Page 41 of Perfect Liar

“What is it, Elle?”

I glanced again at the private jet he’d hired.

“Nothing. It’s fine. I’m ready.”

Panic slashed at my empty stomach.

He followed my nervous glance and stepped in front of me.

“You should have told me. How bad is it?”

I flashed an uneasy smile.

“I’ve taken medication, and with any luck I’ll sleep through the flight. I should go settle Lissie. Everyone’s waiting for us.”

“And they’ll continue to wait. What can I do to make it easier for you?”

“There isn’t anything but thank you. I just have to push through it.”

The back of his fingers brushed over my cheek.

“We’re not leaving until I know exactly what you need.”

“Keep an eye on Lissie while I sleep?”

“Of course.”

His soft touch moved to my battered throat. His fingertips and his eyes rested on the bruises.

I shut my eyes, absorbing his touch into my skin.

“Will?”

“Yeah?”

You’re what I need.

“Elle?”

“I’m sorry for my childish behavior. I was going to say it earlier. I thought it was you on the beach.”

“I know, baby. No need to apologize to me, not ever.”

With one hand gripping the back of my head, he pulled my mouth close to his.

“Always knew you’d challenge me,” he added.

Then he kissed me.

He kissed my lips softly, and when he stopped, we stood so still, connected through our gazes, like we had turned to stone.

The look in Will’s eyes demanded forgiveness.

I touched his face, nodding, forgiving him for rejecting me.

He threaded his fingers in my hair and slanted his mouth over mine, pushing past my lips this time with his tongue.

His hard, unyielding kiss made his intentions very clear—he was taking what he wanted. And as the sun’s last ray dipped below the horizon, we held on to each other, kissing wildly and falling even more, creating something between us that we knew would be painful and beautiful and forever.

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