Page 47 of Bound Lies

“I’m not in the mood for small talk.”

“You’re not in the mood for any talk.”

“Because this isn’t a real date.”

I slam my glass down a little too hard, and Kieran’s dark eyes flash with irritation.

“I’m well aware of that. But since we’re pretending to be in love for the sake of whatever game your family is playing, maybe you could at least pretend to be enjoying my company at the very least?”

He raises an eyebrow. “You want me to pretend I’m enjoying myself?”

“Well, I’m not enjoying myself either, but you don’t see me pouting about it like a toddler who missed nap time.”

His jaw ticks, which is the only sign that I’ve touched a nerve.

Good.

“Look, I get that you don’t want to be here with me. Believe me, the feeling’s mutual. But if we’re going to make this convincing, then at least try to act like you can tolerate my presence for more than five seconds.”

Something shifts in his expression, a flicker of something that looks like guilt, and then it’s gone.

“I didn’t ask for this.” Bitterness laces his tone.

“Neither did I. But here we are.”

There’s a pause, and then, as quickly as if he flipped a switch inside himself, he exhales and leans back in his seat. The tension is still present in his shoulders, but some of the ice in his eyes is starting to thaw.

“Fine. You want a conversation? Then talk.”

I reach for my wine. “About what?”

“Something that doesn’t bore me to tears.”

I scowl, and Kieran’s lips twitch at the corners.

“Why don’t you tell me about what you’re studying?”

The question almost has me spraying wine all over the table and our appetizers.

“Wait, do you actually want to know?”

“I’m trying here, Riley.” He downs the rest of his whiskey.

I narrow my eyes, trying to work out if he actually wants to know or if he’s just wanting me to fill the silence so he can slowly drown his sorrows with alcohol.

I set down my wine glass and pick up my fork. “Business analysis.”

The first bite of the mushroom arancini has me swallowing a moan.

“Specifically, data? Numbers? Solving problems?”

“Systems, mostly. I like figuring out weak spots and then building systems to optimize.”

“You would do well in our world,” he mutters, half to himself.

“Is that a compliment?”

“Merely an observation.”