHERINE "I think he wanted some closure and maybe he just really feels bad about what he did." LIAM "Only because you unveiled his scheme. He wouldn’t have given it a second thought otherwise." CATHERINE "I don’t know Liam… I'm not so sure he didn't want it to be revealed. He said he’d lost sight of the things that were important, and that he’d let power control his better judgement." LIAM "That's an understatement." CATHERINE "He was very sincere Liam and asked for our forgiveness." LIAM "Oh. And how did you respond?" CATHERINE "Well, speaking for myself I told him I already had." LIAM "Things between us have been less tense but I'm not so sure I'm ready to just forget that it ever happened." CATHERINE "I don’t think he expects you to forget it, but I think he would like the opportunity to apologize. If you could have seen him this morning... he was in tears remembering how devastated you were when you saw those pictures of me and Tariq. I think he truly regrets the whole thing." LIAM "Catherine, I never doubted your integrity, not even for a moment, but it was hard for me to see you in the arms of another man…" CATHERINE "I can only imagine what was going through your mind at the time." LIAM "I’ve thought the same about you… In that moment though, I was so conflicted… my happiness or your safety. In retrospect, there are many things I would have done differently… I have my own share of regrets from that horrible night Catherine." CATHERINE "I know… and I understand all of it but what truly matters is that we’re together…. I wish I were in your arms right now Liam." LIAM "So do I."

There is a slight pause in conversation as you begin to imagine him holding you close, his breath gently caressing your skin… you sigh.

LIAM “Catherine, is something wrong?” CATHERINE “No, no. I was just… thinking about you actually…” LIAM "Oh? And what were you thinking exactly?" CATHERINE "I was thinking… how much I want you right now…" LIAM "Catherine…" 

Another pause… and when he speaks you can almost hear the smile in his voice.

LIAM "Tell staff to add an extra place setting. I will be arriving in a couple of hours." CATHERINE "But, what about the summit? Shouldn’t you stay and finish?" LIAM "I can leave early in the morning and make it back in time before the next one starts. They won’t even miss me." CATHERINE "You're serious, aren't you?" LIAM "Of course I'm serious. You can't expect me to neglect my queen in her time of need. And besides, I have a few of my own…" CATHERINE "Mmmm… what should I be expecting?" LIAM "Whatever Her Majesty desires…" CATHERINE "And what does His Majesty desire?" LIAM "Before or after we undress?" CATHERINE "After… of course." LIAM "Hmm… let’s just say I won’t stop until you’re completely and utterly satisfied…"

His breath becomes shallow.

LIAM “… whatever it takes…” CATHERINE "Mmmm… I can’t wait for you to get here…" LIAM "I promise to make it worth the wait. I'll see you soon my love."

You hang up, your face flushed, and a smile slowly reaches your lips. Liam will be home in a few hours, and you have a few things to prepare. You take the letter and place it in the desk drawer and head down to the kitchen to inform staff that their king will be home for dinner tonight. Then you find Constantine and Regina in the sitting room.

CATHERINE "Liam has decided to join us for dinner tonight." CONSTANTINE "Has the summit concluded already?" REGINA "My, that was prompt." CATHERINE "No, not yet. He wanted to have dinner with us tonight and plans to leave first thing in the morning." CONSTANTINE "I hope this won't become his usual practice for heaven's sake. The cost of jet fuel is astronomical." REGINA "Now Constantine, surely you wouldn't begrudge these two over a little jet fuel. After all, they are still newlyweds."

You blush as Regina smiles and Constantine suddenly grasps her meaning.

CONSTANTINE "Oh! Well... I wouldn't want a couple of thousand gallons of fuel coming between young love. I look forward to seeing him. Are we still on for six?" CATHERINE "Yes. And I need to finish a few things before he gets here, so I'll see you two then." REGINA "Certainly dear."

You make your way upstairs to your bedroom suite and immediately start rummaging through your wardrobe. Finally, you find the perfect dress. It's a low cut, wrap around that emphasizes your curves and allows easy access...

CATHERINE "Perfect!"

You hurry to the bathroom and turn on the water for a quick bath. Afterward you get dressed and head to your office with the intent to busy yourself until Liam arrives. Upon entering, the familiar pile of documents still sits on the table, awaiting your attention and signature. Before beginning, you search the playlist of tunes on your phone and after placing the earbuds in each ear, you start. With the diversion of singing aloud and swaying to the music, time goes by quickly… and before you know it, you've reached the end of the stack. Just then your favorite song starts playing so you stand and reach for the stapler on your desk. Holding it as if it were a microphone, you close your eyes and start singing along while the beat of the music finds you dancing in perfect rhythm… as you are about to hit the high notes you to look up to see Liam standing in the doorway observing you with a smile. Startled, you immediately drop the stapler onto the desk and your earbuds right next to it… then you smile at him.

