Page 40 of Liam (The Valeur Billionaires #4)

Whatever she whispers in his ear must be magical because his face lights up like he’s just hit the lottery. All the while, Cora plays it cool, maintaining just enough proximity to Ryder to fuel his jealousy. Her performance is flawless, a masterclass in the art of making someone squirm.

I take a quick peek over at Ryder. His jaw is clenched so tight it could crack.

He shifts like he’s about to make a move, but Lucas is quick to grab his arm, probably whispering something like, “Chill, man.” But Ryder isn’t chilling.

He’s simmering, barely holding it together as Cora flips her hair, pretending like she’s unaware of him.

“Uh-oh,” Sloane whispers, nudging me with a grin. “Ryder’s about to lose it.”

And he does. In one swift movement, Ryder snaps. He strides across the floor like a storm brewing, practically shoving aside the poor guy before Cora even blinks.

“Enough of this,” Ryder growls, grabbing Cora by the wrist and yanking her toward him. His eyes flash with frustration—and something else, something possessive. “You’ve made your point. ”

Cora’s lips curl into a satisfied smirk as she presses her body against his. “Oh, have I?”

Ryder glares down at her. “Come with me. Now.”

Cora tosses her hair over her shoulder, unfazed. “If you insist.”

We watch as Ryder pulls her away, his hand on her waist, Cora looking too pleased with herself.

“Look at their faces,” Ava says with a sly smile, glancing at the guys. “They’re like deer caught in headlights.”

“This is too easy,” Sloane whispers, her smile triumphant.

Liam looks like he’s about to lose it, too.

His eyes keep darting over to me, trying to play it cool but failing.

His fingers drum on the bar like he’s counting down the seconds until he can pull me away from whatever fun we’re having.

I exchange a glance with Ava and Sloane.

We’ve got them right where we want them.

“Uh-oh, they’re onto us,” I whisper, trying to play it cool, but the butterflies in my stomach are doing cartwheels.

Sloane gives a wicked laugh, leaning closer. “Oh, we’re just getting started.”

Ava raises a brow, intrigued. “What are you thinking?”

Sloane turns to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Aleria, sweetie, it’s your time to shine. Mess with Liam. Take him to the edge.”

I blink. “What do you mean?”

Sloane’s eyes flick to the pole in the center of the dance floor, then back to me. “The pole. Show him what he’s missing.”

I freeze, heat rising to my cheeks. “I—what? You want me to?—?”

She smirks, giving me a nudge. “Come on, girl. It’s all in good fun. Plus, I guarantee Liam won’t be able to keep his hands off you.”

I glance over at Liam again. He’s watching me, his brows knitted together like he’s trying to figure out what’s going on. There’s a mixture of jealousy and frustration in his eyes, and I can tell he’s about to reach his limit.

Ava grins. “Oh, I’d pay to see this.”

Sloane stands, tugging me up by the arm. “Well, good news, it’s free.”

I hesitate, my heart pounding in my chest. “I don’t know…”

“Come on, Aleria,” Sloane says, her voice playful but full of challenge. “Show him what he’s missing, and drive him wild.”

With a deep breath and a shaky smile, I let Sloane push me toward the dance floor. The lights dim, and the music slows to something dark and sultry.

I approach the pole, my heart racing. Okay, Aleria. You’ve got this.

I glance back at the table and see Sloane give me a thumbs-up. The guys still stand frozen, unsure of what’s about to happen. Liam shifts in his seat, his eyes burning into me, his jaw clenched.

With the music vibrating through me, I let go of the nerves and reach for the cool metal. My hand slides up the pole, and I spin around it, letting my body move to the beat. I sway my hips, teasing, giving just enough to keep their eyes locked on me—especially Liam’s.

His expression shifts, darkening with every roll of my hips. The tension builds as he watches, his eyes stormy with a mix of frustration and undeniable desire. I’ve got him right where Sloane wants him—on the edge.

I arch my back, rolling my hips in a slow, hypnotic rhythm, drawing attention with every subtle movement. My hand glides down the pole as I twirl around it, my legs wrapping around it as I lift myself into a spin, my body moving to the beat.

I glance his way, and my pulse quickens at the sight of him. His eyes are dark and intense, fists clenched at his sides.

Sloane and Ava watch from the sidelines, but I don’t care about anyone else right now.

It’s just me, the pole, and Liam’s eyes locked on mine.

I arch my back again, sliding down the pole in one fluid motion, the cool metal kissing my skin.

My legs stretch out in a graceful arc, my body curving as I let the music guide me.

