Page 18 of Liam
To my surprise and growing frustration, Jake seems more concerned for Aleria than put off by my interruption. He turns to her, his voice gentle. “Why don’t we get out of here? I know a quiet cafe nearby.”
Aleria looks up at him, surprise and pleasure mingling on her face. “I’d like that.”
As they stand to leave, Aleria shoots me a triumphant look. Jake helps her with her coat, his hand lingering on her lower back. A surge of something dangerously close to rage courses through me. I step forward, not sure what I’m going to do, when Aleria turns and gives me a small, confused smile.
It stops me in my tracks. For a moment, our eyes lock, and I see a flicker of...something in her gaze. Concern? Pity? Before I can decipher it, she’s gone, disappearing into the night with Jake.
I slump back onto my barstool, running a hand through my hair. “What the hell is wrong with me?” I mutter, signaling the bartender for another drink.
I don’t get jealous. I don’t pine after awkward scientists in vintage dresses. It’s just the bet. I’m competitive by nature.That’s all this is.
I pull out my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I find the name I’m looking for. Sofia Reeves. It’s time to get my head in the game. My thumb hovers over her number for a moment before I press Call.
“Liam?” her surprised voice answers after two rings. “Hi.”
“Sofia,” I say, injecting warmth into my tone. “I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time. I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me this weekend?”
Chapter Six
ALERIA
The silk of my cocktail dress whispers against my skin as I smooth it down for the hundredth time. The ballroom of theElysian Grandlooms before me, a glittering monument to wealth and refinement that makes me feel like a hydrogen atom in a sea of noble gases.
Priceless Asian artifacts adorn every surface, their delicate beauty a stark contrast to the sterile lab equipment I’m used to. I gulp, my hand clutching my raffle-won ticket like a lifeline.
“Well, if it isn’t Dr. James. I didn’t realize you’re a Go player.”
That voice sends an involuntary shiver down my spine, a reaction I instantly resent. I whirl around, my elbow almost catching a display of origami cranes.
Liam Valeur.
The tuxedo hugs his broad shoulders, thecrisp white of his shirt a stark contrast to the healthy tan of his skin. His blue eyes dance with amusement, crinkling at the corners in a way that softens his sharp features. That damnable smirk plays on lips that have no business being that perfect.
A faint whiff of his cologne reaches me—something woodsy and expensive—and I hate how much I want to lean in and breathe deeper.
“Cat got your tongue, Dr. James?” he asks, his voice a low rumble I feel more than hear.
I swallow hard, cursing the heat rising to my cheeks. “I’m just surprised to see you here,” I manage, hating how breathy I sound. “Shouldn’t you be at a corporate takeover or crushing the dreams of small businesses?”
Liam’s eyebrow arches, a perfect parabola of amusement. His gaze sweeps over me, lingering in a way that makes my skin prickle with awareness. “When I’m not crushing dreams, I’m a Go enthusiast. But I must say, Dr. James, you clean up rather nicely. That dress, it suits you.”
His unexpected compliment catches me off guard. The room feels warmer, and I resist the urge to fan myself. “I... Thank you,” I stammer, thrown off balance. “You don’t look terrible yourself.”
A slow smile spreads across Liam’s face, causing my heart to perform a series of arrhythmic beats.
“High praise indeed.” He chuckles. “Tell me, how did you secure an invitation to this event? I wasn’t aware the scientific community had such a vested interest in ancient board games.”
I straighten my spine, trying to regain my composure. “For your information, I won my entry through a universityraffle. I’m a member of their Go club. Some of us don’t need to buy our way into everything.”
“Ah, the luck of the draw,” Liam muses, his voice low and rich. He leans in slightly, and I catch another whiff of his intoxicating cologne. “Just remember, luck can only take you so far. I’m eager to see how it stacks up against skill on the Go board tonight.”
“Get ready to eat your words, Mr. CEO,” I fire back, fighting the urge to lean closer. “I’m about to give you a masterclass.”
A gong sounds, signaling the start of the pre-tournament reception.
Liam offers his arm with exaggerated gallantry. “Shall we, Dr. James? I’d hate for you to get lost.”
Gritting my teeth, I place my hand on his arm, ignoring the warmth that seeps through his jacket. “Lead the way, Mr. Valeur. I’m sure you’re an expert at navigating shark-infested waters.”