CATHERINE “Liam…” LIAM "Don't stop on my account."

He steps in and closes the door as you run toward him jumping into his arms. He immediately catches you and your lips meet in a sweltering kiss, sending currents of heat throughout your body.

CATHERINE "How long were you standing there?" LIAM "Long enough… I was quite enjoying your performance."

You kiss him fervently as he carries you to the edge of the desk, quickly clearing a spot… his lips never part from yours. You reach to pull off his jacket and begin unbuttoning his shirt as he continues to bathe you in heated kisses.

CATHERINE "What about dinner?" LIAM "I have more important things to tend to at the moment..."

You remove his shirt, caressing his chest and arms and then down to his belt. He steps back for a moment and hurriedly pulls it off. You continue to remove his pants and underwear as they fall around his ankles and he steps out of them, kicking them to the side. He quickly loosens the first tie of your dress… sliding it over your shoulders and off…

LIAM "Mmmm…"

His hand grasping the curve, he kisses from your neck to your breast… drawing sensual circles with his tongue and nibbling at the tip. With your head tilted back, and your eyes closed, you relish every moment of his touch on your skin.

CATHERINE "Oh Liam…"

His kisses trail up to your neck and then find your lips again. You reach down slowly, taking him in your hand, stroking his erection with fervor as his breathing becomes rapid and in a raspy voice he speaks your name…

LIAM "Oh Catherine…"

As he removes the dress from the rest of your body, he lets out a deep groan when he discovers you are completely bare. His hand delves down, gently caressing your sweet spot and with tender strokes he penetrates you with his fingers. You respond with a lively moan, moving against him until you are drenched and on the verge of spasm. With one hand gripping your thigh to pull you closer, he grasps your hair with the other and brings your face to his, thirst in his eyes. With your legs wrapped around him, you can feel the heat of his erection leaning near your wet folds, almost begging to penetrate… He kisses you, nipping at your lower lip then kisses a line to your ear and whispers softly…

LIAM "I love you…" CATHERINE "Prove it..."

Without hesitation, he plunges into you with such force that you yelp in surprise, grasping his muscled forearms… but soon pleasure overtakes you, and you release a soft moan as his hips rock steadily against yours... your body responding with equal rhythm.

LIAM "Oh how I need you… Catherine… always…” CATHERINE "I love you Liam …so much…" LIAM "I love you…"

His kisses deep and hot as he begins to drive harder, faster… his hands clutching your thighs until he feels you quiver in ecstasy and with one last powerful push, he releases inside you as a wave of warmth flows through your body.

CATHERINE "Liam…Ohhh Liam…" LIAM "Catherine...you are so beautiful…"

You collapse into each other's arms until the trembling subsides…When you both catch your breath, Liam lifts you off the desk and smiles. “Have you noticed how each time we’re together, it’s always better than the last?” You start gathering your clothes. “I have. What do you think it means?” “I’m not sure…it could be that our love is so strong that it allows us to connect on a much deeper level… as if you know what I need before I do and vice versa.” “Liam, I knew we were soulmates, from day one.” He kisses you and then smiles as you both get dressed and head to your bedroom.

After cleaning up you each put on fresh clothes, then make your way to the dining room where Constantine and Regina are waiting.

CONSTANTINE "Liam, good to see you son." LIAM "Father, Regina, it's good to be home tonight." REGINA "We were just about to begin without you two. I wasn't sure if you had decided not to join us after all."

She smiles almost as if she knows what just happened in your office. Liam holds out your chair and once seated, he takes the one next to you. Servers bring out the spread and each of you begin helping yourself.

LIAM "We are only a few minutes late, but we appreciate your patience." CONSTANTINE "Were you able to discuss the platform yet?" LIAM "Not yet. I will be presenting immediately following lunch tomorrow." CONSTANTINE "Oh, that might work to our advantage. Everyone will be more relaxed after a good meal. Keep me informed along the way. I'm anxious to see how Cordonia is received." LIAM "Certainly father." CONSTANTINE "I'm actually glad you came back tonight. I have a bit of news I would like to share." LIAM "I'm listening." CONSTANTINE "I saw my doctor this morning…" LIAM "And?" CONSTANTINE "And, you know I was placed on a new treatment plan recently and… well the report came in today." LIAM "What were the results?" CONSTANTINE "It seems there is a bit of improvement." LIAM "How much of an improvement?" CONSTANTINE "Enough that the cancer has slowed in progression and with continued treatment, it's quite possible to achieve remission." LIAM "That is wonderful news father! And I just noticed that you're not in your wheelchair. This is new." CONSTANTINE "I would prefer if you didn’t refer to it as my wheelchair… that thing is such a nuisance. I decided to put it away and try walking more... to build up my strength. " LIAM "So how’s that going?" CONSTANTINE "Very well actually. And as for my other issues, the lightheadedness is all but gone and the nausea is being well controlled with medicine." LIAM "I am relieved to hear that father. It's good to know that there is finally some hope." CONSTANTINE "Enough about that. I have other news as well. Catherine mentioned the Apple Festival this morning and I had neglected to mention that your brother might be in attendance with his family." LIAM "I don't know if I can stand any more good news. It will be good to see him and meet his family after all this time." CONSTANTINE "It will be wonderful having the entire family in attendance for a change. I have missed many opportunities with regard to that and I hope you won't make that same mistake Liam."

