"You're gonna love it, Liam," Sam said, her eyes glinting with excitement. "It's the perfect opportunity to get your foot in the door, and who knows? Maybe you'll even find your calling."

Liam looked up from his coffee, doubt etched on his features. He had never been one for the corporate world, but he knew he had to start somewhere. "Yeah, sure, Sam. If you say so," he replied with a forced smile.

Sam, with her perfect blend of confidence and charm, had always had a way of making things happen. Her striking good looks had certainly played a role in her success, but it was her sharp intellect and strategic thinking that had truly set her apart in the business world. As the head of human resources, she had seen countless candidates come and go, but she had a knack for spotting potential, especially when it came to her baby brother.

Liam, on the other hand, had always been a bit of a free spirit. Through school, he had been the object of many a crush, his easy smile and athletic build drawing in girls like moths to a flame. But his heart had been wild and untameable, flitting from one relationship to the next without ever truly committing. Now, as he sat in the gleaming lobby of Sterling Enterprises, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. The suits and heels swirling around him seemed so foreign compared to the casual tees and sneakers he was used to.

The suit he wore was his dad's, a relic from a bygone era when men dressed for success. It was a size that fir perfectly and smelled faintly of stale cologne, but Liam had done his best to make it work. He had rolled up the sleeves and tightened the tie, trying to give it a youthful twist that somehow ended up looking presentable but it felt like a noose. He felt like he was playing dress-up in a game that was way out of his league.

The receptionist called his name, and he stood, his legs wobbly. He took a deep breath and walked through the glass doors that separated the lobby from the rest of the office. His eyes were drawn to a young woman standing in the hallway, her own eyes locked onto a clipboard as if it held the secrets of the universe. She had hair the colour of a sunset, pulled back into a sleek bun that accentuated the sharp lines of her jaw and the elegance of her neck. She looked up as he approached, and Liam felt his heart skip a beat. Her smile was like a warm summer's day, and her eyes, a deep, alluring brown, seemed to hold a world of secrets.

"You must be Liam," she said, extending a hand. "I'm Rachel, the CEO's assistant. Your sister Sam spoke highly of you."

Liam took Rachel's hand, feeling a jolt of electricity pass between them. He had expected the CEO's assistant to be a stern, no-nonsense type, but Rachel's warmth and kindness were disarming. "Nice to meet you," he managed to say, his voice a bit shakier than he would have liked.

Rachel led him to a modern office space, all chrome and glass, where he met the woman herself— the CEO, Ms. Sterling. She was young, probably at most 30, with a sharp wit and a presence that filled the room. Her eyes, a piercing blue, sized him up in a way that made him feel both nervous and excited. She had a sleek black dress that clung to her curves, and the authority in her voice was undeniable.

"Your sister has assured me that you're quite capable, Liam," she said, her gaze intense. "But let's not mince words—this isn't just some cushy internship. It’s my job, my responsibilities. I'm entrusting you with a significant role in the company for the next six months. You'll need to step up to the plate and prove yourself."

Liam nodded, his throat dry. He knew Sam had high hopes for him, but he hadn't realized the weight of the opportunity she had secured. He glanced at Rachel, who offered an encouraging smile.

Ms. Sterling's office was a testament to her drive. The walls were lined with diplomas and awards, each one a silent testament to her unyielding ambition. Her desk was meticulously organised, not a single paper out of place. There was an air of intensity about her that was both intimidating and alluring. She had the kind of focus that could cut through the chatter of a crowded room and pinpoint the one voice of reason.

Rachel noticed his nerves and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "You'll be fine," she whispered, her breath warm and reassuring. Her touch was like a balm to his soul, and Liam felt a sudden surge of confidence. He knew Rachel believed in him, and that was all he needed to push aside his doubts.

Sam had arrived unannounced, her heels clicking confidently against the marble floor as she made her way to Rachel's desk. She wore a professional but flirty dress that highlighted her curves, and her hair was down, framing her face like a halo. Rachel's eyes widened slightly when she saw Sam, and Liam couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking.

"Rachel, I've come to tell you all about my brother," Sam said, her voice dripping with enthusiasm. She leaned against the desk, her hands resting comfortably on the chrome surface. Rachel looked up from her work, her curiosity piqued.

"Liam's got a head on his shoulders, I swear," Sam began, her eyes shining with pride. "Sure, he might not look like your typical office boy, but he's got a heart of gold and a work ethic that's second to none. He's quick on his feet and a natural problem solver. You'll see."

