Liam watched the taller guy carefully, his sharp gaze steady behind the silver mask. The words that had just been thrown at him "fuck off" were harsh, cocky, meant to provoke. But Liam didn't flinch. He didn't even blink.
Why would he?
Getting angry over something that stupid would be giving the guy exactly what he wanted. That would be childish. A waste of energy.
Instead, Liam did what he always did.
With no hesitation, he made his move.
Smoothly, with a confidence so natural it was almost unfair, he slipped his arm around Vanessa's waist.
She stiffened slightly at first, her heart skipping as her body registered the sudden intimacy. It wasn't a fake move or an act to save face, it was real. The closeness between them sparked an electric tension, one she wasn't prepared for. And judging by the red creeping up her chest beneath the gown, she didn't hate it.
Liam, however, looked like nothing had changed. Cool, calm, collected.
But inside?
He was stunned.
