Page 64 of Broken Lies
“Let’s try another, then. You’ve got two hours before dinner, and you can either study with me, or drink your body weight in minibar rosé and take a nap. What’s the opportunity cost?”
“My sanity. Which, thanks to you, I’m rapidly losing.”
He laughs, and a shiver runs down my spine at the deep, rumbling sound.
“That’s not how utility works, princess.”
“And that’s not how fake husbands talk to their fake wives.”
“Touché.”
I quickly glance back at my notes. “Game theory. Let’s do that next.”
“Ah, the prisoner’s dilemma. That seems perfect for us. So,wife, do you rat me out or do you stay loyal?”
“Flip,” I reply without hesitation. “In a heartbeat.”
He laughs again, and this time, I can’t hide my smile.
“Good to know where we stand.”
“Don’t take it personally. It’s just…strategic self-interest.”
“How about elasticity of demand?”
“Depends on the product. Take you, for example?—”
“Are you objectifying me?”
“For the sake of the metaphor, yes. So, I would consider you an inelastic good. No matter how much of a pain in the ass you are, people still put up with you.”
Kieran’s shoulders shake with silent laughter.
“Careful there,Riley. You’re dangerously close to admitting you need me.”
My throat goes dry as his dark eyes lock onto mine from across the room.
I know I should shut this down, but the way Kieran is looking at me is making me want to throw my notes aside and forget all my morals.
This isn’t real.
I would do well to remember that Kieran is not here by choice. Whatever is brewing between us is purely down to forced proximity, nothing more. If I was a random girl at a bar, he wouldn’t look twice at me.
The thought should have me sobering up, but instead, it only makes my stomach turn to lead.
“I think I’m done,” I say quietly as I close my books.
Kieran watches me closely as I start tidying up my things.
Only when I stand in front of him and hold out my hand to take back my book do I look at him again.
“So, dinner?”
I sigh, snatching back my book. “I remember the deal.”
“I’m flattered by your enthusiasm,” Kieran teases as he swings his legs around so that he’s sitting properly in the chair.
I glance down, and a rush of heat comes over me as I imagine him spreading his thighs so I could sink to my knees between them?—
