**
The weekend arrived, but Ava Collins found no solace. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt Liam Kingsley's lips against hers—soft, hesitant, unforgettable. For the past forty-eight hours, she had been replaying that moment in her mind, trying to make sense of it.
It wasn't meant to happen. She was his assistant and he was her boss—the man everyone admired and feared. Yet when he looked at her, it wasn't power she saw in his eyes; it was longing.
By Monday morning, she resolved to draw a line. She would act as if nothing had occurred. But life had other plans.
When she entered the office, Liam was already there. His usual stoic demeanor wavered slightly at the sight of her. "Good morning," he said, his voice lower than usual.
"Morning, sir," she replied quickly, focusing on the folder in her hands.
Yet the tension between them hung thick in the air. Every time she passed his desk, every accidental brush of fingers, every quiet moment in the elevator—it felt as though something electric pulsed between them.
That afternoon, a sudden downpour flooded the city. Half the office left early, but Liam asked Ava to stay and finish a report. By the time she completed it, rain still fell in silver sheets outside.
"I'll call a driver for you," he offered, stepping closer.
"It's fine. I'll wait until it slows," she murmured, avoiding his gaze.
He hesitated before speaking again. "Ava, about the other day—"
"Don't," she interrupted gently. "We both made a mistake. It shouldn't have happened."
Liam's expression darkened with a mix of guilt and frustration. "You think I regret it?"
She looked up, startled.
"I don't," he said quietly. "I regret that I can't stop wanting to do it again."
Before she could respond, thunder rolled overhead and his hand found hers—warm, firm, trembling slightly. Their eyes met and everything else faded away.
He kissed her again this time without hesitation. It was deeper and more desperate—a confession he didn't dare speak aloud.
When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless. Ava's heart raced as she whispered, "What are we doing, Liam?"
His answer was simple yet painful and true.
"Crossing the line we said we wouldn't—again."