Chapter 5

Back at my apartment, as I stepped out of the elevator, I saw a familiar figure.

Liam.

His eyes lit up when he saw me.

"Alex!"

"Where were you last night? I looked for you all night, and you didn't even come to the birthday party."

"...Something came up."

Avoiding his gaze, I pulled out my keys to open the door.

But he grabbed my wrist.

"You've been drinking? You still smell like alcohol—"

His voice cut off.

His gaze fell on my neck, and his pupils constricted.

I pulled away. "I'm tired, I want to rest."

"Is that a hickey? Who were you with last night?"

"None of your business! You said you only see me as a brother, right? My private life doesn't need to be reported to you, does it?"

Liam’s face turned ashen.

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

I took the opportunity to open the door and quickly slipped inside.

I tried to close the door, but Liam blocked it with his arm.

"Move!"

"Who was it? Ryder?"

My heart skipped a beat, and the force in my hand loosened slightly.

Catching my reaction, Liam’s eyes darkened.

"It really was him? You were with Ryder last night?"

I turned my face away. "I told you, it’s none of your business."

Liam grabbed my chin, forcing me to look him in the eye.

"Alex, Ryder is known for being a player—"

"So what? At least he doesn't treat me like a child!"

I slapped his hand away.