From Breakup to Forever

Stirred Emotions

The office was unusually lively the next morning. Siena stepped out of the elevator with her usual calm, but the memory of last night’s kiss clung to her skin like a secret only she and Liam knew. A secret she wasn’t ready to share.

Except Emma, of course. “You look suspiciously glowing today,” her best friend whispered as she fell into step beside her. “Didn’t get much sleep, hmm?”

Siena’s cheeks flamed. “Emma, stop.”

Emma smirked but said nothing more, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

When they entered the conference room for the weekly briefing, Siena found herself seated across from Liam. His gaze lingered on her, subtle but impossible to miss, making her shift in her chair. No one else would notice—except perhaps Daniel, the newly hired associate manager.

Daniel leaned slightly toward her during the presentation, whispering a comment that made her laugh despite herself. His timing, his easy charm—completely innocent. But Liam’s jaw tightened as his pen tapped rhythmically against his notepad.

When the meeting ended, Daniel offered to walk Siena back to her office. “I’d love to hear your thoughts on the client pitch,” he said warmly.

Before Siena could respond, Liam’s voice cut through the room, smooth but edged with steel. “Actually, Siena and I need to go over the quarterly reports. Privately.”

Daniel hesitated, flashing a polite smile before retreating. Siena raised a brow as Liam closed the door behind them. “Was that really necessary?” she asked, crossing her arms.

Liam moved closer, his expression a mix of irritation and something far more primal. “He was flirting with you.”

Siena blinked. “Daniel? He was asking about work.”

“Work doesn’t make you laugh like that,” Liam countered, his eyes narrowing. “And I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

Her heart quickened, a blend of exasperation and thrill. “You can’t just growl at every man who talks to me,” she teased, though her voice wavered slightly.

Liam’s hand found her wrist, pulling her gently but firmly closer. “I don’t growl at every man,” he said, his voice low, his dominance radiating. “Only the ones who forget you’re mine.”

Siena’s breath caught. “Yours?” she echoed, testing the word.

His thumb brushed over her pulse, slow and deliberate. “If last night didn’t make that clear enough, let me repeat it: Siena, I won’t stand by and watch someone else try to take what I’ve waited three years to have again.”

Heat rushed through her, leaving her torn between scolding him and melting into his possessiveness. “You’re impossible,” she whispered, though her body leaned into his.

He tilted her chin up, eyes locked on hers. “And you like me this way.”

Before she could deny it, his lips captured hers again—harder this time, claiming, leaving no room for doubt. The kiss was fire and frustration and longing all tangled together, and when he finally let her go, Siena was left breathless, her pulse racing.

“Liam…” she began, but his hand lingered at her waist, anchoring her.

“No more pretending,” he murmured. “You’re mine. And I don’t share.”

Siena swallowed hard, her body trembling with equal parts indignation and desire. “Then you’d better make sure you’re worth the jealousy,” she whispered back, surprising even herself.

Liam’s smile was dark and dangerous. “Oh, I intend to.”