Page 36 of Masquerade

“You don’t trust others so readily.” George understood.

“Or you don’t trust yourself.” Kate hadn’t planned to be the person making confessions.

“There’s a hierarchy.” Liam’s expression gave her no clue to his feelings. “A lie from a stranger, a lie from someone you’re supposed to trust, a lie from someone you do trust, a lie from a lover.”

“That’s the hardest to forgive.” Fran reached for her husband’s hand.

“The conversation up north has degenerated to who you trust.” Liam refocused their attention, as if he hadn’t just given her a glimpse of his soul. “People are polarised. My truth is your lie.”

Liam’s hypothetical was personally significant. Kate was sure of it, and her brain was buzzing while the conversation continued around her. Andrew’s betrayal had left her with a confused sense of failure—as a woman and a writer. Liam had rejected romantic love in the library. Betrayal by a lover would explain his no-way-never attitude to love.

“Right then.” George’s voice intruded on her thoughts. “All you have to do is examine the decisions that have been made, the people making the decisions and their relationships with the people being impacted.”

“Is that all?” Liam’s half-smile held grim determination.

No good lies. Kate trembled inside. How would Liam negotiate with mere mortals, like her, who failed to stick to absolute truths? Her multiple disguises loomed as an insurmountable obstacle between them. She needed space to think. “I should go.”

“I should go too.” Liam rose with her. “I’ll call a rideshare.”

Under George’s benign gaze Kate heard herself say. “Would you like a lift?”

“That’d be great. Anywhere on the south side of the Harbour Bridge will do,” Liam said.

Fran still looked pensive. “Some people never shift from their positions.”

George kissed his wife’s knuckles. “You haven’t seen Liam in full negotiation mode. He’s a demon.”

* * *

Kate’s eyes had sparkledwith enthusiasm during the after-dinner conversation. Completely absorbed by the topic, Liam had been captivated. By her vibrancy, by the heat she generated, by the words which could have been seared into his brain. Emotions had clouded his judgement, just as they’d persuaded his father to help someone claiming a family tie. Betrayal had been the reason for all Liam’s choices in recent years.

“This is me.” She set her bag on the bonnet of a car that had seen better days and started rummaging through it. Then she stopped and turned to him, tilting her head to one side. “Did you know we’d be sharing a unit at Montveau?” Her question was loaded.

“Not before George asked us if we had any problems with a three—repeat—three-bedroom, serviced apartment in the nearest town to Greentree Passage.” Liam stepped into her space.

She must have read something in his expression but held her ground. “We agreed that was a bad idea.”

“What?” He adored her directness.

“Fraternising.” She closed her eyes, as if saying the word aloud meant they could continue to ignore the sparks flying between them.

“Wrong word, Kate. We’re allowed to be friends.” Liam watched expressions race across her face. “I enjoyed the conversation.”

Her comment about questioning herself had blindsided him. He hadn’t considered that. His anger had turned to suspicion of other people’s motives. He was preprogrammed for disbelief, ready to exile anyone he found in a lie, especially a lie including the wordsI love you. Kate was talking of a different experience. Telling a lie to protect yourself from further harm started to make sense.

“You made me respect your views.” She sighed, placing her hands on his forearms. “Maybe even like you a bit.”

“Is that a problem?”

“A complication.” Her fingers tightened on his arms.

“I get your annoyance. We’ve just sorted out where we stand and bam, it’s dangerous to mix liking with lust.”

She screwed up her face.

Liam ran a finger down her nose. She was irresistible, and he hadn’t found any woman irresistible in too long to remember. A light kiss. That’s all he planned. A teaser to show he shared her dilemma. He lowered his head slowly, giving her plenty of time to draw back. Even when his mouth was a whisper away from hers, he waited until she moved to him. Soft lips, welcoming, with barely a hint of passion, yet dangerously addictive.

The punch came with the second kiss, a rush of adrenalin. His heart started racing and blood pumped through his muscles. Just like the library, her kisses demolished everything except the moment and the incredible feel of her in his arms. She moaned, sliding her hands up his neck and into his hair to tug him closer. He let her take the lead, settling his hands on her hips.

---