Part 30 Liam
White rose. That was what I always associated her with—a white rose in a sea of brambles—a beauty that stood out dazzlingly, so intricate, so layered, it was nearly impossible to grasp all at once. Her radiance felt almost ethereal, as if she belonged to another world. She captivated me, and I wondered if I'd ever stop being mesmerized by her.
Walking beside her on the crowded sidewalk, the noise of honking cars and the rush of people faded into the background. The chaos of the city dimmed into a sigh, the world around us seemed to move too fast while we strolled leisurely in our own quiet bubble. I could have stayed in that space, in that bubble with her, for a lifetime.
Was I being overly dramatic? Probably. But in my mind, it was an honest fucking truth.
I didn't know what had prompted her sudden change of heart about going out with me, but I didn't care about her reasons. All that mattered was that she was walking beside me, and we were about to have dinner together. Our official first date. This might be a life-changing moment for me.
"Liam," Asha said my name. I always loved the way she called my name. There was always a little sigh at the end, like there was a soft, velvety 'h' added to my name. It never failed to stir something deep within me. I decided then that my new goal in life would be to hear her say my name as many times as possible for the rest of my days. "Do you have an idea where we should have dinner?"
"What do you want to eat?" I asked, while gazing down and counted each of the shadowy freckles on her nose.
"I remember you mentioned you love Chicken Kung Pao. Know any good spots?"
"Of course!" I replied, perhaps a bit too eagerly. But when I saw her eyes widen, glinting with amusement, I figured my excitement had somehow delighted her in some way. "We'll need to grab my car first to get there."
"Oh, I can have Brody take us." She started reaching into her small bag, likely for her phone.
I stiffened. "Brody?"
"My driver," she clarified.
"Absolutely not," I said, frowning. "It'd be embarrassing for me if our first official date involved being chauffeured by your driver. We either take my car, grab an Uber, or ride the subway."
As I spoke, I noticed her face light up, and my heart softened instantly. "Which one made you light up like that? The idea of the first date or the subway?"
"Both," she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"It is our first official date, isn't it?" I said softly, wanting nothing more in my life than to kiss her right now.
"Yeah..." And she flushed even more. Oh, God. Give me strength.
"What do you say if we take the subway?" I suggested. "When was the last time you've been in one?"
She looked like she was pondering it for a moment before saying, "I don't even remember. It's been too long."
"So, what do you think? The nearest station is just minutes from here."
"Okay," she nodded, seeming almost too eager for the prospect of commuting in the most commonly used, budget-friendly way of transportation. I'd bet my right arm she wouldn't be this excited if I'd offered to take her there in a limo. That just made me love her even more.
I love her. I really love her. I've told her this before, but I wasn't sure she truly believed me. Maybe I hadn't said it with enough conviction or shown it in the way she needed to see. But standing here now, every part of me knew it was real.
"Okay," I echoed, taking her hand in mine. We walked toward the subway station, both of us with a little bounce in our steps—Asha, excited to ride the subway after so long, and me, just thrilled to be able to hold her hand.
I bought our tickets, including a day pass, just in case she wanted to go for another round of trips with the subway. We stood on the platform, her hand still resting on mine as the loud rumble of the approaching train echoed through the tunnel. The station was alive with the usual noise—footsteps, muffled conversations, the distant screech of metal on metal—but none of it seemed to reach us. Or me, specifically. We were in our own little world.
As the train's headlights appeared in the distance, Asha squeezed my hand a little tighter, her excitement radiating off her in waves. I couldn't help but smile, swept up by her energy. When the train finally stopped in front of us, I stepped aside and let her hop in first. The car was packed, commuters crammed shoulder to shoulder, all trying to get home. We squeezed in, and I shifted to stand cautiously, so carefully behind her, sliding my arm around her waist.
"I will hold you to keep you safe," I whispered in her ear, and I felt her shiver against me. "I won't let you fall." I meant it with all my heart—not just in that moment on the subway, but for everything that lay ahead in her life. I wanted to be a steady presence through whatever challenges came her way.
The jolts and bumps of the train made her press her body against me, and I could feel her warmth seep into my skin. She felt soft and feminine, the gentle curve of her back fitting perfectly against my chest. The lovely scent of her hair wafted up to my nose, and I inhaled deeply. I couldn't help it. My heart raced, pounding so loudly I feared she might hear it. Or felt it against her back. My breathing quickened, each inhale catching in my throat as I tried to control myself.