Rachel listened, her gaze flicking between Sam and Liam, trying to gauge the truth behind the glowing words. She had worked for Ms. Sterling long enough to know that she didn't tolerate incompetence. If Sam vouched for her brother, she had to be confident in his abilities, but Rachel had seen her fair share of nepotism gone wrong.

"Okay, Liam," Rachel said with a professional smile, "you'll be working beside me as a trial. I'll be showing you the ropes, and I expect you to be a quick learner. We don't have time to hold your hand, but I'll be there to support you."

Liam nodded, his heart racing. Working alongside Rachel was both thrilling and terrifying. He had to admit, her confidence was contagious. The way she carried herself, the way she spoke—it was like nothing he had ever encountered before. Rachel was the kind of woman who could make a man want to be a better version of himself, and Liam felt the challenge rise within him.

Sam gave him a wink and moved on, leaving him standing awkwardly in the hallway. Rachel looked at him expectantly, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Don't worry," she said, "I'll take good care of him."

The first few days of his internship were a blur of paperwork, meetings, and endless coffee runs. Rachel was a whirlwind of efficiency, and Liam found himself struggling to keep up. But there was something about her, something that drew him in. It wasn't just her beauty—though that was certainly a factor—it was the way she moved through the office, a silent storm of productivity. Everyone seemed to respect her, and Liam couldn't help but admire the way she handled herself.

Friday rolled around, and Rachel informed him, "Okay, this is the last day I'll be here. I'm leaving for a conference tomorrow, so Monday will be your first day on your own." The words hit him like a ton of bricks. He had been relying on her guidance, her knowing nods and quiet instructions to get through the week. The thought of navigating Sterling Enterprises without her was daunting.

Ms. Sterling made an unexpected appearance, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors as she approached Rachel's desk. Liam felt his heart stutter as she came into view. She was one of the most attractive women he had ever laid eyes on. Her figure was a perfect blend of strength and femininity, her confidence palpable. Rachel looked up, a hint of apprehension in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a professional smile.

"How's our new intern doing?" Ms. Sterling asked, her eyes sweeping over Liam. He felt his cock twitch involuntarily in his pants, and a hot flush crept up his neck. He had never been so acutely aware of his attraction to a woman in such a professional setting. Her gaze was like a spotlight, illuminating every inch of him, and for a moment, he feared she could see right through his carefully constructed façade of competence.

Rachel's smile grew a bit wider. "He's doing great," she said, her voice a little too cheerful for his taste. "Picking up the ropes quite fast."

Ms. Sterling raised an eyebrow, her eyes never leaving Liam. "Is that so?" she mused, stepping closer. "Well, I'll be looking forward to seeing what you can do without your sister's shadow, Mr. Liam."

The words stung a bit, but Liam held his ground. "Thank you, Ms. Sterling," he managed to say, his voice a bit too loud in the quiet office space. Rachel's hand was still on his arm, her grip tightening slightly. "I'll do my best."

Ms. Sterling's smile grew, a knowing glint in her eye. "I'm sure you will," she said, her voice like honey. "But remember, Rachel's going to be out of the office next two weeks. You'll need to rely on your own wits."

Liam felt Rachel's hand tighten on his arm, and she leaned in closer, her breath hot in his ear. "You've got this," she whispered, and the confidence she instilled in him was like a shot of adrenaline to his system. He nodded firmly, meeting Ms. Sterling's gaze without flinching. "Yes, ma'am."

Ms. Sterling's smile grew a fraction wider, and she tapped a perfectly manicured finger against her chin. "Rachel," she said, her eyes never leaving Liam's, "I think I'm going to enjoy having him around." Rachel's grip tightened even further, and Liam felt a thrill run through him.

Before he knew it, Monday had arrived, and Rachel was nowhere to be seen. Her desk was as pristine as always, but the absence of her vibrant energy was palpable. The office buzzed with the usual chatter and the scent of freshly brewed coffee, but it all felt eerily empty without her. His nerves had been simmering all weekend, and now they threatened to boil over. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of Rachel's words of encouragement. He had to prove himself.

The intercom beeped, Ms. Sterling's voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Liam, can you come into my office, please?" His heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed hard. This was it, the moment of truth. He had spent the last week shadowing Rachel, trying to soak up every bit of knowledge she had thrown his way. He hoped it was enough.

Standing up, he straightened his tie, took one last deep breath, and walked to the door that bore the nameplate "Ms. Sterling." His palms were slick with sweat as he reached for the handle, and he paused for a second, steeling himself. Rachel's absence had left a void, but it had also given him a chance to prove his worth. He was ready to step up.

