The Conversation

The blonde woman was still pressed against Liam’s side, smiling like she belonged there.

Denise shouldn’t have cared.

That was what she told herself.

She didn’t know this man. She didn’t owe him anything. She was only here because she needed money.

But her chest still felt tight.

Uncomfortable.

Hot in a way she didn’t understand.

Liam’s arm stayed around the blonde woman’s waist, firm and familiar, yet his eyes never left Denise.

That detail made everything worse.

The blonde traced a finger along Liam’s chest. “You didn’t tell me you had guests.”

Denise stood quickly.

“I’m done here,” she said, her voice sharper than she intended.

Liam’s gaze flicked down to her instantly.

Something changed in his expression.

Not concern.

Not softness.

Possession.

“Sit down,” he said calmly.

Denise paused at the door.

“I said I’m leaving.”

The blonde woman chuckled lightly. “Oh wow. She’s spirited.”

Liam didn’t react to her words.

Only to Denise.

His voice lowered slightly. “You haven’t accepted the offer.”

“I don’t need to watch… this,” Denise said, gesturing between them.

For the first time, something like irritation flashed across Liam’s face.

He slowly released the blonde woman.

“Leave us,” he said.

The blonde blinked. “What? Liam—”

“I said leave.”

The room went still.

Even the air seemed to tighten.

The blonde hesitated, then finally gave Denise a dismissive look before walking out, heels clicking against marble floors.

The door shut.

Silence swallowed the room.

Denise didn’t move.

Liam turned fully toward her now.

All attention.

All pressure.

All focus.

“Sit,” he repeated.

Denise crossed her arms instead. “Why did you bring me here if you’re going to do that in front of me?”

Something flickered in his eyes.

“You’re upset.”

“I’m not.”

A pause.

Liam studied her like he could see through every lie she didn’t even realize she was telling.

Then he stepped closer.

Denise didn’t move back this time.

She hated that she didn’t move back.

“You’re not in a position to be offended,” he said quietly.

Her breath caught. “Excuse me?”

“You need me.”

The words landed hard.

Because they were true.

And he knew it.

Denise’s jaw tightened. “That doesn’t mean I’m your property.”

For a split second, something sharp crossed his face.

Almost… anger.

But it wasn’t the loud kind.

It was controlled.

Dangerous.

“You misunderstand something,” Liam said slowly.

Denise held his gaze.

“I don’t collect people.”

His eyes darkened.

“I don’t share what I want.”

The words hit differently than they should have.

Denise felt heat rise in her chest again—annoying, unwanted heat she didn’t know what to do with.

“And what exactly do you want?” she asked.

A long silence followed.

Too long.

Liam stepped closer again.

Close enough that Denise could feel the warmth of him now, even through the space between them.

“I told you,” he said quietly.

“You.”

Denise swallowed.

“That’s not—”

The door suddenly opened again.

A staff member entered quickly, then froze when he saw them standing so close.

“Sir, the board meeting—”

Liam didn’t look away from Denise.

“Cancel it.”

The man blinked. “All of it?”

“Yes.”

The door closed immediately after.

Denise stared at him in disbelief. “You just cancelled a meeting because of me?”

Liam tilted his head slightly.

“I cancel things I don’t care about.”

Her pulse jumped again, angry at how easily his words affected her.

“You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re still here.”

That shut her up.

Because he was right.

Denise looked away first, trying to steady herself.

The envelope of money still sat on the desk nearby.

Like a trap waiting to close.

“I can’t just live here,” she said more quietly now. “I have a life outside of this.”

Liam’s expression didn’t change.

“You had a life.”

Something about the way he said it made her stomach tighten.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He stepped closer again.

This time, Denise finally stepped back instinctively.

A small pause.

Then Liam smiled faintly.

Not amused.

Satisfied.

“There,” he said softly.

“You do know how to obey instinct.”

Denise’s cheeks warmed in frustration.

“That’s not—”

He cut her off.

“You will move in.”

Her breath hitched. “I didn’t agree.”

“You will.”

Something about the certainty in his voice made her heart race in a way she hated.

“I’m not yours,” she said firmly.

Liam’s eyes darkened again.

A heavier silence settled between them.

Then he reached out.

Denise stiffened immediately.

But he didn’t touch her anywhere inappropriate.

His fingers stopped just beneath her chin again—hesitating for a fraction of a second before lifting her face gently.

The touch was controlled.

Possessive.

But not rough.

“Look at me,” he said.

She did.

Against her will.

Liam’s gaze held hers steadily now.

“You’re already in my space,” he said quietly.

Denise’s breathing slowed slightly without her permission.

“That’s the problem.”

His thumb brushed lightly along her jaw again.

A slow, almost absent movement.

Denise hated that it sent heat through her body.

“You just don’t understand it yet.”

Her voice came out softer than she intended. “Understand what?”

Liam leaned slightly closer.

So close now she could feel his breath.

“Why I can’t let you leave.”

The air between them tightened.

Something dangerous shifted in his eyes again.

Not human.

Not entirely.

Denise’s heartbeat quickened.

“Liam…” she whispered, not sure why she said his name like that.

His expression flickered.

Just for a second.

Then he released her instantly, as if touching her had cost him something.

He stepped back.

“Go home,” he said.

Denise blinked. “What?”

“For now.”

Confusion crossed her face. “You just brought me here to tell me to leave?”

Liam turned away slightly, as if collecting himself.

“You’ll come back,” he said calmly.

Denise frowned. “You’re very confident.”

“I don’t guess.”

That unsettled her more than anything else he had said.

He walked back toward his desk.

Then added without looking at her:

“And Denise…”

She paused at the door.

“Yes?”

A brief silence.

Then:

“Don’t talk to any men tonight.”

Denise frowned. “That’s ridiculous.”

His eyes lifted to hers again.

Cold.

Final.

“It wasn’t a suggestion.”

Something in her chest tightened again, frustrating and unfamiliar.

Then she left.

But as she stepped outside the mansion, she realized something that made her stop walking entirely.

Her wrist.

The place that man from last night had grabbed her.

The bruising… was gone.

Completely gone.

Like it had never happened.

And somewhere deep inside the mansion behind her—

Liam Dawson was watching her through the window.

Waiting.