9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss
Hazel’s POV
“Wow, look at you! That dress is absolutely stunning on you, Hazel!” Evelyn exclaimed, her transparent blue eyes widening as I walked into the office.
I smoothed down the navy blue dress, suddenly self–conscious. “Thanks. I thought I should make a good impression today.”
“Well, mission accomplished,” Evelyn said with a warm smile. “You look like you belong here.”
Her approval made me stand a little taller in my borrowed Louboutins. I’d spent an extra thirty minutes on my appearance this morning, carefully applying makeup and styling my long black hair into a sleek chignon..
“Any updates on Mr. Sterling’s arrival?” I asked, settling behind my desk.
Evelyn sighed. “Actually, yes. He called this morning. He’s coming in after lunch, not tomorrow as originally planned.”
My heart dropped. “Today? But I’m not ready! I haven’t finished reviewing all the files you gave
me.”
“Don’t worry,” Evelyn patted my shoulder. “You’ll do fine. Just be yourself–well, your professional self. And maybe hold off on the tea suggestions.” She winked.
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “I’m never living that down, am I?”
“Never,” she confirmed cheerfully. “Now, let’s go over the afternoon schedule before I head to
lunch.”
We spent the next hour reviewing pending tasks and correspondence. By the time Evelyn left for her lunch break, I felt marginally more prepared. I stayed at my desk, munching on the sandwich I’d brought from home while reviewing client files.
The elevator dinged, and I quickly wiped my mouth, straightening in my chair. But it was just the mail clerk delivering packages.
At precisely
one o’clock, the elevator dinged again. This time, I heard male voices and laughter. I stood, smoothing my dress once more,
Two men rounded the corner. The first was tall with dark chocolate skin, a clean–shaven head, and a well–groomed goatee. His smile was dazzling as he spotted me.
“Well, hello there,” he said, giving a low whistle. “You must be Hazel, the new assistant who gave our CEO some sass on the phone.”
I blushed furiously. “I-”
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9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss
“Damian Knight, he interrupted, extending his hand. “Vice President and unofficial company gossip. Everyone’s talking about you, you know.”
Great. Just great.
Behind him stood another man, taller and broader. As he stepped forward, my breath caught in my throat.
The magazine photo hadn’t done him justice. Liam Sterling was devastatingly handsome in person. His brown hair was perfectly styled, his jaw square and strong, his suit obviously custom–made to fit his athletic build. But it was his eyes that made my knees weak–a startling, intense violet–blue that seemed to pierce right through me.
The exact same shade as my son’s eyes.
“Miss Vance,” he said coolly, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. “I trust you’ve settled in.”
I somehow managed to extend my hand. “Yes, sir. It’s nice to meet you.”
When our hands touched, an electric current shot up my arm. His grip was firm, his skin warm. The sensation was so powerful that I almost yanked my hand away. From the slight widening of his eyes, I wondered if he’d felt it too.
“Evelyn has been an excellent teacher,” I continued, trying to sound professional despite my racing heart.
He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “Good. We’ll see if her faith in you is justified.”
Without another word, he released my hand and turned toward his office. “Damian, shall we?”
“Right behind you,” Damian said, giving me an apologetic smile and a thumbs–up before following his boss.
As soon as the door closed behind them, I collapsed into my chair, my legs suddenly unable to support me.
Those eyes. I’d only seen that exact shade once before–on the masked man at the ball three years ago. The man who had given me the most passionate night of my life. The man who had unwittingly given me my son.
It couldn’t be. It was impossible. Violet–blue eyes were rare, yes, but surely there were others with that coloring. It had to be a coincidence.
But as I stared at the closed office door, memories flooded back–strong hands caressing my skin, whispered words in the darkness, that intense gaze burning through a golden mask.
“Get a grip, Hazel, I muttered to myself. “You’re being ridiculous.”
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9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss
I forced myself to focus on work, but my hands trembled as I typed emails. Every time I glanced at the office door, my stomach tightened. What if it was him? What would I do? What would I say?
“Hi, remember that anonymous hookup at a masquerade ball three years ago? Surprise, you have a son!”
Yeah, that would go over well. I’d be fired on the spot.
From inside the office, I heard raised voices. Damian seemed to be arguing with Liam about something. Then laughter. At least someone was having a good time.
The phone rang, startling me.
“Sterling Group, CEO’s office,” I answered automatically.
Hazel it’s Evelyn. I’m running late. How’s it going? Did they arrive?”
“Yes, they’re here,” I said, lowering my voice. “Mr. Knight is friendly. Mr. Sterling is…” I struggled to find the right word.
“Intimidating? Brooding? Impossibly handsome?” Evelyn supplied helpfully.
“All of the above, I admitted. “And his eyes, Evelyn. They’re so…”
“Unusual? They’re quite something, aren’t they? I’ve never seen another person with that shade.”
Except my son, I thought but didn’t say.
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” Evelyn promised. “Hang in there.”
After hanging up, I tried once more to concentrate on work. I was in the middle of organizing Liam’s schedule for the next week when a commotion in the reception area caught my attention.
“Ma’am, you can’t just-“I heard the receptionist protest
“Watch me,” a female voice responded sharply.
Before I could react, a stunning blonde woman in a skin–tight red dress stormed into the office area like a hurricane. Her heels clicked aggressively on the marble floor as she marched straight toward me.
“Where is he?” she demanded, her perfectly made–up face contorted with fury.
I stood, placing myself between her and the office door. “I’m sorry, but if you’re looking for Mr. Sterling, you’ll need an appointment. May I help you schedule one?”
She laughed bitterly. “I don’t need an appointment. Tell him Vanessa is here. Now!”
The receptionist appeared behind her, looking flustered. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Vance. She wouldn’t
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9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss
stop-”
“It’s fine, Tina,” I said calmly, though my heart was racing. I turned back to the blonde woman. “Mr. Sterling is in a meeting. If you’d like to leave a message-
“I’m not leaving a message, she snapped, reaching for the office door. “I’m going to tell that bastard exactly what I think of him to his face!”
I moved quickly, blocking her path. “I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.”
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Get out of my way before I make you regret it.”
The office door swung open behind me, and I felt a presence at my back–solid, warm, intimidating.
“Is there a problem here?” Liam’s deep voice rumbled, so close that I could feel his breath on my neck.
The blonde’s angry expression instantly transformed into a victimized pout. “Liam, darling. Finally! Your watchdog here was refusing to let me see you.”
I stiffened at the insult but kept my professional mask in place. “Mr. Sterling, this is-
“Vanessa,” he said flatly. “What do you want?”
I could feel the tension radiating from him. His body was so close behind me that if I stepped back even slightly, we’d be touching.
“What do I want?” The woman’s voice rose shrilly. “You stood me up last night! No call, no message. I waited at the restaurant for an hour!”
Damian appeared in the doorway behind Liam, his expression shifting from curious to resigned when he saw the woman.
“Oh boy” he muttered. “Here we go again.”
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