Ms. Sterling's office was even more intimidating than he remembered. The glass walls offered a view of the bustling cityscape outside, but the space itself was a fortress of power and ambition. Her desk was a monument to her success, cluttered with paperwork and the latest tech gadgets. She was sitting in her chair, her legs crossed, looking as sharp as ever in a tailored suit jacket, her cleavage noticeable, the tight shirt and short skirt extremely alluring.

Liam swallowed hard and stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a click that echoed in the silent room. "Good morning, Ms. Sterling," he said, his voice a bit shakier than he would have liked.

"Good morning," she replied, her eyes raking over him. "Take a seat."

Liam obeyed, his palms sweaty as he sat down. "You’re not here to replace Rachel," she began, her voice earnest. "I just want you to do you’re best to help while she's away."

Ms. Sterling's words hung in the air, and Liam felt the knot in his stomach loosen slightly. He had been worried that Rachel's absence would leave him floundering, but the CEO's reassurance gave him a glimmer of hope. "I understand," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Rachel's been my right hand for two years," she continued, leaning back in her chair and squeezing her fingers. "But I'm not looking for a carbon copy. I want someone who can bring something new to the table, someone who can think outside the box."

Her words hit him like a sledgehammer. Rachel's shadow was long and imposing, but Liam knew he had his own strengths. He had to make sure Ms. Sterling saw them.

The first few days without Rachel were a whirlwind. Liam threw himself into his work with a fervour that surprised even him. He knew he had to prove himself, not just to Ms. Sterling, but to Rachel as well. He wanted to make them both proud. And as he moved through the office, handling tasks with an ease that seemed to astonish even the most seasoned employees, he found that he was excelling in a way he never thought possible.

Ms. Sterling noticed, of course. She had a way of making her presence felt even when she wasn't in the room, and her approving nods and occasional words of praise were like rocket fuel for his self-esteem. He had always had a way with people, and it seemed that even in this corporate jungle, his charm was an asset. But it was Rachel's encouragement that truly kept him going. Her texts and calls during the day were like a lifeline, her voice a balm to his nerves.

And so, when she called him into her office at the end of the week, he walked in with a newfound confidence. The office was dimly lit, the city's lights twinkling in the background like a thousand stars. She looked up from her paperwork, her expression unreadable. "Liam," she said, her voice a low purr that seemed to resonate in his very bones, "close the door."

He did as he was told, his heart racing. The office was eerily quiet, the usual hum of keyboards and hushed conversations replaced by the occasional tick of the clock. The space felt both vast and claustrophobic at the same time, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy that usually filled it.

Ms. Sterling looked up from her desk, her eyes piercing through the shadows. "You've done well," she said, her voice a smoky whisper that seemed to caress his ears. "Very well."

Liam felt his chest swell with pride, his hands clutching the folder filled with the week's reports. "Thank you," he said, trying to keep his voice from shaking. "I just want to do what's best for the company."

Ms. Sterling leaned forward, her elbows on the desk, the fabric of her shirt stretching tight across her breasts. "I can see that," she murmured, her eyes never leaving his. "And it's not just about the work, is it?"

Liam's eyes flickered downward, unable to resist the allure of her cleavage. Her breasts were full and firm, the swell of them pushing against the confines of her shirt. He felt a sudden, inexplicable need to reach out and touch them, to see if they were as soft as they looked. He forced himself to look away, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Ms. Sterling's smile grew, and she leaned back in her chair, her legs crossing and uncrossing in a way that was both professional and undeniably seductive. "You know, Liam," she said, her voice dropping an octave, "the corporate world isn't just about numbers and spreadsheets. It's about... connections."

Liam's mind raced, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind her words. He could feel his heart beating in his chest like a drum, the heat from her body seemingly radiating across the desk. Rachel's voice echoed in his head, telling him to stay focused, but the allure of Ms. Sterling's beauty was too much to ignore.

"Liam, I’ll see you tomorrow," she said, her tone firm yet with a hint of something else that sent a shiver down his spine. He nodded, trying to play it cool despite the storm of emotions brewing inside him.

As he left the office, Rachel's call came through, the sound of her voice a welcome reprieve from the tension that lingered in the air. "Hey," she said, her voice filled with warmth and pride. "I just heard from Ms. Sterling. She said you're doing great."

