Page 72 of Liam
“Look,” Cora goes on, “I know things are scary right now. But you can’t put your life on hold forever because of these threats. We deserve to be happy, Liam.Youdeserve to behappy. Don’t let this Elias guy win by making you too afraid to live your life. Okay?”
“But what if?—”
“No buts,” she interrupts. “We’ll figure this out. We always do. In the meantime, take a chance on this girl. Be careful, sure, but don’t push her away because you’re scared.”
I take a deep breath, letting Cora’s words sink in. “When did you get so wise, Little Sister?”
“Must be all those years of putting up with you three knuckleheads,” she quips. “Now go get your girl, Romeo. And Liam? We’ll face whatever comes together. As a family.”
“Thanks, Cor,” I say. “Love you, you meddling brat.”
“Love you too, you overgrown nerd.”
I stare at the half-finished message to Aleria. I can’t tell her everything. Not yet. But I can take a step forward.
I spring into action, firing off emails, making calls, rearranging schedules—doing everything in my power to ensure that by next week, I will no longer be Aleria’s direct supervisor.
It’s a logistical nightmare, but I relish the challenge. This, at least, is a problem I can solve.
When everything is in place, I pick up my phone again, my heart pounding as I dial Aleria’s number.
“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Valeur. Calling me at such a late hour, hmm? What’s on your mind? Some more early morning meetings?”
“You,” I reply, letting my voice drop. “You’re always on my mind. And our little wager.”
Her laugh is light like she knows where this is headed. “Oh. Feeling nervous? Afraid you’re going to lose?”
“Actually, I was thinking we might call it off,” I suggest, my grin spreading wider, knowing she won’t make this easy.
“Call it off? Now, why would we do that when I already have my date?” Her voice oozes with teasing confidence. “Jake’s thrilled, by the way.”
My hand grips the edge of the desk. “Jake? That guy? Don’t tell me you’re still talking to him.”
She laughs again, richer this time. “Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you’re jealous.”
I growl. “Jealous isn’t the word. But if I see you walk in with anyone else, I’ll remind you—publicly—that you’re mine.”
There’s a pause, her breathing a little heavier, the tension hanging between us like a taut string.
“Mmm, possessive, aren’t we, Mr. Valeur? Don’t worry, I was just kidding. I ditched Jake after our third date.”
Relief floods me, but the desire roaring beneath the surface doesn’t let up. “Good. Because I don’t share, Aleria. Especially not you.”
“Big words for a man who doesn’t have his date locked in yet,” she teases, pushing me right where she knows I’ll bite.
“Well,” I say, voice dipping, “I’ve made a few changes. As of next week, I won’t be your boss anymore. So what do you say we end this bet, and you be my date for the party?”
“Wait... You’re serious?”
“As serious as I’ve ever been. You’ll have a new supervisor, and I’ll get to walk in with you on my arm for everyone to see. No more hiding, Aleria.”
“So we can just be out in the open?”
“Yes. And I’ll make sure no one looks at you the wrong way—unless they want to deal with me.”
She hums, slow and sultry, the sound sending heat coursing through my body. “In that case, I guess I’ll have to find something special to wear. Any suggestions, Mr. Valeur?”
I lean back in my chair, my voice dropping low. “Something that’ll make everyone wish they were the one taking it off you later.”
