Lies in Love by Ava Wood

possible but you actually made things worse.”
    “Why
are you so certain it’s because of me?”
    “Who
else could have caused it? She wasn’t this bitter before you
entered the picture.”
    “Have
you considered the thought that maybe she became privy to your little
scheme and that is what has her on edge?” He hoped it wasn’t the case,
but he couldn’t accept the fact that her worsening mood was due
to him.
    “Seriously?”
Camey threw her hands in the air and walked away, joining her friends
on the dance floor.
    Landon
ordered another beer and a vodka martini for Talia and took them to
the balcony above in search of her. He found her at the same table,
giving the same defiant look, sitting alone. Her focus was mostly on
the dance floor below, but when he was only a table away she turned
her face up at him with a sneer that bordered on a smile.
    “Hi.”
Landon immediately chided himself. He was hoping for something
wittier than a simple hi.
    “What
are you doing here?”
    He
couldn’t get a read on her. On one hand, she had the eternally
pissed-off look plastered on her face, but on the other, he could
swear there was a twinkle in her eye that he didn’t notice
before. Was it possible that she was actually glad to see him? “I
heard this is the best place in town for a good drink.”
    Talia
immediately rolled her eyes. “You really are a glutton for
punishment, aren’t you?”
    Landon
was relieved to see a smile form on her face. It was more beautiful
than he’d
imagined.
    “Well,
are you going to sit down?”
    “Is
that an invitation?”
    “The
closest thing to an invitation you’ll get out of me. Besides, I
figured you’d just sit down anyway.”
    Landon
chuckled and took the seat across from her. “Very good point.”
He set the martini he’d been carrying in front of her. “For
you.”
    “Thanks.”
She didn’t sound angry, but Landon wasn’t quite sure she
was pleased.
    “How
was your week, Petal?”
    “Again
with the name?” Talia sipped at her drink while staring into
his eyes.
    “I
don’t know, it seems like it suits you. Besides, you never gave
me your real name.” Landon held his beer in his hand,
occasionally taking a swig during their conversation.
    “And
I don’t plan to.” Talia finished her martini and pushed
away from the table. “Thanks for the drink, but I think I’ll
be joining my friends now.”
    Landon
turned in his chair and watched her walk away. He was staggered. What
am I supposed to do now? He
looked down to the dance floor below and saw Talia’s friends
gyrating with lascivious men gathered around. Moments later they were
joined by Talia, and the shock showed on all of their faces.
“Screw it.” He downed the rest of his beer and stomped
down the stairs, shoving past countless sweaty bodies until he was
one of the many men gathered around Talia’s crew.
    She
danced fluidly with her friends, sometimes turning in circles. When
Landon was right next to her, she turned to see him and promptly
moved to the other side of the group, attempting to evade him. In his
suave way, he easily moved around the floor, first dancing with Camey
then slowly placing himself at Talia’s back. He moved closer
and placed a hand on her hip, planning to move against her, but she
slapped his hand away and ran out of the club.
    Camey
spun on Landon as Talia ran out. “What the hell, man?”
    Landon
held up his hands in defeat. “Just let me try to make it
better.” Camey’s lips flattened as he tried pleading with
his eyes. He knew it wasn’t worth attempting to discuss among
all the noise.
    “Go.”
    When
Camey turned back to her friends, Landon took off after Talia. He
didn’t know what he would say, but his intentions weren’t
to scare her away. He needed to make things right with her, if only
for his conscience’s sake.
    When
he raced out of the club, the cold air stung his cheeks. He looked up
the sidewalk for Talia, but didn’t see her. When he looked the
other