Page 3 of Vicious Vines

Liam steps closer, leaning over my desk, his gaze burning, etching a path straight to my soul. "Oh, I haven't forgotten."

I hold Liam's gaze, keeping my expression neutral even as my pulse quickens. His nearness awakens memories I've tried hard to bury - stolen moments in shadowy corners, secret nights spent tangled in silken sheets. A flush threatens to rise in my cheeks and I clench my jaw. I cannot afford to be distracted by him. Not now, when I've finally claimed my rightful place as head of the O'Neils.

"If you have business with me, speak it plainly," I say crisply. "I'm a busy woman."

Amusement flickers in Liam's eyes as he sits on the edge of my desk, encroaching even more of my space. I resist the urge to push him off onto the floor. He knows I'm affected by his presence, no matter how I pretend otherwise.

"Oh, I'm well aware of how...occupied you are these days." His gaze sweeps over me again, lingers on my lips. "Ruling your empire with that iron fist of yours."

I bristle at his mocking tone. Does he think I'm weak, just because he can still stir my blood after all these years apart? My eyes flash with warning. "Careful, Mr. Calder. You forget yourself."

Liam leans even closer until only inches separate us. His voice drops to a murmur. "And you forget who I am, Sloane. Perhaps you need reminding."

My breath catches at his words, the promise they imply. With effort, I wrestle my desires under control. I cannot let him sway me from my course. Too much is at stake.

I meet his gaze directly, my voice like steel. "The only thing I need is for you to state your business, or remove yourself from my territory."

"Mr. Calder forgets we are no longer children, playing at rivalry," I say coolly. "His family poses no threat to our interests."

My lieutenants murmur assent, but I see the doubt in their eyes. The Calders have grown bold since Liam took over, expanding their territory.

I move to reassure them. "Mr. Calder blusters, but he will learn his place soon enough. The O'Neils bow to no one." My voice rings with conviction.

They nod, emboldened by my show of strength. But inwardly, my thoughts churn like the sea in a storm.

"This meeting is over." My voice gives no room for discussion, only agreement.

The room empties slowly as my lieutenants file out, their low voices echoing down the hallway. Soon only Liam and I remain, the tension hanging thick as fog.

Leaning back, I let my eyes slowly travel over Liam. "Well played. But you'll find your tricks won't work on me."

"No tricks, Sloane. Just a friendly visit between allies." His voice caressed my name softly.

I laugh without humor. "Allies? Is that what we are?"

Liam moves closer, his eyes burning into mine. "We could be so much more." His hand lifts as if to touch my face, then lowers again. "If only you'd let us."

My pulse quickens, but I hold myself still. "Careful, Liam. This is dangerous ground you walk."

His mouth quirks. "Danger has never stopped me before."

I tilt my head up, eyes narrowing. “How did you get in here, anyway? None of the guards should have let you pass, let alone get to my office.”

Liam’s eyes crinkle at the corners with amusement, and I have to quickly tamp down on my rising irritation. “Liam, I’m being serious. If there is a weakness in my security, I should know about it.”

Shaking my concerns away as if they were no more than stray lint on a jacket, Liam just grins. “Your security is fine, Sloane. I’m just that good.” He leans in, lips barely brushing my ear. "I'll see you tonight."

Then he is gone, his whispered words hanging in the air. I sit frozen, heart racing. This is madness. I know it, even as my traitorous body thrilled at the thought of seeing him again.

With effort, I steady myself, straightening my sleeves and smoothing my hair. I have business to attend to, an empire to run. Liam Calder can wait.

But even as I stroll from the office, I feel the promise in his words. Tonight I will see him. The thought quickens my breath as I step out into the hallway.

Chapter 2

The first creak of the rusted warehouse door sends a ripple of anticipation down my spine. Shadows cling to the walls, remnants of daylight fighting a losing battle against the encroaching night. Here, in this forsaken place on the fringes of Kingsdale, lies our sacred refuge. I step inside, my boots crunching on the gravel and broken glass that litter the floor like confetti after a celebration we were never permitted to have.

Liam is already there, waiting—a statue carved from longing and forbidden dreams, bathed in the weak silver glow that filters in through the grimy windows. His presence is a beacon, and despite my resolve, my heart betrays me with a single, treacherous thump. It's a weakness I can't afford; I've learned the hard way that hearts are more easily shattered than mended.

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