Chapter 13 A Flight To Safety

Amara's heart pounded as she and Liam approached the immigration counter at the airport. She clutched her passport tightly, her hands damp with sweat. The names on their new identities—Blair and Rick O'Connor—felt unreal.

Liam, however, appeared calm and composed. His posture was relaxed, exuding confidence as if he had done this a thousand times.

"What if they realize it's fake?" Amara whispered.

"They won't," Liam assured her, squeezing her hand. "Trust me."

Still, Amara held her breath when the officer took their passports, flipping through them carefully. The seconds stretched into eternity, but Liam remained calm, offering the officer a casual smile.

Finally, the officer looked up, stamped their passports, and slid them back across the counter.

"You're all set. Have a safe flight, Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor," he said.

Amara exhaled sharply, relief washing over her. Liam squeezed her hand again, silently reassuring her as they walked toward the private jet waiting on the tarmac.

As they boarded, she looked around in confusion. There were no other passengers, only the two of them. The pilot, hostess, and cabin crew were already preparing for takeoff.

She turned to Liam, anxiety creeping back. "Why are we the only ones here?"

He cupped her face, brushing his thumbs over her cheeks. "Because I made sure it's just us. It's the safest way to travel right now."

His voice was gentle, but Amara still felt overwhelmed. As the plane ascended, everything that had happened rushed through her mind—Claire's death, the kidnapping, the constant fear.

Liam noticed the tension in her body and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. "You're safe now," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Nothing will happen to you."

The hostess soon arrived with an exquisite selection of food and wine. Amara barely tasted it, lost in thought. Liam, however, kept his focus on her, ensuring she ate.

Arrival in the UK

Their flight landed at Heathrow Airport in London. The immigration process was smooth, their passports showing them as a legally married couple.

"Enjoy your stay, Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor," the officer said, handing back their documents.

Amara sighed in relief as they stepped out of the airport. The crisp British air was a stark contrast to the tension she had felt all day.

Liam had already arranged a ride to a luxury British cottage in the countryside. When they arrived, the place was cozy and elegant, offering a much-needed sense of peace.

Inside, Liam immediately ordered food and groceries, knowing they hadn't eaten properly in hours. Thirty minutes later, a knock at the door signaled the delivery. Liam retrieved the bags, tipped the delivery man, and shut the door.

Amara stood by the balcony, staring out at the landscape. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of calm.

The air between them was thick with tension, a mix of relief, exhaustion, and an undeniable hunger that had been building for far too long.

Liam walked towards her wrapping his arms around Amara's waist as she stood by the balcony, his breath hot against her ear. His voice was low, husky.

"Amara, I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She shivered, tilting her head slightly as his lips brushed against the sensitive skin behind her ear. His fingers traced slow, teasing circles on her hips before sliding lower.

"I'm sorry you have to go through all this mess because of me, but I swear, I'll make it up to you."

Amara turned in his arms, her eyes dark with emotion. Before she could speak, his lips claimed hers, deep and demanding. She melted into him, her hands threading through his hair, pulling him closer as if she could disappear into him.

Liam lifted her effortlessly, carrying her inside.

As soon as they reached the bedroom, he pressed her against the door, his body flush against hers. His lips traveled down her neck, sucking lightly, leaving a trail of heat wherever he touched.

Her breath hitched when his hands slid beneath her shirt, pushing it up slowly.

"Liam…"

He lifted the fabric over her head, tossing it aside. His gaze raked over her bare skin, hunger flickering in his eyes.

"I'm addicted to you, can't breathe without you"

His lips descended on her again, his tongue tangling with hers as he pressed her harder against the door. His hands roamed freely, fingers skimming over her soft curves, mapping every inch of her.

She tugged at his shirt, desperate to feel his bare skin against hers. He obliged, pulling it over his head in one swift motion before returning to her mouth with unrelenting need.

His hands found the waistband of her jeans, unbuttoning them before sliding them down her legs. He sank to his knees, kissing the inside of her thighs, making her gasp.

Her fingers curled into his hair as his mouth moved dangerously close to where she needed him most. A strangled moan escaped her lips when his tongue flicked against her, teasing, tasting, making her body tremble.

"Liam, please…" she whimpered, unable to form coherent words.

He groaned against her skin, gripping her thighs tighter. "I love hearing you beg for me."

After what felt like an eternity of sweet torture, he finally stood, his hands gripping her as he lifted her again. She wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling the hardness of him pressing between her thighs.

They barely made it to the bed before he dropped her onto the mattress, his body covering hers instantly. His hands explored every inch of her, leaving no part untouched, unloved.

When he finally thrust into her, a sharp gasp left her lips.

"Amara…" His voice was raw, strained, as he buried himself inside her.

Her nails raked down his back as he moved, slow at first, then faster, deeper, the intensity between them igniting like wildfire.

Every movement sent her spiraling higher, their bodies moving in perfect sync, chasing something inevitable.

The sound of their moans, the heavy breathing, the whispered names—it was all-consuming.

When her release finally came, it was shattering. She cried out his name, her body trembling beneath him as he followed right after, groaning into her neck.

They lay tangled together, breathless, skin slick with sweat, hearts racing.

Liam pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "I meant what I said… I love you."

Amara sighed, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his chest.

"I love you too."

For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.

The next morning, Liam woke to a text message.

You can run as far as you want, but you can't hide.

His jaw clenched as he deleted the message. He turned to Amara, who was just waking up beside him.

"Good morning, dear," she murmured, kissing him softly.

Liam forced a smile and hugged her tightly. "Good morning."

He couldn't let her know. Not yet.

"We need to remove our SIM cards," he said. "Just as a precaution."

She frowned but nodded, trusting him. He took both their phones, removed the SIM cards, and set them aside.

Just as he finished, a loud gunshot shattered the morning silence.

Glass exploded from the window.

"Get down!" Liam ordered, shoving a gun into Amara's hands before pushing her into the closet.

"Stay inside," he whispered, locking the door.

Heavy footsteps filled the house. Five men.

Liam moved swiftly, taking them down one by one. Bullets flew, furniture shattered, but he was precise, ruthless.

By the time he reached the last man, a sharp pain shot through his shoulder as a bullet grazed him. Gritting his teeth, he fired the final shot.

Silence.

Breathing heavily, he stumbled back to the closet, unlocking the door.

Amara gasped at the sight of him. "Liam!"

"I'm fine," he said, wincing.

She rushed to grab the first aid kit, her hands shaking as she patched him up.

He met her worried gaze. "We have to leave. Now."

Without another word, they grabbed their things and bolted to the car.

Amara took the driver's seat, her hands trembling as she started the engine.

As they sped off, one thought consumed Liam's mind.

They weren't safe yet. And this wasn't over.