21 The Boss's Fierce Defense Hazel's POV I sat at my desk , stomach in knots , watching the minutes tick by . The conference call had ended fifteen minutes ago , but Liam's office door remained closed . My phone had been silent since his ominous text . This isn't over . My office . After the call ends . I'd pushed him too far . The cake stunt was reckless - downright stupid , actually . I should've been packing my things , calling Chloe for emotional support , and updating my resume . Instead , I was frozen in place, anticipating whatever storm was about to break . The office door finally swung open . Liam stood in the doorway , his violet - blue eyes laser - focused on me . He'd loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar . The look on his face was thunderous . Before I could react , he strode toward my desk with purposeful steps . I pushed my hair back instinctively , ready to stand , but he reached me first . In one swift motion , he planted his hands on my armrests , caging me in . " You and I ," he growled , his face inches from mine , " are resolving this tonight . " His cologne enveloped me - sandalwood and something distinctly masculine . I struggled to maintain my composure . " This ? " I managed , my voice embarrassingly breathy . " Don't play dumb , Hazel ." His eyes flickered to my lips . " Whatever this is between us . It ends tonight ." My heart hammered against my ribs . " Mr. Sterling- " " Liam ," he corrected , his voice dropping lower . " You had your tongue in my mouth yesterday . I think we're past formalities . " Heat rushed to my cheeks . " That's inappropriate workplace conversation . " A dangerous smile curved his lips . " Says the woman who pleasured herself in my office 20:43 1/5 21 The Boss's Florce Defense during an international conference call " " My place . Eight o'clock . " It wasn't a request . He pushed away from my chair and straightened . " I'll text you the address ." Before I could formulate a response , a throat cleared behind us . I peered around Liam to see Damian standing there , eyebrows raised so high they nearly disappeared into his hairline . Liam didn't even flinch . He simply turned and nodded at his friend before striding back to his office , closing the door with a decisive click . Damian whistled low . " Well , well . The temperature in here just dropped from scorching to merely sweltering " I covered my face with my hands . " Not now , Damian . " " Hey , I'm just the messenger . " He leaned casually against my desk . " Still coming to dinner tomorrow night ? Alexis is dying to meet you . " I dropped my hands . " You still want me to come ? After … " I gestured vaguely toward Liam's office . " Especially after that ." Damian's chocolate eyes twinkled with mischief . " Anyone who can get under his skin like you do is someone I need in y circle . " my " Sure , " I said , grateful for the normalcy , " I'd love to come ." " Great " He straightened . " Also , what the hell was that about ? He's been acting strange all week . Before I could attempt to explain , the elevator doors opened . Julian Clairemont , our Financial Director , stormed onto the executive floor , his face mottled red with fury . He headed straight for Liam's office . I stood quickly . " Mr. Clairemont , do you have an appointment ? " He ignored me completely , continuing his march toward Liam's door . " Sir , " I said more firmly , stepping into his path . " Mr. Sterling is busy . You need an appointment . " 20:43 2/5 21 The Boss's Fierce Defense Julian's eyes narrowed to slits . " Get out of my way , you little upstart . " Damian moved closer , his relaxed demeanor vanishing . " Julian , calm down . What's going on ? " " What's going on ? " Julian snarled . " This - this secretary has humiliated my daughter ! " My confusion must have shown on my face . " Don't play innocent ," he spat . " You're why Olivia was crying all night . You rejected her application to the executive training program ! " Understanding dawned . " Mr. Clairemont , HR makes those decisions based on qualifications . I only process the paperwork . " " Bullshit ! " His face contorted with rage . " My daughter has a business degree from Yale . She's a Clairemont ! " " The program needed people with actual experience ," I explained , maintaining my professional tone despite my racing heart . " The rejection letter explained that ." " You uppity bitch ," he hissed . " You think you have power because Sterling wants to fuck you ? I've been with this company for twenty years ! " Damian stepped forward . " That's enough , Julian , Back off ." Julian shoved past me , knocking me sideways as he reached for Liam's door handle . I recovered quickly and planted myself between him and the door . " Mr. Sterling is in a meeting , " I lied . " You can't go in . " His hand shot out , grabbing my throat . " I said move ! " I gasped , clutching at his fingers as they squeezed . Panic flooded my system . Through blurring vision , I saw Damian lunge forward . Suddenly , the door behind me flew open . Liam appeared , his expression changing from irritation to murderous fury in an instant . He yanked me backward into his chest , breaking Julian's grip . " What the fuck do you think you're doing ?" Liam's voice was deadly quiet as he tucked me securely against his side . Julian's face drained of color . " Liam , I- " 20:43 3/5 21 The Boss's Fierce Defense " Did you just put your hands on my executive assistant ? " Liam's arm tightened around me protectively . " She was blocking me- " * Answer the question . " Each word dripped with ice . Julian straightened his tie . " I may have lost my temper , but- " You assaulted a Sterling Group employee . On my floor . " Liam's voice remained eerily calm. " Give me one reason why I shouldn't have security remove you from the building right now ." " My daughter- " " Was rejected from a program she wasn't qualified for , Liam cut in . " A decision made by HR , which Ms. Vance merely processed . " " She has a Yale degree- " " And zero work experience , Liam countered . " Unlike the candidates who were selected . Julian's eyes darted between us . " You're taking her side ? " " Let me make something perfectly clear . Liam's voice dropped dangerously low . " Ms. Vance speaks with my authority . She acts with my approval . An attack on her is an attack on me . " Julian paled further . " I didn't know- " Did you bother to ask ? Or did you just storm up here and assault a woman half your size ?" Liam's fingers rubbed gentle circles on my shoulder , contradicting his harsh tone . " I expected better from you , Julian . " " I apologize for any misunderstanding , Julian said stiffly . " Not good enough . " Liam released me gently and stepped forward . " You're banned from this floor unless specifically invited . Any communication with my office goes through proper channels . And if you ever - ever - lay a hand on Ms. Vance or any other employee again , you're done . " " You can't- " 70.47 21 The Boss's Fierce Delonse " I absolutely can , Liam's face was carved from stone . " Test me on this , Julian . Please ." Damian stepped forward . " Security is on their way to escort you out ." Julian's expression twisted with impotent rage . He shot me a venomous glare before turning and stalking toward the elevator . The moment the elevator doors closed , Liam turned to me , his hands gripping my shoulders . " Are you hurt ? Let me see your neck . His fingers gently tilted my chin up , eyes scanning the tender skin of my throat . The fierce protectiveness in his gaze made my breath catch . " I'm fine ," I whispered . His jaw clenched . " He's lucky I didn't throw him through a window ." " That would've been bad for the company image ," I attempted to joke , my voice trembling slightly . Liam's expression softened . " Come into my office . I need to make sure you're okay ." He pulled me inside , closing the door behind us . Comment 0 0