I twirl one last time, my body brushing against the pole as I spin back up, hair spilling over my shoulders. The heat in the room is electric, but the fire in Liam’s eyes sends a thrill through me. He’s unraveling, and I suspect he won’t hold back much longer.

And I’m right.

Liam snaps. In one swift, possessive movement, he crosses the floor and grabs me by the waist, pulling me off the pole and into his arms. The air between us sizzles with tension as his hands grip my hips, pressing me against him.

“You think you can do that and get away with it?” His voice is low, dangerous, and filled with raw desire.

I give him a teasing smile, breathless. “Depends. What are you going to do about it?”

His response is immediate. He crushes his lips to mine, the kiss deep and demanding, claiming me in front of everyone. The world disappears, leaving only the heat of his body against mine, the pulse of the music, and the fire igniting between us.

Liam’s hand slides to the small of my back, pulling me flush against him. His other hand tangles in my hair, tilting my head to deepen the kiss. I melt into him, my fingers gripping his shirt, desperate to be closer.

Our lips move together, urgent and passionate. His tongue traces the seam of my lips, seeking entrance, and I grant it. The taste of him—whiskey and mint—intoxicates me more than any drink could.

I nip at his bottom lip, eliciting a low growl from him that sends shivers down my spine. In response, he backs me up against the nearest wall, pressing his body against mine. The cool surface contrasts with the heat radiating from Liam, intensifying every sensation.

We break apart for air, both panting. Liam’s eyes are dark with desire, his pupils dilated. He leans in, trailing kisses along my jaw to my ear.

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he whispers, his breath hot against my skin.

I can only manage a breathy “Show me” before his lips capture mine again, softer this time but no less intense. The kiss is slower, deeper, a promise of things to come.

When we part, the world comes back into focus. I notice the whistles and cheers from his family, the knowing smirks on their faces. But I can’t bring myself to care. All I can focus on is Liam, his forehead resting against mine, his hands still holding me close.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispers, his eyes never leaving mine .

“I’ve missed you too,” I reply, stepping closer to him. “We need to talk.”

“Get a room, you two!” Lucas’s voice booms across the club, startling us apart.

Heat rushes to my cheeks as I realize we’re still very much in public. Liam chuckles, his hand finding the small of my back.

“Shall we join the others?” he asks, nodding toward the VIP booth where his siblings are gathered, all wearing identical smirks.

I nod, still blushing. “Lead the way.”

We slide into the plush seats, Liam’s arm draping around my shoulders. As we settle in, Cora and Ryder appear, looking disheveled. Cora’s hair is tangled, and there’s a telltale flush creeping up her neck. Ryder’s shirt is slightly untucked, and he’s wearing a satisfied grin.

“Well, well, well,” Sloane drawls, her eyes darting between Cora and Ryder. “Look what the cat dragged back. Or should I say, look who came up for air?”

“I think we know who won the bet,” Ava chimes in with a smirk.

Cora grins and takes a mock bow, her hand sweeping in the air. “What can I say? I’m a natural at driving men crazy.”

Ryder steadies her with a hand on her waist, pulling her close. “Crazy is an understatement,” he murmurs, his eyes never leaving Cora’s face.

“Oh God, get a room, you two,” Lucas groans, but there’s amusement in his voice.

“Already did,” Cora quips. “Well, not exactly a room. It’s not a hotel, but you get the point. ”

This earns a chorus of groans and laughs from the group, with Ava covering her ears and Sloane pretending to gag.

“Too much information, Sis,” Liam says, shaking his head. “Way too much. I’d rather pretend you’re still a virgin.”

“Oh, sure I am.” Cora pats Liam’s arm.

Ryder leans in close, his lips brushing her ear as he whispers something too low for anyone else to hear. Whatever he says has an immediate effect on Cora. Her cheeks flush a deep red, and her eyes light up with a mixture of surprise and excitement.

For a moment, Cora seems at a loss for words, a rarity for her as far as I know. She bites her lower lip, her gaze locked with Ryder’s, the tension between them palpable. Then, recovering her composure, she manages a breathy laugh.

“Well,” she says, her voice a touch huskier than before, “you know how to make a girl blush. But don’t think this means you’ve won.”

Ryder’s lips curl into a satisfied smirk. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replies, his eyes never leaving hers.

The dim lights of the club cast a soft glow over us when Sloane, clearly still amused, stirs the pot.

“So...you all just happened to be out for a drink at the exact same place we’re at? What are the odds?” Her voice drips with playful accusation.

Logan narrows his eyes. “What? It’s a free country. We were just grabbing a drink.”