Liam couldn't help but smile, the weight of the day's events lifting from his shoulders. "Really?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the excitement bubbling within him.

"Yes, really," Rachel said with a laugh. "You've got what it takes, Liam. I knew you did."

Monday arrived, and Liam found himself called into Ms. Sterling's office again. His heart thumped in his chest as he approached the sleek wooden door, his hand hovering over the handle. The week had flown by in a blur of meetings and emails, and Rachel's absence had been a constant ache. But he had pushed through, determined to make a good impression. He had even managed to win over a few of the more skeptical employees with his quick thinking and easy smile.

He took a deep breath and stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind him. Ms. Sterling looked up from her desk, her eyes assessing. "Liam," she said, her voice like velvet, "have a seat." He complied, his eyes darting around the office. It was a space of power, and he felt both intimidated and oddly at home.

"I've been watching you closely," she began, her fingers steepled under her chin. "And I must say, I'm impressed. You've taken to this role like a fish to water."

Liam's chest swelled with pride. He had worked tirelessly to ensure that Ms. Sterling's faith in him wasn't misplaced. "Thank you, Ms. Sterling," he said, his voice a bit too eager. "I just want to contribute to Sterling Enterprises in any way I can."

The CEO's smile was enigmatic, her eyes holding a glint that made his stomach flip. "Good," she said, her voice a seductive purr. "I'm sure you'll find that your unique... talents will be quite valuable to me."

The air in the room seemed to thicken with the weight of her words. Liam's mind raced, trying to parse out what she could possibly mean by that. He had been doing well, sure, but he was just an intern. What could she possibly have in mind for him?

“I’ll have specific job for you soon so please make yourself available.” She said with a hint of a seductive tone.

"Specific job, Ms. Sterling?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Her smile grew a little wider, revealing perfect white teeth. "Indeed," she said, her eyes darkening with an intensity that made his heart race. "A very... special project."

Liam nodded, his mind racing with the implications of her words. He knew he had to stay focused, to keep his cool, but the anticipation was like a drug, making him lightheaded. He could feel the heat from her body even though she was across the desk, and it was all he could do not to lean in closer, to let her scent wash over him like a warm wave.

"Of course," he said, trying to keep his voice even. "I'll make sure I'm available."

As 2:30 pm rolled around, Liam was summoned by Ms. Sterling again. "I need you to retrieve some files for me," she said, her eyes locked onto his. "They're in the office archives. It's an important project, so please be thorough."

The archives were a labyrinth of shelves and cabinets, a place where the ghosts of Sterling Enterprises' past slumbered in the form of dusty binders and forgotten paperwork. The air was stale and heavy, a stark contrast to the sterile, modern space of the main office. Liam felt a shiver run down his spine as he ventured into the dimly lit room, the only sound of his sighs and feeling the softness of the carpeted floor.

For hours, he searched, his eyes scanning the endless rows of documents. He had been so focused on impressing Ms. Sterling that he hadn't even thought to ask what the files looked like. He felt like he was searching for a needle in a haystack, and with each passing minute, the weight of his failure grew heavier on his shoulders. He could feel the sweat bead on his forehead, and the stifling silence of the archives seemed to press down on him, whispering his inadequacies.

As he turned a corner, ready to collapse into defeat, a voice behind him said, "I believe this is what you're after." Ms. Sterling stood there, her suit jacket thrown over one shoulder, her hair slightly disheveled as if she had been searching as well. In her hand, she held a single manilla envelope, the corners crinkled from her tight grip.

"Ms. Sterling?" Liam said, surprised. He hadn't heard her come in.

"I've been watching you," she said, her voice a low, seductive purr. "You've been thorough."

Her words sent a thrill through him, and he couldn't help but look down at the envelope in her hand. "I didn't know what to look for," he admitted, feeling the heat of her body so close to his.

“I admit, this was just a ploy to get you alone.” She whispered in his ear.

Liam's heart skipped a beat as Ms. Sterling's warm breath tickled his neck. He had been so focused on the task at hand, the need to prove himself, that he hadn't even considered the possibility of a more... intimate encounter with his boss. Rachel's warnings about office romances played in his mind, but the temptation was overwhelming.

Ms. Sterling stepped closer, the scent of her perfume enveloping him like a seductive fog. "You're doing well, Liam," she murmured, her voice a soft caress that sent shivers down his spine. "But I have a feeling you're capable of so much more."

