Page 17 of Liam
Jake’s gaze flicks between us.
“Not your boss,” I correct, unable to help myself. “More of a...partner, wouldn’t you say?”
“Partner?” Aleria squeaks, her voice an octave higher than usual. “I mean, yes, but not like that. We work together. He’s more like...like...”
She trails off, flustered. Jake leans back, his smile fading.
“It’s complicated,” Aleria says, wincing at her own words.
I watch as Jake’s expression shifts, a hint of doubt creeping into his eyes. The sight should fill me with satisfaction, but a twinge of guilt gnaws at my conscience as Aleria’s obvious discomfort radiates across the table.
I turn to Jake, my smile sharp-edged. “So, Jake, what line of work are you in? Ever been married? Any kids? Felony convictions?”
Jake blinks, taken aback by the rapid-fire questioning. “I’m in finance, never married, no kids, and definitely no felonies,” he replies, a hint of amusement in his tone. “It’s nice to see you’re such an involved boss.”
Aleria’s glare could melt steel. Her foot connects with my shin under the table, the sharp pain jolting through my leg.
“Well, it’s been enlightening,” I say, forcing a smile despite the throbbing in my shin. “I’ll leave you two to your evening.”
With as much dignity as I can muster, I stride back to the bar, feeling Aleria’s eyes boring into my back the entire way.
This is a disaster. I’m losing the bet. That’s why I’m so irritated. Obviously. The only reason I’m here, acting like a spoiled child.
Aleria’s eyes sparkle in the low light, a softness in her expression I’ve never seen before. She tucks a stray curl behind her ear, her fingers lingering at her neck. Jake hangs on her every word, his body angled toward her as if drawn by an invisible force.
In a last-ditch effort, I approach their table once more, this time swaying slightly and slurring my words. “Aleria, darling! There you are!” I exclaim. “You left your...um...lab rats unattended. Very irresponsible.”
Aleria’s face flushes with mortification. “Liam, what are you doing?” She grabs my arm, her grip surprisingly strong, and drags me to a secluded corner near the bar.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she wheezes, her eyes flashing with anger. “I think that’s enough.”
I adopt an innocent expression. “I’m just enjoying a night out, Dr. James. Is that a crime?”
“Cut the crap, Liam. You’re trying to sabotage my date. Why? Is your ego so fragile you can’t stand the thought of losing our bet?”
I scoff, ignoring the guilt gnawing at my insides. “Sabotage? I think you’re being paranoid. Perhaps the pressure of our little wager is getting to you.”
Aleria’s cheeks flush, her hands clenching into fists at hersides. “You’re acting like a child, interrupting us, insinuating things. I knew you were competitive, but this is ridiculous.”
I lean in, my voice low. “Competitive? Me? I’m being sociable. Not my fault if your date can’t handle a little friendly conversation.”
“Friendly?” Aleria lets out a bitter laugh. “Is that what you call it? Pretending to be drunk? Real mature, Valeur.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply, my jaw clenching. “Maybe you’re just not as charming as you thought. Ever consider that?”
The moment the words leave my mouth, I regret them. Hurt flashes across Aleria’s face before she masks it with anger.
“You know what? I don’t care what your problem is,” she says, her voice cold. “Just stay away from us for the rest of the night. Some of us are trying to have a nice evening, not just win some stupid bet.”
She turns to leave, but I catch her wrist. “Aleria, wait. I?—”
“Save it,” she cuts me off, yanking her arm free. “Enjoy your night, Mr. Valeur. I know I will.”
As she stalks back to her table, I’m left with a sinking feeling in my stomach.
What am I doing? I’ve gone too far.
I watch as she rejoins Jake, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. The sight of it twists something in my chest, a sensation I’m not ready to examine.
