Powerless (Power Series Book 1)

by Lauren Cooper

  “You don’t know me. You never will. If I was wet, it wouldn’t be because of you. We’re done here” I see anger and curiosity flick across his irises but before he can respond I grab my handbag from the floor and turn away. I hear him inhale behind me, but I don’t turn to look at him, I head straight for the door and slam it shut behind me.

  I exhale a long breath on the other side, before I smile to myself. I shrug into my coat and make my way out of his building. My driver is waiting at the curb, I head over to him before my phone starts to vibrate in my bag. I answer it without looking at the caller ID as I get into the back of the town car.

  “Hel…” I start but am cut off by an irritatingly deep voice.

  “We’re far from fucking done” Liam’s voice hisses down the receiver before he hangs up.

  I throw my phone in my bag, secretly pretending that it’s his head as the car pulls out into traffic. How dare he speak to me like that! Anger boils in my stomach and I resist the urge to clench my hand into a fist. How can you be so pissed off before nine AM? I can’t tell who I’m more pissed off at. Him, or myself. Of all the crap he said just a few minutes ago, the one about me being wet runs on a loop around my mind. I’ll be damned if I ever tell him the truth. I squeeze me thighs together and wriggle a little on the seat, trying to rid of the ache that he put there. Why had he turned me on so much? If I don’t stop thinking about him keeping good on his promises, then I’ll need a change of underwear. Truth be told, I’m soaked. Never, has a man said such crude words to me and never have I ever thought that I would be the most turned on than I have been in my life.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  I’m snappy for the rest of the day, and almost fire the team of solicitors I have checking and double checking the new contract that Liam emailed over. I want to yank on my own hair for the way he made me feel. That only led to thoughts of him yanking on it, and I hated myself even more. By 5 o’clock I was done and about ready to throw myself from my office window before I grabbed Becca and we headed for a drink.

  “So, come on, why are you in such a foul mood today?” she questions as she takes a sip of her wine. We’d come to a pub just down the road from the office. It’s full of people who have come for an after-work drink, but we managed to snag a table in the corner.

  “It doesn’t matter, I just needed a drink” I mutter before swigging back my own.

  “I guessed that, this is me you know? You can tell me anything”

  “I know, but I don’t want to talk about it”

  “Okay, well how’s the new case coming along?”

  “Alright I guess, I’m just going through the motions right now. The evidence they have is shocking, so I can’t see it being too hard to get him off, how’s the new media department doing?” I question, grateful for the change of subject.

  “Yeah, great actually. You have a meeting with them at the end of the week, so you can see for yourself” she gives me a closed mouthed smile. I love Becca’s ability to be strictly professional when I need her to be, and once the office doors are closed she’s like a giddy teenager all over again. Trust fund baby or not, she doesn’t act it. Unlike some people.

  “Great” I force a smile as our conversation continues. We didn’t say another word about my mood, but concentrated on a few ideas for her upcoming nuptials, and before I knew it Jason was speeding up to the curb in his sports car, drawing unnecessary attention to himself. I’m sure he loves it. I waved them off before jumping into my waiting car and heading home. I only have a driver during the week, and I get a different guy every day, so I don’t know them personally, I don’t see the need of having one full time anyway, it’s just a waste of money – money I need to save.

  Chapter Six

  Itexted Becca to tell her I’d be working from home today, I’d had enough for one week. Thankfully she didn’t ask any questions and she’d sent a new intern to my place with all the files I needed. I spent most of the day with my head buried in law books, looking for previous cases and laws that could potentially help my client. Yes, I know the internet exists but with certain cases it’s easier to head to the paper version and to the index at the back. When the thumping at the back of my neck started and my eyes started to turn fuzzy from the laptop I called it a day and headed for a shower. I needed some down time. I turned on my music and headed for the kitchen for a refill of wine when the intercom buzzed. Frowning I headed for the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Mia, we have a gentleman here demanding to see you” Rick my receptionist tells me. He wouldn’t have said gentleman if he knew who it was. Unease sets deep in my stomach at the thought of my mother. I felt instantly sick and my hands started to tremble. I haven’t had another letter for weeks, I thought they’d got bored and realized they weren’t getting a reaction out of me. I clutched the side board for support before continuing.

