19 More Delicious Than Chocolate Cake Liam's POV I sat at my desk , tapping my pen against the polished mahogany surface . The chocolate cake I'd taken from Hazel's desk sat half - finished in front of me . My mind kept drifting to her flushed face , the way her green eyes had flashed with indignation when I admitted to stealing her dessert . A knock on my office door interrupted my thoughts . " Come in , " I called , straightening my tie . Hazel entered , holding several files . She wore a guarded expression , but the slight pink tinge on her cheeks betrayed her . The gift bag I'd given her was clutched in her other hand . " The Harrison files you requested , Mr. Sterling , she said , her voice coolly professional . " Thank you , Ms. Vance ." I gestured to the chair across from me . " Please , sit . We should discuss the quarterly projections . " ga She hesitated before taking a seat , placing the files on my desk . Her posture was rigid , defensive . " I see you haven't finished my cake ," she remarked , eyeing the plate . " Our cake ," I corrected with a smirk . " Would you like some ? " Before she could answer , I cut a small piece with my fork and held it out to her . Her eyes widened slightly . " That's highly inappropriate , Mr. Sterling " " It's just cake , Hazel " I leaned forward . " Open . She glared at me , but something flickered in her eyes - a challenge accepted . Slowly , she parted her lips . I slid the fork into her mouth , watching as her lips closed around it . " Delicious , isn't it ? " I asked , my voice dropping lower . 20:43 1/5 19 More Delicious Than Chocolate Cake She swallowed , her throat moving gracefully . " Yes . It was delicious . When it was mine ." " I see you brought my gift , I nodded toward the bag she'd placed beside her chair . " About that … " She reached down and pulled out the black lace thong . " This is your idea of a peace offering ? " " A replacement . For what was … damaged ." She fingered the delicate material . " And you just happened to " I'm observant ," I shrugged , watching her carefully . know my size ? " " I bet you are ." She stood suddenly , the panties dangling from her finger . " Would you like to see how observant you really are , Mr. Sterling ? " My breath caught . " What are you doing ? " Without breaking eye contact , Hazel reached under her skirt . My heart thundered in my chest as I realized what was happening . She was removing her underwear , right there in my office . " Hazel ," I warned , my voice hoarse . She ignored me , sliding her panties down her legs and stepping out of them . She tucked them into her blazer pocket , then picked up the black lace ones I'd given her . " You bought these for me to wear ," she said matter - of - factly . " So I'll wear them . " I couldn't speak . Couldn't move . She lifted her skirt just enough to slide one foot , then the other through the lace openings . The fabric slid up her thighs , disappearing beneath her skirt . " There , " she said , smoothing her skirt down . " A perfor fit . You really are observant . " I gripped the edge of my desk , my knuckles turning white . The power dynamic had shifted completely . I'd meant to tease her , to maintain control . Instead , she'd turned . my game against me . " Come here ," I commanded , finding my voice at last . A small smile played at her lips as she rounded my desk . Before she could react , I pulled her onto my lap . 20:43 2/5 19 More Delicious Than Chocolate Cake " You think you're clever , don't you ? " I growled against her ear . " I think you underestimated me , " she replied , her breath quickening . I ran my hand along her thigh , feeling the smooth skin above her stockings . " These panties look better on you than I imagined . " She tried to maintain her composure , but I felt her tremble under my touch . " Is this appropriate behavior for a CEO , Mr. Sterling ? " " Nothing about us is appropriate , Hazel . " I pushed her skirt higher , exposing the black lace against her skin . " You knew exactly what you were doing just now . " I traced the lace edge of the panties , feeling her breath hitch . Her hands gripped my shoulders , neither pushing me away nor pulling me closer . " Tell me to stop ," I challenged . Her eyes met mine , defiant and hungry . " No. " That single word broke whatever restraint I had left . I captured her mouth with mine , tasting chocolate and the sweetness that was uniquely hers . She responded instantly , her lips parting for me . My hand slid higher , brushing against her through the lace . She gasped into my mouth , her hips moving instinctively . " Is this what you wanted ? " I murmured against her lips . " To drive me crazy ? " " Maybe ," she admitted , her voice breathy . I stroked her more deliberately , feeling her heat through the thin fabric . " You're playing with fire , Hazel . " Her head fell back as I pressed harder . " So are you ." I watched her face , mesmerized by every flicker of pleasure . Her eyes were half - closed , her lips parted . She was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen . " Do you want me to make you come ? " I asked , my voice rough with need . She nodded , beyond words / now . " Say it , " I insisted . " Tell me what you want ." 19 More Delicious Than Chocolate Cake " Yes , " she breathed . " Please . " I increased the pressure , the pace , watching as she climbed higher . When her breathing became erratic , her movements desperate , I stopped . Her eyes flew open in confusion . " Liam ? " I smiled slowly , removing my hand . " Not yet . " " What ? " Frustration colored her tone . I lifted her off my lap , setting her on her feet . " When you come for me , Hazel , it won't be in my office with your clothes on . " She stared at me , her chest rising and falling rapidly . " You bastard . " " When you're ready to beg for it , let me know. " I picked up the fork and took another bite of cake . " This really is delicious . " Her eyes narrowed dangerously . " You think this is funny ? " " I think it's necessary ." I straightened my tie . " Now , I need those market analysis reports by five ." For a moment , she looked like she might throw something at me . Then , gathering what remained of her dignity , she smoothed her skirt and stepped away from my desk . " Is that all , Mr. Sterling ? " Her voice was ice . " For now ." I watched her carefully . " But Hazel ? " She paused at the door , not turning around . " Those panties ? Keep them on . Consider it a reminder of what's waiting for you when you're ready to admit what you want ." She yanked the door open and slammed it behind her . I leaned back in my chair , my body still tight with unfulfilled desire . A few minutes later , my office door opened without a knock . Damian walked in , his eyebrows raised . " What the hell did you do ? " he asked . " Hazel just stormed past my office looking like she might commit murder . " 20-43 415 10 More Delicious Than Chocolate Cake I shrugged , trying to appear casual . " Just establishing boundaries . " Damian dropped into the chair across from me . " Boundaries ? She looked like she wanted to set you on fire . " " She's frustrated ." " Obviously . " He eyed me skeptically . " But so are you , judging by that death grip on your pen ." I looked down , realizing I was clutching my pen hard enough to snap it . I set it down carefully . " She'll come around , I insisted . Damian laughed . " You really don't get it , do you ? I just saw that woman's face . Whatever game you're playing ? She's planning her revenge right now . " " She can try ," I said confidently . " Your funeral , man ." Damian stood up . " Word of advice ? Lock your door tonight . She might return with scissors , " As he left , I picked up my fork and took another bite of cake . It didn't taste nearly as sweet as Hazel had . 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