Truth or Dare (Liar Liar #2)

by C. A. Mason

  “I am, but for me, the pursuit of success has nothing to do with how many zeroes are tacked onto my bank statement.” I watched the wall panel as the elevator delivered us to the ground floor. “I’ve already made more money than my great-grandchildren will ever be able to spend. Now it’s about the personal satisfaction of seeing my vision realized.”

  “I can understand that,” Eric said and sighed heavily. “I used to have a vision too. I knew how I wanted to my business life and my personal life to take shape. Once I accomplished those goals, I turned my attention to my children’s lives. I started planning and plotting to ensure they would have everything I wanted for them.”

  “Hmmm.” I’d never expected Eric to open up to me, but now that he had, I realized how valuable that information could be. “But their visions didn’t match up with yours?”

  We stepped out into the parking lot, and Eric pointed at a silver Mercedes sedan parked in a reserved spot by the doors. “No, I guess not.” He waited until we were in the car before he spoke again. “I feel guilty for trying to manipulate my daughter into doing what I wanted her to do, especially since I’m pretty sure I misguided her.” He looked up at his office building. “What the hell was I thinking? We were going to tour this building first, weren’t we? I’m sorry, I got so wrapped up in my own problems that—”

  “Don’t worry about it,” I said, fastening my seat belt. “We can go to the other building first, have lunch, then come back here.”

  “Sounds good,” he said, starting the engine before fastening his seatbelt.

  “You said you felt you misguided Maura. How?” I was delving into personal family matters, but since he’d brought it up, I felt it was fair game.

  “That’s what I was coming up to talk to her about. Seeing you gave me a reprieve.” Tightening his grip on the steering wheel as he eased into traffic, he said, “I don’t know how the hell to tell her, what to say.”

  I was dying to know what he was talking about, but I had to play it cool. I couldn’t seem as though I had an ulterior motive for asking. “It seems like you and your daughter have a good relationship. I’m sure whatever you have to tell her, she’ll understand.”

  “If only it were so simple.” Eric stopped at a light, failing to notice when a gray-haired man crossing in front of his vehicle waved at him. He sighed, a body-racking sound. “Part of me thinks I should keep it to myself, let her figure things out on her own, but how can I? She’s my baby. It’s my job to protect her.”

  I was sure that was what he’d thought he was doing when he warned her to stay away from me, a laborer with no ambition who used his fists to settles his scores. But he had been wrong about me, and I wondered whether he might be wrong about whatever perceived problem was troubling him now. “What are you trying to protect her from?”

  He paused before accelerating when the light turned green. “I shouldn’t even be talking to you about any of this. We just met. Besides, you’re my daughter’s business associate, and possibly mine if you like what you see today.”

  “Sometimes a complete stranger can be more objective than a family member or friend,” I suggested. “It sounds like you need that right now, Eric. Objectivity. I assure you, whatever you tell me will be kept in the strictest confidence.”

  Eric glanced at me when we rolled up to a stop sign, probably trying to decide whether he could trust me. “Maybe you’re right, maybe I could use another person’s opinion before I spring this on Maura.”

  I waited, trying not to appear anxious. I looked out the window instead of looking at him.

  “I found out something about her fiancé, Jeff, that’s very troubling.”

  “Is that so?” He’d really piqued my curiosity. “What did you learn about him?”

  Eric sighed. “I mentioned that developer who was in town? We went out for dinner last night, and he wanted to check out this… spot.”

  “Uh huh,” I said, knowing there was much more to the story. “A piece of land?”

  “No, it was a night spot.”

  “Okay.”

  “A gentlemen’s club.” He shook his head, looking disgusted. “Normally I wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like that, but he’s an important client, so I made an exception.”

  “Understandable. I probably would have done the same thing in your position.” I could barely contain myself. I knew Eric’s secret was going to be big, a potential game changer for me and Maura, and I needed to let him know I was on his side so he would just tell me.