Her eyes dropped to the growing bulge in his pants, and she raised an eyebrow in silent question. Liam felt a blush creep up his neck, his body betraying his thoughts. He had tried to keep his attraction to her under wraps, but it was clear she had noticed. Rachel's warning about office romances echoed in his mind, but the desire burning in Ms. Sterling's gaze was too potent to ignore.

Ms. Sterling stepped closer, her hand reaching out to brush against the front of his pants. "I see you've been busy," she said, her voice low and sultry.

Before Liam could react, she leaned in, pressing her soft lips to his cheek. Her kiss was gentle at first, but then grew more insistent, her tongue tracing a line along his jaw. "I want you, Liam," she breathed in his ear, sending a shiver of desire through his body.

Liam's mind reeled. This was his boss, the CEO of the company he was interning at. But the heat of her touch and the hunger in her voice made it difficult to think straight. Rachel's warnings about professional boundaries seemed to evaporate in the face of Ms. Sterling's blatant desire.

With a swift motion, she unzipped his pants, her eyes never leaving his. His cock sprang free, hard and pulsing with need. He sucked in a sharp breath as her cool, soft hand wrapped around him, her grip firm and sure. He could feel the slickness of her palm as she stroked him, her movements deliberate and unhurried.

Liam's eyes rolled back in his head as Ms. Sterling's touch sent waves of pleasure through his body. She knew exactly what she was doing, her thumb brushing over the sensitive tip of his cock in a way that made him want to beg for more. Rachel's voice was a distant memory, lost in the haze of desire that clouded his thoughts.

Ms. Sterling's strokes grew quicker, her hand moving up and down his length with a confidence that made his knees weak. He had never been with a woman who knew what she wanted quite so clearly, and it was intoxicating. He could feel the pressure building, his breath coming in short gasps as he leaned against the cold metal shelves for support.

With a final, firm squeeze, he reached his climax, his body convulsing with pleasure. She watched him intently, her eyes dark with desire, as he came in her hand. The sound of his release echoed through the archives, and for a moment, the world outside the office faded away, leaving just the two of them in their cocoon of passion.

Ms. Sterling took a step back, her hand still wrapped around his softening cock. She looked at him, her gaze hungry, and Liam felt his body respond almost immediately. Despite the intense release, he was hard again in a matter of seconds, his body seemingly attuned to her every whim. He began undoing her top exposing her firm tits held back by a lace black bra.

"Liam," she whispered, her voice a seductive purr that sent a shiver down his spine, "I think we've got some... unfinished business." She stepped closer, her breasts brushing against his chest as she reached up to kiss him. The taste of her was like nothing he had ever experienced—a heady mix of power and need that made him dizzy.

Her hands moved to the clasp of her bra, and with a deft twist, it fell away. Her tits were a work of art, full and firm, the nipples tight and begging to be touched. But as the fabric slipped away, they remained high and proud, unmarred by gravity. It was awe inspiring.

With a growl, Liam pushed Ms. Sterling against the stacks of files, the rustle of paper echoing through the quiet room. He pinned her there with his body, his hands moving to cup her breasts, feeling the weight of them in his palms. She moaned into his mouth, arching her back to press herself closer to him. Her nipples were hard and sensitive, and he rolled them gently between his thumbs and forefingers, eliciting gasps from her.

Her skirt was hiked up around her waist, and he could feel the warmth of her core against his thigh. He slid a hand down to find her slick with arousal, his fingers slipping inside her with ease. She was tight and wet, and he could feel her muscles clench around him as he pumped his fingers in and out. She bit down on his lower lip, her nails digging into his shoulders as he brought her closer and closer to the edge.

And then, unable to contain his desire any longer, he slipped his stiff member into her, filling her up in one swift motion that made them both gasp. She was so warm, so tight, and the feeling was almost too much to bear. He had never wanted anyone as badly as he wanted her in that moment, and he knew she felt the same way. Her hips bucked against him, and he began to move, setting a rhythm that seemed to resonate through the very air of the archives.

"You need to be quiet," Liam murmured into her ear, his voice a gruff whisper that sent a thrill through her body. He could feel her walls tightening around him, her breath hitching with every thrust.

"No... moan... nobody... wince... ever... heave... comes down here," she breathed, her eyes squeezed shut. The pain was a delicious kind of agony, the kind she hadn't felt in years.

"Just a little more," Liam assured her, his voice a mix of sweet reassurance and gritty need. He knew she was close, could feel the tremors in her body, the way her muscles tightened around him. Ms. Sterling had always been so composed, so in control, but here, in the dusty archives, she was letting go, allowing herself to be vulnerable.

