Torn: A Contemporary Sports Romance (Pathways Book 3) Read online

  “How old were you when you started as a professional?”

  “Seventeen.”

  I whistled. “Wow. Seventeen? That’s extraordinary!”

  He shrugged his shoulders and took another bite of ravioli, a picture of humbleness. “The local newspapers used to call me a soccer prodigy. Soon, I started receiving offers from the major European clubs.”

  “Wonderful. Remind me to get your autograph later.”

  His grin matched mine. “Deal.”

  “For your information, if you weren’t a soccer player, you would make a great chef. You nailed these dishes.”

  “You think?”

  “Yeah. Even my granny, Angela, who’s a magnificent cook, would say the same, and believe me, she is pretty picky.”

  “Your family lives in Italy, right?”

  “Yeah. Even my parents. They moved back several years ago. They were always saying they would go back to Naples, where my family lives after they retired.”

  “What is your family like?”

  I chuckled at the crazy memories. “Typically Italian: loud and big. Each time I went to Naples with my parents as a teenager, I would be welcomed by more than twenty cousins who were as crazy as I was. So crazy that we would start throwing food at each other during meals, much to our elders’ displeasure. We called it the Food Wars.”

  His chuckle was replaced by a loud laughter, his eyes twinkling. “Food Wars?”

  “Yep. Granny Angela would grab me by ear and haul me out of the kitchen, saying there was no more food for me until I repented. She used to say that people who didn’t appreciate food didn’t deserve it.”

  “Your grandmother sounds like a very wise person.”

  “Yeah. The wisest I know. But she likes to swear a lot. And smoke. She’s a heavy smoker.”

  “Sounds like someone I know.”

  I arched my eyebrow. “Oh?”

  “My mom. She tried quitting several times, but she couldn’t do it.”

  “Just like my father. My mom keeps taking him to task for smoking, but he’s too stubborn.”

  “Your family sounds interesting. I would like to meet them.”

  “Maybe you can. One day.”

  His playful expression disappeared, along with mine. “I really meant what I said,” he said in a serious tone of voice. “Even if you don’t accept to come with me, we will stay together and do our best to make our relationship work. I’m serious about you, Alison. And I’d like it if our families could meet one day and we could have a big reunion…”

  He covered my hand that was resting on the table, mistaking my silence of surprise for disapproval. “I don’t want to rush you, of course. Maybe this sounds like a huge step for you, so I won’t mention it anymore. I want you happy, so remember—if you think that the best decision for you would be to stay in the U.S, I’m okay with it. Step by step.”

  “No. I don’t feel that way at all. I would love that.”

  His eyes widened. “Love what exactly?”

  I reached across the table and cupped his cheek, offering him my most tender smile. “Everything. Your and my family meeting… All of us getting to know each other and…” I traced his jaw, incredibly in love with him. “And going with you to Europe.”

  Lips parted, his face was a display of astonishment and joy. “You’ll come with me? Really, really?”

  “Really, really.” I licked my lips, my anxiety kicking in. I was about to tell him words I had never told anyone and I was more than nervous. I was terrified. “I…”

  The corners of his lips winged up. “What?”

  “This is so difficult. I…” Shaking my head, I exhaled a long sigh. Here we go. “I love you, Liam.”

  If only I wasn’t so nervous, I would laugh at his shocked expression.

  “What? Don’t make that silly face. I love you.” My heart was fluttering in my chest. “You make me feel like a complete person. When I am with you I feel invincible. And while I love Pathways and my friends and would miss them lots, I would miss you more. I don’t want to be separated from you. And I don’t want to miss the opportunity Manchester United is giving us.”

  Without a word, he stood up and went around the table, reaching me in three strides.

  He cupped my face and pulled me up, his movements vehement. “Do you know how much you mean to me? Thank you, Alison. Thank you for everything.”

