17. Liam

Chapter seventeen

Liam

I lean against the doorframe of my office, coffee in hand, watching Shiloh flit from the copier to her desk with a bounce in her step that wasn't there before. The way her smile lights up the whole damn floor has got something to do with me, and I can't help the satisfaction that curls in my chest like smoke.

"Morning, Liam," Jackie calls out from reception, but I barely grunt in response, eyes still fixed on Shiloh.

She’s humming under her breath, a tune I don't recognize, but it's more than just a melody—it's the sound of her spirits lifted, of burdens eased.

And yeah, I did that.

I did something that makes her happy.

Pushing off the frame, I stride over to her desk. It's almost time for lunch, but I'm not hungry… not for food anyway. She doesn't see me coming, too caught up in sorting through a pile of documents with that damned infectious energy.

"Shiloh," I say, and she jumps, papers fluttering to the floor like startled birds.

"Mr. Nolan!" Her voice is a mix of surprise and something else—something that makes my name sound like it's worth saying.

She bends down to gather the scattered sheets, and I bend to help her. Our hands brush, and she pulls back as if I've scorched her.

When she straightens up, her cheeks are on fire, and I'm not sure if it's from the bending or me… but I like it. I like the red flush that spreads across her skin, the way her lips part slightly, turning a shade darker, fuller. And yeah, I notice the way her body reacts, the telltale signs that she's not immune to me, her nipples pebbling under her silky blouse.

"Got a lot of work today?" I ask casually, like my pulse isn’t racing at the sight of her.

"Uh, yeah," she stammers, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She’s got her blonde hair in a pretty topknot, pinned in place…and I want nothing more than to pull the pin out, to feel those silken waves tumbling over my fingers like they did in that motel in Maine. “Just trying to stay on top of things."

"Good," I reply, keeping my voice even, though it feels like gravel. "Keep it up."

I turn to leave, feeling her eyes on my back. Her gaze is like a damn touch, and I hate that it does things to me—things I shouldn't feel, not here, not for her. But as I walk away, I can't shake the image of her blush or the way her body speaks a language all its own.

Fuck, I haven’t gotten her out of my system.

Not even close.

It feels like no time has passed at all when I’m back at her desk on my way to lunch, briefcase in hand. I pause when she catches sight of me, our eyes locking. It's impulsive, stopping by her desk on my way to the elevator, but damn if I don't want that hit of satisfaction again, knowing I've marked her world in some small way.

She looks up, startled for a moment, before her features soften into that smile that could knock me sideways if I'm not careful.

"How's the new place?" I ask, leaning against the corner of her desk with feigned nonchalance. I feel like a damn high school kid, horny and begging for her affection. "Settling in okay?"

Her eyes light up, and it's like the sun decided to shine right here in this sterile office.

"It’s beautiful," she says, and that huge smile of hers is all genuine joy. "I can’t believe how amazing it is. Thank you... really."

The words hang there between us, and I'm struck by something warm unfurling in my chest. Yeah, Liam Nolan doesn't do warm and fuzzy, but hell if her happiness doesn't punch right through my usual armor.

"Good," I manage, the word rougher than I intend. "You deserve it."

Pleased with myself—and not just because of the deal I closed this morning—I straighten up and head toward the elevators. I can feel the weight of her gaze on me again, and something about that feels right.

Powerful.

Like I’ve got the upper hand again after being knocked off balance.

Jackie's voice cuts through the hum of the office as I pass the front desk, her tone carrying a touch of mischief. "You did a really good thing yesterday, you know."

I pause, raising an eyebrow at her. "Is it that rare?"

"Absolutely," she replies with a smirk, leaning forward on her elbows. "You might just ruin your reputation as the office tyrant."

"Can't have that, can we?" I quip, the corner of my mouth lifting despite myself.

"Enjoy your lunch," she says, waving me off with that knowing look in her eyes.

The city doesn't stop for anyone, not even for Liam Nolan, but today, it seems like I'm moving with the current rather than against the flow. I find a high-end bistro a few blocks away from the office, one with discreet booths that offer privacy—a necessity when you could get a confidential call at any given moment.

I'm halfway through my steak, savoring the perfectly cooked meat when my phone buzzes against the linen tablecloth. Derek Turner’s name flashes across the screen, and I already know this isn’t a social call.

With a resigned sigh, I answer.

"Liam, it's Derek. We've got a problem," he says without preamble, his voice tight with tension.

"What happened?" I ask, setting down my cutlery.

"Nora's gone rogue. She violated the NDA." His words are clipped, angry.

"Already?" I press the phone closer to my ear, irritation simmering. "How bad?"

"Bad enough that I want to sue her into oblivion," he spits out. "I need you on this, Liam. Now."

A twinge of guilt hits me, souring the taste of the expensive steak. I swallow it down with a gulp of water.

"Alright, I'll get right on it," I say, my voice steady despite the frustration brewing in my chest.

"Good. Keep me updated." Derek hangs up without another word.

I toss a couple of bills onto the table, barely noticing the numbers. The weight of the leather briefcase feels heavier as I make my way back to the office, my mood as dark as the clouds gathering overhead. The contrast between this morning's light-hearted banter with Shiloh and now couldn't be starker.

I shouldn’t feel bad about this… but all I can picture is the look on Shiloh’s face when we met with Nora Turner in Atlanta.

Complete betrayal.

I don’t want her to look at me like that again, but I’ll need her help on this.

Back at Aegis Legal Group, the elevator dings open, and I stride out, my footsteps echoing through the empty corridor.

"Shiloh," I call out before I even reach her desk. She looks up from her computer, that damn infectious smile still playing on her lips. It falters when she sees my face.

"Yes, Mr. Nolan?" Concern flickers in her eyes.

"Plan to stay late tonight," I say, my voice rougher than I intend. "We've got files to scan."

Her eyebrows knit together, a silent question forming, but I don’t give her the chance to speak it aloud.

"Clear your schedule," I add, turning on my heel before she can reply.

I don't look back, but I can feel her gaze on me, burning a hole into the back of my suit jacket. Guilt gnaws at me, but I shove it down.

This is business. Nothing personal.