Chapter 7
I was so lost in my thoughts about the Virtue Exchange email, that the universe decided to fuck with me again. I didn’t see Liam emerge from the conference room until I nearly collided with him.
His hands shot out instinctively, fingers wrapping around my waist with surprising strength.
“Whoa there, Jasmine,” he said, that easy smile spreading across his face like warm honey. “You okay?”
The proximity hit me like a drug I didn’t know I was addicted to.
I could smell his cologne—something expensive and clean and terrifically expensive. His shirt was perfectly tailored, showing off arms that suggested he actually used that executive gym membership.
And his hands were still on me, thumb absently stroking over the fabric of my blouse like he didn’t even realize he was doing it.
Spoiler alert: I was definitely realizing it according to the immediate wetness between my legs. Damn it.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m fine,” I managed, but my voice came out breathier than intended.
Liam’s eyes darkened, and suddenly we were just standing there in the hallway like two idiots, the air between us crackling with enough tension to power the building.
Standing this close to him, feeling actual heat radiating from his body, my brain decided to take a little vacation to Pornland.
What would happen if I were braver? If I wasn’t his employee? If I could just reach up and run my fingers through that perfectly messy hair?
What if those strong hands explored more than just my waist?
Heat pooled low in my belly, and I had to bite my lip to keep from making some embarrassing sound that would broadcast exactly what I was thinking.
What would it feel like to have Liam’s mouth on mine? To have him press me against the wall and—
“Actually,” Liam’s voice cut through my X-rated daydream, making me blink back to reality like someone had thrown cold water on me, “I was hoping to catch you. Could you come to my office for a minute? There’s something I’d like to discuss.”
I nodded, not trusting my mouth to form actual words, and followed him down the hallway.
Trying not to focus on how his shoulders moved under that perfectly tailored shirt was like trying not to breathe. Impossible and mildly suffocating.
In his office, Liam gestured for me to sit while he leaned against his desk, close enough that I could see light flecks in his green eyes. Close enough to be dangerous.
“Jasmine, I’ll cut to the chase. Our previous personal assistant had to relocate unexpectedly, and my brothers and I have been discussing who could fill the position.” He paused, gaze intent on my face. “We’d like to offer it to you.”
My brain short-circuited. “Personal assistant to all three of you?”
“It means more responsibility, more demanding hours, and you’d be working much more closely with us on sensitive projects.”
His voice dropped slightly, and I swear I felt it in places that had no business responding to professional conversations.
“But it also comes with a significant salary increase—nearly double what you’re making now.”
Nearly double. The words hit me like a lifeline thrown to someone drowning in loan shark debt.
“Yes,” I said immediately, a bright smile spreading across my face before I could stop it. “Yes, I’d love to accept.”
The moment that smile appeared, something shifted in Liam’s expression. He went completely still, staring at me with an intensity that made my breath catch in my throat.
There was something almost reverent in his gaze, like someone seeing sunlight for the first time after being trapped in a cave.
The air between us became electric. I felt heat creep up my neck and flood my cheeks under the weight of his attention. The silence stretched, heavy with all the things we definitely shouldn’t be thinking about each other.
Liam was the first to break the spell, clearing his throat and running a hand through his hair—a gesture I was beginning to recognize as his nervous tell.
“Your smile,” he said, voice rougher than usual, “it’s just like… it lights up the whole room.”
He cleared his throat again, obviously trying to claw back some professional composure. “I mean, that is to say, your positive attitude is exactly what we need for this position.”
The compliment, even wrapped in corporate speak, made my blush deepen to probably radioactive levels.
“Are you ready to start right away?” he asked, clearly trying to steer us back to safer territory. “You can move your things to the desk just outside my office. It’ll make coordination easier.”
Translation: I’d be stationed directly in the line of fire between all three brothers. Fantastic.
“Of course,” I said, standing on slightly unsteady legs. “I can start immediately.”
“Good.” His smile was warm but controlled. “I’ll have HR send over the paperwork, and we can discuss your new responsibilities later today.”
I left his office feeling like I was floating. Nearly double my salary, working directly with all three brothers, it was like the universe was throwing me a rope just when I needed it most.
The next hour passed in a blur as I transferred my belongings from my old desk to my new workspace. The location was strategic, positioned directly between all three brothers’ offices, like I was literally at the center of their professional world.
I was organizing my new supplies when Nora appeared, eyes bright with curiosity and mischief.
“Well, well, well,” she said, perching on the edge of my new desk like she owned the place. “Someone got a promotion. Spill everything.”
“They offered me the personal assistant position,” I explained, trying to keep my voice casual. “It’s a significant salary increase and more responsibility.”
Nora’s knowing grin suggested she wasn’t buying my professional tone for a second.
“Oh my God,” she laughed, “stage one of the ‘fuck one of your sexy bosses’ plan is officially complete! Next step—tight skirts and blouses that actually show off those curves you keep hiding under corporate camouflage.”
“Nora!” I hissed, frantically checking to make sure no one had heard. “There is no such plan! It’s just a job promotion!”
“Uh-huh, sure it is.” She was already standing, wicked smile firmly in place. “And honey?” She leaned in conspiratorially. “You might want to squeeze your thighs together after your next meeting with Liam if you don’t want everyone to notice how much you’re enjoying your new position.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I demanded, but Nora was already sauntering away, leaving me red-faced and flustered.
“Figure it out, sweetie,” she called over her shoulder. “I have faith in you.”
I sank into my new chair, trying to process everything that had just happened.
As I looked around my new workspace, positioned perfectly to see into all three brothers’ offices, I realized Nora was right about one thing.
This wasn’t just about the job. This was about wanting something I’d never allowed myself to want before. And for the first time in my life, it felt like maybe, just maybe, that something might want me back.
My phone buzzed with a text from Leo:
Baby bro: How’s the job hunt going? Any luck finding extra work?
I stared at the message, guilt twisting in my stomach. He had no idea about the promotion, about the Virtue Exchange, about any of the desperate measures I was considering to save him.
I texted back. Me: Working on it. Don’t worry.
