Page 30 of The Lair

“All right. Let’s throw a dart to see who starts,” I suggest, grabbing all the darts and giving him half.

My boss stands tall, his eyes never leaving mine. “You go first.”

“I don’t mind going second.”

“I insist.”

Does he have to be so considerate all the time? First walking me to my car, then stocking pads and tampons in the bar’s restroom, and now this? I’m aware that this is probably just basic decency, but I’m used to less. Way less.

When I told him I would kick his ass, I wasn’t messing around. For someone who didn’t play darts once growing up and only got into it thanks to a cheap board from the grocery store, I’m pretty amazing. The evidence lands on the outer ring.

My smug smirk doesn’t go anywhere as I look back at Travis, whose own smile is almost nonexistent, but I think I see it. “Impressive.”

I beam at his praise, but my pride doesn’t last very long. A moment later, Travis’s dart hits the bullseye with such minimal effort, I would believe him if he told me he was the International Dart Champion.

The worst part is, he doesn’t say anything as he moves behind me, giving me space to throw my second dart. He knows I’m not going to kick his ass anytime soon, and he’s enjoying every second of it.

The look I send him over my shoulder is nothing short of dirty. “Traitor.”

He chuckles again, which must mean he’s truly coming down with a fever. I don’t think I’ve seen him this laid-back ever. “Come on. Kick my ass.”

He’s teasing me. Travis isteasingme.

“Oh, I will.” I won’t, and we both know it. But because I have a thing for embarrassing myself, and my lips work faster than my brain, I blurt out, “How about we make this more interesting?”

He arches an intrigued eyebrow at that. “Interesting how?”

Shut up while you can, Allie.

He’s your boss.

“How about…” My heart is beating so fast, I’m afraid he might be able to hear it. “If I win, you’ll have to wear one of my bracelets for a month. I’ll make you one.” I show him my wrist, where the tiny beads of my white-and-pink handmade bracelet glint under the dim light of the bar. “Deal?”

He gives me a curt nod. “And if I win?” he asks as if he already knows that’s going to be the case. He might not be wrong.

I shrug. “I don’t know. What do you want?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t be boring.”

“I’m not boring.”

“Only a bit.”

“Fine.” He shifts on his feet. “If I win, you’ll tell me why you dye your hair brown.”

My mouth turns dry. I knew Travis was going to think something was up when he saw me trying to hide the boxes of dye the other day, but that didn’t mean I expected him to actually bring it up. And still…

I don’t want to lie anymore. I’ve done it enough times, and with every big or little lie, a part of me withers.

But I can’t just tell him the truth. Ican’t.

I’m not lying because I think it’s fun or because I’m bored and want attention. Trust is a luxury I can’t afford anymore, and even though I know Travis, I don’tknowhim. I can’t risk it.

“Are you sure you want that to be your prize?” I ask, begging my voice to sound nonchalant. I don’t think I’m too successful.

“That’s what I want,” he says with no hesitation.

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