One of her hands gripped my forearm to steady herself, and I felt her grip tighten, telling me she was as affected as I was. I leaned down, my lips brushing against her ear as I whispered again, "Am I making you nervous?"
She stiffened for a moment, then tilted her head up to meet my gaze. "Yeah. A little."
I smiled at her, and her eyes fell to my dimple. "You're making me nervous too."
"Really?" she asked softly, her voice almost dreamy, but her gaze still didn't move from my cheek. "Why?"
I found a bit of courage and let my nose brush lightly against hers. "Because of this," I said, tightening my arm around her. "Feeling you against me like this." I pulled in a slow, deep breath. "It feels surreal." She sighed in response and closed her eyes, resting her head against my shoulder. We settled into a comfortable silence, ignoring the world and letting it fade away.
Our peace was interrupted by the announcement that we had arrived at our station. The ride had been too short—just one stop away, a mere ten minutes—but it would become a memory that would stay with me for the rest of my life.
"We're here," I murmured to her, watching her eyes flutter open, revealing a pair of emerald green eyes that never failed to take my breath away.
As the train doors slid open with a hiss, I gently nudged Asha forward, guiding her through the crowd of commuters. We stepped onto the platform, the din of the station immediately enveloping us. We navigated through the throngs of passengers, weaving through the bustling crowd until we reached the stairs leading up to the street. Asha's hand was still in mine. I didn't think I could ever let go.
Once we emerged onto the sidewalk, the chaos of the street greeted us. This part of the city was busier, more chaotic than the business district where our office was located. The air was alive with the scents of street food and smoke, the city's energy pulsating around us.
"It's only a short walk from here," I told her, while she was busy glancing around, taking in the scene in front of her with fascination. She nodded, mumbling an okay , her gaze never leaving the colorful storefronts and bustling streets, even as she trailed behind me.
I slowed my pace, allowing her to catch up as she became captivated by a group of boys gathered on a nearby bench, singing a rap tune. We stopped for a moment to watch them. "It's amazing, isn't it?" I asked, smiling at her enthusiasm. "So alive in here."
Her eyes turned to mine, and she smiled. "I've never been here before," she said, her voice full of wonder. "I can't believe this is so close to our office."
"It's not that close if we take the car," I replied, chuckling lightly. "That's probably why you've never seen it."
"It reminds me of my teenage years. I used to live in an area like this," She said, as we continued our walk, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia as she pointed at the boys now behind us. "I had friends who liked to dance and sing on the streets, just like them. I joined in a few times, but I can't sing or dance," she chuckled lightly. "So, I just watched them. I loved watching them."
A subtle worry pulled at my heart as I watched her expression turn wistful. "My Ma didn't like it, though. She said it disturbed my studying." She paused for a moment, allowing the memory to surface. "Our family had little money. The only way for us to afford a higher education was through scholarships. That idea was drilled into us since we were little. So, I didn't have many experiences having fun with the other kids. I missed out on being that carefree."
Her voice held a bittersweet quality, and I could sense the weight of her past. I squeezed her hand gently and said, "You can still do that now, you know. Having fun."
She looked up at me, her eyes reflecting a hint of hope. "Yeah?"
"Asha, you can do whatever you want to make you happy."
"And no one's going to stop me?" She chuckled, a musical sound that bubbled out from her lips.
"Who dared to stop you?" I replied playfully, giving her hand another light squeeze. "No more holding back, Asha. You deserve to enjoy life."
"Yeah, I know." She grinned broadly, causing her nose to wrinkle slightly, and I felt an overwhelming urge to trap it between my teeth. "I might do that."
"This is the place." We stopped in front of a Chinese restaurant called Double Dragon. The restaurant had a simple yet welcoming facade, with a red awning and a wooden sign that hung above the door. Lanterns hung from the awning. A large mural of a majestic dragon decorated one wall right next to the entrance door. The Double Dragon had been around for over fifty years, run by the same family from generation to generation.
"It looks authentic," Asha commented, her eyes sweeping over the facade. "I can imagine the food must be good."
"Oh, definitely so good," I confirmed as I opened the door. The enticing aroma of spices immediately made my mouth water, and the sound of clinking dishes promised a satisfying meal. "I've been coming here for ages. Never found any place as good as this one."
