11 The Boss's Unmistakable Claim Hazel's POV I was frozen in place , trapped between Liam Sterling's hard chest and his strong arms around my waist . My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked up into those intense violet - blue eyes . They were hypnotic , drawing me in like a magnet . " I - I'm sorry , " I whispered again , my voice barely audible . Before either of us could move , the office door burst the office door burst open . Isabella Clairemont stormed back in , her face twisted with rage . " I knew it ! " she shrieked , pointing an accusatory finger at us . " This is exactly what I was talking about ! " & Liam's arms tightened around me protectively rather than me. His jaw clenched , and his eyes flashed with anger . " How did you get back up here ? " he demanded , his voice dangerously low . " That doesn't matter , " Isabella spat . " What matters is I was right! You're screwing your little secretary ! " Heat rushed to my face . I tried to pull away from Liam , but his grip remained firm . " Ms. Vance tripped , " Liam said coldly . " I caught her. That's all you're seeing ." Isabella laughed bitterly . " Do you think I'm stupid ? The way you're looking at her … the way you're holding her now ! " " That's enough , Isabella . " Liam's voice was like ice . " You will apologize to Ms. Vance immediately . " " Apologize ? " Isabella's eyes widened with disbelief . " office slut trying to sleep her way- " you serious ? She's just another " I said ENOUGH ! " Liam's shout made me flinch . " You will apologize to Ms. Vance right now , or I will personally make sure you never set foot in this building again . " Isabella's face paled . " You can't do that . My father is 20:37 1/8 11 The Boss's Unmistakable Claim " I don't care who your father is, " Liam cut her off . " Apologize . Now . " Isabella's lips pressed into a thin line . " I will not apologize to your whore . " In one fluid motion , Liam released me and pressed a button on his desk . " Security to my office . Now . " He then stepped forward , positioning himself slightly in front of me . The protective gesture wasn't lost on Isabella , whose eyes narrowed to slits . " You're choosing her over me ? " she hissed . " There was never a choice to make , " Liam replied coldly . " We were never together , Isabella ." The door opened again , and Damian Knight stepped in , eyebrows raised at the scene before him . " Problem , boss ? " " Ms. Clairemont was just leaving , " Liam said . " Permanently . Please escort her out and make sure she doesn't return . " Isabella's face contorted with fury . " You'll regret this , Liam . My father- " Can expect my call explaining his daughter's disgusting behavior , " Liam finished for her . " Damian , get her out of here . " Damian moved forward , gesturing toward the door . " After you , Ms. Clairemont . " " This isn't over ," Isabella snarled , glaring at me with pure hatred before allowing Damian to usher her out . As the door closed behind them , I could hear her continuing to make threats , her voice fading as they moved toward the elevator . The office fell silent . Liam walked to the door and locked it , then turned to face me . His expression was unreadable . " Are you alright ? " he asked , his voice softer now . I nodded , trying to regain my composure . " Yes , sir . I'm fine ." " I'm sorry you had to experience that , " he said , running a hand through his dark hair . 11 The Boss's Unmistakable Claim Isabella has … boundary issues . " " It's not your fault , " I said quickly , smoothing my dress nervously . " These things happen ." Liam's lips twitched slightly . " Do they ? Women bursting into your workplace and accusing you of inappropriate relationships ? " Despite everything , I felt a small smile form . " Well , not until today . " " You handled yourself admirably , " he said , his gaze intensifying . " Most people would have crumbled under that kind of attack ." " Thank you , sir . " Liam walked back to his desk and picked up his phone . " Give me a moment ." I stood awkwardly as he made a brief call . " Charles ? Liam Sterling . Your daughter just caused a scene in my office , verbally attacked my assistant with vulgar accusations , and refused to leave when asked . Yes . No. Lunderstand she's your daughter , but this behavior is completely unacceptable . She's banned from the building , effective immediately . " He paused , listening . " I'm not interested in her excuses , Charles . She's an adult . Handle it , or we'll be having a very different conversation about your position on the board . " He hung up and looked at me again . " That was … direct , " I said before I could stop myself . Liam's mouth curved into a half - smile . " I don't waste time with diplomacy when it's not warranted . Isabella crossed a line . Several , actually ." I nodded , trying to maintain my professional demeanor despite my racing heart . The memory of being pressed against him was still seared into my brain . " Should I apologize ? " he asked suddenly . I blinked in confusion . " For what , sir ? " His eyes darkened as they held mine . " For my body's rather … obvious reaction when I 0527 3/6 11 The Boss's Unmistakable Claim caught you . It was unprofessional , but apparently beyond my control where you're concerned . " My face burned hot enough to melt steel . " I - I didn't notice ," I lied . " Liar ," he said softly , his eyes never leaving mine . I swallowed hard . " It's a normal physiological response . Nothing to apologize for ." A surprised laugh escaped him . " A normal physiological response ? That's one way to put it . " I couldn't help the small smile that crept onto my face . " I have a two - year - old son . I've learned to use clinical language for uncomfortable situations ." Something flickered in his eyes at the mention of Leo . " Right . Your son ." He cleared his throat . " Well , Ms. Vance , thank you for your … understanding of my physiological response ." Was Liam Sterling actually teasing me ? The thought made my stomach flip . " I should get back to work , " I said , gesturing toward the door . " Not yet ," he replied , his voice returning to its businesslike tone . " I'd like you to wait for ' yn to return . I need to brief both of you on an upcoming project . " F " Of course , sir . " " You can wait outside . I have some calls to make . " I nodded and turned to unlock the door . As I reached for the handle , his voice stopped me . " Ms. Vance ? " I looked back . " Yes , Mr. Sterling ? " " Thank you for maintaining your professionalism . It's … refreshing . " " You're welcome , sir ." I stepped out and closed the door behind me , finally allowing myself to take a deep breath . My hands were shaking slightly as I sat down at my desk . What was happening to me ? I had never reacted to a man this way before . Not since … 11 The Boss's Unmistakable Claim I pushed the thought away . I couldn't afford to think about that night . Not now . Not when I needed this job so desperately . But as I tried to focus on organizing my desk , all I could think about was the feel of Liam's strong arms around me , the heat of his body , and the intensity in those unusual violet - blue eyes that seemed so hauntingly familiar . Liam's POV The moment the door closed behind Hazel , I slumped into my chair and banged my forehead against the desk . " Fuck ," I muttered . " I am so screwed . " Three years . It had been three years since I'd felt anything like this for a woman . Three years since that mysterious woman at the masquerade ball had vanished from my life , leaving nothing but memories . And now here I was , uncontrollably attracted to my assistant . My employee . The single mother who depended on this job to support her son . I groaned and lifted my head . This could not happen . I wouldn't allow it to happen . No matter how beautiful she was . No matter how her green eyes seemed to see right hrough me . No matter how perfectly she fit against me when I caught her . No. I was her boss . That was all I could be . I straightened my tie and grabbed my phone . Work . I needed to focus on work . But even as I dialed the number for my next call , all I could think about was the floral scent of her perfume and the unexpected fire in her eyes when she stood up to Isabella . I was so completely ; utterly screwed . 20:37