  He didn’t give me a chance to respond, pressing his lips against mine as his hands slid down my back and cupped my butt. He yanked me toward him, our bodies flush, and I lost myself in his kiss.

  “You’re the most amazing.” A kiss on my nose. “You won’t regret this, babe.” A kiss on my forehead. “I love you.” A kiss on my chin right before he returned to my lips and pushed me against the table.

  The utensils and plates clattered upon the impact, but he didn’t even pay attention to this, never stopping our kiss.

  “You’re going to spoil me if you keep doing this,” I muttered when he lowered his mouth down my chin and neck. I was trembling, burning with desire for him.

  “You deserve to be spoiled. You deserve everything.” He pulled away to look at me, his hands on my hips. “You have no idea how happy you make me feel.”

  “The feeling is mutual, honey. I’m the happiest I have ever been.”

  Trapped under his passionate gaze, I moaned when his hands covered my boobs, his thumbs finding my nipples underneath my flimsy shirt and bra. I grabbed his shoulders to steady myself, weak under his caresses.

  In seconds, he removed my shirt and bra and palmed my breasts, grinding against me.

  “So silky and warm.” He leaned into my ear. “Just like your pussy,” he whispered.

  My moaning grew louder with each caress of his hands. Growing impatient, he picked me up and moved me to the side of the table with no dishes.

  “I’m dying to have a taste of you.”

  I slid my skirt off but left my thong and heels on, and lay down, separating my legs for him. As if he was famished for me, he dove into my mound, nuzzling me over my panties as his hands skimmed over the back of my thighs. I squeezed my breasts, super wet and needy.

  “So fucking sexy,” he muttered and left a kiss right above my clit, sending flickers of pleasure through the pit of my belly. He hooked his index finger underneath my thong and pulled it aside, his tongue darting out to graze my swollen nub.

  “Liam…”

  My hips bucked, his pleasure assault leading me to higher heights, and my head began spinning. It was quick and raw. It was everything.

  “Yes, just like that...”

  His fingers were teasing me, right at my entrance but never entering. I was about to beg him to give me what I needed, but then he dipped two digits into me, sucking my clitoris into his mouth, and I was seconds away from orgasming pretty hard.

  “Ah! Liam!” Grabbing his head, I pressed my pussy against his face and screamed. I couldn’t think, convulsing as aftershock after aftershock rocked my body. “Jesus. I loved that.”

  “You’re going to love this even more.”

  Within seconds, he was deep inside of me, his hands hitching my legs around his waist. His tempo was merciless from the start, our tongues interlocked, our hands exploring our bodies as if it was the first time. I got rid of his shirt and splayed my fingers over his muscular chest, thrusting my hips against him. The surface of the table was hard and punishing, but the bites of pain coursing through my ass were nothing compared to what Liam was giving me.

  In abandon, I threw my head back and screamed his name, both of us coming in unison.

  Liam wasn’t done with me. Not by a long shot.

  He carried me to his bathroom and lowered me into a spacious tub, filled with warm water. Kneeling in front of me, he captured my lips, pushing me to lean against the edge. His hand submerged and found the spot right underneath my clit. He rubbed it slowly, his other hand picking up my breast before he pulled my nipple into his mouth.

  “I’m s
o ready for you. I need you in me.”

  “Not yet, sweetheart.” His tongue was stroking my hardened nub unbearably slowly, matching the tempo of his fingers on my heating mound.

  Just when I thought I couldn’t stand his teasing anymore, ready to push his hand right where I wanted it, he plunged his fingers into me and commenced a much faster tempo. Ecstasy was owning me, his mouth on my nipple growing more demanding, his fingers going faster and faster.

  I was so close. Already there.

  But then he removed his fingers and kissed my lips, a smile forming on his face.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Playing with you.”

  My pussy was throbbing too hard, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed my release.

  I lowered my hand to touch myself, but he didn’t let me, grasping my wrist and moving it away with a smirk on his lips.

