Page 32 of Perfect Liar

“Has something else happened, Will?” I asked.

“We’re running out of time. I want you to agree to come with me.”

“What if I say no?”

He stopped and faced me with an intense stare.

“Agree.”

I still wasn’t sure if leaving the country would be the right thing to do for Lissie.

“But I’m not sure yet.”

“You will agree, so I don’t have to force you onto the fucking plane.”

I pulled back, but his grip was firm.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“I would.”

“Oh right, because it’s your job to save me.”

He nodded.

“Quite right.”

Something in me shifted. I wanted more than that from him, and I wanted to fight for it. I wanted to be with him from the first moment I saw his face at the parade.

“Why did you pull away last night?” I asked.

“What?”

“If it’s your job to save me, then save all of me…kiss me.”

He stared at me, but he didn’t say anything.

I looked down at the sand.

“Look at me, Elle.”

I slowly moved my gaze up to his.

“You believe I’m one of the good guys, but you’re mistaken. I’m not. I hurt people. Ask me how many lives I’ve ruined…how many lives I’ve taken. Do it. Ask me.”

“I won’t ask. I don’t care about that.”

He grasped my chin. His eyes burned into mine.

“Well, you should.”

“I know my own mind, and I do not care.”

As he stared at my mouth, his own lips parted, then he ran his thumb over my bottom lip.

“You don’t even know what you’re saying. I will not ruin your life.”

It would’ve been easier to walk away and let him have his win. Easier to guard my heart against the danger of more wreckage. But it was too late. My heart had somehow already invested in him.