16 A Battle on the Office Couch. Hazel's POV I woke up seething with rage . Last night's texts from Liam Sterling kept replaying in my mind . The nerve of that man ! First inappropriate messages at midnight , then threatening to make me come to the office in the middle of the night ? Two could play this game . I marched to my closet with newfound determination . If he wanted to test boundaries , I'd push right back . I pulled out my tightest pencil skirt that still looked professional but hugged every curve . I paired it with a silky blouse that dipped just low enough to be distracting without crossing into inappropriate territory . My highest heels completed the look . " Going somewhere special ? " Chloe asked , leaning against my bedroom doorframe with a knowing smirk . " Just work ," I replied , applying an extra coat of mascara . " But I'm declaring war ." Chloe laughed . " Does this war involve your impossibly handsome boss ? " I nodded , adding a touch of red lipstick . " He thinks he can mess with my head . I'm going to show him what happens when you play with fire ." " Be careful , " Chloe warned , her tone turning serious . " Don't forget you need this job . " I checked my reflection one last time . " Trust me , I won't get fired . If anything , he's the one who should be worried about HR . " After dropping Leo at daycare , I strode into Sterling Group with my head held high . I felt powerful in my outfit - like a woman on a mission . The moment I stepped off the elevator , I knew my plan was working . Damian's eyes widened as he passed me in the hallway . " Good morning , Ms. Vance ," he said with a wolf whistle . " Someone's out for blood today . " I smiled sweetly . " Just another Monday , Mr. Knight . 20.42 1/5 16 A Battle on the Office Couch Evelyn gave me an appreciative nod when I reached my desk . " My dear , you look stunning today . Special occasion ? " " Just feeling good , " I replied , settling in and powering up my computer . I didn't have to wait long . Liam emerged from his office less than five minutes later , freezing mid - stride when he saw me . His violet - blue eyes darkened instantly , sweeping over my form with an intensity that made my skin tingle . " Ms. Vance , " he said , his voice noticeably lower than usual . " My office . Now . " I grabbed my tablet and followed him , savoring the small victory . Inside his office , Liam closed the door and turned to me with a dangerous expression . " What exactly do you think you're doing ? " he demanded . I blinked innocently . " Coming to work , Mr. Sterling . As requested . It's 7 AM sharp . " His jaw tightened . " That's not what I meant and you know it ." " I'm afraid I don't understand , " I said , smoothing my skirt . " Is there something wrong with my attire ? It's all within company dress code . " Liam's eyes narrowed . " Let's discuss the day's agenda . On the couch . " My heart skipped a beat . The couch ? That seemed like dangerous territory . " I prefer to stand ," I countered . " It wasn't a suggestion , Ms. Vance . I reluctantly moved to the leather sofa . As I sat , my skirt rode up slightly . I caught Liam staring at my exposed thighs before he quickly averted his gaze . " We have the Thompson meeting at ten , I began professionally , opening my tablet . Then lunch with- " Did you sleep well after our exchange last night ? " Liam interrupted , sitting uncomfortably close beside me . I met his gaze . " Like a baby , thank you . And you ? " " Terribly , " he admitted , his voice rough . " I kept thinking about putting you in place . " your 20:42 16 A Battle on the Office Couch Heat flared in my core . " I'm already in my place , Mr. Sterling . Right here , doing my job ." " Are you ? " He leaned closer . " Because this outfit suggests you have other intentions . today ." 1 refused to back down . " My clothes don't have Intentions , Mr. Sterling . Though your midnight texts certainly did . " " You crossed a line , he growled . " You drew it first , " I shot back . The tension between us crackled like electricity . Liam's gaze dropped to my lips . " You're playing a dangerous game , Hazel ," he whispered , using my first name . " I'm not playing anything " I insisted , though my racing heart suggested otherwise . In one swift movement , Liam had me pinned beneath him on the couch , his body pressing against mine . " Liar , " he hissed against my ear . His lips crashed down on mine with bruising intensity . I should have pushed him away . I should have slapped him . Instead , I found myself kissing him back with equal fervor , my hands grabbing his silk tie to pull him closer . Liam's hands slid down my sides to my thighs , pushing my skirt higher . When his fingers hooked into the sides of my panties , I gasped against his mouth . " Tell me to stop ," he demanded , his voice ragged . I couldn't form words . My body was betraying me , arching toward his touch .. With a single sharp tug , he tore my underwear clean off . The sound of ripping fabric echoed in the quiet office . " You've been driving me crazy , " Liam growled , his fingers finding their way between my thighs . " Is this what you wanted ? " I bit my lip to keep from moaning as his fingers slid through my wetness . " Answer me ," he commanded , circling my sensitive spot with just enough pressure to make my head spin . " N - no ," I stammered unconvincingly . 20:42 3/6 16 A Battle on the Office Couch " Your body says otherwise , he taunted , slipping one finger inside me while his thumb continued its maddening circles . I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my lips as he added a second finger , curling them in a way that made my vision blur . My hips moved of their own accord , seeking more . " That's it , " he encouraged , his breath hot against my neck . " Show me how much you want this . " I was close - so close - to the edge when Liam suddenly pulled away . I blinked in confusion as he stood up , straightening his tie . " What are you doing ? " I gasped , still trembling with need . " Stopping before we both make a mistake , " he said , though his clenched fists betrayed his control wasn't as solid as he pretended . " This is wrong , Hazel . You work for me ." I sat up , yanking my skirt down , mortification washing over me as reality crashed back . " You started this ," I accused . " And I'm ending it , " he replied , though his hungry eyes contradicted his words . " Only one other woman has ever made me lose control like this ." I stood on shaky legs , straightening my blouse . " I'll be at my desk if you need anything work - related , Mr. Sterling . " " Wait , " he called as I reached the door . His voice had regained its arrogant edge . " Aren't you forgetting something ? " I turned back , confused . Liam held up the torn scrap of lace that had been my panties . " These are mine now ," he stated with a predatory smile . " A reminder of what happens when you try to play games with me ." I left his office with burning cheeks and no underwear , knowing that despite my bold plan , Liam Sterling had won this round of our dangerous game . 20:42