29 A Sweeter Temptation . Hazel's POV It was nearly six o'clock when most of the staff had already left for the day . I was organizing the last of the paperwork for tomorrow's meeting when Liam's deep voice came through the intercom . " Hazel , please come into my office . " I smoothed my pencil skirt and walked to his door , knocking lightly before entering . " You wanted to see me , Mr. Sterling ? " Liam stood by his desk , his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong forearms . His violet - blue eyes locked with mine as he beckoned me closer . " Come in and close the door ." I did as instructed , my heart rate quickening when I heard the distinct click of the lock turning as he secured the door behind me . " Is something wrong ? " I asked , trying to maintain my professional composure . Liam's lips curved into a mischievous smile . " Not at all . I thought we could both use a break . " He gestured toward his desk where a plate sat with a large slice of decadent chocolate cake . " Have you eaten anything since lunch ? " " No , " I admitted , realizing I was actually hungry . " Then join me ." He pulled out his chair and motioned for me to sit . I hesitated but took the seat . " What's the occasion ? " " Does there need to be one to enjoy cake with a beautiful woman ? " His voice dropped lower , sending shivers down my spine . Liam picked up a fork , cut a small piece , and held it to my lips . " Taste it . " 20:47 1/5 ( < 29 A Sweeter Temptation The gesture was so intimate it made my breath catch . I parted my lips , accepting the bite . The rich chocolate melted on my tongue , creamy and sweet . " Good ? " he asked , his eyes never leaving my face . " Delicious , " I murmured . He handed me the fork . " Your turn ." I took the fork , suddenly feeling bold . I cut another piece and slowly slid it into my mouth , making sure to lick the remaining frosting from my lips afterward . Liam's eyes darkened . " You're playing with fire , Hazel . " " Am I ? " I feigned innocence while cutting another bite , this time offering it to him . He leaned forward , accepting the cake but catching my wrist before I could pull away . His thumb stroked the sensitive skin of my inner wrist . " You know exactly what you're doing . " The tension between us crackled like electricity . I'd been fighting this attraction for weeks , but in this moment , I didn't want to fight anymore. " Maybe I do ," I whispered . Liam rose from where he was leaning against the desk , towering over me . His hand cupped my cheek , thumb brushing across my bottom lip . " I've wanted to taste you since the first day you walked into my office . " Before I could respond , his mouth was on mine , demanding and hungry . I opened to him instantly , my hands gripping his shirt to pull him closer . He broke the kiss , looking down at me with raw desire . " Tell me to stop ." " I don't want you to stop ." That was all the permission he needed . Liam lifted me onto his desk , his hands sliding up my thighs , pushing my skirt higher as he moved between my legs . " I've been imagining this , " he confessed , his voice rough . " You , spread across my desk , moaning my name ." His fingers traced the edge of my panties , making me gasp . " These are in the way . " 20:47 2/5 29 A Sweeter Temptation With a swift motion , he slid them down my legs and tucked them into his pocket . The cool air against my exposed center made me shiver . " Beautiful , " he murmured , pushing my knees apart. " Even better than I imagined ." Liam dropped to his knees before me , pressing hot kisses up my inner thighs . My fingers tangled in his brown hair as his breath teased my most sensitive area . " Please ," I whimpered , beyond caring about professionalism or boundaries . The first stroke of his tongue against me tore a moan from my throat . Liam gripped my thighs firmly , holding me open as he devoured me with skilled precision . Each flick and swirl of his tongue brought me closer to the edge . " You taste sweeter than any dessert ," he murmured against me , the vibration of his words intensifying the sensation . My head fell back as he slid a finger inside me , curling upward to find the spot that made my vision blur . The dual sensations of his mouth and hand working together had me climbing rapidly toward release . " Let go for me ," he commanded , his eyes locked on mine . " I want to watch you come apart . " His words pushed me over . My body tensed as waves of pleasure crashed through me , my hips bucking against his mouth as he continued his relentless attention , drawing out every last tremor . As I caught my breath , Liam stood and quickly unbuckled his belt . The sight of him taking himself in hand , stroking firmly while looking at me with such hunger , was intoxicating . " Next time I'll be inside you ," he promised , his movements becoming more urgent . " But for now , this will have to do . " Within moments , he groaned deeply , his release spilling onto my stomach . The possessive act should have shocked me , but instead , it sent another jolt of desire through my already sensitive body . Liam pressed his forehead to mine , both of us breathing heavily . Then he reached for the box of tissues on his desk , gently cleaning the evidence of his passion from my skin . 20:47 3/5 20 A Sweeter Temptation That was … I struggled to find words . " Just the beginning , " he finished , helping me off the desk with surprising tenderness . Once I was steady on my feet , he pulled me close for a softer kiss than before , but no less passionate . " We still have cake to finish , he reminded me with a playful smile . I laughed , feeling lighter than I had in years . " I think I prefer the way you taste . " His eyes darkened again at my boldness . " Keep talking like that and we'll never leave this office . We shared the rest of the cake , feeding each other bites between heated glances and lingering touches . Something had shifted between us - a line crossed that could never be redrawn . Liam pulled me onto his lap , his hands sliding under my blouse to caress the bare skin of my back . His lips found mine again , the taste of chocolate mingling with desire . " I want you again , " he whispered against my neck . " I need to be inside you . " I shifted to straddle him properly , feeling his renewed arousal pressing against me . His hands were just moving to unbutton my blouse when the shrill ring of his office phone cut through our passion . Liam groaned in frustration . " Ignore it . " The ringing continued insistently . After the sixth ring , he cursed under his breath . " This had better be important , " he muttered , reluctantly lifting me off his lap and reaching for the phone . I straightened my clothing , suddenly aware of how thoroughly disheveled I must look . The interruption had brought reality crashing back - he was still my boss , and what we'd just done crossed every professional boundary . But watching him take the call , his eyes still dark with unfulfilled desire as they tracked my movements , I knew this was far from over . Whatever was happening between us had only just begun , and neither of us seemed capable of stopping it now . 20:47