  I lowered my other hand, but he did the same thing, his smirk growing bigger.

  “Impatient?”

  I raised my hips, wanting to grind against him, but he was too far for that. I felt a strange emptiness filling my insides, and I couldn’t help but beg.

  “Please. I need to come. Touch me.”

  Still holding my hands on my sides, he moved his lips across my neck and chest, shifting his weight on his left leg while he moved his right knee to my pussy. I undulated against his knee, chasing the friction like I was going to burst without it. He let me use him in this way, his lips turning fierier on my skin as he left kisses all over my chest and neck.

  “Please…”

  “Please what?”

  “Touch me. Make me come.”

  “And if I don’t?”

  I ground faster, closer to my climax, but it wasn’t enough. He let go of my hand to touch my pussy, and I was transferred momentarily to heaven. However, it lasted too short. Just when I was about to explode, he pulled his hand away, and it was too much.

  “No. Liam!”

  Deciding I had enough of his teasing, I snatched my other hand out of his grasp and pushed him down, making him sit. Before he could even move, I was straddling him, and I impaled myself on him, taking all of him inside of me.

  “Alison…”

  “No more games. Now I’m gonna fuck you.”

  I needed only a few seconds to come all over his cock, my walls squeezing him tightly. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, his lips parting to let out a series of loud grunts that mixed with mine.

  “Who would have thought that I would love you like this. Dominant and in full control. You’re so good.”

  “Yeah, since you’re all about competitiveness, right?”

  “Just like you.”

  “Well, it feels good to reverse roles from time to time.”

  “You can reverse roles with me anytime you want, babe.”

  I was riding him hard and fast, digging my hands into his shoulders for support as his hands were on my hips guiding me up and down.

  “You feel amazing. I love you.” His eyes holding mine were dark and intense. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too, honey. So damn much.”

  I increased my pace, our hips meeting wildly, and there was no more talking, only grunts, moans, and loud breathing mixed with the sloshing sounds of the water.

  And then we orgasmed together, and euphoria spread through every inch of me.

  He held me for a long time, my head pressed against his shoulder, his soft cock in me.

  “I never want to let you go, Alison. You’re my sunshine.”

  “And this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what England has in store for us.”

  “Me too, babe. Me too.”

  I stirred against him, and as if following a command, his dick grew harder.

  “Mmm, already hard for me, Mr. Morris?”

  His thumbs covered my nipples, and they rose up to his touch. “I can’t help it when you’re so warm and tight inside.” He pushed further inside, and it was too good. I moved so he was now filling me completely, hungry for more.

  “Then make love to me, Liam.”

  “You don’t need to say it twice.”

  Epilogue

  One year later

  The streets of Rome were crowded with a sea of pedestrians rushing here and there, their fast-paced lifestyle contrasting with the old buildings that made Rome one of the most beautiful and breathtaking cities in the world. I couldn’t stop taking photos, in awe of the intricate design and beauty of the architecture that withstood centuries, which portrayed this city’s rich history.

  Liam and I were standing next to the Trevi Fountain, right in the middle of a crowd of tourists that had flocked together to toss a coin into the fountain and make a wish.

  I knew what mine would be. I wanted Liam and I to be as happy as we had been so far. Actually, happy didn’t cut it, because the last year with Liam was more than extraordinary.

  We were on our honeymoon, on a ten-day visit to various places around Italy, and the trip brought back some nice memories. I used to spend my high school summers in Italy, hanging around with my cousins and making new friends.

  This was my third time to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, but it could never get old. The first time I did it, I wished to get into a good college, which came true. The second time, I wished to be able to have a successful career, and I got that with Pathways. With a smile, I tossed the coin into the fountain, imagining a bright future with Liam.

  I was truly happy. Liam had a great year because his team was achieving the greatest results in the last ten years. It was simply mind-blowing. As a new coach, he rose above everyone’s expectations, building an even stronger team in just a year, becoming a star coach.

