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POSSESSION

Pelaam

Chapter One

Already sitting at a small table in the shadows, his laptop open and fired up, Zeno watched as the chief execs filed in. Expensive designer-label suits, on the women as well as the men, not a hair out of place on any of them. Most looked grim, but a couple of the women looked as if they were anticipating the upcoming meeting.

It was hardly surprising, as Liam Williams was a man of repute, in many ways: self-made billionaire, powerful, ruthless, and sexy as fuck. But he was also a fair man. He valued his employees, even those with humble roles, and even more humble origins.

Liam was regarded as an ultimate catch, so Zeno could well imagine any of the unattached women present would hope to catch his eye, and not a few unattached men. Liam had been known to attend parties, galas, movie premiers, you name it, with attractive men as his companion. But any questions regarding his sexuality were met with his infamous freeze the blood in your veins ice-blue glare.

For a moment Zeno closed his eyes, bringing an image of Liam to mind; the man’s Norse ancestry was evidenced by hair that was just this side of white, pale blue eyes, and a close-cropped beard. With broad chest and shoulders, and a tapered waist, Liam looked like a man who worked hard to maintain his physique. And Zeno wished his fingers could explore the topography of that sculptured body.

He opened his eyes quickly before his imagination ran to places it shouldn’t go. I’m seeing my boss in those terms a little too often, I need to work off some excess energy. And I have the perfect opportunity in two nights’ time. The Dragoons and Dungeons invite-only party that’s being hosted by Merlin.

“Who the fuck is this?” A harsh female voice dragged Zeno back into the present, and he looked up to see a woman towering over him. At one time Zeno imagined she’d have been very attractive, but he recognized Botox when he saw it, and her hands gave away what she was trying to hide on her face.

“I’m here to do the minutes, ma’am.” Zeno kept his voice soft and non-confrontational.

“I wasn’t aware we’d sanctioned any such thing.” The woman turned around, and the rest of the execs glanced at one another and shook their heads. “I didn’t think so.” She turned back to Zeno and leaned in close enough for him to catch a mix of nicotine and peppermint. “I suggest you shut down that laptop and get the fuck out of here. Let me know your manager’s name, too. I’d clear out your drawer, if I were you. You won’t be working for us after today.”

“I think I should tell you—” Zeno held up his hand, but the woman’s face twisted into a mask of anger.

“You don’t tell me anything. Get out. Now.”

****

With an impatient sigh, Liam checked his watch and increased the length of his stride. The call he’d taken had overrun, and he was in danger of arriving late for the meeting. To add insult to injury, he hated board meetings at the best of time, but such things had to be done, especially with a newly acquired company.

The one good thing about the meeting was the opportunity to pass on his personal work ethic, particularly when he’d had reports of bullying and harassment seemingly rife in the business. No one had best try that kind of shit now that my name is on this company.

Head held high, Liam strode into the room and glanced around. Not all the looks he received were friendly, but then, he wasn’t there to make friends. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d sat at a meeting that was hostile or filled with suspicion.

These were the top execs, men and women who, for the most part, only cared about their own status and salaries. Well, that’s going to get shaken up a little. Treat your employees well, and they’ll pull out all the stops when you need it most.

It was then that Liam spotted Zeno, his personal assistant, who looked more than a little flustered, and a woman who was invading the younger man’s personal space. To his surprise a protective urge washed over him, along with a growl that threatened to rumble free at the sight. With a loud cough, Liam quickly banked it down. However, he still glowered at the woman.

“Is there a problem?”

“My name’s Nicolette Ayling. I head up marketing. I don’t know who thought to send this up here, but I’ve told him to get out. He and his manager will be looking for new jobs by tomorrow.”

“I don’t think so.” In half a dozen strides, Liam took his place at the top of the table. Liam glanced at Zeno, who pushed the geeky black-rimmed glasses back up his snub nose. “You all right, Zeno?”

“Fine, Mr. Williams. I was about to explain that I work for you and it was your decision to have the meeting minuted.” Zeno wriggled his fingers, and for a second, Liam was captivated by their length and imagined them handling something far more animated than a laptop.

It wasn’t the first time, and Liam doubted it would be the last, but not only was he Zeno’s boss, there was the little matter of their age gap. With a curt nod, Liam pushed it from his mind. No good wishing and dreaming for what can never be.

“Excellent. Now that’s sorted, we can begin. If you’ll take your seat, Ms. Ayling.”

“I didn’t realize. If we’d been told—”

“Sit.” Liam growled the word. “I believe my assistant was doing just that. Right, let’s call this meeting to order, shall we?”

Two hours later, and most of the looks Liam was receiving were friendlier and accepting. But Liam kept his triumphant smile to himself. Experience had long since taught him to never reveal his feelings.

“Are those minutes going out, Zeno?” Liam glanced over as he spoke, and Zeno nodded.

“Yes, sir. Already disseminated.”