Page 29 of Perfect Liar

The rolling and crashing of waves had been my lullaby.

And he’d been my anchor.

When I woke before he did, I couldn’t help but stare at his rugged, beautiful face.

Dark and golden stubble covered his jawline, and long lashes touched his cheeks.

I pictured the younger Will Hastings who I bumped into seven years earlier. His hair then had been lighter, and his face clean-shaven, but the same charged eyes had held mine. My strawberry ice cream dotted his black t-shirt.

He stirred, turning from his back to his side, pulling me against the front of his body, and I could feel his arousal.

As he shifted his weight again, the chaise’s wood frame creaked in complaint.

“Will?” I whispered.

He opened his eyes and stared back at me.

“Yeah?”

“Tell me what’s going to happen. I don’t know what to do.”

“I’m taking you back to England with me.”

“What?”

“I have unlimited resources and connections in the UK.”

“No, you can’t. My life is here, and I don’t know how to live anywhere else. Not without the beach, the art studio, my work with the kids, my friends.”

I winced from the pain my own words caused.

None of that mattered without my family.

Will tightened his embrace while I fought with my grief.

“You must want to get back to your own life,” I said.

He jerked up his head.

“Your protection is my priority. I’ll be with you or near you?—”

“—for how long, Will? When will this end?”

He shrugged.

“It might never end.”

“It has to…it’s insane.”

“It’s who we are, Elle. We’re bound together, and neither of us can change it. You need time to come to terms with that, but I warn you—if you run, I’ll follow. If you stay here, I’ll fucking stay. They’ll come for you, here or there. I have more to work with in England. I can keep you and Lissie safe at Eastridge.”

Breath quivered inside my chest.

“That’s a lot to take in,” I whispered.

Will softened his tone.

“It’s quite a lot.”