  “Well, imagine my surprise when I found my future son-in-law enjoying a lap dance in the V.I.P. section.” He gripped the steering wheel tighter. “I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. I thought maybe he was there for a friend’s bachelor party or something. But no, he was there alone, and apparently he’s a regular.”

  “Hmmm,” I said, trying to sound dispassionate. “How do you know that?”

  “You know how it is. Slip the right person a few bucks, and they’ll sing like a canary.”

  “Yeah, I know how it is.” I’d done the same thing myself countless times. That was how I knew everyone had a price. “What else did you find out?”

  “He’s been going there at least three years. That’s as long as he and my daughter have been together.” He scowled. “And he’s been getting more than lap dances too. The son of a bitch has been taking the girls up to their… V.I.P. room for… god knows what.”

  “I think we both know what he’s doing with them, Eric.”

  “Jesus!” He slapped the steering wheel. “I could kill him for doing this to Maura. He was the one who pursued her, the one who begged her to marry him. Why would he do that if he wants all these other women?”

  I hated to add fuel to the fire, but Eric wasn’t seeing the most obvious reason. “Have you ever considered the fact that he may want to use your money and connections to further his career? He’s the D.A., right?”

  “Yeah, so?”

  “Being connected to a prominent family, having a wife like Maura, it would make him look good.” I hated to think what that information would do to Maura when she found out. She’d been with that asshole for three years, and while I knew she didn’t love him nearly as much as she pretended, she would still be crushed by his betrayal.

  “You might be right.” He pulled into a parking lot and cut the engine, closing his eyes as he tipped his head back against the headrest. “I can’t believe I didn’t see the signs sooner. I encouraged her to give him a chance. She said he wasn’t her type, but I reminded her that her taste in men was questionable and told her that maybe she should try something new.”

  I bristled at his reference to Maura’s previous relationships. “You had no way of knowing he was a pig. Try not to beat yourself up about it.”

  “Easier said than done, my boy, easier said than done.”

  My boy? Years ago, I would have done anything to win his approval. Ironic that when I couldn’t care less, he seemed willing to give it so freely. “Would you like me to break this to her?”

  He looked taken aback by my offer. “You?” He shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I couldn’t ask you to do that. This is my problem. I have to figure out how to deal with it.”

  “Actually, it’s Maura’s problem, and she has to figure out how to deal with it.” I had no doubt she would throw that bastard’s ring in his face and tell him it was over. I only hoped I was there to witness it. “She just needs someone to enlighten her. Maybe it would be easier coming from me.”

  Eric seemed to consider my point. “That feels wrong, like I’d be taking the coward’s way out. She’ll be devastated. She’ll need someone who loves her to support her and help her process it.”

  The moment of truth. “Eric, you’ve confided in me. Perhaps it’s time for me to do the same.”

  He removed his seatbelt, eyeing me curiously. “Okay. About what?”

  “Your daughter. My interest in her goes beyond business.”

  “It d
oes?” A slow smile spread across the old man’s face. He probably felt as if he’d hit the jackpot. A billionaire for a son-in-law would exceed even his wildest expectations. “Does she know?”

  “She does.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned.” He grinned. “This changes everything.”

  I wasn’t surprised he was so smitten with the idea of me and his daughter being a couple. From what I knew about Eric, his important connections were the reason for his success. That, and his inheritance. “We’ll see about that. I have feelings for Maura, but I don’t think she’s decided how she feels about me yet.”

  He waved off my concern. “That’s just because of Jeff. Maura’s loyal to a fault. She made a commitment to him and was trying to honor it.”

  I didn’t doubt his characterization of his daughter was true, which spoke volumes about her decision to sleep with me. “So you’ll let me tell her about this?”

  “Yes. You’ll tell her tonight?”

  “I don’t know yet.” I weighed my options. “I might like to present her with proof in case she has trouble believing it.”