"Liam!" a familiar voice called out from my left, followed by the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps—more like sprinting than walking. "Liaaaamm!"
I spun toward the voice and grinned when I saw a short, heavyset man wearing a white apron over a black T-shirt and Hawaiian shorts, his hair tucked under a black hairnet. "Andy!" I spread my arms wide, already knowing what was coming. As usual, he rushed toward me, ready to jump into my arms. Andy, a sixty-year-old Chinese guy who owned the restaurant and served as its main chef, was a serious hugger. He hugged just about everyone he knew, and there was no escaping it.
"How are you doing, old man?" I gave his back a firm rub. "Business good?"
"Good, good," he nodded eagerly, finally releasing me from his grip. "I couldn't be more grateful." Then he slapped my arm with surprising force, making me wince. For an old man, he still had quite the swing. "I haven't seen you in months! Too busy for me, huh?"
"Sorry," I said sheepishly, rubbing my arm, which still stung from his slap. "I've been swamped with work."
At that moment, Andy's gaze shifted to Asha, who stood beside me, watching him with a curious smile.
"Andy, meet Asha," I introduced, gesturing toward her. Then I thumbed back at Andy. "Andy's an old friend of mine. He owns this place."
"What a lovely lady!" Andy's booming voice echoed through the restaurant, even louder than before. All eyes turned to Asha, and her cheeks flushed a deep red.
I couldn't help but chuckle softly, finding her reaction absolutely endearing.
"I've known Liam for over ten years, and this is the first time he's brought a lady," Andy continued, clearly enjoying himself. "Usually, it's just him. Sometimes, he brings his brothers, but never a lady. Now I see why." He reached out, gripping Asha's arms, and she immediately tensed. "He was waiting for someone as beautiful as you."
Asha shot me a glance, clearly flustered by all the attention, and I quickly stepped in. "Alright, Andy, let's not scare her off before we even sit down."
"Yes, yes." Andy looked around the bustling restaurant, searching for an empty table. I suddenly realized that I'd forgotten to call ahead and book one, too caught up in the excitement of finally having a date with Asha.
"I'll set you up at my table," he said, nodding toward the back. "Nobody's using it right now."
Andy always reserved a spare table for himself or his family, who would often drop by for meals. It was his personal spot, and offering it to us was a very special gesture from him.
He led us through the crowded restaurant, weaving between tables filled with diners enjoying their meals. The rich aroma of garlic, soy sauce, and spices filled the air, making my stomach growl.
When we reached the back, Andy gestured to a cozy table with a good view of the restaurant. "Here you go!" He pulled out a chair for Asha with a flourish. "This is the best seat in the house."
"Thanks, Andy," I said, taking a seat across from Asha after she thanked him, too.
He beamed at us before heading back to the kitchen, telling the server to take our orders. I took the liberty of ordering, as per Asha's request. I glanced at her—she still seemed a bit overwhelmed but intrigued by the restaurant's lively atmosphere.
"What do you think?" I asked, leaning forward slightly.
"I love it," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "It feels so vibrant here. And the food smells amazing!"
"Just wait until you try it," I said with excitement. "You won't be disappointed. That's why I never made Chicken Kung Pao for you. I could never recreate Andy's flavor."
Not long after, our orders arrived. The famous Chicken Kung Pao took center stage, surrounded by an array of other dishes I had chosen. Asha stared at it intently, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"I'm nervous now," I mumbled.
Asha lifted her gaze to me, looking puzzled. "Why?"
"I'm nervous that it won't live up to your expectations."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "It looks amazing. I can't wait to try it."
With that, she scooped some dishes onto the small plate in front of her. The moment she took her first bite, she moaned— literally moaned —her eyes closing in delight.
I could only watch her, utterly smitten. Intense feelings churning in my stomach and chest. I was really, seriously, fallen head over heels for this woman.
"So, it's good?"
"Oh my god," she said between bites, her expression a mix of surprise and pleasure. "This is incredible! I can't believe I've been missing out on this."
I smiled happily and started to eat myself.
"Are you having a good time so far?" I asked her, wanting to do everything I could to ensure she enjoyed this date.
She nodded, covering her mouth with her hand as she chewed. "Yes," she said after swallowing. "Thank you. I'm having a delightful time with you."
Her words brought warmth to my chest. I enjoyed knowing I could make her feel this way. I wanted to remember this moment—the way her eyes lit up and the genuine smile on her face—and find a way to recreate it.
