The fine line between love and hate

Cracks in the Lie

Emma’s heart pounded so loudly she was sure the entire restaurant could hear it.

Adrian’s words hung heavy in the air—sharp, precise, and far too accurate.

Liam, ever the performer, recovered quickly. “Wow.” He let out a low whistle. “You really do pay attention. I mean, it’s kinda flattering. Are you sure you’re not in love with me, Mr. Blackwood?”

Emma wanted to die.

Adrian didn’t laugh. He didn’t even blink. He just tilted his head slightly, gaze cutting through Liam like a knife. “I pay attention to things that matter.”

Emma’s stomach twisted.

Liam, sensing the growing danger, reached across the table and grabbed her hand, giving it a little squeeze. “Well, lucky me. Because she definitely matters to me.”

Emma flinched. It was subtle, barely noticeable—but not to Adrian.

His eyes dropped to their intertwined hands, and his jaw clenched.

Enough.

Emma pulled her hand back, forcing a bright, strained smile. “Alright, this has been fun, but I think it’s time we call it a night.”

Liam grinned. “Already? I was just starting to enjoy myself.”

Adrian’s gaze snapped to her. “Running away, Carter?”

Her breath caught. He only called her that when he was pushing—when he wanted to get under her skin.

“I’m not running,” she said, lifting her chin. “But we both have work in the morning, and I’d rather not waste any more of my time.”

Adrian’s smirk returned, slow and deliberate. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to keep you from… Owen.”

Emma stood quickly, grabbing her purse before she said something stupid—like the truth.

Liam followed her lead, flashing Adrian one last dazzling smile. “Great meeting you, mate. Let’s do this again soon.”

Adrian’s response was a cold, unreadable stare.

Emma practically dragged Liam out of the restaurant, her pulse still hammering in her ears.

The moment they hit the sidewalk, she groaned. “Oh my God. I’m going to kill you.”

Liam laughed, hands up in surrender. “What? I was charming!”

“You were chaotic,” she hissed. “Did you have to poke the bear?”

Liam snorted. “That wasn’t a bear, babe. That was a whole-ass lion.” He shot her a look. “And for the record? He’s totally obsessed with you.”

Emma stopped walking. “He is not.”

“Oh, please. The way he was looking at you? I’m surprised he didn’t flip the table and claim you right then and there.”

Her face burned. “You’re delusional.”

Liam shook his head, laughing softly. “I give you a week, tops. You’ll c***k, and he’ll ruin you.”

Emma’s stomach flipped, and she shoved his shoulder. “Stop. Not happening.”

“Sure, sweetheart. Keep telling yourself that.”