Chapter 6: Forced Closeness

Liana…

I stood outside the door for a long time, my hand pressed directly on my chest like my heartbeat could steady me.

But I was wrong, my heart was still beating so loudly in my ears. And my body felt a sensation it shouldn't have. I didn't want to think about Liam so I wouldn't make things worse but my mind was doing a different thing to what I wanted.

Liam's face flashed through my head. His broad shoulders, his abs, and the way he looked so hot was more than enough to make my pussy wetter than ever. And it did exactly just that.

The way his eyes darkened when it dropped to my lips and I swallowed hard. I had never noticed him like that before. Or maybe I had and I had buried it under years of hate.

Just in time, I called myself back into control. It could never be him. He was the same boy who always mocked me while in school, he would always call me different weird names that got stuck in my brain.

Someone who bullied me in school. So I refused to let one stupid moment mess with my head.

I walked back to my room, closing the door quietly behind me. My towel was damp and useless now so I had to change into something more comfortable for me.

I changed into a light short and a plain top. I tried to keep myself occupied by folding my clothes that didn't need any folding, and also rearranging things that were already neat.

But nothing was working for me, because my mind kept drifting back to the way I felt when his body came so close to me. The heat I felt from his body and the deep sound of his voice. I hated myself for it.

“Liana?” my mom called out, knocking on the door as I turned towards the direction.

“Come in, mom.” I said too quickly and she opened the door, stepping inside my room.

“I can see someone is trying to adjust into her new space.” she said, sitting on the bed as she straightened her skirt.

“That is one way to say it I guess.” I replied and she let out a light giggle.

“I just wanted to say that whatever has happened between you guys in the past. Please don't let it ruin things, we need this to work.” she said.

There she was again, repeating everything in a circle. I stopped what I was doing as I turned to face her, crossing my arms.

“Do we need this?” I questioned.

“Yes we do. After everything we have been through, this is finally our chance. We can now have stability and comfort, a life where we are not counting every bill.”

“So I should just smile and pretend? Pretend he didn't make my life a living hell?”

“People grow up, Liana. Liam isn't that bad. You just need to get to know him.” she said and a smirk curved up my lips.

“And you also didn't know him back then before he did all of that to me.”

“I know he is my soon to be husband's son. I know that this family can give us the luxurious future that I have always desired for you and me. And they can also help us to pay off the debts that we owe.” she said, grabbing my hand and massaging it softly.

I looked down at the way she held my hand tightly and I felt something. In that moment, I just finally got to realize that there was no backing out anymore. 

There wasn't even an escape and this was the deal I walked into with my eyes open.

“Okay. I will try.” I whispered and she kissed the back of my palm gently.

“That is all I am asking. Thank you.” she replied with a wave of relief softening her face.

After she left, I sat down on my bed, staring at nothing. I knew that I had promised my mom and there was no way I could go back on my words.

But at the back of my head I thought about how it was going to be possible to just align with him as though nothing ever happened. 

I had spent so much time in my thoughts that I did not even realize when the evening approached and it was time for dinner. I wanted to hide and not come out, until the embarrassment I felt with Liam faded away. 

But for the sake of my mother, and also Tim that had made it known that family dinner is together, it is not optional. And I don't want to be the one ruining things.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was already seated on the dining chair and Liam was seated across from me. Our eyes met for half a second and he looked away first. And that should have felt like a win but it didn't. 

We ate in silence and the only thing that could be heard was the sound of the cutlery. My entire focus was on my meal, my plate, my chewing, and my breathing. Then Tim cleared his throat.

“Liana since you are not currently working. I thought we could involve you in the company as Liam's personal assistant.” he said, smiling at me and my fork froze halfway to my mouth.

I felt Liam's gaze on me but I did not look at him. 

“I want him to put you through some things that you need to know and also you get to learn how things run in the company,” he added.

My thoughts spiraled. Working with Liam everyday was one hell of a task.

“If you think that is a good idea then I'm ready to go ahead with it.” I replied and Liam leaned forward.

“I’ll make sure she learns what she needs to.” he said and something in his voice made shivers course through my skin.

“I'm sure you will. I trust you on that.” I said, looking up at him as I gulped hard.