"Good," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "Because I'm having the best time of my life."
But I was also having a fucking hard time not jumping over the table and kissing her senseless. I was desperate to find out if those lips were as soft as I imagined, to discover if they tasted like the sweetness I envisioned. I wanted to thread my fingers through her hair and tug gently, exposing her delicate neck for me to feast. I wanted to sink my teeth on her elegant shoulder, painting my mark on her creamy white skin, and then I would lick the wound to ease the pain. I wanted to feel her bare skin beneath my hands, convinced it would be the smoothest thing I ever touched. I wanted to make love to her. To fuck her, make her scream my name, giving her pleasure that showed her how she possessed my mind, my body, my soul. I wanted— craved, so much more.
I was losing my mind over her. If only she knew.
Her expression softened, and we simply looked at each other for a moment. I would give anything to know what was going through her mind. Was she thinking about how much I loved her? Did she know? Despite the short time we've known each other, I fell in love with her so deeply; it was beyond reason. I knew it shouldn't be this strong yet—I didn't understand it either—but it was there, filling my entire heart, taking up permanent residence. It consumed me completely.
I wanted to ask how her divorce was going, but I didn't want to spoil her mood. I wanted tonight to be perfect, free from the weight of her painful past. I knew they had been separated for months, that the divorce papers were in progress, and, most importantly, that she had already signed them.
Not that I intentionally stalked her or invaded her personal life, as I had promised myself that I would patiently wait until Asha was ready on her own terms. But Theo kept feeding me information even though I hadn't asked. I even threatened him to stop, but he wouldn't listen. He was really determined for Asha and me to happen.
We had just finished our meals when she called my name. "Liam," she breathed, her eyes locked on mine. For a moment, a mix of hope and worry surged within me; I thought she might reveal her feelings, which could go either way. But she said, "I don't want to go home yet."
I raised my brows and grinned widely, feeling a wave of relief as I didn't want the night to end too. "Where do you want to go?"
Her lips curved into a thoughtful smile, and I could see the wheels turning in her mind. "It's been a while since I watched a live jazz performance. Do you know any good places?"
"As a matter of fact, I do." I said proudly. "And it's not too far from here."
"Sounds perfect," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
After a bit of a playful argument with Asha over who would pay for the meal—she insisted that the person who asked should cover the bill—I ultimately won and ended up paying.
I took her hand again as we stepped back onto the street, still buzzing with activity. People moved in all directions, their laughter and conversations blending with the hum of the city. The bright lights of storefronts illuminated the sidewalks, making everything feel vibrant and alive, creating a perfect backdrop for our evening.
"The jazz bar is a little spot called The Blue Note. It's just a few blocks away," I said as we walked. "My brother owns the place."
She turned her head to me, a hint of worry flashing across her face. I knew it was probably too soon to meet a member of my family when we were only on our first date. "Oh. Your brother?"
"Yeah," I replied, reassuring her with a nod. "But don't worry—he's a nice guy. I would really like you to meet him."
Asha suddenly stopped and spun around to face me. "Liam—" She paused, searching for the right words.
"But if you're not ready to meet my brother, I understand," I added quickly, feeling a flicker of panic as I noticed her worried expression. "We can go somewhere else." I gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, my heart swelling with affection. "I just want you to enjoy being with me, Asha. I'd never ask you to do anything you're uncomfortable with."
She let silence linger for a while, her eyes studying my face, driving me crazy as I waited before finally whispering, "Okay."
"Okay?" I parroted, a little stunned. "You mean okay going to my brother's bar?"
"Yes." She grinned.
"You sure?" I needed to make sure once again because I didn't want her to feel that she was obligated to say yes.
She grinned wider and nodded, her nose wrinkling adorably, and suddenly, I couldn't hold back any longer. I had to kiss her. And then I kissed her.
It was brief—just a press of my lips against hers, merely a tease—and when I pulled away, I found her staring at me in shock, her mouth slightly agape.
"I'm sorry," I said, taking a step back. "I shouldn't have done that... I'm really sorry."
I watched her with worry, holding my breath as she opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but then closed it again.
"Asha..."
"Do it again." Her voice was barely a whisper, but I heard her clearly. I just didn't quite believe it yet.
"Wait. You want me to—"
"Yes! Now."
