The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Nine

Part Nine

•••

The nerves gnaw at me all day, twisting my stomach into knots. What if I mess this up? It's what I'm best at, after all. I'm supposed to teach three clueless guys about homeostasis—the balance of physical and chemical conditions in living systems.

Piece of cake. If I actually knew what it was.

I pace my room, dragging my hands down my face in frustration. How did I even agree to this?

"You're starting to lose it," a deep voice says from behind me. I jump, heart slamming against my ribs as I whip around, nearly giving myself whiplash.

Liam leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. I want to wipe it off with something sharp.

"Ever heard of knocking?" I snap, narrowing my eyes at him. "And how did you even get in? This is trespassing—I could report you. You know I would."

His grin widens, dimples carving into his cheeks. He saunters into my room like he owns the place. "Chill, Dale. It's not trespassing if the front door's open."

I roll my eyes. "Impressive logic."

He surveys me for a moment, then gestures at my clothes. "What are you wearing? We agreed on hot, and this screams 'I'm not interested.' Not that it's the first time you've let me down."

I glance down at my sweatpants and oversized hoodie. "I'm comfortable. Maybe we're moving too fast. And for the record, I don't need your approval."

Liam rolls his eyes and strides to my closet, yanking the door open. "What are you doing?" I demand.

"Finding something sexy," he replies, pulling out a black shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. "This'll do. Now go change, or we'll be late." He grabs my wrist and shoves me toward the bathroom.

"This is manhandling, you know!" I shout as I start changing.

"Hurry up!"

This is my chance to let Adam know how I feel. I can see us together. But why does my wrist still tingle from Liam's touch?

I shove the thought aside as I emerge from the bathroom, feeling more exposed than I'd like. Not that it matters—Liam would have me dressed like a stripper if he could.

"Much better. Total head-turner," he says, eyeing me up and down. "Just remember to give Adam the sexy look. No mumbling—make your voice low and seductive. And don't forget to show off your—"

I glare at him. "I will kill you."

He laughs just as the doorbell rings. Our eyes lock for a brief moment, mischief dancing in his umber gaze.

"Do you want to be with Adam or not?" he asks, suddenly serious.

I nod. This is what I want.

"Then stop making threats and let's go." He heads for the door.

He's so lucky I need him today, or he'd be six feet under by now. Groaning, I grab my phone and follow him outside.