“Wait.” I pick up the tie Liam left draped over the couch. “Put this around your eyes.”
He pumps his brows. “Another dance lesson? Are you leading me this time?”
“Would you prefer I smash the creeper camera in your bedroom?”
He has the decency to appear a bit chagrined. “For the record, I didn’t put them up to watch you dress. They’ve always been there.”
“I figured. You’re still going to wear this while I change.”
“It’s as if you don’t trust me.” He plops on the couch, dropping his bag beside him.
“I don’t.”
“I’m offended. I thought we had a nice heart-to-heart.”
“I have trust issues.”
“Figures.” He takes the tie, tying it around his eyes. After he knots it once, I reach out and tighten it, adding the second knot.
“Ouch,” he grunts. “I’ll stay right here.” He promises after it’s in place.
“You better.” I lean closer, letting my lips brush his ear. He goes absolutely still. “Or I’ll cut off your fingers.”
He shudders. “You’re so sexy.”
My face warms. Again. This won’t do. I hit him with a throw pillow—a little harder than necessary—but he only laughs as I retreat to the room.
I take off my clothes then hold up the gown. I was lying when I told the woman I hated this dress. I’ve never worn anything more beautiful. I never had a mom to buy me pretty dresses. Never had a reason to dress up. When I put this on, I felt like a little girl living out her unfulfilled princess fantasies and wanted to spin and twirl to watch the skirt fan out. I pull on the dress and zip the side, then stick my bra on. These things are going to give me anxiety. What if they fall out? Is that a thing? They don’t seem very reliable, and if we have to run for our lives tonight, I prefer reliability. I jump up and down a few times to test it out.
“What are you doing in there?” Liam calls.
“Nothing.” I bend over, then bolt upright and throw a few punches into the air. The bra stays put. It passes safety inspection.
I put on the earrings Liam insisted on purchasing for me. He wanted to get the matching necklace, but I refused. Necklaces can be used as a murder weapon, and I refuse to do half of a killer’s job for them. Earrings, on the other hand, havemany uses. I finish my last earring then strap my gun to my thigh. It doesn’t feel like enough protection, so I put a knife under the zipper of my dress and stand to look in the full-length mirror.
I don’t even recognize myself. I look mysterious and elegant, like the woman I wanted to be when I was younger. That dream vanished a long time ago. It’s pretend. I grab the shoes and head out of the room.
Then freeze in my tracks.
Liam’s eyes are still covered with the tie as he attempts to dress but he hasn’t made it very far. He’s got his pants on but searches around blindly for his shirt.
I snort.
He stands up straight. “What was that?”
My breath catches.
“Serena.” He turns right in my direction. “Are you laughing at me?” He takes a step closer and rams his shin into the coffee table.
I snort again, but cover the sound with my hand. His head whips up, like he can see right through the tie, and takes another step. I can’t help but watch. His black pants are tailored perfectly to display his excellent quads. His chest is another world entirely. It’s a map of muscles and secrets hidden in tattoos. I catch sight of a beautiful willow tree, and my lungs seize. I press a hand to my stomach, forcing myself to breathe.
“Where are you?” He stops an arm’s length away, and I clamp my lips shut, refusing to lose whatever game this is. “You know, I’m good at finding things I want.”
My heart skips a beat, stupidly reacting to his words. He doesn’t want me. I don’t want him. So why are goosebumps breaking out on my skin? Why am I struggling to breathe normally?
It’s my body’s natural reaction to something, but surely not him. It can’t be him.
His fingertips brush my skirt, and my heart stops. “There you are.” With his eyes covered, I can focus on his smile andonlyhis smile. Hidden is the ever-present teasing glint in his eye that has me questioning everything. I just see the curves of his lips and the half-moon creases in his cheeks.
