Page 92 of Perfect Liar

We laughed together out loud.

Even though I feared what was out there waiting for me, for us, my spirit was light, and my heart was filled with something I’d never known before or expected.

“I’m so happy it’s you, Will. I can’t imagine going through this with anyone else.”

He pressed his lips to mine.

“I won’t let you down.”

“I know,” I whispered.

“I’ll be tied up tomorrow and most of the following day. You must do as Thomas says. Promise me, Elle. I need to know you’ll be okay, and if you listen to my brother, you will be.”

“What will you promise me?”

He swallowed his whisky and held up the glass to call for another.

“Anything you want. Give me your word.”

I sipped my wine and stared at him, studying the intensity in his eyes.

“Give me your fucking word, Elle.”

That intensity warned me to obey him. It stirred something in me on a deeper level and reminded me that I was falling for a ruthless man with an obscure past—a man driven by the desire to have whatever he wanted at any cost.

The server was back with two more drinks, holding the tray near Will.

Will jerked his chin at the cocktail table.

“No more wine but keep the whisky coming.”

I still hadn’t given him my promise. I don’t know why I pushed him like that.

He took my glass and set it on the table.

“You will promise. You fully understand what we’re up against, so don’t fuck with me. I’ve left Ethan to run the company on his own for months, and I want to look into some transactions and see clients this week. I don’t want any avoidable distractions.”

What crossed my mind next took me by surprise. I looked at him from beneath my lashes.

“You promise me you’ll stay with me every night. I don’t care if you get back late. Just be there…with me.”

He nodded.

“That’s it?”

“No other women, Will.”

The bitter taste of regret filled my mouth…I was jealous. I fucking hated the way other women looked at him.

He was mine.

“What did you say?” he asked.

“It’s just that, umm, I know Ethan sleeps around when he’s in London.”

Will grinned.

“So that’s what you’re worried about.”