He caps the bottle, stands, and looks at me with something unreadable. Something that shouldn’t make me feel seen.
But it does.
And that’s the most dangerous thing of all.
“Only a few murder plots? You’re slacking, Thunder.”
An almost-smile tugs at my lips, but reality slams into me. “Shit. My presentation. I’m late.”
I stand up, but the sudden move reminds me of my knee, and while the pain isn’t as strong as before, I stumble.
Liam grips my elbows to steady me. My eyes focus on his tie, the silk smooth and cool, just like its owner.
“I came to tell you it’s been postponed.”
I snap my eyes to him. Have they already decided they don’t need my input? Is postponing it only a step away from being canceled?
“Why?” My question sounds like an accusation.
“Corm got called in for some house-pet emergency.” Liam shrugs.
I relax, a bit. That sounds very plausible. Ever since he married Saar, who keeps fostering dogs and cats from the shelter where she volunteers, Corm has been running to a vet as often as he attends a board meeting of one of his companies.
“That happens a lot,” I murmur.
He is still holding me close, supporting me at my elbow. I can smell the clean starch of his shirt, hear the steady inhale-exhale that’s far calmer than mine. My body awakens again.
I shouldn’t even fight it anymore. Clearly, somewhere between the sex club and meeting this man, I lost the ability to control my libido.
I step back, finally able to breathe with more ease.
“Are you okay?” He searches my face with such intensity, I almost flinch.
But I have years of training in not wavering under a scrutinizing, intimidating, or threatening gaze. Anotherthing I have my father to thank for. This one is perhaps an asset.
The thought of my father snaps me out of whatever spell Liam cast over me.
“I’m okay,” I say curtly. “Thank you for your help.” I point to the door, dismissing him.
He doesn’t move as his lips curl into a satisfied smile. “And she is back. You got me worried there for a minute, Roxy.” His voice dips, warmer than he probably intended.
I need to get my shit together here, for fuck’s sake. “Just because you witnessed a vulnerable moment and patched me up, it doesn’t mean we’re friends. If you don’t mind, I have work to do.”
I take my seat and shake the mouse, pretending to act with purpose, not even sure what I see on the screen as it comes to life.
“And here I thought we were finally bonding.” He chuckles as he leaves.
Me too. Me too. Unfortunately.
“Enjoy, Joey.” Liam hands a cup of coffee to the IT associate, patting his back.
“What the fuck?” I murmur, signing a form at thereception desk. Something sharp tugs in my chest. I ignore it.
Liam pats Joey’s back like they are BFFs. So that’s how he got himself a tablet without my sign-off. Bribing people.
For a person who is as warm as Antarctica, he knows how to use people to his advantage.
“Isn’t he dreamy?” Alina sing-songs.