  “That shouldn’t be too hard to get.” Eric curled his hand around the steering wheel. “According to the bouncer I talked to, he’s there three or four nights a week. Are you thinking about sending a private investigator in there to get some pictures or video for you?”

  I took my phone out of my pocket and unlocked the screen before bringing up my contacts and handing it to Eric. “Give me the name of this place, then I’ll figure out how I want to handle it.”

  Eric looked hesitant as he took the phone. “I don’t want her to get hurt any more than she has to. Maybe seeing evidence would be too much for her.”

  I thought Eric was overestimating the depth of Maura’s feelings for her fiancé. I didn’t think she’d be very devastated. In fact, I believed a part of her would be relieved to be rid of him so she could pursue her attraction to me, but I played along for his benefit. “I can assure you I’ll be sensitive to her feelings. I don’t want to hurt her either.”

  Eric’s fingers flew across the screen before he handed the phone back to me. “Okay, I’ll trust you to take care of this then.” He reached for the door handle before turning back to me. “Thanks, Blaise. This is a real load off my mind.”

  “Believe me, it’s my pleasure.”

  Chapter Two

  Maura opened the door to her loft promptly at seven, looking stunning in a black cocktail dress that crossed over the front, covering her scar.

  I wanted to tell her she didn’t have to hide anything from me. I thought she was perfect exactly as she was. But instead of embarrassing her, I handed her the oversized bouquet of white roses. “You look lovely.”

  “Thank you.” She looked at the flowers. “They’re beautiful, but you really shouldn’t have.”

  “I think they’ll be our thing,” I said, running a finger down her cheek. I stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. “White roses. Don’t they represent purity and innocence?”

  She laughed, shaking her head. “I can’t imagine you’d associate me with purity and innocence after what happened in New York.”

  I liked that she could talk openly about our night together, even smile about it. “There were so many more things I wanted to do with you, to you.” I crowded her against the wall in the narrow entrance. “But you were so pure, so innocent, I was afraid you’d be offended if I suggested them.”

  Her breath hitched as my lips grazed her neck. “Blaise… I…” She held up her hand, pressing her palm into my chest. “I should put these in water.”

  She needed a reprieve, and I was willing to give her one, for now. I had no doubt how this evening would end.

  I followed her into the kitchen and sat on a bar stool at the breakfast bar. “Nice place you have here.”

  She reached for a crystal vase for the flowers. “Thanks, I like it.”

  I looked around, taking in the comfortable furnishings and accessories. Her furniture was traditional, with a warm, neutral palette. The couches and chairs were soft and inviting with oversized cushions and ottomans. I would have expected a loft to look more contemporary, but every piece seemed tailor-made for the space. “Did you decorate it yourself?”

  “I did,” she said, smiling as she filled the vase with water. “It took a while because I was picky, but I wanted just the right pieces, so I didn’t rush it.”

  “Would you consider helping me out with a decorating project?” I’d take any excuse to spend more time with her. Besides, if things went as planned, she’d be spending a lot more time at my penthouse.

  She laughed. “You can’t be serious. I’m sure you have renowned interior designers on speed dial. Why would you need my help?”

  I watched her smell the roses, and the act made me smile. She still appreciated the simple things in life. Maura wasn’t like so many of the women I’d dated. They were impressed by the things I could buy them, but she just seemed to appreciate spending time with me, even though she wasn’t ready to admit it to me or herself.

  She caught me watching her. “What?”

  I grinned. “I was just thinking you’re cute.”

  “Cute?” She rolled her eyes. “That’s not what a woman wants to hear, Blaise. Gorgeous, sexy, alluring, and intriguing are all good, but cute…?” She wrinkled her nose. “Not so much.”

  I stared at her for so long, she finally shifted from one foot to the other. “You hypnotize me. When I’m with you, I can’t think about anything else. Just you.”

