Liam sighs and runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every movement. “I just don’t want things to get messy.”

“They’re already messy,” I point out, keeping my tone steady. " We might as well make the best of it.”

He glares at me, clearly not happy with my logic but unable to refute it. “Fine,” he mutters, his voice heavy with reluctance.

“Look,” I say, trying to be the voice of reason, “if it doesn’t work out, we’ll deal with it then. But right now, this is our chance to clear the air and maybe find some common ground again.”

Liam snorts, his skepticism almost palpable. “Clear the air? More like stir up a shitstorm.”

I can't help but grin at him. “Sometimes you’ve gotta weather the storm to see the sunshine, right? Besides, we’ve faced worse and come out stronger.”

He shakes his head, though a small smile tugs at his lips. “You’re a fucking idiot.”

“Maybe,” I admit with a chuckle.

We both fall silent for a moment, lost in our own thoughts. It's obvious that Liam isn’t thrilled about this arrangement, but at least it seems like he’s going along with it—for now.

“Alright then,” I say, clapping him on the back again. “Let’s make tonight one to remember.”

He nods, though his expression remains grim.

As we leave the office together, my thoughts flicker back to Bianca and what tonight might bring. The anticipation buzzes under my skin like an electric current.

Tonight's going to be interesting, that's for sure.

11

LIAM

Ilean against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, watching the clock tick. Every second that passes is heavy like a weight, pressing down on my chest. This whole plan is a bad idea, but I can’t deny the excitement that courses through me. My body responds to the thought of her, making me adjust myself as I hear the knock on the door.

"Showtime," Alex says, striding to the door and opening it with his usual confidence. "Bianca."

She steps in, looking as stunning as ever. Her long brown braids frame her face perfectly, her eyes filled with that familiar fire. For a moment, we just stare at each other, memories of college flashing between us.

"Strip," I command, my voice leaving no room for hesitation. My eyes lock onto hers, the challenge clear.

She swallows hard but doesn't break eye contact. Slowly, her hands move to the hem of her shirt. I watch every movement, noting the slight tremor in her fingers.

"You heard him," Alex says, his tone edged with hunger.

Bianca's shirt slides off her shoulders and drops to the floor. She hesitates for a heartbeat before unbuttoning her jeans. The room is silent except for the soft rustle of fabric and our heavy breathing.

Bianca's lace see-through bra makes my dick twitch, lust burning through me like wildfire. My eyes trace the outline of her body, every curve, every inch of skin exposed. She hooks her thumbs into the waist of her jeans and pulls them down slowly.

"Goddamn," Alex breathes out.

Her panties leave nothing to the imagination. My gaze locks onto hers as she raises her eyes to meet mine and then Alex’s.

"Good girl," Alex murmurs. "Now come here."

Bianca takes a step forward, but I stop her with a raised hand.

"Not yet," I say. "I want to watch you touch yourself first."

Her eyes widen, but she doesn't argue. Her hand moves between her legs, and she begins to rub herself, eyes never leaving mine. The sight sends a jolt through me—one part anger at how easily she obeys and one part raw desire.

"Faster," I command.