Page 89 of Love to Loathe Him

“Yes,” I say in an embarrassed whisper. “It was like Niagara Falls down there. I’m surprised we didn’t capsize the bloody boat.”

“Wow. Why are you whispering?”

“I’m scared to admit it too loudly, okay? Have you ever?”

“I don’t think so.” She frowns. “Is it like when cats spray? You know, that whole territorial scent-marking thingy?”

I goggle at her in disbelief. “What? No. Oh my god, Lizzie, why would you even go there? That’s revolting. I’m not trying to mark my territory on Liam bloody McLaren.”

“Sorry, it’s just after catching Winnie getting her rocks off and then your own juicy revelation, it’s all just rolling into one big, debauched scenario in my mind.”

I shake my head at her.

“Is he a grower or a shower?” she asks.

I smirk. “What do you call it when you can see it from satellites?”

She lets out a low whistle. “Lucky girl. McLaren must be really experienced too.”

“No doubt. It was . . .” I pause, my cheeks heating with the memory. “Quite literally the hottest sex of my entire life. But also potentially a career-imploding mistake.”

“The hottest sex of your life has to have some repercussions.” Lizzie nods sagely. “Otherwise, it’s just good sex. If the stakes aren’t high, the sex ain’t hot.”

I can’t help but let out an undignified snort at her profound wisdom. “Fair point, well made. So what do I do now? Avoid him forever? Quit and join the ex-marketing manager in the Himalayas?”

“Neither. You act like it never even happened. Be aloof, stoic, the pinnacle of professionalism. Like you don’t even know—let alone have intimate familiarity with—what his penis looks like.” She smirks, proud of herself. “Just channel your inner ice queen,Gem. I can give you some acting tips if you want. We could even role-play a few scenes.”

“That won’t be necessary.” I laugh.

Lizzie’s right, though. I need to act unfazed about Liam McLaren. I have to be careful here. I don’t know what he’s capable of. I’ve seen him be ruthless in the office, and his PA has hinted at how cold he can be to women once he’s done with them.

One wrong move could blow up in my face spectacularly.

And wrong moves are much easier to make than I thought, as I discover at work the next day.

“Gemma.”

Liam’s authoritative tone cuts through the conference room like a whip crack, making me jump. I’m huddled with the rest of my HR team going over this week’s agenda when he appears in the doorway. “See me in my office after your meeting.”

The set of that jaw tells me he’s furious about something.

But Liam never disrespects his senior staff by dressing them down in front of their own teams. Not out of any sense of kindness or decorum, though. The man simply understands that undermining us is a surefire way to breed insurrection among the ranks.

“No problem,” I reply, keeping my own tone coolly professional.

But for the rest of the meeting, I can’t deny the flutters of dread swirling in my stomach.

As soon as I dismiss the team, I square my shoulders and stride toward Liam’s office. I’m wearing my best power outfit—thetailored dress I reserve for big interviews and generally wielding my influence. My hair is styled to perfection.

I look every inch the unflappable boss bitch. At least, that’s what I’m desperately trying to sell.

I rap firmly on his door.

“Come in,” he barks. Yup, banker Liam is back.

I slip inside, closing the door. “You wanted to see me?”

Those blazing eyes meet mine from behind his oversized desk, and I swear, I can feel the heat of his glare singeing my eyelashes. “Kim Hye-jin pulled out to go to Vertex.”