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95|Out Of Harm's Way
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Clara was waiting in her office when Eden returned from the marketing meeting.
She took one look at her beaming face and immediately wanted to vanish back in the direction she just came from. But it was too late; her friend had already seen her.
"Eden McBride, you won't believe the amazing news I have!" She squealed, waving a black corporate card in front of her face.
Eden sighed and crashed in her seat. "Do I want to know this amazing news?"
"Well, the Dragon gave us his corporate card for the team drinks tomorrow afternoon! He said we could choose any place we want." Clara carried on, ignoring her lack of enthusiasm.
"That's great, enjoy!" Eden said, praying and hoping Liam's assistant couldn't see the sadness in her eyes.
It's been two weeks since Liam tried to fire Lucy, and she begged him to take back his decision. Two weeks since he last kissed and held her. Two weeks of silence from him.
She should have been happy he was
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White-hot relief surged through Eden's body at the sound of Liam's voice. "Anderson!" Aleksei turned to Liam and held out his hand for a handshake. Liam ignored it and clenched his jaw. "Ivanov." "Fancy seeing you here," Aleksei carried on, sizing Liam up. "Not sure why you seem surprised," Liam drawled softly, but his face hardened, and his eyes stayed on Eden. "Didn't you pick the venue for this month's game?" "Well, you know what I mean," Aleksei shrugged. "No, I don't," Liam said, finally peeling his gaze from her. "What are you doing up here anyway? I thought the game is in the basement?" Eden's head shot up at his words, and she stared at the two men, amazed by this new piece of information. She didn't even know Crush has a basement. What else went on down there besides round-robin poker tournaments for billionaires? She was suddenly curious about Liam's extracurricular activities. "I saw something
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"Are you drunk?" Liam clutched the phone tightly in his hand and shook his head in disbelief as he checked his watch. Two hours. That's how long it's been since he left Eden in the VIP booth, and in that short two hours, she had somehow managed to get shitfaced, even when he told her she shouldn't, even after he had begged her not to be reckless. Now more than ever, Liam was convinced Eden's sole purpose on earth was to torture and torment him. "Why don't you like me?" She asked again, her sobs drowning out her words, and at that moment, with his heart aching at the sound of her tears, he forgot all his anger. "Where are you? I'm coming there right now." His voice was much gentler as he sighed into the phone. "Please like me." Eden hiccuped softly on her end. "I like you so much it hurts. So please like me." Her pleas left him stunned for words. How she could think he doesn't like her when
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Liam called Eden as he made his way upstairs and was mighty relieved when Clara picked up. "Where is she?" He demanded. "She's right here, sir; I was about to call a cab for her." "No need, I'll take her home," he said. "Meet me outside; I'll bring the car around." Five minutes later, he pulled up in his Lamborghini, parking as close to the entrance as possible where Clara was doing her best to prop up a blind drunk Eden. Liam stormed out of the car and approached them, scowling at his assistant before picking Eden up and placing her in the front seat. He dumped her bag and shoes in the back and returned to the sidewalk to wait with Clara. "Jeff's almost here," she said, a wide, drunken smile flickering on her lips as she held on to the street lamp. "I'll be okay, so you can go ahead and take Ms McBride home, sir." "And leave you on your own? As wasted as you are?" Liam asked, crossing his arms. Trying to talk sense int
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Eden raced back inside the building, planning to sneak in and out of Liam's office to grab her phone. She knocked once and eased inside when she didn't get an answer. Her heart splintered in two when she found Liam on the couch, cradling his face in his hands, his shoulders sagged in defeat. He turned when he heard the door close softly behind her, his gaze darkening when their eyes locked. "I forgot my phone," Eden explained, lingering just inside, feeling like she'd intruded on a private moment. "It's here." Liam held it up in the air, and she dashed over to grab it. When she tried to reach for it, though, he grabbed her instead, and she clumsily fell on his lap. "Mr Anderson," she cried breathlessly, startled by his swift move. "Liam," he groaned, his lips hovering so close to hers she could smell the bourbon on his breath. "Liam," she said, matching his quiet tone. "I don't think I should be here." "
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Eden looked up, startled out of her mind to see his eyes were open. "Liam!" She was instantly on her feet and kissing him on the lips as she sobbed so loud she thought she'd wake the patients in the neighbouring rooms. "Oh my God, it's true. You're awake! I was starting to think they lied." "If you keep crying, I might just pass out again!" He growled and patted the empty spot on the bed. "Come here!" She sank beside him, and he drew her closer and placed his hand on her tummy. "How's my little warrior?" Eden burst into tears again at his words. "You heard everything I said that night?" "Of course I did," he smiled tearfully as well. "I may have been dying, but I'm not deaf, you know." "And you're not angry?" "Why would I be angry?" Liam asked. "Because you just found out about Aiden and now—" "Now our family will be complete," he pulled her down, and she nestled in his arms, careful not to touch his wound. "I l
