Page 59 of Bound Lies

“I was hoping you would get the hint that I want to be left alone.”

But Kieran doesn’t seem to be listening. Instead, he seems pretty immersed in economic theory. “Hello?”

“Do you need any help?” he asks without looking up from the book.

“I’m sorry, what? Did you just have a brain aneurysm?”

Kieran rolls his eyes and snaps the textbook shut before tossing it back down on the bed.

“In case you’ve forgotten, I have two younger brothers.”

“So?”

“So, I used to help them cram for their Economics and Business exams more times than I can count, so it’s safe to say I know my way around a demand curve.”

I eye him suspiciously. “Are you being serious?”

“Deadly.”

“I don’t understand you. You barely talked the entire plane ride, and now you’re offering to help me study? If you’re looking for something in return, I’m sure there’s a strip club down the street that can give you what you’re looking for.”

Kieran snorts. “Trust me, I don’t need to stick dollar bills in diamante thongs to get some.”

“Oh, that’s right. I forgot what a chick magnet your wonderful personality is.”

“It’s worked so far.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

“Oh, yeah? Care to give me a review?”

The temptation to launch my textbook at Kieran’s head is overwhelming, but if I bring him back to New York with brain damage, Ronan might actually kill me.

“Underwhelming.”

Kieran barks a laugh, and the sound has my own lips twitching.

“I don’t have time to stroke your ego, Sullivan. I really need to study.”

“And I’m trying to help you, but you’re the one talking about strip clubs and stroking.”

I groan, burying my face in my hands to hide the fact my cheeks are on fire. “Oh, my god. You’re not helping!”

“Come on, Walsh. It could be a good bonding exercise for us.”

I lower my hands, shooting Kieran a glare. “I highly doubt that, but fine. You can help me study, but if you derail my focus, I have every right to kick you out of this hotel room.”

“You mean the bedroom, right?”

“No. I will call security and have you escorted off the premises because that’s how serious I take my studying.”

“Damn, I didn’t realize I was marrying such a nerd.”

“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.”

“I’m sure. But I have a condition too.”

I groan. “What now?”