23 The Rules of Attraction Hazel's POV The working day had been intense . First Julian's assault , then Liam's protective intervention , followed by new security protocols and an impromptu Thai food dinner in his office with Damian and Evelyn . My emotions were all over the place . " Earth to Hazel , Owen waved his hand in front of my face . " You've been staring at that screen for five minutes without blinking " I snapped out of my daze . " Sorry , just thinking " " Well , think faster because the big boss is headed this way , Owen whispered , straightening his tie . Sure enough , Liam strode toward us , his presence commanding immediate attention . He wore a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders . Our eyes met , and my stomach flipped . " Ms. Vance ," he said , his tone formal but his eyes soft . " I was hoping you'd join us for dinner tonight . Damian , Evelyn and I have some matters to discuss . " Before I could respond , Owen leaned against my desk . " Taking our pretty woman away for the evening , Mr. Sterling ? " I froze , mortified by Owen's casual reference to our movie night joke . Liam's lips quirked upward . " Yes , I am taking our pretty woman to dinner . Problem with that , Owen ? " The air between us crackled with tension . Owen chuckled nervously , clearly surprised by Liam's direct agreement . " No problem at all , " Owen retreated back to his desk . " Have fun , Hazel ." I grabbed my purse , my cheeks burning . " Where are we going ? " " Italian place downtown ," Liam replied , guiding me toward the elevator with his hand lightly touching my back . " Damian and Evelyn are meeting us there ." - The elevator doors closed , leaving us alone . His cologne a spicy , masculine scent- 20:44 23 The Rules of Attraction filled the small space . " How's your neck ? " he asked , his fingers brushing lightly against where Julian had grabbed me . " Better ," I murmured , hyper - aware of his touch . " Good , " he said , his voice deep and rumbling . " Because I want you to enjoy tonight . " When we arrived at the restaurant , Damian and Evelyn were already scated at a table . in a private corner . Damian stood and pulled out my chair with a flourish . " The lady of the hour , he announced with a grin . Evelyn smiled warmly . " You look lovely , dear " " Thank you , " I said , settling into my seat beside Liam . " I appreciate the invitation . " " It was Liam's idea , Damian winked . " He insisted . " Liam shot him a warning glance but didn't deny it . Dinner was surprisingly fun . Damian told hilarious stories about their college days . Evelyn shared office gossip from before I started . And Liam … Liam watched me . His violet - blue eyes tracked my every laugh , every sip of wine . When dessert arrived , Liam pushed his tiramisu toward me . " Share with me ? " I hesitated , remembering our chocolate cake encounter . " I promise to behave , " he added with a mischievous glint . " That's a shame ," I replied before I could stop myself . Damian nearly choked on his drink . Evelyn raised her eyebrows , a knowing smile on her lips . " Well , well ," Damian recovered , grinning broadly . " The kitten has claws ." Liam's eyes darkened as he handed me a spoon . " She certainly does ." my I took a bite of the tiramisu , the rich coffee flavor melting ongue . When I looked up , Liam was watching my mouth with undisguised interest . " Good ? " he asked , his voice husky . 20:44 2/5 23 The Rules of Attraction " Delicious , " I responded , licking cream from my lip . His Jaw tightened visibly . Damian cleared his throat . " So , who's driving who home ? " " I'll take Hazel ," Liam said immediately . " You're in the opposite direction . " Evelyn and Damian exchanged meaningful glances . " Perfect ," Evelyn said , gathering her purse . " I'm exhausted anyway " After saying our goodbyes , Liam led me to his sleek black Audi . The interior smelled of leather and his cologne . He drove skillfully through the city streets , one hand on the wheel , the other resting between us . " Thank you for dinner , " I said , breaking the comfortable silence . " Thank you for coming ," he replied , glancing at me . " It's been a long day for you ." I nodded , then gathered my courage . " Mr. Sterling- " Liam ," he corrected . " We're not in the office now ." " Liam , " I repeated , liking how his name felt on my tongue . " I want to apologize for my behavior today . And yesterday . I've been unprofessional , and I understand if you want me to resign . " He abruptly pulled over , turning in his seat to face me . " Resign ? Why would I want that ? " " Because I've been … " I struggled for words . " You bring out this side of me I can't explain . It's inappropriate . " " You think I want you to quit because I bring out your fire ? " His laugh was warm , genuine . " Hazel , that's exactly why I want you to stay ." My heart pounded . " I don't understand ." " I investigated you , " he admitted , surprising me . " When Evelyn recommended you . Your references were impeccable . Your work history , flawless . But your background check … it showed someone who follows rules . Someone reserved ." I swallowed hard . " And that's a problem ? " 20:44 3/5 23 The Rules of Attraction " No , " he shook his head . " It just makes me wonder what it is about me that makes you break character . Heat flooded my cheeks . " I - I don't know " " Do you want to know what I think ? " he asked , his voice dropping lower . I nodded , unable to speak . " I think we have chemistry ," he stated matter - of - factly . " Undeniable chemistry . Do you know what you did to me during that video conference yesterday ? " My eyes widened . " What ? " " Your little stunt with the pen , " he said , his eyes darkening . " I had to sit through another hour of meetings painfully aroused , thinking about your mouth ." My breath caught . " I didn't mean to- " " Yes , you did ," he challenged . " Just like I meant to watch you eat that tiramisu tonight ." He wasn't wrong . Something about him made me bold , reckless even . " So what do we do ? " I asked softly . " We let it flow , " he said simply . " We stop pretending there isn't something happening here . But I need one promise from you . " " What's that ? " " Don't distract me during important meetings ," he grinned . " Any other time is fair game . " I laughed , tension draining from my shoulders . " I can agree to those terms ." He started the car again , the engine purring to life . " Good . Because I enjoy this side of you , Hazel Vance . Don't hide it from me . " When we reached my apartment building , he insisted on walking me to my door . We stood facing each other in the hallway , electricity buzzing between us . " Thank you for the ride , " I said , fumbling with my keys . " My pleasure , " he replied , watching me with those intense eyes . 20:44 23 The Rules of Attraction I unlocked my door and turned back to him . " Goodnight , Liam ." He stepped closer , his fingertips lightly tracing the line of my jaw . " Goodnight , Hazel . " For a breathless moment , I thought he might kiss me . Instead , he stepped back , a knowing smile playing on his lips . " Get some rest ," he said , turning to leave . I watched him walk away , my skin still tingling where he'd touched me . Just before he reached the stairs , he called back , " Haze , I'm going to keep provoking you ! " His laughter echoed in the hallway as he disappeared down the stairs . I closed my door and leaned against it , heart racing . Whatever game we were playing now had new rules and I was both terrified and thrilled to find out what they were . Comment - Leave the first comment for this chapter Send Gift Swipe left to continue >