16 A Battle on the Office Couch
Hazel’s POV 1
I woke up seething with rage. Last night’s texts from Liam Sterling kept replaying in my mind. The nerve of that man! First inappropriate messages at midnight, then threatening to make me come to the office in the middle of the night?
Two could play this game.
I marched to my closet with newfound determination. If he wanted to test boundaries, I’d push right back. I pulled out my tightest pencil skirt that still looked professional but hugged every curve. I paired it with a silky blouse that dipped just low enough to be distracting without crossing into inappropriate territory. My highest heels completed the look.
“Going somewhere special?” Chloe asked, leaning against my bedroom doorframe with a knowing smirk.
“Just work, I replied, applying an extra coat of mascara. “But I’m declaring war.”
Chloe laughed. “Does this war involve your impossibly handsome boss?”
I nodded, adding a touch of red lipstick. “He thinks he can mess with my head. I’m going to show him what happens when you play with fire:
“Be careful,” Chloe warned, her tone turning serious. “Don’t forget you need this job.”
I checked my reflection one last time. “Trust me, I won’t get fired. If anything, he’s the one who
should be worried about HR.”
After dropping Leo at daycare, I strode into Sterling Group with my head held high. I felt powerful in my outfit like a woman on a mission.
The moment I stepped off the elevator, I knew my plan was working. Damian’s eyes widened as he passed me in the hallway.
“Good morning, Ms. Vance, he said with a wolf whistle. “Someone’s out for blood today.”
I smiled sweetly. “Just another Monday, Mr. Knight.”
Evelyn gave me an appreciative nod when I reached my desk. “My dear, you look stunning today. Special occasion?”
“Just feeling good,” I replied, settling in and powering up my computer.
I didn’t have to wait long. Liam emerged from his office less than five minutes later, freezing mid–stride when he saw me. His violet–blue eyes darkened instantly, sweeping over my form with an intensity that made my skin tingle.
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16 A Battle on the Office Couch
“Ms. Vance,” he said, his voice noticeably lower than usual. “My office. Now!”
I grabbed my tablet and followed him, savoring the small victory. Inside his office, Liam closed. the door and turned to me with a dangerous expression.
“What exactly do you think you’re doing?” he demanded.
I blinked innocently. “Coming to work, Mr. Sterling. As requested. It’s 7 AM sharp
His jaw tightened. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” I said, smoothing my skirt. “Is there something wrong with my attire? It’s all within company dress code.”
Liam’s eyes narrowed, “Let’s discuss the day’s agenda. On the couch.”
My heart skipped a beat. The couch? That seemed like dangerous territory.
“I prefer to stand,” I countered.
“It wasn’t a suggestion, Ms. Vance.”
I reluctantly moved to the leather sofa. As I sat, my skirt rode up slightly. I caught Liam staring at my exposed thighs before he quickly averted his gaze.
“We have the Thompson meeting at ten,” I began professionally, opening my tablet. “Then lunch.
with-”
“Did you sleep well after our exchange last night?” Liam interrupted, sitting uncomfortably close beside me.
I met his gaze. “Like a baby, thank you. And you?”
“Terribly,” he admitted, his voice rough. “I kept thinking about putting you in your place.”
Heat flared in my core. “I’m already in my place, Mr. Sterling. Right here, doing my job.”
“Are you?” He leaned closer. “Because this outfit suggests you have other intentions today.”
I refused to back down. “My clothes don’t have intentions, Mr. Sterling. Though your midnight texts certainly did.”
“You crossed a line,” he growled.
“You drew it first” I shot back.
The tension between us crackled like electricity. Liam’s gaze dropped to my lips.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Hazel,” he whispered, using my first name.
I’m not playing anything, I insisted, though my racing heart suggested otherwise.
In one swift movement, Liam had me pinned beneath him on the couch, his body pressing
1000-
16 A Battle on the Office Couch
against mine. “Liar, he hissed against my ear.
His lips crashed down on mine with bruising intensity. I should have pushed him away. I should have slapped him. Instead, I found myself kissing him back with equal fervor, my hands grabbing his silk tie to pull him closer.
Liam’s hands slid down my sides to my thighs, pushing my skirt higher. When his fingers hooked into the sides of my panties, I gasped against his mouth.
“Tell me to stop,” he demanded, his voice ragged.
I couldn’t form words. My body was betraying me, arching toward his touch.
With a single sharp tug, he tore my underwear clean off. The sound of ripping fabric echoed in the quiet office.
“You’ve been driving me crazy, Liam growled, his fingers finding their way between my thighs. “Is this what you wanted?”
I bit my lip to keep from moaning as his fingers slid through my wetness.
“Answer me,” he commanded, circling my sensitive spot with just enough pressure to make my head spin.
“N–no,” I stammered unconvincingly.
“Your body says otherwise,” he taunted, slipping one finger inside me while his thumb continued its maddening circles.
I couldn’t help the whimper that escaped my lips as he added a second finger, curling them in a way that made my vision blur. My hips moved of their own accord, seeking more.
“That’s it, he encouraged, his breath hot against my neck. “Show me how much you want this.”
I was close–so close–to the edge when Liam suddenly pulled away. I blinked in confusion as he stood up, straightening his tie.
“What are you doing?” I gasped, still trembling with need.
“Stopping before we both make a mistake,” he said, though his clenched fists betrayed his control wasn’t as solid as he pretended. “This is wrong, Hazel. You work for me.”
I sat up, yanking my skirt down, mortification washing over me as reality crashed back. “You started this,” I accused.
“And I’m ending it, he replied, though his hungry eyes contradicted his words. “Only one other woman has ever made me lose control like this.”
Istood on shaky legs, straightening my blouse. “I’ll be at my desk if you need anything work–related, Mr. Sterling.”
16 A Battle on the Office Couch
“Wait,” he called as I reached the door. His voice had regained its arrogant edge. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
I turned back, confused.
Liam held up the torn scrap of lace that had been my panties. “These are mine now,” he stated with a predatory smile. “A reminder of what happens when you try to play games with me.”
I left his office with burning cheeks and no underwear, knowing that despite my bold plan, Liam Sterling had won this round of our dangerous game.
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