The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 23

23 The Rules of Attraction

Hazel’s POV

The working day had been intense. First Julian’s assault, then Liam’s protective intervention, followed by new security protocols and an impromptu Thai food dinner in his office with Damian and Evelyn. My emotions were all over the place.

“Earth to Hazel, Owen waved his hand in front of my face. “You’ve been staring at that screen for five minutes without blinking”

I snapped out of my daze. “Sorry, just thinking”

“Well, think faster because the big boss is headed this way, Owen whispered, straightening his tie.

Sure enough, Liam strode toward us, his presence commanding immediate attention. He wore a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. Our eyes met, and my stomach flipped.

“Ms. Vance,” he said, his tone formal but his eyes soft. “I was hoping you’d join us for dinner tonight. Damian, Evelyn and I have some matters to discuss.”

Before I could respond, Owen leaned against my desk. “Taking our pretty woman away for the evening, Mr. Sterling?”

I froze, mortified by Owen’s casual reference to our movie night joke.

Liam’s lips quirked upward. “Yes, I am taking our pretty woman to dinner. Problem

with that, Owen?”

The air between us crackled with tension. Owen chuckled nervously, clearly surprised by Liam’s direct agreement.

“No problem at all,” Owen retreated back to his desk. “Have fun, Hazel.”

I grabbed my purse, my cheeks burning. “Where are we going?”

“Italian place downtown,” Liam replied, guiding me toward the elevator with his hand lightly touching my back. “Damian and Evelyn are meeting us there.”

–

The elevator doors closed, leaving us alone. His cologne a spicy, masculine scent-

20:44

23 The Rules of Attraction

filled the small space.

“How’s your neck?” he asked, his fingers brushing lightly against where Julian had grabbed me.

“Better,” I murmured, hyper–aware of his touch.

“Good,” he said, his voice deep and rumbling. “Because I want you to enjoy tonight.”

When we arrived at the restaurant, Damian and Evelyn were already scated at a table. in a private corner. Damian stood and pulled out my chair with a flourish.

“The lady of the hour, he announced with a grin.

Evelyn smiled warmly. “You look lovely, dear”

“Thank you,” I said, settling into my seat beside Liam. “I appreciate the invitation.”

“It was Liam’s idea, Damian winked. “He insisted.”

Liam shot him a warning glance but didn’t deny it.

Dinner was surprisingly fun. Damian told hilarious stories about their college days. Evelyn shared office gossip from before I started. And Liam… Liam watched me. His violet–blue eyes tracked my every laugh, every sip of wine.

When dessert arrived, Liam pushed his tiramisu toward me. “Share with me?”

I hesitated, remembering our chocolate cake encounter.

“I promise to behave,” he added with a mischievous glint.

“That’s a shame,” I replied before I could stop myself.

Damian nearly choked on his drink. Evelyn raised her eyebrows, a knowing smile on her lips.

“Well, well,” Damian recovered, grinning broadly. “The kitten has claws.”

Liam’s eyes darkened as he handed me a spoon. “She certainly does.”

my

I took a bite of the tiramisu, the rich coffee flavor melting ongue. When I looked up, Liam was watching my mouth with undisguised interest.

“Good?” he asked, his voice husky.

20:44

2/5

23 The Rules of Attraction

“Delicious,” I responded, licking cream from my lip.

His Jaw tightened visibly.

Damian cleared his throat. “So, who’s driving who home?”

“I’ll take Hazel,” Liam said immediately. “You’re in the opposite direction.”

Evelyn and Damian exchanged meaningful glances.

“Perfect,” Evelyn said, gathering her purse. “I’m exhausted anyway”

After saying our goodbyes, Liam led me to his sleek black Audi. The interior smelled of leather and his cologne. He drove skillfully through the city streets, one hand on the wheel, the other resting between us.

“Thank you for dinner,” I said, breaking the comfortable silence.

“Thank you for coming,” he replied, glancing at me. “It’s been a long day for you.”

I nodded, then gathered my courage. “Mr. Sterling-

“Liam,” he corrected. “We’re not in the office now.”

“Liam,” I repeated, liking how his name felt on my tongue. “I want to apologize for my behavior today. And yesterday. I’ve been unprofessional, and I understand if you want

me to resign.”

He abruptly pulled over, turning in his seat to face me. “Resign? Why would I want

that?”

“Because I’ve been…” I struggled for words. “You bring out this side of me I can’t explain. It’s inappropriate.”

“You think I want you to quit because I bring out your fire?” His laugh was warm, genuine. “Hazel, that’s exactly why I want you to stay.”

My heart pounded. “I don’t understand.”

“I investigated you,” he admitted, surprising me. “When Evelyn recommended you. Your references were impeccable. Your work history, flawless. But your background check… it showed someone who follows rules. Someone reserved.”

I swallowed hard. “And that’s a problem?”

20:44

3/5

23 The Rules of Attraction

“No,” he shook his head. “It just makes me wonder what it is about me that makes you break character.

Heat flooded my cheeks. “I–I don’t know”

“Do

you want to know what I think?” he asked, his voice dropping lower.

I nodded, unable to speak.

“I think we have chemistry,” he stated matter–of–factly. “Undeniable chemistry. Do you know what you did to me during that video conference yesterday?”

My eyes widened. “What?”

“Your little stunt with the pen,” he said, his eyes darkening. “I had to sit through another hour of meetings painfully aroused, thinking about your mouth.”

My breath caught. “I didn’t mean to-”

“Yes, you did,” he challenged. “Just like I meant to watch you eat that tiramisu tonight.”

He wasn’t wrong. Something about him made me bold, reckless even.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify