Chapter 13

"Found anything?" I sighed as I went through the files, racking my head to find some kind of loophole.

"No, this Juliana person seems to be shady, and not only is she suing the hotel for $50,000, she said that she wouldn't hesitate to go public about this," Liam explained and I frowned at his response.

"All the food records from the hotel seem to be fine. This is bullshit, dude. I mean nobody takes their time to go all legal about a small issue and it has been weeks. Why hasn't she given up already?" I whined as I took a sip of my coffee. We had other work to do and classes in the middle of the week. It was hard to focus on one thing at a time.

"That's what I thought too but she has convincing medical records. What if it's a pattern and she is doing it for money?" he suggested and I jerked my head at his question.

"That could be a possibility," I said, nodding my head and relaxing for the first time after weeks of breaking my head with this stupid case. We were finally getting somewhere.

I never stepped my foot inside Willams Enterprises after that day and I was so embarrassed by how I stormed out of his office, crying my eyes out. He must have thought I was some weak, sensitive, pathetic girl. He deserved that slap though. I got all my information through Mr.Mcadams by calling his office and he was more than helpful.

Seeing him that day made me so vulnerable and all those months that I spent, trying to forget about him turned out to be pointless. I hated how he made me feel and hated myself more for wanting him, even after what he did to me. He tried calling me a few times but I ignored his calls. I had no idea what he was trying this time. He was so fucking confusing.

Asshole.

"Em?" Liam waved his hands in front of my face, bringing me back to the present.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" I grinned sheepishly as he narrowed his eyes at my ignorance.

"We should pay a visit to this hotel and try to find any information."

"Sure, how far is it?" I asked as I closed my file and stood up, wearing my coat.

"Uh...I guess 15 minutes from our office," he replied, grabbing his keys and turned off his computer.

"Alright, let's go." I drank the remaining coffee and we both made our way towards the elevator.

"Hey, where are you guys headed?" Anna asked us with curious eyes as we were about to cross her desk.

"Just visiting this hotel Bello Italiano something. It's regarding this stupid lawsuit," I said in a bored tone and saw her jaw drop to the floor.

"That's one of the coolest hotels in the city, Em. It's so hard to get a reservation there and way costlier than regular hotels." she pouted and I noticed Liam staring at her with so much affection. It reminded me of how Austin used to look at me. I felt a tug at my heart at the thought of him and swallowed back the lump in my throat before replying.

"Really? I haven't heard of it," I croaked out, leaning against her desk and she looked at me in disbelief.

"Don't miss me too much while I'm gone, Babycakes," Liam smirked at her, making her blush a deep shade of shade.

"I--I have to work, you guys have fun." she tried to chase us before Liam could embarrass her further. These two were so cute.

"No fun without you around, I'll be back soon." he winked at her, giving her a boyish grin before dragged his feet towards the elevator. She mouthed the words 'Oh my god,' as soon as he turned around making me laugh. I shook my head and followed him right behind.

"You need to ask her out, dude. She has the hots for you." I wriggled my eyebrows at him in a suggestive manner.

"Yeah, I like her too. I'm just waiting for the right moment," he paused and I nodded, "To be honest I'm scared, Em. I try to maintain my cool on the outside but that woman makes me all nervous and shit," he said, making me chuckle.

"Someone is in loveeee," I teased him, making him roll his eyes.

We reached the hotel in about 20 minutes and I realized that Anna was indeed right. The hotel was so cool that fell in love with it as soon as I stepped inside. It had a beautiful Italian theme to it with red and gold colors dominating the interior. Judging by the clothes of the people dining there, they seem to be filthy rich. I noticed a huge fountain in the center that added beauty and elegance to the already classy hotel. I heard Liam's voice ahead of me and I came out of my trance, following him like a lost puppy.

After an hour of going through the hotel records, we found nothing odd, and every single detail matched with Juliana's statement. It was useless.

"We could get her bank statement or something to find out if she has dined in any other hotel and pulled a similar stunt," I suggested as we drove back to work.

"Yeah, that might be helpful. I'll get to it soon. Also, I was thinking about taking out Anna to this hotel, on a date. She seemed to love it and I can see why." he grinned as he spoke and I squealed in excitement.

"Damn, Liam. You do pay attention to your woman. She is so gonna love it," I smiled widely and looked out of the window thinking about my non-existent love life.

"Although, there is a problem. You heard her say that it's hard to get reservations and she was right. I already checked with the manager. They are booked for the next two months,"

"Wow, really?"

"Yeah and this is where I need your help," I narrowed my eyes at him, already guessing what he wanted from me.

