Chapter 27

Saturday, Nov. 14 – 8:30 pm

November eleventh was Liam's birthday and the one year anniversary of when he was bitten. Roarke had every intention to make sure this day held nothing but good memories for Liam. Unfortunately, she hadn't considered that Liam's mood would be less than receptive to anything but brooding over the past. So instead, she waited for the weekend to help him make some good memories. No, not just good memories – fantastic memories. She hadn't given him any clues about what the night held in store except for letting him know that they would be dinning out. Liz suggested a top notch Muggle restaurant near Covent Garden. It was expensive, but well worth the romantic atmosphere and privacy it guaranteed.

They spent the meal staring at each other over the wine and candlelight. Occasionally, Roarke would maneuver her foot so that it would brush up against Liam's leg. He was most receptive to her touch and didn't complain when she suggested skipping desert and leaving the restaurant.

A cool breeze was blowing as they exited the restaurant. Roarke pulled her sweater tightly around her in an effort to fight against the stinging temperature. To her pleasure, Liam wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her hair, warming her body with his.

"So tell me," he said softly, "what's next on your agenda for the evening?"

"That depends on you," Roarke said, turning around to face him. "I had a few ideas in mind, but I wasn't sure which you would prefer. So I'll give you a few options and you can chose for yourself."

He squeezed gently at her waist. "Do any of these options include you in a silky little negligee?" he kidded her.

"What?" Roarke gapped up at him, blushing to the tips of her ears. "No, they are all dignified and fully clothed options."

Liam puffed his bottom lip out in a phony pout. "Oh damn. Well, you can't blame a bloke for trying." He pulled her closer to him, fitting her body directly up against his.

Roarke smiled and shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I thought that was the point of this whole conversation. What are you going to do with me?"

"Well I thought that since we were all ready in this part of London that we might take in a Muggle concert or some theatre." She played with the buttons on his shirtfront as his hands rubbed along her back. "But I wasn't really sure if you enjoyed that sort of thing. I didn't want to purchase tickets on an outing that didn't suit you." Liam lightly kissed her cheek and rested his forehead against hers, making Roarke's thoughts fuzzy. "Instead, I brought a list of choices with me. If you find any of them interesting, we could -"

The sentence was lost when Liam began kissing a path down the side of her face to her neck. Her mind went blank and instinct kicked in. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed at the pleasurable sensations he was sending through her body.

"Did you plan," Liam said against her ear, "for anything more private?"

"Yes," her voice hissed out. She hadn't meant for it to sound like that, but then her mind wasn't exactly in control at the moment.

"Good," he replied before capturing her lips with his. The touch of his mouth was gentle and light, and expressed nothing but sincere affection. They slowly broke apart, and Roarke's eyes fluttered open to look up into his handsome face. "I love you."

"I love you."

Amazing how simple it was to say that now. Even more amazing was the fire it lit within her soul to hear the words repeated back with such honesty. The joy she felt was indescribable. The way he was touching her, and even looking at her, was sheer perfection. There wasn't anything else in the world that could make her feel more beautiful than she did right at this very moment.

Well...maybe there is one thing that might feel better.

"I suppose," she said playing with the hair falling around the base of his neck, "that we could skip all of that and go right to the presents."

"Traditional birthday etiquette does suggest that people should bestow gifts upon their loved ones."

How he was able to manage such clear thought was beyond Roarke's comprehension. "We have to go back to your flat though."

Liam's eyebrows shot up. "My presents are back at the flat?"

"Um hum," Roarke hummed, rubbing her hands down his chest and back up to his neck.

"Is one of the presents you in a silky negligee?"

"You don't give up, do you?" she laughed.

"It's my birthday. I'm just trying to make the most of it."

"Well, why don't we Apparate back to your flat and see once and for all what I have waiting for you."

His hands were pressing on her back, holding her firmly against him. "Apparating means I have to let go of you."

"Unless you want to get splinched."

"Yes, please," he teased, kissing her deeply, the fullness of his body completely fitting against hers.

"I promise," she managed through the kiss, "you won't be disappointed."

Liam pulled away from her slowly. "That's a promise now?"

"Promise."

"I'll meet you there then."

It was only a moment latter that they resumed the kiss. Disorientation from Apparating, mingled with the dizziness from the feel of Liam's hands on her body, left Roarke trembling. In fact, she wasn't quite sure how her legs were able to keep her from falling down.