  “Who is it?”

  There was a muffled conversation on the other end of the line before he came back on the line.

  “He says he’s Liam Hadleigh. What do you want me to do with him?” I sigh in relief that it’s not my mother, but also at the thought of Liam being here. Shit shit shit shit. I just wanted a quiet Friday night but that’s obviously not going to happen! Groaning, I drain my glass of alcohol as visions of him at his office yesterday flutter through my filthy brain. What the fuck does he want now? The wine is warming my throat when I come to the conclusion that if I don’t give in to him he will continue to pester me. But if I do give in to him now, then he could be easier to work with later. But he could also be worse. Besides once we’re in that building there’s nothing he can do about it. He can’t even run to daddy now that he’s fired him. On that thought I deserve to know what the fuck happened there.

  “Send him up” I hang up the phone and unlatch my door. Why would he be here this late and on a Friday night? Doesn’t he have a woman to screw? I turn back towards the kitchen and catch my reflection in the window. Shit! I threw on some yoga pants and an oversized t-shirt after my shower, and my hair is tied up in a messy top knot. I dash towards my bedroom to throw on something more flattering, but I stop dead in my tracks when Liam stands in my doorway. Too Late. What is he the Flash? Jesus, how did he get up here so quickly?

  He’s wearing workout clothes and he looks annoyingly delicious. A skin tight black t-shirt hugs his chest, highlighting every bump and curve. While matching, loose fitted shorts show off his chiseled thighs. I instantly feel self-conscious and cross my arms across my chest. Liam steps into my flat and closes the door behind him with a soft click, before stalking towards me slowly. The muscles in his legs flex as he does, and wild thoughts scatter my brain. His hair looks wind swept, probably from his workout and I itch to run my fingers through it. I turn my gaze to the floor, needing to look at anything else but him. Get a grip. I bring my head back up before speaking.

  “What do you want Liam?” I question as I watch his face for any reaction. A small sigh escapes his soft lips as he braces his hands on his hips and walks further into my flat, bursting the bubble of calmness. Unwarranted excitement courses through me, flowing through my blood stream like an overflowing river. I wonder if all women react like this around him. Heat bounces from him to me as he nears, obviously still warm from his workout, and my skin prickles. He walks with known confidence and determination, causing my own to falter slightly. My nipples harden against the fabric of my t-shirt, unwillingly showing him the reaction, my body has to his. Tightening my arms further around myself, I wait patiently for him to answer me.

  “If you’re done arguing with me, I want to talk” His loud voice carries around my space before I gasp at his words.

  “Are you serious?” my mouth hangs open.

  “Deadly” his hands stay rooted on his hips, drawing my wandering eyes to the obvious length beneath his shorts. Snapping myself out of the stupor I straighten my spine before arguing back.

  “If you came here to proposition me then you can leave, right now�
� I answer through gritted teeth.

  “Are you done?”

  “Huh?”

  “Quit the whole bravado Amelia. I’m already tired of it” he flicks his hand through the air and I can’t help but gawk at him even more. My eyes go wide at his commands, he well and truly has lost the plot.

  “I’d like you to leave”

  “No”

  “For fuck’s sake what do you want?” my anger bubbles over, causing any desire I previously felt to disappear.

  “You” his baby blues meet mine as he speaks the one word. I scrunch my brow in confusion.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I want you. I know you want me to” he explains, as if I couldn’t sense the clear as day, sexual tension between us. Does he honestly believe I will drop my knickers just because he says so?

  “You can’t have me”

  “The hell I can’t”

  I raise my eyebrow in question and smugly smile. I’ve got him by the balls as realization hits me.

