Page 97 of Perfect Liar

The camera flashes he ignored.

Thomas tossed the paper into a bin along the street curb.

“Yeah, it’s one of his fuck-around-and-find-out messages.”

As we covered the three city blocks to the salon, we tried to blend into the pedestrian traffic and not draw attention.

Ha. As if…one woman boxed in by three big men pushing other people out of the way.

When we arrived, the owner greeted me with a pretty sunrise mimosa, and two hours later, I stepped out of the stylist’s chair with shiny caramel waves and bright blonde tips.

Thomas loomed protectively. He hadn’t let me out of his sight for even a minute.

“Well? What do you think…it’s different, right?” I asked.

Thomas smiled, took my hand, and led me toward the door.

“I think you’re lovely and my brother’s a lucky man.”

My thoughts shifted quickly to Will. I wondered what he would say.

“Thanks, Thomas. That’s really sweet. Hold on, I need to check out and pay.”

But before I could stop at the desk, Thomas pulled me outside onto the city pavement.

“No, you don’t. I’ve already done that.”

“Wait, what?”

“You can’t use your own credit cards. And my brother’s ego wouldn’t allow it even without the current security risk.”

“But Thomas?—”

“Move your feet or I’ll carry you,” he teased.

I stared at him with my eyes narrowed.

“Listen, Ellie, you’re here with us now. I guess you could say this family is progressive as well as being traditionalists. And when it comes to our women, we lean traditionally. Will won’t allow you to use your own money, not when he has so much himself. So don’t trouble him over it.”

“Trouble him…what? So you’re saying you buy Kirsty’s things?”

He shook his head.

“Our relationship isn’t the same. I don’t see her as my future.”

“Oh no, Thomas.”

He stared hard at me.

“What?”

“She’s in love with you. You know that, right?”

I had noticed the look in her eyes whenever he touched her. She loved him.

He shook his head again and cursed under his breath, reminding me of Will.

Thomas had promised me one trip to a small block of shops after lunch. So we took his car and drove over to the shopping hub on Bond Street.