Liam's mouth worked his way down her neck once more. "Where – is – this – gift?" he said, punctuating each word with another delicate kiss.

"Behind you," Roarke whispered.

Roarke could tell that wasn't what Liam was expecting. His lips paused against her warm throat. "Pardon?"

"Behind you," she said more clearly.

Liam straightened up and turned around to look for whatever it was Roarke was referring to. It didn't take him long to find, as an image of the mountains directly behind your sofa isn't exactly something easily hidden.

"How in the world?" Liam voiced his surprise.

"Do you like it?"

Bewilderment showed on his face as he stepped closer to look at the details of the image. "What...what...?"

"You once told me that you loved climbing for the joy of being able to look out at the world and see a view that few people have ever seen before. Well, I gave you the view."

His mouth hung open in amazement. "It's wonderful."

"It's Mt. Everest. Well, I mean, it's the view from Mt. Everest."

Liam chuckled. "I've never climbed Mt. Everest."

"Maybe this will inspire you to do so."

His eyes found hers. "You inspire me." He took her hand and tried to pull her close.

"Wait," she said, pushing him away. "I have something else."

She darted into the kitchen, excited about her next surprise. The pie lay on the counter untouched and looking scrumptious. Picking up a knife, she cut into the dessert and carefully dished out two slices. She scooped out the whipped cream and strawberries as she had been instructed to do, and delicately garnished the creamy pie. When she turned around, Liam was looking over her shoulder.

"Pavlova!" he exclaimed, and took a plate from her. "How did you know?"

"You told me. Remember? The perigee moon? You didn't want my lopsided chocolate cake. You kept demanding this."

Liam took a bite into the pie and closed his eyes, savoring the taste. "Dib you muk thish yursef?" he said through a mouthful.

"Are you kidding? I wanted it to be edible."

"It's delicious," he said taking another bite.

"Well, I thought it was time I finally gave you what you wanted," she said with a wicked glint in her eyes.

Liam set down his plate rather hastily and pulled her to him. "Oh really? So then you do have a silky negligee?"

Roarke kissed the tip of his nose. "I guess you'll just have to come to the bedroom and find out."

She walked out of the kitchen before Liam could respond. When she reached the door to the bedroom, she glanced over her shoulder to find him standing still and looking stunned. "Well? What are you waiting for?" Before she disappeared into the room, she made certain Liam saw her lift her shirt up over her head.

She laughed to herself; unable to believe she was really going to do this. She dreamt about doing this, even imagined what it would be like, but to actually do it...that was very different. Her face felt hot as she imagined what would happen next. Her whole body felt hot.

Quickly, and not too gracefully, she pulled off her skirt and tossed it aside, letting it land on the floor next to her blouse. Making sure the camisole was in place, she pounced on to the center of the bed and made an effort to sit in a way that made her look sexy but not too posed. She fluffed her hair and waited for Liam to come in and see his final gift.

Her heart beat wildly in her chest when his form appeared in the doorway. He was looking at her in a way he had never looked at her before. It was part surprise, part desire – and every bit intoxicating. A ball of nervousness sunk into the pit of her stomach, but she couldn't turn back. Not now. Not after he had seen what she was wearing. Not considering what she had said. Or where she was currently sitting. Besides, deep in her heart she knew she didn't want to turn back.

"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now," Liam admitted in a soft, hesitant voice.

Roarke bit her bottom lip. "I thought it was fairly obvious."

She could see him taking deep breaths. "What I want to do and what I should do are two very different things." He took a few steps closer to the bed.

He was giving her an out. She recognized it clear as day. She could say no, and he wouldn't argue. The idea comforted Roarke and calmed some of the nervousness she was feeling. But she didn't want to say no. She wanted him. All of him.

"It's your birthday. You should do whatever you want."

Liam stepped next to the bed, his eyes taking in the full sight of the delicate underclothing she had chosen – and the flawless skin that it revealed. "I thought you wanted to take things slowly."

"I changed my mind. Besides, how many time have you asked for this tonight?"

"I was joking. You don't have to - "

"But I want to."

"Are you sure?" he said in a voice that was scarcely audible.

Roarke nodded.

Liam licked his lips. "This isn't just...for one night."

"I know."

"Are you sure?" he asked again. This time, his voice cracked as his fingers worked through her chestnut hair.

Roarke looked up at him and willed herself to remain perfectly still. "Yes."

