Chapter 203

Ariella Rios knew Liam Sterling had asked everyone to leave just so he could talk to her alone. That thought made her feel...off. It’s not that she disliked being around Liam—actually, he gave off a kind warmth. But she couldn’t help but worry that what he felt for her wasn’t the same familial fondness she had toward him. “You holding up okay?” Liam finally broke the silence. He was a mess inside, honestly dying to just reach out, hold her hand, and tell her how he thought about her day and night. He used to keep himself in check, never letting any woman linger in his mind. But with her… he didn’t stand a chance. The feelings snuck up and overwhelmed him before he could stop them. He tried to hold back—but it was no good. Maybe he shouldn't have sent Nicole Bright away, not with Lucian Sterling already gone. But he couldn’t help it. He was done watching from a distance. He needed to be close to her, even if only for a minute. Even if it meant risking his brother finding out and getting