Page 73 of Liar

“Luciana,” Hayden’s voice rumbles.

“Thank you for your kindness, Javier.”

I slip inside next to Hayden and the door closes behind me.

The car interior is dark, the lights dim, yet I can feel his presence. It wraps around me like a heated blanket, the subtle electrical currents penetrating deep. Even in my condition, my awareness of him is unwavering. Will he always have this effect on me? Will I always react this way?

“How badly are you hurt?”

I lift my shoulders. “No broken bones.”

“A doctor is waiting.” The concern in his tone calms me.

“You came.”

“Yes.”

“And witnessed my humiliation.”

He’s quiet and I want to sink into the leather seat.

“No one could take their eyes off you, you were that beautiful.”

“And you?”

“Me especially.”

I whimper. “Hayden.” Emotions collide. Delight and weariness, pride and embarrassment, love for this man and worry that the damage he’s capable of will hurt worse than a bruised cheek, a battered body, and a bleak future combined.

“Was it intentional?”

“The fall?”

“Him, not partnering you the way you deserve?”

“Why does it matter? The damage is done.” My hopes are shattered. My hard work, a waste of time. They’ll be no dance school now. Whenever those judges see me now, it’ll be with pitiful eyes. “If I say yes, what happens?”

“Whatever you want. That is, after I break both his legs.” He snarls the last part and I get the tiniest bit of satisfaction in knowing that, if I say the magic word, Eduardo will get what’s coming to him.

Hayden lost his shit.

“I bet you’re sorry for nicknaming me Trouble.”

“Say the word, Luciana.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’ll deal with Eduardo.”

He grunts. Something tells me he’s not going to leave this alone.

“I’ve been trying to contact Diego. Before all this happened, that is. But he’s unreachable.”

“I sent him to Tijuana to check something out for me. Javier was available, if you needed something.”

I touch my fingers to my cheek. “I wanted to hear his voice, is all.” Dios mío, my voice trembles, which adds to my embarrassment. No one in her right mind would show weakness in front of this man. No matter how hard she’s crushing on him.

The seat cushion dips as he slides over until his thigh is against mine and his arm is around my shoulders. With a finger, he turns my head toward his. Ever so slowly, he lowers his lips to mine.

It’s a sweet, gentle kiss. Meant to comfort. Designed to soothe away my troubles.