Fuck. I didn't need much more encouragement. I wanted to slam my lips against hers and kiss her hard, nipping her, biting her, but this was our first time. I wanted to savor the moment, and I wanted to take my time. I gently grabbed her face and leaned down, brushing my lips against hers. I heard her breath hitch when I slanted my mouth and pressed my lips against the lips I had been longing for. My eyes halfway shut, didn't want to miss seeing her expression, and I noticed she did the same too. I deepened the kiss, pressing harder. I kissed her with everything I had, wishing she could feel the weight of my love from that kiss. Both my thumbs caressing her cheeks, both her hands gripping the lapels of my coat. Our breaths mingled, and our tongues danced. There wasn't an inch separating us. We stood on the sidewalk of a busy street, surrounded by people, but at that moment, we had forgotten about it. We had forgotten the world.
She whispered my name against my lips, and I shivered. Her voice was soft, yet it ignited a fire that surged through my veins. My hands slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. She tiptoed, leaning onto me, pressing her hands on my chest, slipping inside my coat, and our kiss started to get frantic. Becoming needy and desperate. Our kiss completely seized my entire body, and I was unbelievably, painfully hard. I needed to stop this before it started getting out of control.
"Asha," I panted, breathless, as I pulled away. She instantly chased my mouth, her need mirroring mine. God, what I wouldn't give to teleport us to my bedroom and make love to her. "We need to stop."
When I saw the flash of hurt in her still dazed, glassy eyes, silently asking why, I knew I had to explain. I slid my hands to her lower back, pulling her close. Her eyes widened when she felt the hard explanation on her lower belly. "That's why," I said with a smile.
A slow, amused grin spread across her face, followed by a soft giggle. I chuckled too. We were finally coming back to reality, the noise of the world gradually filtering in. Still, her hands rested on my chest, and my arms stayed wrapped around her.
"I'll need an encore," I told her firmly. "Promise me an encore."
"Okay," she giggled again.
"Still want to go to the jazz bar?" I asked.
She took a moment to think about it before she nodded. "Yes, I still want to."
"Okay,"
As we continued our walk, my gaze continuously drifted to her; I couldn't stop looking at her. If I kept walking like this, I was bound to bump into something or stumble into a gutter.
When we arrived at The Blue Note, the bar was packed. It was Simona's night to perform—a jazz singer in her fifties with a voice uncannily like Ella Fitzgerald's. She'd be singing one of the legend's famous songs, and whenever Simona took the stage, the place was always a full house.
Asha's eyes lit up as she took in the surroundings. The bar had that classic, dimly lit atmosphere, with soft amber lighting reflecting off polished wood. Dark leather booths lined the walls, while a long mahogany bar stretched across one side. Behind the bar, shelves were filled with an impressive array of bottles, their colors shimmering like jewels. A small stage, elevated slightly from the rest of the room, held a grand piano and a microphone, waiting for Simona to take the spotlight.
She smiled, clearly feeling the energy of the place. "It's perfect," she said.
I scanned the room, searching for my brother, but still couldn't spot him. Just then, a heavy hand landed on my shoulder, making me jump slightly. I turned to see a familiar face grinning back at me.
"Liam!" my brother shouted over the noise of the bar. He pulled me close for a bear hug, squeezing me tightly and making me choke out an "Umph!" as he enveloped me in his grip—as he was bigger and taller than me.
"Let me go, you ape," I said, tapping his back. "I can't breathe."
With a laugh, he finally released me, stepping back just enough to let me catch my breath. "Good to see you, little brother," he said, a broad grin on his face. "It's been a while since you came."
"Yeah, I–"
"And I see you brought someone," he interjected, noticing Asha standing beside me, my hand still clasped around hers. I didn't want to let go unless I really, really had to.
I turned to her, chuckling a little as I saw the stunned look on her face. It didn't surprise me; not every day did someone come across a mountain of a man like my brother.
"Asha, meet Jake, my brother. Jake, this is Asha."
"Hey," he said, grinning as he offered his hand. She shook it, still looking a bit taken aback.
"It's nice to meet you," she managed, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"Don't let his size fool you. He's actually pretty harmless," I teased, giving Jake a playful nudge.
Jake laughed. "I promise I only use my powers for good."
Then I heard a male voice shout Asha's name, and I watched as her face suddenly turned pale. She spun around, her eyes wide, searching for the source.
I heard her gasp when she found what she was looking for and mumbled a name that turned all my blood to ice.
"Aiden."