Page 20 of Liam
“I—”
“Tell me,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear, “what’s your real game here? Trying to impress everyone with your vast knowledge, or are you actually here to play? I’ve never seen you play before.”
I swallow hard, my heart racing. “I’ll have you know, Valeur, that I’ve been playing Go since I was twelve. It’s not just a game, it’s a complex system of strategy and psychology.It’s a perfect model for studying decision-making processes and?—”
“Aleria,” Liam says, his use of my first name startling me into silence. His hand brushes my arm, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. “I’m well aware of Go’s complexities. Perhaps you’d care to show your skills on the board rather than pontificating about them?”
I blink, thrown off balance by his challenge and the intensity of his gaze. “I... Yes. Yes, I would. Prepare to have your ego dismantled, Valeur. I hope you’re ready for a lesson in strategic humility.”
Liam’s smile widens, predatory and alluring all at once. He leans in, his lips almost brushing my ear. “Bring it on, Dr. James. I do so enjoy a passionate opponent.”
As we banter, our voices carry over the low hum of conversation, drawing amused glances from nearby tables.
An older man with a booming voice interrupts, his tone dripping with humor. “Well, now, seems we’ve got a pair of strategists here. Careful, boy, she might wipe the board with you!”
Liam chuckles, leaning closer. “Oh, I’m counting on it,” he says, his voice low enough for only me to hear.
My cheeks heat again, this time from a mix of irritation and something else entirely.
The Go master takes the stage, his presence drawing attention away from the scene.
Liam leans close, his breath tickling my ear. “You belong here, Aleria,” he murmurs. “You can win this.”
I swallow hard, the warmth in his words surprising me, steadying me. He’s not just saying this—he believes it. I cansee it in the way he looks at me like he’s daring me to believe it, too.
I manage a jerky nod, focusing on steadying my breathing. As I sit across from my first opponent, I square my shoulders. My fingers brush the cool stones, their familiar weight grounding me.
“Welcome, esteemed guests and players,” he says. “Today, we gather to celebrate the ancient art of Go, a game of infinite complexity and beauty. May your stones be wisely placed, and your strategies true.”
As we’re paired off for the initial rounds, I face a stern-faced woman who looks like she eats amateurs for breakfast. Across the room, Liam is already engaged in his game, his expression one of intense concentration.
Despite my nervousness, I held my own in the first few games. As I place my stones, I imagine I’m arranging atoms, building intricate compounds on the board.
Between matches, I glance at Liam. His style is aggressive, almost ruthless. He captures territory with the same relentless efficiency I imagine he uses in corporate boardrooms. Our eyes meet across the room, a silent challenge passing between us.
The champagne flows freely during the breaks, and with each glass, our encounters grow more heated.
“Enjoying the free champagne, Dr. James?” Liam smirks, swirling his glass. “Don’t let it cloud your already questionable judgment.”
“Oh, I’m clear-headed enough to see through your overpriced facade, Mr. Valeur,” I shoot back. “Tell me, do you practice that smug expression in the mirror, or does it come naturally with an inflated bank account?”
“Now, now,” Liam tuts. “There’s no need for ad hominem attacks. I thought scientists prided themselves on objectivity.”
“And I thought businessmen prided themselves on actual skills, not just the ability to write checks.”
As fate would have it, Liam and I end up facing each other in the semi-finals. The tension is palpable as we take our seats, a crowd of spectators gathering around our board.
“May the best player win,” Liam says, his tone dripping with false sincerity.
“Oh, I intend to,” I reply, cracking my knuckles.
The game that unfolds is unlike any I’ve played before. We push the boundaries of traditional Go strategy, our moves becoming bold and unorthodox. It’s less a game and more a battle of wills, each stone placed like a gauntlet thrown.
“Interesting move, Dr. James,” Liam comments as I place a stone in an aggressive position. “I wasn’t aware that reckless endangerment was a valid Go strategy.”
As we take a quick break, I make my way through the crowded room, my mind still buzzing from our heated exchange. The cool air from a nearby window offers a welcome respite from the stuffy atmosphere.
The pinch on my backside sends a jolt through me, and I spin, heart pounding.
