Liam sank into the leather chair. "I don't trust people easily," Liam admitted, voice rough but sincere. "Not after what I've been through. Everyone's always got an angle, or a secret. Even family." He glanced toward the study door before resting his back on the chair, then he closed his eyes. "Especially family."
Irina nodded, understanding more than she let on. "Trust is earned and also broken. But sometimes, you find someone who's willing to fight to keep it." Her voice softened, the distance between them shrinking with each word.
For a moment, the chaotic world outside faded… no flashing cameras, no gossip, no fake smiles. Just the two of them, suspended in a fragile bubble of honesty. Liam's eyes went down to her lips, then back to her eyes. His breath became fast, and Irina felt her own heart stumble.
"Why do you keep pushing to be here?" he whispered. "Why me?"
Irina's fingers brushed lightly over his hand, a rare touch that felt electric. "Because beneath all the noise, I see you. Not the idol, not the son or the star. Just… you."
The space between them narrowed as Liam stood up and moved closer to her. Liam's hand inched closer, his eyes searching hers for permission. The moment hung suspended, dangerous, tender and inevitable.
But before their lips could meet, the sharp click of heels echoed from the hallway and they both froze.
May Winters stood framed in the doorway and her eyes were blazing with fury. The sight of Irina and Liam, inches apart and caught in that vulnerable instant, twisted her expression into a warning.
Irina pulled back, she was already shaking like a trapped bird. Liam's tighten his jaws, but he said nothing.
May's voice cut broke the silent
"Well, well. Looks like someone's gotten a little too comfortable."
Irina's breathed out, the game had just become far more dangerous and May was ready to play.