Liam looks at you with a smile, taking your hand and kissing it gently.

LIAM "Father, nothing is more important to me than family and spending time with the ones I love… And one in particular." CATHERINE "I'll make sure he doesn't forget." REGINA "Catherine, since this will be your first time organizing the festival, will you be needing any assistance with preparations?" CATHERINE "Actually, I was going to ask you about that. I'm not sure about the decorations and I want to keep it as close to tradition as possible. Would you mind giving me a few pointers?" REGINA "Of course not. To be perfectly honest, I have missed certain duties of being queen and it would be a pleasure to help any way I can." CATHERINE "And, I can learn from one of the best in the process."

Regina laughs appreciatively.

REGINA "Oh dear, I don't know about that, but I’ll be at your disposal. And don’t underestimate yourself. You have done quite well without my help so far." CATHERINE "I do my best but I'm sure there is a lot more to learn." LIAM "You have mastered many tasks my love and I am very proud to have you as my queen." CATHERINE "Well thank you Liam. You're not so bad yourself."

Liam laughs, as does Constantine and Regina. Once everyone is finished eating, you all sit back and relax for a moment.

CONSTANTINE "That was a very satisfying meal, as is the company." LIAM "I'll second that father." CATHERINE "Would you just look at us… I think you might say we’re behaving somewhat like a family." REGINA "Yes…it's quite refreshing isn't it?"

Everyone smiles pleasantly at each other but no one responds to Regina’s question. Obviously, it is agreed. Liam breaks the silence.

LIAM "Father, do you need my assistance before Catherine and I retire?" CONSTANTINE "No, I still have my nurse you know. No need to make a fuss. And besides, you have an early day tomorrow, so you should get some rest." LIAM "Very well. Regina, do you need help getting him upstairs?" REGINA "Actually, he's walking quite well but thank you. We'll manage." LIAM "If you are sure then, we shall bid you both goodnight." CONSTANTINE "Good night my children." CATHERINE "Sleep well you two." REGINA "And you as well dear."

Liam stands looking at you expectantly and you rise from the table, taking his outstretched hand with a smile. As you exit the dining room, you walk hand-in-hand toward the stairs.

CATHERINE "Hey Liam?" LIAM "Yes love." CATHERINE "Would you mind if we took a stroll through the gardens?" LIAM "I think I can manage for a moment or two."

You continue walking until you’re outside and in the palace gardens. The breeze of the summer air caresses your skin and gives you a peaceful sensation.

LIAM "So, why the gardens My Queen?" CATHERINE "I just thought we could both use some fresh air." LIAM "Good idea. It is a beautiful night, but would you mind if we sat on the bench?" CATHERINE "Not at all."

As you both sit, Liam drapes his arm around you and you lean against him laying your head on his shoulder. A wave of serenity falls over you and you sigh.

LIAM "Something on your mind?" CATHERINE "No, I'm just happy you came home tonight." LIAM "You were very persuasive." CATHERINE "Yeah, I have that effect on people." LIAM "I'd call it a gift."

You both look up to the stars dancing around in the open sky and listen to the crickets chirping and the leaves rustling in the trees.

CATHERINE "Liam, do you remember the Masquerade Ball?" LIAM "Of course I remember. It was the second time I laid eyes on the most beautiful sight I had ever seen…" CATHERINE "Aww, you’re such a romantic…”

LIAM “I’m only telling the truth my love.” CATHERINE “What were you thinking that night when you realized I had come here as one of the suitors?"

Liam smiles fondly. LIAM “I spotted you long before you made your identity known… And to be perfectly honest, a part of me wanted it to be you. But I had to keep telling myself that it simply couldn’t be. You can only imagine my joy and surprise when I realized the woman of my dreams had travelled all this way just for me. I mean, after that night in New York, I never thought I'd see you again." CATHERINE "So you thought about me after you left New York?" LIAM "I couldn't stop thinking about you, Catherine. The truth is, I was in love with you then… even though I wouldn’t let myself admit to it. When I got back to the hotel that night, I felt so empty. I had let the most incredible woman I’d ever met, walk out of my life for what I thought would be forever." CATHERINE "You know, after I walked back to my apartment that night, I remember thinking that same thing. How could I have fallen in love with someone I’d just met? Before I knew it, I was sitting on the edge of my bed laughing at the irony of it and didn’t even realize I was crying too until a few drops fell on my arm."