  “Oh dear, is Liam Hadleigh suffering from a case of I can’t have it, so I’ll throw a huge tantrum?”

  His eyes glaze over and turn to a midnight blue. I huff and shake my head in mocked disbelief.

  “Please, where you expecting me to just drop to my knees for you? You aren’t that great of a catch.” I lie, the man’s a flipping masterpiece. “I’m sorry if you’re used to women doing that for you, you’ll never get that from me. I’ll never be the woman who spreads her legs on your fucking desk!” my voice has risen throughout my little speech, and I turn to face the kitchen. With my back to him I hear his trainers on my wood floor as he follows me slowly. I turn to face him before taking a sip from my now empty glass. Jesus, I’ll be an alcoholic if he keeps pissing me off like this. I see anger in his eyes as he takes a deep breath. Licking around his teeth, he seems to contemplate something before he’s says anything.

  “I need to explain” his voice is deep and slightly broken. Slight hurt shadows in the depths of his baby blues, overshadowed by a need I understand.

  “You don’t owe me an explanation” I say, cocking my head to the side, silently wishing he would. My curiosity getting the better of me, it would make it easier for us to at least be acquaintances for work. As much as I feel slightly bad for the guy, the way he carries himself makes me realize he doesn’t deserve my pity. While he’s used to women falling at his feet, I stand my ground. The image of him in his office, with that slut plays on repeat in my head, showing me what kind of man, he is. I can almost guarantee you that I will be seeing that sight more than once when we’re in the new office together. I’m not opposed to people having sex, I like sex, I love sex when it’s with the right guy. I don’t appreciate someone jeopardizing my career, and my business all for a quick shag. What does he want to explain to me anyway? I can almost guarantee that he will try to justify his actions in some way, making me look like I’m in the wrong forever judging him. If he wants to live his life that way then, fine. Who am I to stop him?

  “I don’t have to explain myself to you. I want to. And you will fucking listen” he says as a matter of fact. Deciding that this man-child always gets what he wants anyway, I throw my arms up in the air and start to stalk into my living room. Why does he have to be so damned demanding? Why couldn’t he have turned up with an apology or something? It’s not that hard – you give a woman, flowers, ice cream, shoes, chocolate and I guarantee she will at least hear you out!

  “Liam, I don’t care what you do with your time! I don’t care who you are, what you do, or who you do it with!” I almost shout. “All I care about is your fucking ability to push this company to the heights it deserves and while you’re knee deep in pussy on your desk I can’t see that happening!” I blow out before turning and facing away from him, unable to watch his emotionless features any longer. I can’t believe that his father has missed this, does he even know his Son? And if he does know, how the hell have they managed to gain such an accredited reputation if this is all they do?

  A million and one scenarios are running through my head of what I can expect over the next couple of months and I close my eyes willing them away. Live images of important cases, deadlines and other work-related projects being misshaped and failed due to an incompetent CEO. It had been David Hadleigh who pushed for the merger on behalf of his son. Why has Liam fired him? I had no idea he had the ability to do so. I don’t think I have the will power in me to work alongside Liam, he’s ego needs a gigantic reality check and I can’t be the one to give it to him. I turn back to face him, his shoulders are lowered, and he looks defeated. The pain in his eyes buries into my chest and I can’t help but want to hear what he has to say. I know what that pain feels like and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Fuck. This man is spinning me in circles.

  “Fine. Can I get you a drink?” I ask quietly. Unlike some I can play nice. He lets out a breath he was obviously holding and nods.

  “I was having wine; would you like some?”

  “Please”

  “Sit, I’ll be right back” I say pointing at my sectional.

  I head to the kitchen to refill my glass and grab another. I turn the music down on my docking station, so we can hear each other. Walking back into my living room, Liam is sat on the sofa, his back to me. His head is in his hands and I can’t help but wonder what’s going on with him.

  “Here you go” I say handing him his glass and taking a seat on the arm chair opposite.

  Clearing his throat and sitting a little straighter, he looks at me intently.

