21 The Boss’s Fierce Defense
Hazel’s POV
I sat at my desk, stomach in knots, watching the minutes tick by. The conference call had ended fifteen minutes ago, but Liam’s office door remained closed. My phone had been silent since his
ominous text.
This isn’t over. My office. After the call ends.
I’d pushed him too far. The cake stunt was reckless–downright stupid, actually. I should’ve been packing my things, calling Chloe for emotional support, and updating my resume.
Instead, I was frozen in place, anticipating whatever storm was about to break.
The office door finally swung open. Liam stood in the doorway, his violet–blue eyes. laser–focused on me. He’d loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar. The look on his face was
thunderous.
Before I could react, he strode toward my desk with purposeful steps. I pushed my chair back instinctively, ready to stand, but he reached me first. In one swift motion, he planted his hands on my armrests, caging me in.
“You and 1, he growled, his face inches from mine, “are resolving this tonight.”
His cologne enveloped me–sandalwood and something distinctly masculine. I struggled to maintain my composure.
“This?” I managed, my voice embarrassingly breathy.
“Don’t play dumb, Hazel.” His eyes flickered to my lips. “Whatever this is between us. It ends. tonight.”
My heart hammered against my ribs. “Mr. Sterling-
“Liam,” he corrected, his voice dropping lower. “You had your tongue in my mouth yesterday. It
think we’re past formalities”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “That’s inappropriate workplace conversation!”
A dangerous smile curved his lips. “Says the woman who pleasured herself in my office during
an international conference call.”
“T=”
“My place. Eight o’clock.” It wasn’t a request. He pushed away from my chair and straightened. I’ll text you the address.”
Before I could formulate a response, a throat cleared behind us. I peered around Liam to see
21 The Boss’s Fierce Defense
Damian standing there, eyebrows raised so high they nearly disappeared into his hairline.
Liam didn’t even flinch. He simply turned and nodded at his friend before striding back to his office, closing the door with a decisive click.
Damian whistled low. “Well, well. The temperature in here just dropped from scorching to
merely sweltering
I covered my face with my hands. “Not now, Damian.”
“Hey, I’m just the messenger. He leaned casually against my desk. “Still coming to dinner tomorrow night? Alexis is dying to meet you.”
I dropped my hands. “You still want me to come? After… I gestured vaguely toward Liam’s office.
“Especially after that.” Damian’s chocolate eyes twinkled with mischief. “Anyone who can get Junder his skin like you do is someone I need in my circle.”
“Sure,” I said, grateful for the normalcy. “I’d love to come.”
“Great” He straightened. “Also, what the hell was that about? He’s been acting strange all week.”
Before I could attempt to explain, the elevator doors opened. Julian Clairemont, our Financial Director, stormed onto the executive floor, his face mottled red with fury. He headed straight for Liam’s office.
I stood quickly. “Mr. Clairemont, do you have an appointment?”
He ignored me completely, continuing his march toward Liam’s door.
“Sir,” I said more firmly, stepping into his path. “Mr. Sterling is busy. You need an appointment.”
Julian’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Get out of my way, you little upstart.”
Damian moved closer, his relaxed demeanor vanishing. “Julian, calm down. What’s going on?”
“What’s going on?” Julian snarled. “This–this secretary has humiliated my daughter!”
My confusion must have shown on my face.
“Don’t play innocent,” he spat. “You’re why Olivia was crying all night. You rejected her application to the executive training program!”
Understanding dawned. “Mr. Clairemont, HR makes those decisions based on qualifications. I only process the paperwork”
“Bullshit!” His face contorted with rage. “My daughter has a business degree from Yale. She’s a Clairemont!”
The program needed people with actual experience,” I explained, maintaining my professional tone despite my racing heart. “The rejection letter explained that.”
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21 The Boss’s Fierce Defense
“You uppity bitch,” he hissed. “You think you have power because I’ve been with this company for twenty years!”
Damian stepped forward. “That’s enough, Julian. Back off.”
Wants to fuck you?
Julian shoved past me, knocking me sideways as he reached for Liam’s door handle. I recovered quickly and planted myself between him and the door.
“Mr. Sterling is in a meeting.” I lied. “You can’t go in.”
His hand shot out, grabbing my throat. “I said move!”
I gasped, clutching at his fingers as they squeezed. Panic flooded my system. Through blurring vision, I saw Damian lunge forward.
Suddenly, the door behind me flew open. Liam appeared, his expression changing from irritation to murderous fury in an instant. He yanked me backward into his chest, breaking Julian’s grip.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Liam’s voice was deadly quiet as he tucked me securely against his side.
Julian’s face drained of color. “Liam, I-
“Did you just put your hands on my executive assistant?” Liam’s arm tightened around me protectively.
“She was blocking me-”
“Answer the question.” Each word dripped with ice.
Julian straightened his tie. “I may have lost my temper, but—”
“You assaulted a Sterling Group employee. On my floor.” Liam’s voice remained eerily calm. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t have security remove you from the building right now.”
“My daughter-”
“Was rejected from a program she wasn’t qualified for,” Liam cut in. “A decision made by HR, which Ms. Vance merely processed.”
“She has a Yale degree-”
“And zero work experience,” Liam countered. “Unlike the candidates who were selected.”
Julian’s eyes darted between us. “You’re taking her side?”
*Let me make something perfectly clear.” Liam’s voice dropped dangerously low. “Ms. Vance speaks with my authority. She acts with my approval. An attack on her is an attack on me.”
Julian paled further. “I didn’t know-”
“Did you bother to ask? Or did you just storm up here and assault a woman half your size?”
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Liam’s fingers rubbed gentle circles on my shoulder, contradicting his harsh tone. “I expected better from you, Julian.”
“I apologize for any misunderstanding, Julian said stiffly.
“Not good enough.” Liam released me gently and stepped forward. “You’re banned from this
communication with i
floor unless specifically invited. Any office goes through proper channels. And if you ever–ever–lay a hand on Ms. Vance or any other employee again, you’re
done.
“You can’t-
“I absolutely can.” Liam’s face was carved from stone. “Test me on this, Julian. Please.”
Damian stepped forward. “Security is on their way to escort you out.”
Julian’s expression twisted with impotent rage. He shot me a venomous glare before turning
and stalking toward the elevator.
The moment the elevator doors closed, Liam turned to me, his hands gripping my shoulders. “Are you hurt? Let me see your neck”
His fingers gently tilted my chin up, eyes scanning the tender skin of my throat. The fierce protectiveness in his gaze made my breath catch.
“I’m fine,” I whispered.
His jaw clenched. “He’s lucky I didn’t throw him through a window.”
“That would’ve been bad for the company image, I attempted to joke, my voice trembling slightly.
Liam’s expression softened. “Come into my office. I need to make sure you’re okay.
He pulled me inside, closing the door behind us.
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