Page 39

I need to take back my power.

I need to drive Liam crazy and have him on tenterhooks, wondering when and if he can ever really have me.

"Joseph, I understand that you're in a bad position, but I am no longer interested in that brand. The marketing is not in line with what I have in mind. This is a global resort that has to appeal to the masses. This is a four hundred-million-dollar deal, and my lead marketing associate has told me that this is not the direction to go in. I wish you the best.” My jaw drops as Liam hangs up, and I keep my eyes facing out the window.

I'm slightly proud that Liam thinks so highly of my opinion, but I also wonder if he's crazy. He just canceled a meeting for a major deal because I didn't think it was a good idea? I mean, what do I know? Maybe the average Joe would love to spend thousands of dollars vacationing at resorts with watermelons everywhere. Unlikely, but I’m not an expert.

"You shouldn't have done that." I finally look over at Liam to see that he's been studying me for the last few moments. I meet his heady gaze directly, and he smiles. He shifts closer to me so that his thigh is pressed against mine. It's warm and muscular, and a trickle of excitement runs through me. I can see Liam's muscles through his clothes. I bet he has an amazing body. He could probably carry me across his apartment, hold me up in the air, and fuck me senseless.You're not fucking him, Elisabetta.

"Your opinion matters to me." His right hand settles on my upper thigh. "You were hired as my assistant, but we both know that you'll be useless at administrative tasks. I think I will endeavor to use you in other ways." His palm rubs up and down my thigh.

"Professional ways, I assume."

"Of course." He chuckles and looks down at my breasts. "Only the most professional of ways. I am in the middle of a big hotel deal, and I am over-leveraged." He frowns for a brief moment, and I wonder if he's in over his head. "I need to get this right." He grins. "And I think you're in a position to ensure I have a classy venue and not trashy."

"I didn't say watermelons were trashy," I say quickly. "I just want to make it clear that I'm happy to help, but I'm no expert. I hope you realize that. I also want to reiterate that I am not interested in any funny business. I'm not going to be your hired hoe. This is a professional relationship."

"Of course." He nods slowly and clucks his tongue. "It is extremely professional of us to rush back to my place so that you can masturbate in my bed because my thick, hard cock got your pussy wet a few minutes ago." He chuckles, and I feel my face going a deep red, and the cab driver’s eyes widen as he looks back in the rearview mirror.

"Liam," I hiss at him, but he just laughs. "We can go back to the office and work... I just...”

“We’re not going anywhere but to my place, right now.” His face is impassive as his hand moves back and forth. “I think we both know you need this release.”

“I think we both need it.” I grin and grab his hand and squeeze. I look into his eyes and wink. “On my terms, of course.”

“Of course.” He growls and shifts in his seat, and I reserve a grin. Poor fool likely thinks he's going to get sex. I'll work him up to the hilt. And then I'll show him who the real boss is here. I can't wait to take his breath away. Hopefully, everything goes according to plan. "We're nearly there, so you don't have to wait long."

"Maybe I've changed my mind." I wait to see if he's going to be pissed off or angry.

"Okay, do you want to eat instead or something?" he says smoothly, like he doesn't even care what happens next. For some reason, this comforts me. Makes me feel like I'm still in control. I know it's likely a false feeling, but I'm not going to question it too much. This entire charade is helping me forget about my father’s plans to marry me off.

“I could grab a bite. Are you paying?” I tease him as the cab pulls over and stops. “Oh, we’re here?” I look outside in surprise. “I suppose you want to go upstairs, then?”

“I’m here to do whatever you want to do.” He shrugs as he pulls out a fifty and hands it to the driver. “Keep the change.” He slides over to the door and gets out. I watch as he runs around to open my door like a true gentleman. How ironic. “Ready to get out, milady?”

“I am, kind sir.” I jump out of the cab and watch as Liam gently closes the door. He has a goofy grin on his face that disarms me. I’m practically swooning looking into his blue eyes. It’s been too long since I’ve been around a handsome, charming man who knows how to flirt with a woman in a way that makes her feel like a princess.

“So, what would you like to eat?” He looks around. “There’s a pizza place across the street, Thai two blocks away, a deli, and a cool vegan joint that?—”

“You know all the restaurants around you already?” I raise an eyebrow. “A date every night?” I ignore the churning of jealousy inside of me.

“Nope.” He smirks as he shakes his head and stares at my lips for far too long before placing his hand on the small of my back and guiding me to the front of a building with a doorman who obviously knows him well. “I just like to eat out. I don’t cook.” His eyes look me over, and then he grins wickedly. He should trademark his smile. It’s dazzling, breathtaking, and has the ability to make my heart flip like it’s at a gymnastics competition. “Would you like to add chef to your duties for me?”

“I think not.” I roll my eyes at him. “I know that’s just a ploy to get me into your apartment daily. If you think that’s a way to get me to?—”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Gallagher,” the doorman interrupts as he eagerly holds the oversized bronze-plated doors open. Theman is young, handsome, and looks eager to engage with Liam. “How’s business going?” He stares directly at Liam without even giving me a glance.

“Good afternoon, Hector. Business is going well. How are your stocks? Did you invest in those mutual funds?”

“Yes, sir. And I started the 529 account for my baby girl, Gracelynn. The man at the bank said she could have over 100k in the account by the time she goes to college if I put in $100 a month.”

“That’s great.” Liam smiles. “I’m so glad to hear that. Good for you, Hector.”

“And I spoke to Manny, my boss, and he said I can take off early on Wednesdays to go to my community college class. I’m going to get my associate’s degree.”

“I’m proud of you, Hector. You’re really making moves.”

“Thank you, Mr. Gallagher...” He pauses and suddenly seems to notice me. “Hello, ma’am.” I cringe slightly inside. Do I look old enough to be called a ma’am? Or is he trying to be polite because he thinks I’m Liam’s midday fun?