Chapter 49 Kiss Me, and I’ll Believe You
“Does Liam have a mistress? Oliver?” Celeste asked.
Liam’s gaze darkened alarmingly, and his knuckles turned white as he gripped his phone.
“Come outside with me,” he said coldly, his eyes turning to ice.
He entered an empty private room, with Celeste right behind him.
The moment she stepped inside, he slammed the door shut.
“What did you say to her?” he asked, glaring at her.
“Nothing…”
“Speak!”
“…” Celeste clutched her clothes and caught her breath.
“You promised to take care of me for life. How could you bring a mistress home? Liam.” She murmured.
“Finished?” He shoved his hands in his pockets, and his eyes darkened.
“…”
“Emma isn’t a mistress. She’s the woman I’m legally married to. I only treat you as a sister; I don’t like you.”
“No, Liam. If you don’t like me, why do you send me so much money every month?”
She took a step toward him, reaching out to grasp his hand.
He sidestepped a fraction of a second faster.
“Because of your brother.” His bluntness stunned Celeste.
Back when they were on missions together, her brother had sacrificed himself to save several teammates, leaving her behind. The buddies in the unit took on the responsibility of caring for her together.
“Emma and I aren’t public about our relationship. Don’t cause her trouble. Otherwise, don’t see each other anymore.” He continued, handing her a tissue.
“I understand, Liam.” Celeste nodded and took it.
As Liam emerged from the private room, he bumped into Daniel.
“How’d it go?” Daniel asked.
“She likes me. You figure it out.” Liam took the cigarette from Daniel’s lips and put it between his own.
Daniel lit it for him sensibly before stepping back into the private room.
Liam walked to an empty corridor, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled smoke rings.
He pulled out his phone and saw her message.
Emma: \[No.\]
Ash fell from his fingers. The ember flickered, then dimmed.
…
Over at the T Bar.
Emma sat on the sofa, listening to the deafening music.
Ryan and Claire were huddled together, whispering about something.
There were a few other friends she didn’t recognize among the guests.
One of them was Clara Bennett, a rather playful celebrity who’d been filming quite a few TV dramas lately. Most of her clothes were designed by Claire.
“I hear you’re a designer. There’s an upcoming annual event, and I’d like to ask you to design an outfit for it,” Clara said.
The DJ blasted another track, and Emma had to shout her reply over the noise.
As they chatted, she caught sight of several familiar figures at a nearby table.
It was Liam and his friends.
“I ordered the Pink Squirrel—want to try it? It’s amazing!” Clara tugged on Emma’s arm and poured half a glass of Pink Squirrel into her cup.
“So sweet.” Emma sniffed, catching the sugary scent wafting from the glass.
They clinked glasses and smiled as they took small sips.
The drink went down smoothly, releasing a creamy aroma the moment it touched her tongue.
Emma couldn’t resist taking a few more sips.
Spotting Emma drinking with Clara, Ryan instantly panicked.
“Pink Squirrel has alcohol in it! Drink less. Don’t be drunk, Emma.” He quickly pressed down on her glass.
“Drunk? No way. It just tastes creamy.”
Emma took another small sip and licked her lips.
“Listen, I’m off duty now. If you get drunk, I’m not driving you home. And if Mr. Hayes finds out that I took you out drinking, he’ll definitely punish me.” He warned.
“Are you so afraid of your boss?” Emma asked.
Before Ryan could respond, five gigolos approached.
“You know what? They’re way better looking than the guys back in S-Country!” Claire leaned in.
The men started dancing around the women.
“Touch him, Emma!” Claire grabbed Emma’s hand and placed it on the man in front of her.
The moment her hand touched his abs, Liam’s flashed through her mind.
Elsewhere, Liam, seated at another table, lifted his gaze.
As he caught sight of Emma, his grip on the wine glass tightened instantly.
As Emma stepped out of the restroom, she was pulled into the adjacent accessible restroom by a white figure.
She was pinned against the cold wall, a warm palm shielding her nape.
“Ah…” Her drunken voice moaned softly.
The man before her stiffened.
Her hands pressed against his scorching chest.
They were so close that she could smell the faint scent of tobacco and pine wood on him.
It’s Liam!
“What are you doing, honey?”
Her breathy words sounded like a whine tinged with reproach.
“Didn’t I satisfy you?” he asked; his eyes darkened.
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
“Whose abs feel better, his or mine?”
“Are you jealous?” She tilted her head, her creamy scent drifting up.
“I’m afraid you’ll ruin my reputation.”
“You’re overthinking it. It was just an accident,” she explained.
In the cramped space, the air itself felt oppressive.
“Kiss me, and I’ll believe you.” He cupped her chin, forcing her to look up.
“You’re drunk, Liam.”
His hands circled her waist, squeezing rhythmically.
“No one can see us here.” He lowered his head, resting his forehead on her shoulder, and his heavy breaths trailed down her neck.
“No…” She pushed him away forcefully.
He held her tighter as his hands began to explore her body through her clothes.
Reason forced her to stifle the shameful moan as his mouth claimed hers.
Seizing a moment to breathe, she bit down hard on his shoulder.
He instantly released her, pressing a hand against his forehead.
Two rows of red teeth marks appeared on his white shirt.
His brow furrowed, and his eyes darkened as he glared at her.
“I’m sorry…” She murmured.
He said nothing, releasing his grip on her.
She quickly adjusted her skirt, smoothed her clothes, and stepped out cautiously.
Seeing her back, he chuckled softly.
…
“Who were you kissing?” Claire hurriedly tugged on Emma’s arm and wiped the lipstick from her mouth.
“Huh?” Emma was startled.
“Is it Liam? I just saw him.”
“Yeah.”
“He’s so manly. Pfft…”
“What? Are you complimenting him?”
“Shouldn’t I? Did he see you touching another guy?”
“How did you know?” Emma asked, puzzled.