Liam pulls you closer.

LIAM "Oh Catherine, I never knew…" CATHERINE “Even with no promise of anything more, I couldn't stop thinking about you and how meeting you had changed my life. I felt alive for the first time and I was never going to be the same again. We truly had a special connection and I had to come here and find out for myself if it was real, because no one would have ever measured up to you in my eyes." LIAM "That's exactly how I felt Catherine... That night was no accidental meeting between two strangers, it was preordained to bring us together." CATHERINE "Yeah. I'm glad we didn't disappoint the stars." LIAM "Can you even imagine what things would have been like for both of us had you not followed your heart?" CATHERINE “I’m glad we’ll never know.” LIAM “My life would have been so empty without you…”

Liam reaches under your chin, tilting your head up and kisses you softly, slowly. You pull him closer, pressing against his body, wrapping your arms around him as the kiss quickly becomes enflamed with passion. He pulls back for a moment, a hunger in his eyes…

LIAM "Shall we take this upstairs?" CATHERINE "You read my mind."

You both rise from the bench and make your way back into the palace, up the stairs and finally to your bedroom. As soon as the door closes behind you, he kisses you fervently and as if by magic the clothes begin to fall, piece by piece, all around the room. He leads you to the bed where you lie down pulling him with you. He blankets you with kisses as he slides down your body and pauses looking up at you. He smiles a devious smile as his hand delves to your inner thighs and watches your reaction to his roving fingers. You open your legs to accommodate him as he slowly kisses you to your core. He groans when he tastes you and with his tongue probing deeper, you let out a gratified whimper.

CATHERINE "Liam…" LIAM "Mmmm… you taste so sweet…"

His hands grasping your thighs tightly as he continues his pursuit of giving you pleasure, relishing every moment himself. When he slides back up to take your lips again, you shift your body, turning him over until he is laying on his back and you are balanced above him smiling confidently.

LIAM "What's this?" CATHERINE "You'll see."

He smiles, eagerly awaiting your next move. You bend down and kiss him hard and he moans in approval. He urgently grabs your waist but releases when you begin tracing a line of kisses down his neck, over his chest and down until you reach his length. You take him in your hand and kiss the tip ever so slightly.

LIAM "Oh Catherine…"

Then you let your tongue roll over the top for a moment before slowly taking him in your mouth. His breath heavy and he groans deeply as you devour him repeatedly.

LIAM "Ohhh…Catherine, don't stop...stop…"

As he struggles to keep from exploding, he reaches for you, but you're not quite finished yet. You flash him a smile and slide your tongue from the bottom of his length all the way up and quickly draw the tip into your mouth, tasting him as a trace suddenly escapes. He urgently pulls you up as you straddle him and without hesitation he guides your hips, and slides inside you. You hold onto the headboard for leverage as you steadily move against him, he eagerly matches your pace. With the heat intensifying, you quicken the rhythm and once he feels you tremble, a fire bursts inside you with uninhibited power.

CATHERINE "Liam… yes…" LIAM "Ohhh… Catherine."

You collapse on his chest as you both lay breathless. Afterward, you roll to his side and he pulls you close… you lay your head on his chest as he strokes your arm affectionately. Both of you content and satisfied.

LIAM "You continue to amaze me Catherine." CATHERINE "So I take it you approve." LIAM "Definitely." CATHERINE "There's more where that came from." LIAM "I almost didn't make it this time…"

He suddenly laughs.

CATHERINE "What?" LIAM "I just wonder what you would have done if I hadn't resisted." CATHERINE "You should have let me finish." LIAM "How would I ever satisfy My Queen if I had let that happen?" CATHERINE "I'm sure you'd figure something out." LIAM "I'm glad you think so."

He smiles and leans over placing a sweet kiss on your lips. You sigh in contentment.

LIAM "Let's get cleaned up and then try to get some sleep. I think two flights in one day has finally caught up with me." CATHERINE "Not to mention other activities that might have contributed to your fatigue." LIAM "I'll never get enough of you Catherine, fatigued or otherwise."

You both get up and head to the bathroom to freshen up. Once finished you climb into bed and curl up against Liam. He wraps you in the warmth of his arms and kisses your forehead, sighing in contentment.

CATHERINE "I'm so glad you came home. I sleep much better with you next to me." LIAM "Me too my love." CATHERINE "If only I hadn't planned that charity brunch tomorrow I could have made the trip with you." LIAM "We should coordinate our schedules a bit better in the future." CATHERINE "At least I have you for tonight." LIAM "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else love."

You lean over kissing him and then lay your head on his chest as he pulls you closer and smiles.

LIAM "Good night My Queen." CATHERINE "Good night My King."