His hand traveled down the side of her face to her neck and shoulders. Roarke noticed his Adam's apple bob heavily as he swallowed hard, his eyes wandering over her face and body. Carefully, he planted a knee on the bed and lowered his mouth to hers in a gentle kiss. Wanting more of him, Roarke cupped his face in her hands and deepened the kiss.

His mouth traveled a tantalizing path to her neck. Roarke tossed her head back, inviting him to do as he pleased. She marveled at how delicately his fingers were touching her as he played with the straps of her camisole. His mouth was soon moving lower towards her chest. Roarke, feeling light headed by the sensations building in her body, leaned into him and wrapped her arms around him.

Liam rose to his full height and kissed her deeply. She couldn't help but moan in response. His hands, still light as feathers against her body, found their way down her sides. He teased at her breasts for a moment before finding the hem of the camisole and running his hands up underneath. Without waiting for him to ask, Roarke helped him pull it up over her head.

Roarke's mind focused for a moment when she realized Liam was looking at her. She still wore a bra, but she had never before been this exposed. She felt naked and a blush rose to her cheeks as she moved to cover her breasts. Liam tenderly took her hands in his and guided them to the buttons on his shirt. There was a smile on his face that was almost a smirk. Roarke let out a slight laugh upon seeing it.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," he said in a voice much deeper than Roarke had ever heard.

She cocked an eyebrow and worked at his buttons, biting her lip in what she hopped was a playful yet sexy fashion. When she was finished, she glanced up at him through her lashes coyly and pushed the shirt down his arms. Roarke attempted to stay as focused on his eyes as possible, but the desire she saw reflected in them made her blush yet again.

The soft touch of Liam's fingertips on her bare skin sent a shiver down her spine. "You're so beautiful," he whispered before capturing her mouth again with his.

The lightheaded feeling returned as Roarke felt Liam's skin against hers. This was really happening! She was in his bed, nearly naked, and he was kissing her. He was touching her. She never wanted him to stop touching her. Her mind was racing, taking in the sensation of Liam's hands caressing her skin, as well as the feel of her own hands on his exposed skin.

His arms wrapped around her tightly for the first time since they entered the bedroom and Roarke reveled in the feel of his naked torso fully pressed against hers. Her mind was so fuzzy she didn't even realize he was lowering her to the bed. The cushion of the pillow under her head was the first sign that she was even lying down.

Sinking into the mattress, Roarke stretched out her legs and pulled Liam closer. He lowered himself ever so gently on her, their legs intertwined. His touch remained soft, but in this new position, it was now quite obvious to Roarke that he was holding back. The nervous knot in her stomach returned for a brief moment at the very idea.

Her thoughts were soon jumbled again as Liam continued kissing her mouth and neck, all the while acquainting himself with the curves of her body. She couldn't control the energy and emotion building up inside her. She arched into him, seeking more, wanting more. He responded by nibbling at her skin, down her front to her navel.

Liam rose up every so slightly, making Roarke wonder for a second what he was doing. His hands found her inner thighs and Roarke gasped in surprise. He traced tiny circles on her legs as he delicately pushed them further open. Roarke's breathing quickened, and she despised the fact that she was suddenly so anxious. She closed her eyes and waited for the touch that never came. Instead, Liam returned to her mouth and kissed her lovingly. The full weight of his body now covered her, leaving no room to doubt the effect she had on him.

They lay like that, just kissing, for a few seconds. As her body relaxed into the moment, Roarke snaked one of her legs around Liam's outer thigh. Liam moaned and pressed against her body needfully. "I love you," he said between kisses. "But I don't want to scare you."

"I'm not scared," she replied in a voice she hardly recognized.

He kissed her again. "Roarke, look at me."

"Hum?"

The kisses stopped. "You are scared. You're tense and you've had your eyes closed this whole time."

She hadn't even noticed. She opened her eyes to find Liam's smiling face over hers.

And then she gasped in fright.

"What?" Liam cried in startled surprise, jumping away from her. "What's the matter?"

Roarke, desperate not to alarm him further, forced a smile. "Nothing. It was nothing." She tried to look him in the eye, but just couldn't. She shifted on the bed, trying to hide the fact that she wasn't quite able to meet his eyes.

"No, it was something. I know you're nervous, so if you want to wait, that's fine with me. But Rory I just..."

"That's not it," she interrupted. "Really. I want this. I just..." She paused and took in the mixture of confusion and worry on Liam's face. Her heart was racing for concern of how he would react if he knew what had happened. But then, Liam always encouraged her to be honest with him. Maybe he wouldn't be upset if she told him the truth as calmly as she could. Everything appeared fine now anyway. "It was your eyes."