And as he drove into her with renewed force, her moans grew louder, bouncing off the walls of the maze-like room. The sound of their bodies slapping together mingled with the rustle of paper and the occasional creak of the shelves, a symphony of passion that was at odds with the sterile silence of the office outside.

Ms. Sterling’s legs wrapped around his waist, her heels digging into his back, urging him to go deeper. Her nails scraped against his shoulders, leaving red marks in their wake, and he revelled in the feeling of her body clutching at him, desperate for release.

Liam's strokes grew more intense, pushing her to the edge of what she could handle. Each thrust was met with a gasp of pleasure, her body arching against his. He could feel her tightening around him, her inner muscles clenching in anticipation of the climax that was building between them.

And then, with a load cry, she came, her body going limp against him except for the tightening of her love tunnel, which seemed to squeeze him even more firmly as she reached the peak of her pleasure. He felt her orgasm ripple through her, her legs tightening around his waist, her nails digging into his shoulders. It was all he could do to keep his own release at bay, to let her ride out the waves of pleasure that crashed through her body.

But the feeling was too much, the sight of her coming apart in his arms too intense. With a final, powerful thrust, he let go, his own climax cresting over him like a wave. He filled her with his hot seed, his body shaking with the force of it, his eyes locked onto hers as they both fell over the edge.

For a moment, they remained there, both spent and gasping for air, their hearts racing in time with each other's. The archives around them had never felt so alive, the dust and silence forgotten in the face of their shared passion.

Liam gently withdrew from Ms. Sterling, the loss of her warmth leaving him feeling a bit empty. He helped her adjust her clothes, his own still a disheveled mess around his waist. The gravity of what they had just done began to sink in, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and fear. This was his sister's boss, the woman who could make or break his career.

But Ms. Sterling didn't seem to share his apprehension. With a knowing smile, she straightened her skirt and tucked her shirt back into place, the confidence in her movements unshakeable. She handed him a tissue to clean up, and he took it, his cheeks flaming red as he realized the evidence of their encounter was still on his hand.

As they exited the archives, the bustling sounds of the office flooded in, a stark contrast to the cocoon of quiet they had left behind. Liam's heart hammered in his chest, but Ms. Sterling walked with a grace that belied what had just transpired. The employees they passed offered polite nods and smiles, oblivious to the illicit activity that had unfolded just minutes ago.

The rest of the week went by in a blur of work and furtive glances. Rachel had returned from her leave, and while she noticed the newfound ease between Liam and Ms. Sterling, she said nothing, her eyes holding a knowing glint that made Liam's stomach flip. Each time Ms. Sterling called him into her office, he felt the weight of his secret, the thrill of their shared experience pulsing through his veins.

On Friday, Rachel was called into a surprise meeting with the HR department. When she emerged, her face was flushed with excitement. "Liam," she said, her voice shaking with barely contained glee, "I got the promotion! I'm going to be working with the senior team!"

Liam couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, mixed with pride for his friend. Rachel had been his mentor, his guide in the shark-infested waters of Sterling Enterprises, and now she was moving on to greater things. But as Rachel's replacement was discussed, Ms. Sterling's gaze fell upon him, and the words that followed were like a bolt from the blue.

"Liam," she said, her voice like honey, "I believe you've been more than adequate in Rachel's stead. In fact, I've decided to award you with the 'Employee of the Month' title."

Liam's jaw dropped, and he couldn't hide the surprise that flooded his features. Rachel shot him a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Congrats, Liam," she said, nudging him playfully. "Guess all that hard work paid off, huh?"

"Yeah," he murmured, but he knew the real reason. The secret trysts in the archives, the late-night emails that turned into flirty exchanges, and the subtle yet undeniable shift in Ms. Sterling's demeanour towards him had all played a role in his sudden rise. The 'Employee of the Month' award was just the cherry on top of a very tempting and forbidden fruit.

The weekend couldn't come soon enough for Liam. He found himself counting down the hours until Monday when he could see her again, the anticipation building like a pressure cooker set to explode. He tried to focus on Rachel's congratulations and the well-wishes from his colleagues, but his mind was elsewhere.

Monday finally arrived, and with it, the promise of another secret meeting. The office felt charged, as if the very air was aware of the illicit affair blossoming behind the scenes. As the day drew to a close, Ms. Sterling called him into her office, the same seductive smile playing on her lips as she had the week before.

"Close the door, Liam," she purred, her voice thick with desire. "We need some privacy."