Working with Liam, I’ve noticed it keeps Finn at a distance.
Just one more reason why I like Liam.
I know Dad said I must stay away from him, but… why? I get Liam’s the head of the mafia, and after searching on Google, I think I understand what that entails. But the mafia set aside, Liam treats me like a human being. He’s the total opposite of Finn.
I’m not going to lie, where Finn disgusts me, Liam intrigues me. There’s no comparing the two men.
Also, Dad said he trusts Liam, so why can’t I?
“You can take notes, right?” Finn suddenly asks, making me jump in the chair.
Bastard.
I don’t bother hiding the scowl as I meet his eyes, my chin raised. “Yes.”
The corner of his mouth lifts in a sneer. “Careful. Just because Liam’s giving you the time of day doesn’t mean shit. Seems your mother’s living on borrowed time.”
The reminder of the threat has it feeling like acid’s pouring into my stomach.
He gestures to the office where the meeting is being held. “We have a meeting in the boardroom. Come.”
Grabbing a notepad and pencil, I reluctantly follow Finn, and stepping inside the boardroom, the managers from each department are already seated around the rectangular table.
Unfortunately, I have to sit next to Finn because Liam comes in, taking the only other available seat on the other side of the table.
It’s fine. You’re surrounded by people. Finn won’t do anything.
“Morning, everyone,” Liam starts the meeting. I open the notepad and get ready to write any important points down. “Thank you for being here on time.” I watch as Liam sets a timer on his phone.
I find myself staring at his hands, my insides fluttering.
“Everyone’s here apart from Devon, who had to take a couple of personal days. Kiara is filling in for him.” He gives me a warm smile, making my own lips curve up.
“Everyone should have a copy of the quarterly proposals?”
As all the managers take a look at the packets I placed on the table earlier, a hand settles heavily on my thigh. My head snaps to Finn, and quickly reaching beneath the table, I shove him off.
My cheeks flame up, and I swallow hard as the hopelessness and fear return with a force. I glance around the table, hoping no one noticed.
“Let’s start with item one,” Liam says, drawing my gaze to him.
I stare at his handsome features, the strength in his eyes.
Can you make Finn stop?
Liam’s gaze meets mine, and I quickly lower my own to the notepad. I press the pencil to the paper but draw a startled line across the page when Finn grabs hold of my thigh again. Then he moves his hand up, and I almost choke when he grips me hard between the legs.
Shock shudders through me, and before I can even think of what to do, I dart up from the chair to get away from Finn.
Liam’s eyes narrow on me. “Kiara, are you okay?”
Wrapping an arm around my waist, horrible emotions well up in me. “Cramps,” I whisper, and not excusing myself, I hurry out of the office.
I run to the restroom and shut myself in one of the stalls. Placing a flat hand against the door, I start to gasp for air, the shock of what happened hitting again.
Humiliation floods me, pushing tears to my eyes.
I can’t believe Finn touched me like that. And in an office filled with people.
Crouching down, I wrap my arms around my waist, unable to compose myself.
I’ve never been violated like that. I don’t know how to handle it. My chin begins to tremble, and it feels like my stomach is on fire with the bile churning in it.
This is sick.
It feels as if my whole body is being submerged in ice.
I try to shut down my mind, but I can’t ignore the disturbing feel of Finn’s hand between my legs.
I gasp for air, my lungs burning and my throat aching. Bile rushes up, and somehow in my traumatized state, I turn to the toilet before emptying my stomach.
When there’s nothing left to vomit, I sink back on my butt, and leaning against the wall, I try to breathe through the trauma of what Finn did to me.
Surrounded by people, he violated me, which means if he gets me alone, he’ll rape me.
It’s only a matter of time.
Unless.
Liam.
Knowing I can’t hide in the stall forever, my fingers feel numb as I open the door. I walk to the basin, and unable to look at my reflection in the mirror, I wash my hands and splash some water over my face.
I’m hesitant to leave, not that I’ll be safe here.
Calm down. You can’t make a scene at work.
Just calm down so you can think.
It takes more strength than I have to leave the restroom. Sitting down at my desk, I glance back to the boardroom. I can hear the soft murmur of voices as the meeting continues.
When I turn my gaze to the desk, I notice a note with two painkillers.
Take them. If you don’t feel better by the time the meeting ends, you can go home.
Liam.
My hands fly up to cover my face as my emotions spiral out of control. I can’t keep the sob from escaping my lips, my entire body trembling.
The phone starts ringing, startling the hell out of my frazzled mind. I swallow the tears down, taking a quick deep breath, then answer the call. “Kiara speaking.”
“Girl, you sound sick,” Denise’s voice comes over the line.
“PMS,” I lie. “The cramps are killing me.”
“Do you need painkillers?”
I look at the note Liam left and almost start crying again. “No. I have some. Do you need something?”
“Oh, right. I have a call for Liam. It’s Mrs. Crowe.”
“Okay.” Denise puts the call through. “Morning, Mrs. Crowe. It’s Kiara speaking, Liam’s temporary assistant. How can I help?”
“Where’s Devon?” she asks.
“He’s on vacation.”
“Oh. Can I speak with Liam?”
“He’s in a meeting. I can get him to call you back.” My body’s still a trembling mess. I don’t know how I’m even having this conversation right now.
“Please, dear. He has my number.”
“Okay. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
I end the call, and lowering my head, I try to regain control over the chaotic emotions swirling in my chest.
I can’t believe Finn grabbed me between the legs.
An intense wave of disgust rolls over me, making my skin break out in sickening goosebumps.
The only thing counting in my favor today is the meeting that should last a couple of hours.
Slowly, I lift my head, my eyes finding the note again.
I can’t let this continue. I need help.
Dad said no one dares go against Liam. Does that include Finn?
The elevator doors open, and Will steps out.
I quickly sit up, and moving the chair forward, I force a smile to my face.
Will takes one look at me, then frowns. “You okay?”
I nod, then say, “Mr. Byrne’s in a meeting.”
“I just need to tell him something.” My eyes follow Will as he walks to the office, and after knocking, opens the door. “Liam.” He gestures with a nod for Liam to step out into the hallway.
I can’t tear my eyes away from the door, and the moment Liam comes out of the office, emotion wells in my chest again, making my eyes burn.
I can’t hear what they say, but when they’re done talking, Liam glances my way. A frown forms on his forehead, then he walks toward me. “Did you take the painkillers?”
“Ah…” I glance at the two pills. “Not yet.”
Turning around, he walks to his office and seconds later comes back with a bottle of water. “Take them,” he orders as he sets the water down in front of me.
While I pop the pills into my mouth, washing them down, Liam turns his attention to Will. “Get going.”
“Yes, boss,” Will chuckles.
Again, goosebumps spread over my skin.
Does Will also work for the mafia? Does Denise know?
Liam looks at me again, then his eyes narrow. “Just cramps?”
No. It’s so much worse.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to blurt out everything, but instead, I nod.
His blue eyes soften. “Let me know if it gets worse. Okay?”
I point at the note. “Thank you.”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “You’re welcome.”
I watch him go back into the office for the meeting, then my shoulders slump.
You need to tell someone, Kiara.
