Page 122 of Begin Again, Part 1

"Well," he said, a huge grin splitting his face. "We both know my reason for the forced abstinence. It's only right you share yours. Fair trade, don't you think?"

"I am not talking about this with you!" Eden jumped to her feet. "And this was a mistake, Mr Anderson. It won't happen again."

"Sure, Princess," Liam laughed as he stood up and stretched his tall frame.

For some reason, her eyes jumped straight to the hard-on straining in his joggers as cheeks and neck flamed up. He followed her line of sight and smirked, "you're wondering what to do with this? You could put it in your mouth."

The thought had crossed her mind. But could she, though? As impressive as he was? She'd never done it before, but—

"No," Eden shook her head, licking her lips anxiously. "I'm not wondering anything."

"Ouch, and there I thought my blue balls would get some relief!" His chuckle was louder than before as he took the glass staircase, vanishing upstairs somewhere. Eden fixed her clothes, perplexed that all the buttons on her shirt were undone, her bra straps were twisted along her shoulders, and her skirt was creased from being hitched up to her waist when Liam made her forget the existence of life outside his shiny glass castle.

"Good Lord," she whispered, her stomach clenching at the memory of her orgasm. "How did things burn out of control so quickly?"

"Ready to leave?" Liam asked, interrupting her one-man conversation as he floated down the staircase.

He'd changed his outfit again and was now dressed in dark jeans, a grey Rock Union University hoodie and Converse sneakers. He pulled off the casual look to perfection, and Eden didn't think it was fair that he looked good in any clothes he chose.

"It's not even cold. Why do you have a hoodie on?" She grumbled under her breath as she grabbed her handbag and slipped into her shoes, irritated with herself for finding him so attractive.

"I can always take it off if it bothers that much." Liam winked at her, and she groaned silently, storming her way to the door. He stopped her progress quickly and slipped his arms around her in a back hug. For a blissful minute, she was content to be in his embrace.

"You've made me happy, Princess," he said as he turned her around and kissed her forehead.

"What did I do?"

"You came back," he said, pulling her closer. He lowered his head and kissed her slowly, his hands resting loosely on her ass.

"I have to go," she whispered, forcing herself to pull away from him.

"This can be our life. Look at this place. You, me, Aiden. We can be happy here."

The minute he mentioned their son, Eden tensed up and reality set in again. They would never work out. Liam was still drunk on lust, and she had a secret to protect at all costs.

"I'll give you time to process and think about everything I said today," he said as he scanned her face. "But one thing we should both be clear on is that I'm not giving up on you. I waited two years. I'll wait for ten more if that's what it takes."

"My offer hasn't changed. I want all of you. Or nothing at all," Eden said, her voice faltering at the promise she saw in his eyes. He seemed determined to get her to give in, and she was just as adamant about keeping her walls up if he wouldn't put his heart on the line. One of them would have to give up. Or give in. It wouldn't be her.

Chapter

Forty

TORN

On their way to Forrest Creek, Liam reminded Eden of his plans to sign Lydia Edwards as Anderson Logistics' brand ambassador.

"How soon can we secure that meeting?" he asked, giving her a sidelong glance.

"I haven't had a chance to chat with her," she admitted as she stared listlessly outside the window at the high-rise apartments zooming by. "And frankly, I don't like using my connections—"

Liam closed his eyes and breathed in hard, trying his best not to lose his shit. But Eden was seriously testing his patience.

"Listen to me carefully, Princess," he said, gritting his teeth. "Your insane salary hinges on this meeting."

"But that's marketing's job." Eden's mouth was set in a stubborn line as she crossed her arms over her chest and stared straight ahead.

"And you are in the marketing area, aren't you?" Liam pointed out. "How many times do I have to tell you the team has tried numerous times to secure a meeting with your friend? But for some reason, getting through to her is much harder than reaching the president."

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