"No fucking way," I said in a stern voice, making him groan.

"Come on, Emma. He would get us the reservations in a second if you ask," he asked with pleading eyes.

"I'm not gonna whore myself so that you could go on a date," I snapped at him furiously.

"I'm not telling you to sleep with him, Jeez. You could just ask him," he muttered under his breath and I didn't reply. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself. The rest of the ride was silent and I felt bad for not helping him.

"Listen, I'm sorry for snapping but you know you could ask him yourself right?" I replied once we reached our cubicle and I removed my coat.

"I'd like my nose to remain unbroken till my date," he joked, making me laugh at the memory of Austin punching him.

"Fine, I'll try asking him," I said in a defeated tone. I didn't want to ruin his first date with Anna because of me.

"Seriously?" he asked with wide eyes and I nodded with a small smile on my face. He was such a good friend and this was the least I could do for him.

"You are the best, Em." he came over to give me a bone-crushing hug and I chuckled, hugging him back. We both heard someone clear their throat and I pulled myself from him, turning to my side to see the intruder.

Speak of the devil.

Austin was fuming with rage and gritted his teeth, trying to control his anger. He looked like he wanted to punch Liam again. Wait, what was he doing here in the first place? I saw that was Anna was not at her desk and frowned.

"You can't keep your hands to yourself, can you?" he growled and took a step closer towards Liam.

"Woah! dude, relax, I don't want my nose broken again. She is all yours, man." Liam let out a nervous laugh and lifted up his hands in defense. Dear Lord, The last thing I wanted was a fucking drama at my workplace. I pulled Austin back by his arms, loving the feel of his biceps.

Focus, Emma.

"What the hell is your problem? Why are you here?" I hissed at him as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

"Oh, sorry guys I was on my lunch break. I see you have met Mr.Willams. He has been waiting for you in the conference room for almost an hour, Emma." Anna chirped and smiled at him politely. Wow,An hour?

"Thanks, Anna," I gave her a small smile and she nodded, making her way towards her desk, before giving me knowing wink, pointing towards Austin. I tried to suppress my smile at her reaction.

"I'll be back, Liam. If anyone asks, say I've gone out for lunch," I took my coat and pulled Austin's hand, dragging him out.

"I can walk you know, not that I'm complaining. I love it when you are bossy," he said in an amused tone and I glared at him as we entered the elevator.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as soon as the doors closed and couldn't help but check him out. He was wearing a three-piece gray suit that looked tailor-made for him. He looked so fucking hot and I remembered Anna's words from earlier. Definitely, Sex on legs. He stuffed his hands in his pocket and leaned against the wall, staring at me like a hawk.

"You didn't pick up my calls," he replied, licking his lips, making my eyes follow his actions. I flicked my gaze to his hazel eyes and pursued my lips. My body seemed to burn under his heated gaze and I pressed my thighs together.

"Don't you get the message, I'm ignoring you, asshole," I smirked and folded my arms in front of my chest. He kept staring, clenching his jaw and pushed me against the wall. Wow, Deja Vu much. I felt his hot breath on my face as his grip on my shoulders tightened. Our lips were inches apart and I inhaled his familiar, woody scent which made me lick my lips.

"Don't take that tone with me, Emma." He said in a husky tone, making me wet in an instant. Fuck, I loved it when he said my name like that.

"Let go of me," I spoke through gritted teeth.

"Or what? You are gonna cry or slap me again?" Oh no, he didn't. My hands itched to slap him again but we were so close and my hands were trapped between his chest and mine, "Why are you angry with me?" he asked in almost a whisper, making me melt.

Because you hurt me and cheated on me, I wanted to say.

"Because I can," I shook myself, trying to let go of his grip. He loosened his grip and traced my cheeks with his fingers, making me close my eyes at his soft touch.

"I want to fuck that smart mouth of yours," he breathed out, tracing my now parted lips.

Oh,wow. How much I missed these dirty talks!

I swallowed hard, trying so hard to ignore the tingling sensation in my core. I breathed heavily, clutching his arms as I felt my legs go weak. He rested his forehead against mine and looked like he wanted to say something but had a painful expression on his face. The elevator dinged and he quickly pulled back, before anyone could see us. Thank fuck, I almost lost my control. I let out a huge breath that I didn't know I was holding and rushed out as fast as I could.

"Where are you going?" he asked, once we stepped out.

"I'm going out for lunch. Just leave me alone Austin," I said in a tired voice and started, walking away from him.

"Let me take you out for lunch," he called out, making me stop dead in my tracks. Did I hear him right?

What the actual fuck?