Liam a forbidden age gap.., p.1
Liam: A Forbidden Age Gap Romance (Possessive Alpha Series Book 3), page 1
LIAM
POSSESSIVE ALPHA SERIES • BOOK 3
B.L. BROOKS
CONTENTS
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Preview
1. Mia
2. Liam
3. Mia
4. Liam
5. Mia
6. Liam
7. Mia
Epilogue
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PREVIEW
LIAM
I'm not sure how long my gaze is fixed on the auburn-haired beauty who's giving me a run for my money...though it's long enough to watch her saunter down the hall before stopping at one of my software developers' office.
My god, isn't she gorgeous?
Absolutely breathtaking.
Her innocent green eyes draw you in only to be pummeled by her plush pink lips. And despite the look of her long red hair being straightened, no amount of heat can tame the wild curls hidden within.
I have to have her.
Without a doubt I will.
The only question is when.
1
MIA
“Extra pickles, please.” I smile at the man behind the counter at the best deli in Atlanta and watch carefully as he slaps together a sandwich for my brother’s lunch. “Thank you, sir.”
The man, who looks to be pushing thirty, smiles at me and slides the bag filled with a sandwich, fresh chips and potato salad, in my direction. “Have a nice day, miss.”
I nod and grab my bag as I prepare to head back out into the sunny, slightly sticky southern day. My classes are done already because as a freshman in college, I have the unfortunate distinction of enjoying my lectures at eight, nine and ten—every other day of the week. And having time to kill today, I might as well do something nice for my older brother to celebrate one month at his dream job.
Axel Digital is just a stone’s throw away from the liberal arts building on campus, and it takes only a few minutes to get to the sleek building with floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible architecture. This place is everything I expect from a cutting-edge tech company and I smile as I step through the grand doors, proud of Jacob for his accomplishments. The lobby is decorated with futuristic videos and digital text displays, like some sort of science fiction movie based on the future.
“Welcome to Axel Digital. How may I help you?” The beautiful, stylish receptionist smiles up at me and waits patiently for a response.
“Yeah, hi. I’m Mia. I brought lunch for my brother, Jacob Angelo. Could you tell me where his office is located?”
“You’ll want to head up to the eighth floor and he’s the fifth office on the left. I believe his name is on the door, finally,” she says in a way that leads me to believe she knows Jacob better than she’s letting on.
“Thank you.” I quickly cross the expensive marble floor towards a bank of gold and copper elevators, stepping inside the first car that arrives and heading up to the eighth floor. Half a dozen men in suits step off the elevator ahead of me and I take my time, nervous to visit Jacob. I’m at his alma mater now, as last year I was back in Tulsa with our folks. So this is the first time in four years we’ll be able to see each other on a regular basis.
Here we go.
Unsure of how Jacob will react to a surprise lunch, I square my shoulders and walk down the hall with the utmost confidence. My gaze lands on beautiful artwork, probably originals and not copies, that decorate the plain white walls between each door. The sight of an arched window with stained glass steals my attention and I slow my pace, eager to take in the details. It’s mesmerizing and emotional, such a stark contrast to the clean lines and sleek appeal of the office. It’s almost as if two different people decorated this place.
It’s stunning.
I keep moving as my mind stays in place, forcing me to crash right into a giant hard wall…of muscle. I gasp and step back, eyes flinging up to a pair of gray orbs on one giant man. The flecks of gold swimming in his eyes have me unafraid despite the dark scowl on his gorgeous face. The slight wave to his blonde hair brings out a surfer look, a rich surfer who reluctantly spends his days inside an office.
“Oh shit,” I murmur. “S-Sorry, didn’t see you there.”
His lips twitch but his expression is implacable—almost indiscernible. He stares at me silently, saying not a word.
I roll my eyes, annoyed by his aloofness and his masculine beauty all at once. “Alrighty then…” I whisper as he looks at me like I’m nothing more than a clumsy idiot. “You don’t have to be a jerk about it.”
His lips twitch again; he seems amused. But more than anything else his lips have me thinking of kissing him. Oh god.
I quickly sidestep the handsome jerk. “Apology accepted,” I say in a deep tone, one that mimics a man’s voice. “No harm, no foul.” Walking away, I glance over my shoulder and catch a crooked grin on the giant man’s lips.
I snap my head back forward and huff. What’s his deal?
My heart is racing with a mixture of excitement and arousal, though I shove that down deep and stop at the fifth office on the left, knocking on the door with my brother’s name on it.
“Come in,” Jacob answers in a deep voice I barely recognize.
And nervous for no good reason, I wipe my free hand on my jeans and let out a shaky sigh before twisting the knob to step inside—but not before casting one last look in the direction of the silent man whose dark gaze is still pinned on me. Oh no. With my heart still pounding away, I shake my head before moving into my brother’s office.