  “Thank you”

  “How did you know where I live?” I ask before taking a sip of my wine and tucking my legs up underneath me.

  “It was on the contracts we signed” his deep voice echoes around my room, I hadn’t realized and crinkle my brow in confusion.

  “Stalking me now, then are you?” I accuse before taking a large gulp of my wine.

  “Will you stop arguing with me” he hisses, tightening his grip on his wine glass.

  “Oh, give me a break Liam. I know you, and I don’t like what I’ve seen so far. Do you honestly think what you said to me in your office is acceptable?” I turn my head away. My chest aches a little at the sight of him, but I can’t bring myself to feel sympathy for him. Not yet, anyway. He’s filling my safe space and unease creeps into my core. I don’t know this man, and from what I’ve seen, he isn’t someone I want to get to know outside of work.

  “Amelia, if you stopped with the attitude for a second, you would see what I’ve been trying to show you” he inhales before continuing “you have to listen to me when I say this!” he demands before jumping to his feet. I decide to ignore his comment about my attitude again as his jaw ticks tightly and I’m sure he’ll crack a tooth if he bites any harder. “The woman you seen at my office isn’t, well, I don’t know what the fuck she is. She’s psycho! She walked into my office, jumped on my fucking desk and spread her legs! What the fuck was I supposed to do?” he shrugs as if I should know the answer. “Cassidy needs help, I didn’t know she was going to get so attached after I fucked her” he seethes. I flinch at that part, images of him fucking her dance behind my eyes, I shudder. “She started playing with herself right there for fucks sake! She was there for seconds before I threw her off and had her escorted out of the building! You just had to see the worst part of it all! That’s why I was late coming into the meeting, I can even show you the CCTV footage if you want!” He scrubs his hand down his face in frustration.

  “So, she’s a scorned lover who just happened to come by and jump on your desk? Aren’t you a lucky guy” I snap. His gaze turns thunderous, as I hide behind my glass.

  “Don’t prove yourself to me for my sake” I spit before taking a large gulp of wine. A part of me wants to believe him, and I think I do, much to my own disbelief. He lowers his head before saying, “I didn’t want you to think of me like this. I’m not that man Amelia. I don’t have to explain myself to you. I just wanted us to be on equal foot
ing. I get it now that you’re not like that, I shouldn’t have said what I said, but you pushed me” A few seconds pass before he rakes his hands through his hair and he turns to leave.

  “What type of man are you then Liam? Because so far, you’ve told me you’re going to bend me over your knee, told me you want to have me, oh and had your face between another woman’s legs! It’s been three days! And don’t get me started on your office. Don’t you dare think you can pin this on me!” I point out before I jump up from where I was sitting, careful not to spill my wine and cross my arms over my chest and look up at him. Agitated that I’m still arguing with him when I know it’s fruitless. Those huge ocean blues glare down at me through thick lashes and I can feel my heart fluttering. I know why women drop to their knees for this man, and the urge is so strong I barely resist the urge to do so. In a split-second Liam moves, places his glass on my coffee table and closes the gap between us.

  “You don’t know me at all. You have no fucking right to judge me!” he hisses through clenched teeth.

  “I don’t want to know the man who’s made his intentions very clear these past few days! You’re just like the rest of them! You have everything you ever need and more, and still you take and take without giving anything back! You hate being told you can’t have something and you hate me for being the one to say it!” I spit back. Anger flashes in his eyes and I instinctively step back. The look of hurt and confusion on Liam’s face makes me cower away even more. I can’t help it, it’s a reaction I tried desperately to bury away unsuccessfully. I hear him growl over the loud thump of the blood in my ears, as I take another step.

  “Stop it Amelia!” he advances again, and I will myself to stay rooted on the spot.

  “Look, I know you’re used to women listening to your every command. You will never have that from me. I just want to get this business off the ground and then I won’t have to deal with you” I say quietly and flick my hand through the air. I want him to leave. No. I need him to leave.