HER THREE BEAUTIFUL LIES

Chapter 14: The priority client

Noel was a completely different person on the ice, I finally understood the appeal and why the girls drooled over him. Outside the ice, he was the gentle nerdy guy, but when he played, his ruthless side came to the surface.

His movements were quick and precise, his skates cutting effortlessly across the rink as he maneuvered around the opposing players. He followed the puck with an intensity I hadn't seen before, his usual gentleness replaced by a focused determination that made him almost impossible to look away from.

“Oh, my God,” Maya breathed beside her. “Your boy can PLAY.”

I nearly choked on my drink.

“My what?”

“Your boy.”

“He's not my boy.”

I should've known telling Maya about the date with Noel was going to taunt me later.

My phone vibrated. I glanced down, but wasn't expecting the Encore Hearts notification banner that appeared across on the screen.

ENCORE HEARTS — PRIORITY CLIENT REQUEST

We regret to inform you that one of our premium clients has specifically requested a second meeting with Filipa Parker. Although our agency generally prohibits repeat bookings with the same client, an exception has been approved following the client's formal appeal and additional payment.

Your attendance is expected tonight at 8:30 p.m.

Further details regarding the meeting location have been provided below.

I gaped at the screen, reading the message one too many times. How was this even possible? What the hell was a priority client?

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“What's wrong?” Maya asked, then leaned over my shoulder to read the message.

“Didn't you say you weren't supposed to meet the same client twice?”

“I'm not.”

“Then why are they asking you to?”

“Apparently, someone decided that rules are optional when enough money is involved.”

I checked the time and sighed. I still had enough time to get to meet my supposed priority client if I left immediately. It must be nice to have that kind of audacity.

I slipped my phone into my bag and stood.

“ I have to go.”

My gaze returned to the rink. Noel was back in position, listening to his coach while the other players prepared to resume the game.

“Have fun on your date." Maya waved as I hurried towards the exit.

Whoever this client was, he was either extraordinarily entitled or entirely unfamiliar with the concept of boundaries—possibly both.

– – – – – – –

By the time I reached the designated location, my patience had dwindled to almost nothing. The address led me to a quiet parking area near the university's sports complex.

Several motorcycles were parked along the curb, their polished surfaces reflecting the streetlights. A few students passed by in the distance, their voices fading as they disappeared around the corner.

I adjusted the strap of my bag and looked around.

“Over here, Filipa.”

The ground beneath my feet stilled. Slowly, I turned toward the direction of a familiar voice. The muscles in my jaws tightened, when I saw Liam.

He leaned against his motorcycle with his arms folded across his chest, one ankle crossed over the other. He wore a black T-shirt beneath a dark jacket.

A smug smile spread across his face when my eyes locked on his.

I absolutely should have known he would be the priority client who had pissed me off. The unsettling feeling I had earlier was right after all. Here I thought we wouldn't be meeting this way again. I wondered how he had managed to get a second date from the agency.

I inhaled slowly through her nose and made my way towards him.

“Liam Brook." I said through clenched teeth.

" Filipa Parker, It's good to see you again."

“I can't say I share the same enthusiasm." I said with sneer in my voice. “Why are you here?"

“What can I say, you left quite an imprint on me. And you didn't show up to our second date."

“I was hoping you'd get the memo."

“Well that really hurt my ego."

I internally rolled my eyes to the back of my skull. What exactly was his objective? I wanted the evening to be over quickly, though I doubt Liam shared the same plan.

“Can we get to dinner now, or whatever you have planned."

His face brightened up. “Actually, I've got something special planned for you." He said before crossing his legs over his bike.

“Get on." He gestured towards his bike.

“What?" I blinked. “There's no way I'm getting on that thing."

“Why? Is the brave, unapologetic Filipa I know afraid of a bike?” He c****d his head.

" I'm not. I've never been on one before.”

I stood there glaring at the bike as if it had personally offended me. When he noticed my hesitation, he held out his hand.

“I won't let you fall."

I bit down on my lips, then moved towards him and took his hand. I grabbed the extra helmet off the seat and carefully fastened it on my head.

As I sat on the bike, I created a little space between me and his back. He must have felt the void between us, so he spoke.

“You might want to hold on to me."

" I'll be fine.”

Being the stubborn ass woman that I was, I refused. But immediately regretted my decision when the bike roared to life. The instant jolt forced me to grab his back, wrapping my arms around his waist, and didn't let go as we raced through the streets. I heard a chuckle rumble in his chest, and I knew he was pleased with himself.

We drove for a while before making a turn into a tunnel that was dimly , he had to use his headlight. Then we slowed down when we burst into what looked like a garage, before finally parking in the midst of other bikes.

I jumped off the bike after him, while scanning the area. Where the hell was this place?

“Where are we? I asked.

" You'll see soon enough.” That was all he said. Then he grabbed my hand, tugging me behind him.

“We're using the back. It's an easier entrance."

An entrance to a place I had no idea about, and a place he refused to give me answers to.

We passed through a long hallway, before he pushed open a metal door, revealing a stairway that was descending instead of ascending like every regular staircase.

I could hear distinct voices and cheers coming from under us. The cheers got louder as we reached the bottom of the stairs. I finally realized where we were when we burst through another door into a vast crowd, and noticed the source of their amusement.

A huge boxing ring. Except it was covered with chains, and two very muscular and fierce-looking men were punching each other to pulp.

I gasped and flung my eyes towards him, but I met a smug smile on his face.

" Welcome to my world, Filipa!”