“Mia?” Jacob questions, a shocked look erasing his concentration. “What are you doing here?”
Ignoring my brother’s tone, I paste on a smile as I hold up a bag to his favorite deli. “I thought I’d bring you lunch to celebrate your first month on the job.”
His gaze narrows and then suddenly brightens. “Yeah?”
I nod. “Yeah. It’s a milestone even for a super genius like you. Turkey, prosciutto and provolone with the works. Dill pickles, homemade chips and lots of vinegar. Just the way you like it.”
Jacob leans back into his fancy executive chair and grins. “Thanks, Mia. You shouldn’t have, but man am I so fucking glad you did.”
“Rough day?”
He shrugs. “Not rough, but there’s a lot on my plate. With dozens of projects running at once, developers are expected to handle every problem on the fly.” He seems annoyed and slightly overwhelmed—but I know my brother well.
“You love it.”
He grins and shrugs again. “I don’t hate it.”
“I’m proud of you, Jacob. You look so sharp and grown up in your suit, sitting behind this big desk while doing big things.” I laugh at my words but truthfully, I’m jealous. Jacob is where he wants to be and I’m just starting out, lightyears away from having it all in place.
As if he can read my mind, Jacob sighs. “May I remind you that you’re only eighteen, Mia. You’re just starting out. Give it some time to figure out what you like and where you want to go, then you’ll take the steps to make it happen. You’ll see.”
“I’m trying, I promise. School is going great but I’m anxious as hell to be where you are, you know?”
“I know you are but don’t rush it. Believe me when you’re here, you’ll long for the carefree days of after-hour parties, late night study sessions and three-day weekends, sis. Enjoy every moment of it while it lasts.”
I can’t help but smile at his encouraging words. “If you insist, then I’ll fully enjoy my college experience,” I reply, sarcasm drowning my tone. “And if the folks ask I’ll tell them I’m partying at your behest.”
Jacob rolls his eyes and takes a bite of his sandwich. “I’d kick you out if not for this incredible lunch,” he grumbles and glances at his computer screen. “But I do have to get this project done before the day is over.”
“I don’t want to keep you, really. I just missed you the past few years and wanted you to know that I’m super proud of where you’re at.” I drop the extra chips and pickles I had tucked in my purse onto his desk. “Good luck.”
“Thanks, Mia.” He gets up and wraps me in a tight hug before letting me go. “I missed you, kiddo. I’ll reach out soon. Promise.”
I nod and peek out of his office, eager to avoid the annoying hottie from earlier...
For now.
2
LIAM
Time is lost on me. Staring at the auburn-haired beauty who’s given me a glimpse of attitude without batting a damn eyelash, I can’t help but watch her saunter down the hallway before stopping at the office of one of my new software developers.
Fuck, that girl is stunning. Absolutely perfect with her glossy red hair she seems to straighten even though no amount o
I have to have her.
I don’t give a fuck if she’s Jacob’s girl. She’s mine now.
Rather than standing in the hallway like a goddamn stalker, I turn away and head down to the lobby where all guests have to check in before proceeding upstairs.
“Mr. Stone, how can I help you?” Shelby looks up at me with her chipper receptionist demeanor, and I manage a tight smile in return.
“The woman who’s visiting Jacob Angelo, did she sign in?” My tone is a bit harsh yet Shelby doesn’t flinch.
“Of course, sir. Mia Angelo is her name,” she confirms and looks back up at me. “I assume she’s Jacob’s younger sister.”
Sister. Oh thank fuck. I swallow my relief and nod at Shelby. “I appreciate it. Keep up the good work.”
“Will do, Mr. Stone. Have a great day!”
I make my way back to the elevators.
Younger sister…holy fuck. Jacob isn’t older than twenty-four which puts his little sister at eighteen or nineteen—with ease. Mia is young. Young as hell.
It should matter to a forty-year-old man like me but it doesn’t.
And what’s even more strange is the feeling taking over. No woman has ever had a hold on me as strong as Mia…she’s edgy and have I mentioned drop-dead gorgeous? Something about the girl calls to me. Something unexplainable, which ironically explains why I’m lingering outside Jacob’s office again in hopes of catching another glimpse of his sister.
“Love you,” Mia says over her shoulder and steps out of his office, sauntering back down the hallway in the opposite direction of my six-foot-four frame. And I can’t stop staring until she’s finally out of sight. Dammit.
I straighten my slate gray tie and head into Jacob’s office. Typically I don’t involve myself in the daily work of my employees, but given the fact it’s my company I’ll do what the fuck I want.
“Jacob.”
He looks up immediately and freezes, but the man quickly recovers. “Mr. Stone. How are you, sir?”
“Just checking in. Still enjoying the job, I assume?”
He casually smiles. “I love it, sir. The work is great, difficult and demanding—just what I’ve been looking for.” He lets out a shaky breath. “Is there a problem?”
