The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Fifteen

Part Fifteen

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"Dalley, what the actual fuck!"

Liam's voice slices through my sleep like a hot knife. I barely stir, his urgent tone mixing with the haze of my dreams. His midnight intrusion wasn't my idea.

"Wake up! We can't be late!" His words thump through the room again, and this time I manage to open my eyes.

The quilt yanks off my body, and I groan, rolling onto my back. The ceiling above is blurry as I squint through half-closed eyes. I glance at the clock: 11:00 PM. The party is supposed to start soon.

Liam looms over me, his tousled curls flopping into his eyes. "Please get up?" he whines, his lip quivering in a mock pout. "I'll buy you chocolate cookies and weed brownies."

I swat at him, his proximity too much for my groggy state. "Five more minutes, please."

He chuckles, but his voice is a mixture of irritation and mischief. "Dalley, I swear, if you're not up in five seconds, I'm throwing water on you. We're already late!"

With a frustrated huff, he grips my ankles and drags me toward him. I squeal as he hoists me over his shoulder, the world flipping upside down.

"Put me down!" I shout, my voice muffled against his shoulder.

"Only if you promise to move fast," he retorts, setting me down with a grin. He pushes me toward the bathroom with a final, playful shove. I stumble, barely catching my balance as I head in.

The shower's hot spray dances over my skin, its warmth seeping into my bones. I let my fingers comb through my hair, a soft sigh escaping my lips. The steam envelops me, and for a moment, I lose myself in the sensation. I think about the party, the anticipation buzzing beneath my skin. I hope it will be a chance to make an impression, to find someone who might see me in a different light.

I turn off the water and step out, I wrap a towel around my waist. The bathroom mirror is misted over, so I swipe a patch clear with my hand. My honey-brown eyes stare back, reflecting the uncertainty swirling in my mind. The thought of heading to a party without my best friends feels like a betrayal, but the idea of surprising them with Adam makes me smile. The kiss I plan to steal tonight is my wild card.

Dressing quickly, I fumble with a cologne bottle, its scent lingering as I try to look my best. The shirt's zipper catches in the back, a new challenge to navigate. Nerves coil in my stomach. This party is new territory—especially the kissing part, which makes me twitch with anxiety. I glance at my reflection, the boy in the mirror unsure of himself.

I emerge from the bathroom, Liam sprawled on my bed, scrolling through his phone. His eyes widen, and his mouth drops open as he takes in my appearance. I can't tell if he's impressed or just shocked.

He stands, eyes still wide. "Dalley," he breathes, his voice a mix of surprise and admiration. "Who knew you could pull this off?"

I can't help but smile, turning to present my back to him. "My shirt needs zipping."

Liam clears his throat, stumbling over his words. "R-Right, yeah, of course."