Page 47

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.