FALLING FOR THE CEO's LIES

an hour. Kaitlyn's remarks and the muttering of critical eyes at the luncheon w

le silence by blurtin

e looked at me from behind the wheel.

ything." "Unless you like to watc

grasp on the steering wheel. "It

my vantage point, it seemed like the circu

ile but refrained. "Most people wouldn'

ed out the window, "S

nly softer. "You retaliated by biting back.

r simply to fill the void, I remained silent. In any

-

onizing heels. As I padded into the living room and collaps

the couch as I murmured, "I

e leaned against the

id, "Live in this world." "The forced smiles,

d less like the untouchable billionaire and more like a huma

on't think I could." "Not if

le, his face unreadable. "Y

ond, I believed I caught a glimpse of something-pe

-

r was a pleasant diversion from the oppressive heat of the day. Above, un

and took a seat, allowing the sound of th

ty, however,

in?" The silence was b

ts, when I turned around. In the warm glow of the ya

o make room and

nd this time, the silence be

marked, "I didn't think

ed a breather." "The

and nodded. "Ariana, you und

nd scowled. How c

today would have caused most people to crumb

, "I barely

d asserted, "But you di

s eyes for the first time. It wasn't the icy, calculating look I had b

e nicely?" Before I cou

. "Do you think the wor

fault?" I

anced at Hurt. He murmured, leaning

anced over at him and saw, for the first time, the thin lines of fatigue on his face. My

do you allow people like

off guard, and I blin

erestimate your strength." "Remember that

g for any hint of dishonesty. However, there was none. Cole Montgomery didn't app

a harsh ring. Cole's face hardened as he read the

feeling saddened by the ab

nly and stated, "

t of issu

e paused. "The type

ol

xplain later," a

I watched him fade into the darkness.