Page 54 of Deceit

“Uh, no?”

“Yes, as in, no thank you. I decline. I refuse. I reject your proposal. Take your pick.”

A choked laugh escapes him like he’s trying to gauge whether I’m joking or not, before he clears his throat and attempts to lay it on even thicker. As if that were possible. He plops down into the seat beside me as he looks at me with those soft green eyes.

“Please? I have the best date planned and we will have a lot of fun.”

“Is that before or after you shove me into another grave? Or maybe this time you’ll pick me up, only to drop me off twenty miles away from the nearest town. Somewhere nice and secluded with no cell service,” I scoff with a shake of my head. “No, you can tell Asher that whatever little plan the two of you have concocted, I’m not interested. I’m not playing your games, leave me out of everything.”

His head cocks to the side slightly, like he’s genuinely confused as he speaks.

“Asher doesn’t know I’m trying to take you out.”

I give him a dubious look, not believing him for one second but his eyes shine genuinely.

“Then why would you try?”

Liam lets out a short laugh as he pushes his hair out of his face, like it’s a nervous tick or something.

“Despite what you may think, I’m not Asher’s lap dog. I have a mind of my own, my own thoughts, my own desires.”

“So, where does taking me out fit in?” I ask.

He smiles and shakes his head.

“Is that a yes?”

I go to correct him and say my answer stands, when two figures catch my eye across the courtyard. Ronan is walking to his car, but he isn’t alone. That leggy goddess from yesterday is on his arm like an accessory as they move towards the staffparking lot. Hurt jabs inside me and before I know what I’m doing, or saying, I nod towards Liam.

“Fine. Whatever. Pick me up at seven and if you’re even a second late, I’m not going with you.”

A wide grin, that shines so bright it actually takes me back, spreads across his face.

“Deal, except I’ll pick you up at nine. Everything doesn’t start until around then.”

“Everything?” I question, as he pushes up to stand and begins sauntering off.

“See you tonight, babygirl!”

Shaking my head, I look to see Maggie staring at me with wide eyes.

“Did you just agree to go out on a date, with your betrothed’s best friend?”

I can’t help but scoff at the word betrothed before shrugging.

“Guess so.”

I’m just finishing my lipstick when my phone lights up. The contact name Asshole Fiancé displays across the screen, but I have no intention of answering it. Thankfully it goes to voicemail just as my lipstick is done. I slip it into my clutch when my phone starts up again, and again. Finally, irritation wins and I click accept.

“What?” I snap.

He’s quiet for a moment, like he’s taken off guard before he recovers.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“Just trying to survive this life, what about you?”

He curses under his breath before speaking.

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