  Everybody praised him and claimed he would go a long way, and the media loved him, calling him a young coaching star. This paved the road for him, giving his career a huge boost, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

  On top of that, I was happy as Manchester United’s sports therapist. I loved working with the team and that I was able to be next to Liam. I had great colleagues and I managed to expand my business connections in my field. And more importantly, I grew as a therapist, working next to other professionals who had taught me a lot. I was fulfilled, self-accomplished, and on the right track.

  I missed my friends and Pathways a lot. Even after a year, I had moments filled with nostalgia and longing, but God bless the person who had invented Skype. Despite the big time difference between our places, Claire, Marissa, and I managed to find the time to catch up on the latest news and chit-chat. Pathways was going well, and they had been able to find a substitute sports therapist, who had taken my clients. I had heard from some old clients, who had congratulated me on my new job and wished me all the best for the future, and it was touching, to say the least.

  I’d adjusted to the life in England quickly, and Liam was extremely helpful. We were living together in an apartment his club was renting for him, but since we were newlyweds now, we were going to buy a house soon, and I was super excited about it. Actually, that wasn’t the only thing that made me super excited, but I had yet to tell Liam the news…

  “What are you thinking about?” Liam asked me, wrapping his arms around my waist to bring me next to him.

  I watched the shiny surface of the water in the fountain, his words pulling me out of my deep thoughts.

  “I’ll tell you that later. First, let’s go and eat something. I’m starving and my legs are killing me.”

  We found a nearby restaurant with the tables and chairs on a cobblestone pavement next to the road. The place was almost completely full, the tourists and locals having their lunch, and the atmosphere was more than inviting. I loved Rome and everything about it.

  The waiter brought our orders, and my mouth began watering at the sight of my chicken parmesan. It looked delicious.

  Liam raised his glass with wine. “To many more happy years with you.”

  “To many more. Cheers.”
>
  I sipped my juice. I couldn’t drink, but Liam wasn’t suspicious about it in the slightest.

  “How are you enjoying the trip so far?”

  “And what do you think? It’s awesome. No matter how many times I come here, I keep falling in love with the country.”

  His affectionate smile stole my breath away. Just like the first day we met, I couldn’t stop admiring this man. He was beautiful.

  “If you keep looking at me like that, you’ll make me blush,” I said.

  “You never blush.” His smile turned cheeky. “Unless we’re entangled in the sheets and I’m giving you the most intense orgasm—”

  “Keep talking and we might end up in the hotel earlier than we thought.”

  “Aww. No hand sneaking under the table this time?”

  This time my cheeks actually turned red, and I took a huge swallow of my juice. He was referring to that time in the restaurant one month ago when I seduced him with sex talk during dinner and moved my hand under the table to jerk him off. But we were in a secluded area. That was different.

  “Maybe next time. When we’re not surrounded by so many people in the middle of the street.”

  “Remember what you said. I might take you at your word.”

  His smile matched mine. I had heard so many times that the quality of one’s sex life changed drastically after marriage. I heard it could fall into a routine, become something unmemorable, but sex with Liam was great just like the first time. Our sexual appetite for each other was never satiated, both of us unable to contain our urges to possess each other over and over again. I liked bragging about it to Marissa and Claire often.

  “Where should we go next? Milan?” he asked me.

  “How about Naples to visit my family?” I couldn’t wait to share the news with them too. They would be over the moon when they heard it, and I was sure they were going to throw a party and gather our family from all around Italy to celebrate.

  “That is a great idea. I would love to finally meet your granny Angela and the rest of your family.”

  “Eh, you say that now, but when you see how crazy we all are… They can be pretty intimidating for someone who hasn’t experienced having more than thirty family members in one place—all yelling and talking at the same time. Plus, they’ll want to know everything about you, so you will have to be prepared to be interrogated about every single thing… You’ll run away before you know it.”