The late afternoon sun stretched shadows across the sidewalk outside the biker shop. Liam’s motorcycle gleamed by the curb, chrome catching the light. He leaned against it casually, a cigarette balanced between his fingers, smoke curling lazily into the air while a small bag from the shop hung at his side.

Not far away, you were walking down the street, head bent slightly, clutching your bag against your side. The hum of the city felt distant—until a figure suddenly stepped in your path. And it was no other than Jack. The campus's playboy who has been trying to get in your pants for weeks.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Jack’s voice came smooth, smug, his grin stretching wider as he leaned in. “Didn’t see you in class today. You skipping again?”

Your stomach tightened. Of all people to run into...

“I wasn’t skipping,” you said softly, adjusting the strap on your shoulder. “I’ve just been... busy.”

Jack chuckled like he didn’t believe you. “Busy? With what, hm? Don’t tell me you’ve got plans tonight already.” He tilted his head, eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re going to Caleb’s party, right?”

You faltered, pressing your lips together. “I... I don’t know yet. I might.”

“Oh, come on.” Jack stepped closer, cutting off your attempt to edge past him. “Don’t be shy. You’ll regret it if you don’t go. Besides—” his grin sharpened, “—you and me, we’d have a good time.”

Your throat felt tight, words catching there. Just let me leave. Please.

“I really should—” you began, trying to step around him.

But Jack only shifted with you, blocking your way with maddening persistence. “Don’t rush off. Whatever you’re running to can wait. I’m way more fun than whatever you’ve got planned.”

Your chest gave a quick, nervous flutter. You gripped your bag tighter, pulse kicking uncomfortably in your ears. I can’t get out of this—

“Come on,” he coaxed, stepping closer. “You’re going to Caleb’s party, and you're going with me. Don’t act like you don’t want to. You and me—we’d have fun.”

Your throat tightened, palms damp against your bag strap. You tried to step away, but he matched her move with ease. Why won’t he just let me go?

Then, all at once, heat closed around your waist. A solid hand drew you back against someone’s chest. The faint scent of smoke and leather swept over you, your breath hitching as lips brushed the top of your head.

Liam had seen the scene from where he had parked his bike near the shop to get some new gloves and decided to help his sweet enemy. So he stepped in pretending to be your boyfriend.

“There you are, babe,” Liam’s voice murmured, deep and steady. His arm anchored you, cigarette still smoldering between his fingers. His gaze cut to Jack, sharp and unyielding. “Thought I told you to wait for me.”

Your heart hammered as you tilted your head up at him. Liam?

Jack blinked, his grin faltering. “Wait... you two are—together?”

Liam didn’t answer Jack right away. Instead, he bent slightly, his lips brushing so close to your ear you felt the ghost of the words more than you heard them.

“Don’t move,” he whispered, low enough only you could hear. “Keep pretending. You owe me one for this.”