“None at all,” I voice in confidence. “How was lunch with your sister?”
“Uh, good.” He already looks confused and I can’t blame him. Oftentimes I meet with employees that only dropped the ball—and around here, they don’t last. “She surprised me with a sub from my favorite deli in celebration of my first month on the job. Is that okay, sir? She just decided to show up on her own.”
“It’s fine, no need to explain. Just tell me about her instead.” I’ve officially lost my fucking mind and even Jacob now knows it. He blinks and then nods, going on to fill me in on his little sister. Mia.
“She’s a freshman at UGA, major undeclared. She’s sweet but annoying like all younger sisters, you know?”
Not necessarily, considering I’m an only child. “Mia would be an asset around here.”
Jacob’s head jerks back, his shock undeniable. “Here? S-Sir, she’s not really into computers. Or tech.”
He’s being a good brother by keeping Mia away. And while I admire that, I’m undeterred. “She’ll get acclimated in no time. Inform her the internship begins on Friday. Nine o’clock sharp.”
He hesitates in response, almost as if he’s trying to decide whether or not he wants to tell me to fuck off or to just go ahead and ask more questions. Smart move is to do neither.
“Mr. Stone, I’m not certain she’ll be a great fit.”
“It’s not a question, Jacob.”
He opens his mouth but looks to catch himself, shoulders dipping in defeat. “Sir, with all due respect—”
I stalk over to his desk, stopping just before it. “Let me make this clear for you. Mia takes the internship and you get to keep your job at one of the best goddamn tech companies in the world. You may even earn yourself a shot at becoming a project lead sooner rather than later.” I smooth my tie with a clenched jaw. “Do we understand one another?”
Jacob nods. “Absolutely.”
I’m a bastard and I sure as fuck know it. I won’t deny it or make excuses. You don’t make it to this level in a highly competitive field without a little bit of asshole in you—or a vast amount, in my case. “Excellent. Now have yourself a great rest of your day. I appreciate all your hard work around here.”
With a plan in mind to get Mia close, I smile at her brother and stroll out of his office with a mission set in place.
Soon enough, Mia…you will be mine.
3
MIA
“Why did I let you talk me into this?” I ask Jacob for the millionth time. It’s Friday morning and here we are, standing side-by-side in an elevator at Axel Digital. Who would’ve thought, as today marks the first day of an internship I never applied for but somehow now have.
“Because,” Jacob bumps my shoulder. “You’ll get a chance to see how a multi-billion dollar business works. Plus putting in a few hours a week here might help you figure out what you’d like to major in.” His smile is as carefree as ever and I roll my eyes.
“Ugh, stop. You’re even more protective than Dad.”
Jacob laughs with a shake of his head, though there’s a flash of something in his eyes—something I can’t quite make out. But the elevator doors open and I quickly brush my worries away. “Good luck,” he calls over his shoulder as we part. “Call if you need me.”
I nod and hurry over to the desk of Bridget Jane, Mr. Stone’s Executive Assistant.
“Hi, I’m Mia Angelo. I believe I’m supposed to report to you this morning?”
Without looking up, Bridget points her dainty finger at the elevators. “Top floor. Mr. Stone’s office.”
My stomach turns. “There m-must be some sort of mistake. I’m just an intern.”
“I received a memo from Mr. Stone himself, advising to send you up to his office the moment you arrive. So, top floor, Ms. Angelo,” she repeats, her brown gaze finally meeting mine. “And don’t be late.”
Not willing to question the poised lady again, I hurry to catch the next elevator. I take a deep breath in and try to relax before the doors slide open on the top floor. I’m not supposed to be working directly for the CEO…or so I figured. But Jacob would’ve mentioned this if he surely knew. Or so I hope.
Not much is making sense but yet I follow suit and stop at the desk of a middle aged woman. Before I can say a word she nods at a large door with the CEO’s name on it. “He’s expecting you.”
I flash a smile of gratitude that she misses as her glare has returned to her computer screen. Okay, then. With a deep breath, I knock on the intimidating door as I open it. “Hello, Mr. Stone. You requested—” I gasp, jaw dipping at the sight of him. “It’s you.” The stupidly gorgeous grump who acted as if I committed the biggest crime of all by bumping into him.
His smile spreads slowly, and holy hell is it even more panty melting than I remember. “It’s me.”
“You’re Liam Stone?” I can’t hide my shock. I’m not even trying.
The gorgeous man nods, appearing rather amused by this—whatever this is. “Disappointed?”
“You could say so. But now it all makes sense.”
His blond brows dip in confusion. “What does?”
“Why you were all persnickety about a peasant like me brushing up on you,” I scoff. “And believe me, it won’t happen again.” My nipples bead inside my bralette, making a liar out of me as all I want is to brush up against him again. And again.