  She shook her head as she tried to hide the blush stealing over her cheeks. Turning her back, she carried the roses over to the small dining area and set them on the table. “You’re good, I’ll give you that.”

  She thought I was feeding her a line, but I wasn’t. When I was with her, and even when I wasn’t, there was no room in my head for other thoughts. She consumed me. “You’re making it difficult for me to concentrate on my work,” I admitted. “I’ll be in the middle of an important meeting and your beautiful face will pop into my mind, and I can’t get my head back in the game.”

  “You’re such a liar,” she said, rolling her eyes.

  I froze at her choice of words. She was right; I was a liar. I’d lied to her about everything, and if the truth ever came out, she would never forgive me. But wasn’t that what I wanted, for the truth to come out so I could clear my name and reunite with my family before it was too late? My parents weren’t getting any younger. I couldn’t let them go to their graves believing their son was a fugitive.

  “I’m sorry,” she said when I didn’t respond. “I shouldn’t have said that. I was just teasing.”

  “I know you were.” I beckoned her with one finger. “Come here.” Opening my legs, I made room for her to step between them. “I’m glad you agreed to go out with me tonight. I really needed to spend time with you.” Locking my hands around her waist, I breathed in her scent. It was delicious—light and fresh with just the right mix of spice.

  “It’s not like you gave me much choice.”

  I met her eyes. I didn’t blink or breathe. I just recalled every amazing moment we’d spent together in our previous life. I heard her laughter as I tickled her into submission. I felt the warmth of her lips on mine when she woke me. I remembered her hand in mine, her head on my shoulder, and most importantly, I remembered the way I felt the first time she told me she loved me.

  “What are you thinking?” she whispered.

  “Once in a lifetime, if we’re lucky, we meet someone who changes us.”

  She wrapped her hands around my biceps. “I don’t think we should be—”

  “Meeting you changed me.” I focused on her lips, waiting for her protest, but it didn’t come. “I had a plan.” I considered all of my plans, those realized and those in the works. “I’d build my business, make a name for myself, make a lot of money, earn respect, and then maybe find someone to share it with.”

  “It seems you’ve accom
plished most of your goals,” she said, looking uneasy.

  “Most, but not all.”

  Truthfully, the idea of marriage and kids was a notion I hadn’t given much thought to. Family was an abstract concept, and monogamy was for other people. Love was for the weak. But I felt something for her, something dangerously familiar. My feelings for her had destroyed me once. Could I really risk loving her again? Having her in my life and sharing my bed was one thing, but giving her my heart, giving her that kind of power over me? Was I crazy to even consider it?

  “Perhaps we could talk about this over dinner,” she suggested, stepping out of my arms. “Did you make a reservation?”

  I followed her to the foyer, my eyes traveling to the small desk where she kept her mail. Her laptop and wireless printer were also set up there. That was when I saw it: a picture of us. A reporter must have taken it the night of the anniversary party and posted it online.

  I picked up the print-out, staring at the image. We were engrossed in conversation, and the way I was looking at her… my stomach turned. I knew that look. It was the same way I’d looked at her before. My coworkers used to joke that I looked like a lovesick puppy whenever she was around, and I suspected they were right. That photo proved that nothing had changed.

  She turned to me, her eyes traveling to the image in my hand. “Oh, I guess I forgot—”

  “Why did you print this?” I asked. “Why did you want this?”

  “I don’t know.” She reached for it, but I held it just out of her grasp. “I thought it would be a good promotional piece, I guess. It would prove that someone like you had trusted me with—”

  “You’re lying.” I tossed her words back at her, and I could tell they’d stung her as much as they had me. “You printed this because you wanted to remember that night, or because you couldn’t forget it any more than I could.”

  “You’re reading too much into this,” she said, reaching for the picture.

  I grabbed her shoulders. “Why are you so determined to live in denial? Why can’t you take a chance and have faith that you might wind up a hell of a lot happier than you are right now?”