Page 154 of The Liar's Reckoning

He’s fucked up and would probably go back to sleep if I told him to, but I sort of don’t want him to. Being held feels good. Sex would be better, but I’m not gonna push it.

I rub his back mindlessly and stare out the window at the green trees and blue sky, illuminating the space with shadows unlike the ones in Manhattan.

“Mm…” he hums. “Silas…” His movements against me slow and drag more purposefully.

I let out a soft grunt against his neck as my dick throbs.

His pounds mine in response, and he says, “I wanna come. Make me come.”

“Whose house is this?”I ask Lilah as I sling my arm around her waist on the driveway.

“No clue,” she says. “Someone rich.”

She pre-gamed before this shindig, so she’s less steady on her heels than usual. We’re trailing her father and his trophy wife, who’s also been drinking in preparation for the party. I’m stonecold sober, having been too busy with Gil and getting ready to shotgun a bottle of wine like these two obviously did.

“Is your friend here?”

“We shall see. How do I look?”

“I’d suggest some water?”

She giggles and her shoulder digs into my side. “I was thinking carbs.”

“Solid carbs, I hope.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever. I bet there’s crab cakes. I could eat five of those. There better be crab cakes.”

“The size of this house?” I say, looking up at the massive modern structure. “I’m sure the options will be bountiful.”

She snickers again.

The front doors are standing open, so the four of us walk into a grand foyer with a view to the rear of the house, which includes a palatial pool, elaborate gardens, and the sea. It’s breathtaking.

“Daddy, I want one,” Lilah says.

He ignores her as usual and walks into the fray of other well-dressed, white guests. “Let’s go out back,” Lilah says. “I won’t feel as bad about taking off my shoes.”

“Sounds good.” I’m wearing a loose-fitting, pale blue button down with the sleeves rolled up over equally loose linen pants. I picked the outfit myself, and Lilah was impressed. Especially with my expensive loafers.

On our way out back, a server holding a tray of cocktails offers us drinks. We each take one, and I warn Lilah to sip it until we find the food.

“You don’t want to be sloshed when you run into the love of your life.”

“I don’t see her. She might not even show.”

“Let’s manifest better things.”

“You’re right.” She sighs as I help her over the threshold to the patio. Someone’s got the grill going in the outdoor kitchen and another server appears with a tray of elaborate appetizers.

We each pick one up and I survey mine while Lilah pops hers into her mouth un-inspected. It might be shrimp toast? But there’s something else on it—something green I’m not sure about.

“Oh my God, that’s good,” she says, her mouth still full. “Eat it.”

“What’s the green part?”

“I’m getting spinach and avocado. It’s magical.”

Trusting her, I shove it into my mouth and chew. She’s right. It’s a flavor explosion and all good. I sip my cocktail to wash it down. The taste of gin and mint is refreshing. “Still don’t know whose place this is?” I ask.

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