Part 2Ex to Relative

Liam was not an easy guy to win over. After adding me as a contact, he completely ghosted me. Even when I came up with the most cringe-worthy excuses to message him, all I got in return was a “read” receipt.

It slowly dawned on me that he wasn’t interested. He had only added me that day to save me from public embarrassment.

So, I gave up.

The next time I saw him was at a university mixer. He was standing off to the side, looking cool and aloof in a crisp white shirt. I spotted him right away, but since we weren't really friends, I didn't go over to say hi.

Throughout the entire event, I trailed after my senior, a guy from my department. But I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me.

The feeling intensified when my senior accidentally spilled a drink on my dress and started frantically trying to wipe it off. That’s when I found the source of the stare.

It was Liam.

His lips were pressed into a thin line, his eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable but definitely not pleased.

On my way to the restroom, a hand shot out and pulled me into an alcove.

Liam leaned in, his narrow, intense eyes boring into mine. “Didn’t you say you wanted to be more than friends?” he asked, his voice low and laced with an unmistakable annoyance. “Why are you acting like you don’t know me today?”

Even angry, his face was unfairly beautiful. The way his Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke was… distracting.

I tilted my head, looking at him with genuine curiosity. “Liam, are you jealous?”

He froze for a second, a flicker of something in his eyes. He didn't deny it.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “But you need a reason to be jealous. On what grounds are you feeling jealous right now?”

The color drained from his face. He stared at me, his grip on my wrist tightening.

I stood on my tiptoes, our noses almost touching, and whispered, “Alright, I’ll give you one more chance. Liam, are you interested in being my boyfriend?”

“I’ll give you three seconds to think about it.”

“Three… two…”

I didn't even get to "one." Staring at his lips, so close to mine, I gave in to another impulse and kissed him.

It was supposed to be a light peck, but I don't know which one of us lost control first. Suddenly, his arms were around me, pressing me against the wall, his hand cradling the back of my head as our lips and tongues tangled in a fierce, desperate dance.

His answer was a muffled sound against my mouth, lost in our ragged breaths.

"Serena," he murmured. "Let's be together."