Desperate Lies (Lies 2)
Page 87
I close my eyes too—just feeling her warm hand through my shirt.
My heart aches for more, but also for this moment to last forever.
Once I feel that Liesel is ready for more, I reach my hands out and grab her face, lifting it gently toward mine. I open my eyes, watching her reaction as my lips hover over hers.
I want this kiss more than I want to breathe. And my body craves what comes next more than anything else. I’d trade life itself for a chance with her.
Her eyes open, and for a moment, it feels like old times. We share a direct connection between our hearts, souls, and minds.
I win, her eyes say.
I frown, not understanding.
What did her card say?
It doesn’t matter. She can win the game for all I care; I just want her. That’s me winning.
I lean closer, closing the gap until my lips all but brush against hers.
“Unicorn,” she whispers.
I raise an eyebrow in confusion.
“That concludes the game. Mr. Pearce is the winner,” the voice says.
I stare at Liesel, but she’s no longer looking at me.
I grab her chin, trying to force her to look at me. I don’t understand how she could go through what she did and yet couldn’t endure a simple kiss from me.
Her face has morphed, and she is no longer open to me. I can’t see what she’s thinking or feeling.
Two men enter, grab onto Liesel’s arms, and lead her out of the room.
Suddenly, I’m alone.
I won.
I don’t give a shit about the money.
“I’ll escort you to meet the owners, Mr. Pearce. There you will be able to collect the twenty million dollar prize,” Mr. Reyes says.
I nod. “Lead the way.”
23
Liesel
It’s over.
I take a deep breath, unsure of my actions.
It had to be done. I didn’t have a choice.
But I know how this ends.
That makes me smile, even though he’s going to hate me even worse than he already does.
The men continue to hold onto my arms as they lead me out of the room and up to the top deck. There is a small dingy boat waiting to take me to shore. They lead me to it and release my arms once I’m inside the small raft-like boat.