Page 113 of Dream On, Liar

Rising, I searched for a seat that was hidden in a corner, and still gave me a view of the lift. And as promised, fifteen minutes later, both Raina and Oliver exited the lift, and suddenly I was glad about the fact I had moved. Because, as though her natural instinct, her eyes landed to where I’d been sitting before, and when she found a stranger there instead, I could see the smile from where I sat now.

Once they left the building, I made my way back to Rihaan’s room. This time I had a plan. One that involved my purse, and possibly, my charger.

Swiping the extra card Rihaan had handed me, I gently pushed the door open, and then I heard a voice.

“Chat, I'm telling you, that wasn't my fault.”

I’d taken a single step inside before I stopped.

Rihaan sat at the desk, headphones on, completely absorbed in whatever game he was playing.

As though sensing my gaze, his eyes flicked to me and he paused, too.

I bit the inside of my cheek, unsure what to do next.

He watched me.

I watched him.

Then I made the only sensible decision available to me. I began to close the door before his eyebrow lifted, making me pause.

A single nod, and I gulped before walking inside and closing the door softly.

Lifting his finger, he asked me to remain quiet.

“I’ll be back.”

Clicking a couple buttons on his laptop, he turned his attention back on me.

“Everything OK?”

I nodded. “I just came back to grab some stuff.”

“Is your room ready?”

“No. Late check-out. I was working in the lobby, but then Raina found me—so I had to make up a lie about there being a leak in my room,” An amused expression spread across his face. “I told her they’d fix it in a few minutes, so I thought I’d come grab my bag and head out to a cafe or something until everything is ready. To make sure she doesn’t catch me in a lie.”

“Just stay here,” He said easily, his eyes still lit with amusement.

I blinked. “What?”

He shrugged.

“If you don’t mind the noise—that is.” He gestured towards the screen. “Just stay here. I don’t mind.”

I glanced at the mini gaming setup he had. “You are…gaming?”

“Streaming, actually. But the camera is facing just me, and oh—” He looked around the room once. “You can borrow my noise cancelling headphones if you want? They already have my room number downstairs to call once your room is ready.”

“I don't want to interrupt.”

“You won’t.” He replied instantly.

I hesitated.

He looked at me patiently.

Then, softer, “It’s your choice.”