“I need to go,” Jeff muttered, sitting up straight, revealing his broad chest and tousled hair. “Alicia must be looking for me by now,” he added under his breath.


    “I’m sorry I kept you here so long, sweetheart,” Alena whispered, her face close to his as she wrapped her arms around him. “But it’s been so sweet having you here by my side.”


    “Then you’ve had enough. Let me go.”


    “Fine!” Alena sighed, loosening her embrace. Jeff immediately got out of bed, his full masculine form on display as he moved. He picked up his trousers and shirt from the floor. While getting dressed, he glanced at Alena as she leaned over to the bedside table, retrieving a packet of cigarettes and a lighter.


    “You told me you’d quit smoking,” she said, her voice muffled by the cigarette clenched between her lips as she lit it. Jeff hummed in response, sitting in the armchair to put on his sneakers.


    “Why?” she asked, exhaling smoke as her gaze lingered on him. “Is it because of Alicia?” She tilted her head.


    Jeff nodded, humming again.


    Alena scoffed, her voice laced with sarcasm. “And what are you planning to do?” She paused, fixing him with a calculating stare. “Tonight is my father’s birthday party. Rose has a plan; I’m giving you a hint.”


    “Then I’ll stop her from going,” Jeff replied, standing as he tied his sneakers.


    With a smirk, Alena shook her head. “You have no idea what her plan is. Do you really think you can protect her tonight?”


    “I’ll stay by her side,” Jeff said firmly, turning to face her. “So you don’t need to worry about her.”


    Alena stepped off the bed, completely unashamed of her nakedness as she approached him. Her smirk softened, replaced by an almost wistful expression. “Here’s a piece of advice for you,” she murmured, cupping his cheek and letting her fingers trail over his skin. “Don’t risk your life—or your sister’s—for something that isn’t worth it, Jefferson, my love.” Her eyes glinted with a mix of concern and warning.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Jeff offered her a faintly sarcastic smile. “I’ll take your advice to heart.”


    Blowing smoke directly into his face, Alena returned his smile with a sweet but knowing one.


    <hr>


    Jeff’s black Benz came to a slow halt in front of Alicia’s apartment as he switched off the engine. With a sigh, he glanced into the rear-view mirror at Alicia, who had insisted on sitting in the backseat.


    Alicia met his gaze briefly before unbuckling her seatbelt. Without a word, she opened the car door and stepped out.


    As she walked toward her door, the sound of Jeff’s car door opening made her stop. She turned to see him stepping out.


    “Thanks for the ride, Jeff,” she said, giving him a faint smile. “You should go now. I don’t need your company; I’m fine.”


    Jeff sighed deeply, her words clearly weighing on him, and took a few steps closer.


    “I know you’re angry, Alicia. And I’m sorry I lied about quitting smoking. But there’s something important I need to tell you.”


    “You can save it for later,” she replied, shrugging. “Right now, I just don’t want to talk to you.”


    She turned back toward her door, but before she could take another step, Jeff ran to her and gently grabbed her arm.


    “Please, Alicia. Please, just… just hear me out,” he begged, his voice trembling.


    Alicia looked down at his hand, feeling it shake against her arm. She lifted her gaze to meet his, her expression a mix of sadness and frustration.


    “I’m confused about you, Jeff,” she said softly. “Back in high school, you were one of the guys who hated smoking. So tell me—just tell me—what changed?” Her voice cracked, betraying her emotions.


    “Something feels wrong, Jeff. It feels like you’re hiding something from me.” Her gaze dropped as she wiped away a tear with the back of her hand. “Just go,” she whispered, looking back at him. “Please, at least for now.”


    Alicia opened her door and stepped inside, shutting it firmly behind her. She slumped to the floor, her back pressed against the door as she muffled her sobs with her hands.


    Outside, Jeff leaned his forehead against the cold metal of the door. He hit it softly with his fists before stepping away. Running his fingers through his hair in frustration, he turned and walked back to his car.


    Casting one last glance at the door, he let out a deep sigh. Yanking his car door open, he slid into the driver’s seat. The tyres screeched as he turned the car sharply and sped off into the night.