"What about them?"

"They...changed."

Liam frowned. "How do you mean?"

"Changed color. They were gold."

"That's impossible. Eyes just don't spontaneously change color." Then with a small intake of breath, Liam sat back on his heels. The blood drained from his face as he took on a look of fear. "Oh, God...you don't think..." He jumped off the bed and ran to look in the mirror. "Was it just my eyes or was it anything else?"

"Just your eyes."

"I shouldn't be transforming. It's a new moon," he mumbled, looking over his face for any remaining signs of the wolf.

"I don't think you were transforming."

"Then what the bloody hell happened?" He turned to face Roarke. "How else can you explain it?"

Roarke shifted uncomfortably on the bed, pulling the covers over some of her exposed body. "I think...and this is totally a guess...but I think it has to do with...us."

"You mean because we were – " Liam stopped short, a look of disbelief on his face. "No. No. I've read about this. Hell, I've nearly got that chapter in your dad's damn book memorized! There's nothing about this in there!"

"I know," Roarke said softly.

"The only time I know of that my eyes would change color is during a damn transformation!" Liam threw his arms out in frustration. "My GOD! It's one thing to lose my humanity to this curse. Don't I at least get to make love as a man?"

Roarke had to calm him down and fast. "Obviously, yes you do!" Liam gaped at her. "My siblings and I are living proof of it. So maybe this is only something that happens every now and then."

"Then how come I've never heard of it before now? You've never heard of it!"

"I don't know. Maybe it has to do with what you're experiencing...or your state of mind...I don't know."

Liam began pacing. "My state of mind was that I wanted to make love to you – badly! And what I was experiencing was nothing new."

Roarke shrugged. "It was sort of new."

"No it wasn't."

"Well...not for you, but..."

"Roarke," he sighed, "I meant it wasn't new for us. We've kissed before, and this has never happened."

"We were doing a lot more than kissing." Roarke face went scarlet.

"Ok, then, we've snogged before."

"Yes, but not like that. I mean you've never been...well...maybe you have but I wasn't aware."

"I never what?"

"You know..." Roarke moved her eyes downward from his face very quickly.

Realizing what she meant, Liam made a face at her. "Are you kidding? Rory...trust me. I have been. Several times. And this has never happened."

"Are you sure? Did you look in a mirror to see?"

"Now, how perverse is that?" Liam took on a mocking tone of a proper Englishman. "Oh look, I'm quite aroused. Perhaps I should go look in the mirror to see if my eyes are gold."

Roarke tossed a pillow at him. "You oaf! I'm only trying to help."

Liam picked up the pillow and made his way over to the bed. "I know. I'm sorry. I just never thought - " He sat down on the side of the bed and avoided looking at Roarke. "I just want one aspect of my life to be normal. Is that too much to ask?"

Roarke reached over and took the pillow from him. She scooted closer to him, linking one of her hands with his. "I'm sorry I scared you."

"I scared you," Liam corrected. "You're the normal one."

"Stop saying that. We might not know exactly what this means, but I don't think it's anything really bad. If it were, there would be something written about it, right?"

"I'd think there would be something written about it regardless."

Roarke leaned her head down on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his arms. "This isn't how I wanted tonight to end."

"That makes two of us."

"It doesn't have to end, you know." She kissed his bare shoulder letting her mouth linger against his skin.

Liam glanced down at her face. "I don't want to hurt you, Rory."

"You won't."

"I don't know that for certain. I don't think we should do this until I know more about what happened. I would kill myself if I passed this curse on to you."

"You talk as if it's contagious."

"It is. If I transformed in some way...and I bit you..."

Roarke kissed him gently on the lips, stopping him from protesting further. "I'm staying here tonight," she murmured against his mouth.

"Rory - "

"I'm not saying we should do anything more than what we're doing right now, but I don't want to be alone tonight, Will. I just want to be with you."

Liam brushed her hair away from her face. He thought for a long time before giving in to her request. "All right. But if anything more happens that we can't explain, you're leaving. No arguments."

Roarke nodded and smiled before tucking her feet under the bed covers. She tossed back the sheets on the right side of the bed and tapped them with her hand, signaling Liam to join her. He gave her a half smile and crawled under the covers. Without faltering, Roarke wrapped her arms around his torso and snuggled up against him. A few gentle, hesitant kisses later, they found themselves drifting off to sleep.