Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTI woke up with a high spirit today, it was finally Monday and the day I return to work.The Greece trip felt like a distant dream now, with shared kisses lingering. The cliffs and coves, Liam’s laugh under the sun, his hand brushing mine over wine, those moments had been a balm, but the burglary at my Logan Square house days after our return had shattered that peace. The scattered books, torn cushions, the note: *Last chance. Stay away from him* it had forced me into Liam’s home, a temporary haven amid the threats. My side still ached from the stress, but resuming work as his assistant was a step back to normalcy, even if the office buzzed with rumors about my “special” relationship with the boss.Liam came out from the kitchen, his gray T-shirt hugging his frame, his bright eyes soft with concern. “You sure you’re ready for the office?” he asked, handing me a mug of coffee, his fingers brushing mine, the touch intimate but brief, stirring emotions I pushed down.I nodded, sipping th
Last Updated: 2025-10-18
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN That evening, we opted for takeout to keep things relaxed and effortless Chinese food from a local spot Liam swore by for its authentic flavors. He ordered an abundance to ensure variety: fried rice with veggies, shrimp, and eggs mixed in for a fluffy, savory base; steamed dumplings plump with pork and chive filling, their skins thin and delicate; a colorful stir-fry of broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and tofu in a glossy savory sauce; and crispy egg rolls that crackled with each bite, stuffed with cabbage, carrots, and a hint of five-spice powder. We spread the containers out on the coffee table in the living room, surrounding ourselves with soft pillows on the floor for a casual picnic-style setup. The TV was tuned to a stand-up comedy special, the comedian's voice filling the room with witty punchlines and exaggerated gestures that had us chuckling from the start."This is way too much food," I said, dipping a dumpling into a small bowl of soy sauce mixed with a touch of chili oil an
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXI stirred awake in the guest room bed, the sheets soft and welcoming, wrapping around me like a gentle hug. The room itself was a sanctuary of calm, with its gray walls adorned with simple abstract art, a large rug at the center of the room, and a window that offered a view of the quiet busstle of the street. It had been over a week since I'd moved in after the unsettling break-in at my place, and the days had shifted themselves into a comfortable moments of shared routines. No new details into what lay ahead or what had brought me here just the simple pleasure of coexisting in this space, finding joy in the little things that made everyday life feel special and connected.No intimate moments, just two souls cohabiting.And no anonymous messages yetI slipped out of bed, stretching my arms overhead to shake off the remnants of sleep, my feet padding softly on the cool hardwood floors as I made my way downstairs. The house was quiet except for the faint clatter of utensils, and as I
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVEThe rain had stopped, leaving Chicago's streets shining under the morning sun. I woke up in Liam's guest room, the sheets soft and cool against my skin, the faint hum of the city filtering through the window. It had been a week since I'd moved in after the break-in at my place, and somehow, the days had slipped into a comfortable rhythm. No big talks about what was next just us, sharing the space, making the most of it. I strolled downstairs, my bare feet quiet on the wood floors. The kitchen smelled like fresh coffee and something baking muffins, maybe. Liam was there, in his usual spot at the stove, stirring a pot of oatmeal. He looked up when I entered, his smile easy and bright. "Morning, Nita. Sleep okay?" "Yeah, pretty good," I said, sliding onto a stool at the counter. "What's on the menu today, chef?" He chuckled, spooning oatmeal into bowls. "Oatmeal with blueberries and a dash of cinnamon. Nothing fancy, but I Sam sure you will love it." He pushed a bowl my way, along wit
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURLiam’s place was in the exotic part of the city, a sleek townhouse with tall windows and warm wood floors, nothing like my cozy, cluttered home. The rain tapped the roof as he led me inside, flipping on lights that cast a soft glow. It smelled of coffee and leather, with a hint of his cedar soap that made my chest ache. He set my bag by the stairs, turning to me, his face softer now but still tight with worry.“You okay?” he asked, stepping closer, his hands in his pockets like he was fighting the urge to reach for me.I shook my head, the weight of everything crashing down. “Not really,” I said, my voice cracking. “Someone was in my house, Liam. They went through my stuff, left that note… I’m scared.”He closed the gap, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me into his chest. I froze, then melted into him, my face pressed against his shirt, his heartbeat steady under my cheek. “You’re safe here,” he murmured, his voice low, his hand stroking my hair. “I won’t let anything happen to y
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY-THREEThe plane ride back to Chicago was quiet, the dull roar of the engines couldn’t be compared to the wild pulse of Greece. Liam sat beside me, his laptop closed for once, his eyes fixed on the window, where clouds blurred into gray. I could still feel the warmth of his lips from that cove, the way his fingers laced through mine in the water, his voice calling me home under the Greek sun. But the threats; the text, the note followed us like shadows, and my phone stayed silent in my bag, heavy with the fear of another message. I stole glances at him, his jaw tight, his hand twitching like he wanted to reach for me but didn’t know how. Greece had cracked something open between us, but back in Chicago, I wasn’t sure what we’d find.We landed late, the city’s lights smearing through the rain-streaked windows of the cab. Liam dropped me off at my house, a small brick place in the quiet part of chicago, its front steps slick with November drizzle. “Call me if you need anything,” he said, hi
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
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