Page 61 of Deceit

“I’ll take your word for it.”

I grin as I follow her to her side of the car, opening the door before she can. She nods in thanks as I dramatically give her a bow, as if she were the Queen of England, before shutting the door behind her. I mean, I’m not far off. She’s the Princess of Salem, soon to be the Queen. I just don’t think she fully grasps that yet.

Chapter Twenty One

Skyla

Thankfully, we drive in silence all the way back to campus because I need space to think. I came out on this date, really, for the chance of pissing off Asher and forgetting about how much it hurt that I wasn’t the only woman Ronan was entertaining. Yet, within minutes of being with Liam I forgot about both of them. In those moments, tonight, it was just him.

Yes, he’s the silly, showboating, cocky man that he shows himself to be around campus, but there is another side of him. A more caring side. One that opens and closes my doors, rests his hand on my knee when we’re driving as if he just wants to touch me– nothing more, nothing less. I don’t know if tonight was just an act, put on by Liam, but I can’t deny I found myself smiling and laughing more than I have in, I don’t know how long. He’s like sunshine, warm and constant, being near him is like sunbathing on a perfect day.

When we get to campus, he pulls into the parking lot right outside of my dorm before turning the car off. Spinning in his seat, he faces me, resting his head against the headrest as he smiles at me.

“I know you didn’t say yes to me tonight because you really wanted to, but whatever made you say yes, I’m fucking glad you did.”

A flutter hits my chest, and I can practically feel the blush take over my cheeks as I nod.

“Me too. I wasn’t expecting to have such a good time, if I’m being honest.”

“I’m not so bad, huh?” he teases, with a wink that has me chuckling.

“Not at all. You’re actually a pretty great guy.”

His teasing smile falters for a moment, a look of earnest appreciation taking over his face before he swallows roughly, as if he was trying to push whatever emotions he’s feeling away. Liam’s eyes are bouncing between my own before he undoes his seatbelt, reaches his hand behind my head, and pulls me in for a kiss. Just like when he kissed me before, it’s like fireworks going off through my body. A euphoric rush comes just from this man’s lips being on mine.

I lean farther into him, desperate to bask in this feeling for as long as I’m allowed to as his tongue slips inside my mouth. I tangle my own with his and his hands begin running down my body. Just as fast as we started though, it’s over. Liam is tearing himself away from me and forcing himself back into his seat. His breathing is labored with his fists clenched as he stares out the front windshield.

Frowning at him, I speak.

“Are you okay?”

He nods roughly before blowing out a ragged breath.

“I can’t help but get a little carried away with you, and I can’t afford to do that.Wecan't afford to do that.”

Disappointment sinks into me, but I do my best not to let it show.

“Because I’m engaged to Asher?”

Liam scoffs. “Fuck Asher, because you deserve better. You deserve a man who is going to take his time with you, always, savor you.”

His words take me by surprise as I look at him .

“Are you going to be that man?”

Now he is the one who looks surprised, though he recovers well.

“I’d love to be. Does this mean I can take you out again soon?”

I pause as if I’m weighing my options, though I already know my answer.

“Sure, I’d like that. What are we going to do next time? Go to an underground gambling ring? Fight club?”

Liam lets out a boisterous laugh, as he smiles at me and shakes his head.

“I’ll start working on the plan now.”

I smile and nod, feeling bold for a moment as I lean across the console and press my lips to his. He only moves his lips a little, as he lets me do the work. I appreciate the control it allows me, the power, and the smile that I can’t seem to drop.

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