Pride and Papercuts (The Austens #5) - Staci Hart Page 0,46
much more enjoyable when his hackles are down.”
Georgie sighed her understanding. “It’s a rare glimpse behind the curtain. The man beneath the exterior Liam chooses to show the world is not who you think. He gives all of himself to what he loves, but … well, he’s a roaring lion with a thorn in his paw.”
“And you’re the mouse who pulls it out?”
“There’s no getting rid of it, only edging close enough to soothe him. To remind him everything is going to be all right. But to get that close, you have to earn his trust, and that is no small task. Few have risked it—fewer have made it all the way through. I’m sure I’m only in by default of genetics. But once you find your way into his graces, he gives everything of himself without question or thought.”
I took a moment to choose my next words. “But hasn’t he hurt you?”
A chuckle. “Sure—he’s still human. But he’s never done anything but try to protect me.”
“What about Wyatt?”
The tightening of her features was almost imperceptible. “Wyatt wasn’t Liam’s fault. I was hurt, yes. But not by my brother. I guess Wyatt told you what happened?”
I nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It was for the best.”
“Do you really feel that way though? Liam went so far to stop you. To get between you and what you wanted. It didn’t even happen to me and I’m furious.”
She watched me for a beat. “Liam and Wyatt didn’t end on good terms, and I’m sure Wyatt didn’t have anything charitable to say about my brother. But sometimes—especially when it comes to who we trust with our hearts—we can’t see the truth of the circumstance until someone we love is brave enough to point out what we missed. That was all it was.”
“If someone tried to interfere with my relationship the way he did with you, I would have done the opposite out of spite.”
She chuckled. “Oh, I’ve defied him plenty. But this time, he really was right. Please, don’t be angry on my account. If I’m not upset, it stands to reason that you shouldn’t be either.”
The truth of that statement sank in slowly, like water on soil so dry, it sat on top of the dirt, unsure what to do with itself. Georgie had not only let it go, but endorsed Liam’s interference. It made me question the why of it, the reason Wyatt had been villainized and Darcy praised. One of them was lying—either Darcy had lied to his sister or Wyatt had lied to me. But even though I couldn’t see Wyatt lying to me, I trusted Georgie, and even though I still thought Liam was an overbearing asshole, she was right. Being mad on her behalf was virtually pointless.
But the conversation struck me—I’d heard half the story from Wyatt, but I’d be willing to bet Georgie had a very different recount of what’d happened, and Liam would have yet another.
In the end, Georgie had forgiven Liam, and I probably should too. For that transgression, at least.
“I can’t really argue that logic, which is impressive. I can usually argue any logic,” I said with a smile. “Is it weird that I’ve been hanging out with Wyatt?”
At that, she offered a gentle smile, but something was hidden behind it. “No. Just because Wyatt and I didn’t work out doesn’t mean I don’t want him to be healthy and happy. But if I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s to make sure those you trust have earned it.”
Something about the way she said it sent a tingling warning whisper down my spine that I didn’t understand. So I widened my smile and changed the subject.
“Fair enough. Now I just need you to spy on Liam for me so I can beat him, and we’ll be all set on the subject of your brother.”
That earned me a laugh as she turned to go. “If I didn’t have to live with him, I just might help you. But alas.”
“If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
One of our designers interrupted with a question for Georgie, and they walked away, leaving me with my thoughts, which were a jumble.
I’d thought things were black and white.
Darcy, bad. Wyatt, good.
Me, right. Darcy, wrong.
The truth was more complicated than that. It was a web of half-truths and perception, indecipherable as an outsider.
But I couldn’t see to stop trying.
15
Depends On the Stakes
LIAM
A few days passed, bringing us to the end of the week and the promise of