"In today's entertainment news: Jeff, the popular actor known for his villain roles and as America's most colorful and sexiest man, was spotted kissing another man!" A fan posted, "So our favorite villain Jeff is gayyyyy!!! The news is exploding across social media, and we're wondering why he hasn't said anything yet!"
"Smart! Smart!!"
Abbey was calling her brother, rushing to show him the news. It was their elder brother, Jeff. Smart hurried in, saw the clip, and immediately dialed Jeff's number.
Jeff had returned to the warehouse to check on Ned. Ned looked well-kept, just as Jeff had ordered. Jeff smiled to himself, walked up to the dozing man, and punched him square in the nose.
"Jesus Christ, man! Oh shit—hi, hey, sorry!"
"Hahahahahahaha. How do you like that?"
"Sorry, sir. I didn't see you."
Jeff stared at him for several seconds as his hatred deepened. He ordered his men to strip Ned. Ned grew terrified—Jeff's next move was always unpredictable. Once Ned was stripped, Jeff brought out a branding iron. He intended to carve "Liam, I am sorry" across Ned's back and forehead.
They held Ned down while Jeff heated the iron. After a few moments it glowed red. He started with the first word: "Liam."
Ned's screams tore through the room. The smell of burning flesh filled the air. Even the guards looked horrified. How could someone with such a charming face possess such a cruel heart? The second word came: "I am."
"Ahahahhhhhahhahhhhhaaa! OMG, I'm sorry! Aahahahhahahahahah!"
Ned cried and begged, desperately trying to twist free. Jeff smiled coldly as he prepared the third word. Then his phone rang.
"Hey, Smart. I'm very busy right now. Can we talk later?"
"Bro, check your phone. Your video is everywhere. Check it now."
"Ahhh—"
"Wait…"
Jeff pulled out his phone and saw the video of himself kissing Liam.
"What!!!!!"
His expression shifted instantly from satisfaction to fear—not for his reputation, but for Liam. He rushed out, signaling the guards to tie Ned up securely.
"Liam? Liam?!!"
Jeff burst through the door, running. Liam, who was getting coffee from the kitchen, collided with him. The hot liquid spilled over both of them.
"Shit! What's up, man?"
The coffee stained their clothes.
"Why are you in such a hurry? What's going on?"
"Are you okay? I'm sorry—I was just worried something might have happened."
"Hmm. I can take care of myself, Jeff. Stop treating me like a kid."
"We need to leave right now. You're going to stay with my siblings."
"Wha—!!! "
Before Liam could protest further, Jeff dragged him outside.
"Wait, Jeff! Wait—let me go!!!"
He shouted, forcing Jeff to stop and stare at him.
"Stop pulling me. What's going on? Why didn't you say anything this morning?"
"I'm sorry, Liam. We don't have time. I'll explain everything once I know you're safe."
Liam studied him for a moment and saw the genuine urgency in his eyes. Reluctantly, he got into the car, and Jeff sped off.
He drove into an alley, making Liam slightly uneasy and more alert. He was completely confused about the situation, but there was nothing he could do.
They arrived at a normal but fancy, peaceful-looking house with flowers planted outside. Inside, the gate was opened by a fierce, bulky masked man. Jeff stopped the car, helped Liam out, and guided him inside with a hand on his waist.
"I'm sorry I pulled you like that. For a second I forgot you were still in pain."
Liam blushed without meaning to—his cheeks burned. Jeff apologizing was somehow the sexiest thing.
The living room door was opened by a very pretty, chubby woman who could easily be mistaken for a doll. She smiled warmly and moved to help support Liam, but Jeff smiled back at her and signaled her to step aside. Liam was mesmerized by her beauty. Then he noticed a skinny girl sitting in the middle of the living room, typing aggressively on her laptop. She didn't look up at first, but her side profile looked exactly like Jeff's. The moment she saw her brother, she jumped up.
"Jeff!!!"
She rushed to hug him but stopped abruptly when she saw Liam. She stared as if she had seen a ghost. Liam was that good-looking.
"Abbey? Abbey? Abbey!!!"
Jeff snapped her out of it. Liam felt hot inside, about to explode. Why is this 13-year-old looking like a model staring at me like that? What's going through her mind? Does she hate me already?
"Yes!!"
"What are you looking at? Welcome our guest and stop staring like you've seen a ghost."
"Oh, hi," she said, returning to her seat.
Jeff looked at her for a few seconds before realizing Liam needed rest. He walked him to a room far from the others, unlocked it, and led him inside.
"My room."
"Doesn't look like it's been used in a while."
"Yeah, I'm mostly at my other house, so…" Jeff paused. "That was my sister. Sorry about that. And…"
"Who was that pretty lady at the door?"
"Oh, Lindsay. She's the housekeeper, cook, and nanny."
"She's so pretty."
"Yeah, she is… I might have to let her go."
"What??? Why?"
"'Cause why would you find her pretty?"
"Hell nah, you're petty."
Jeff was clearly unsettled—he hadn't sat down since they arrived. As he was about to leave to get some things for Liam, already at the door, Liam spoke up.
"Jeff, if you take one more step, I will leave this house and I promise you will never see me again. Now come back here, sit your ass down, and tell me what the hell is going on."
He froze. Liam had that effect on him.
"Liam, please…"
"Oh, you think I'm playing? Yeah, he thinks I'm joking."
"Tasha posted the video of me kissing you."
"What!!!!?"
Jeff came back in and sat close to Liam.
"Yeah, but fortunately it didn't show your face clearly, and she might have forgotten to add your picture. I'm very happy about that."
"Oh my God."
Liam looked devastated, and it made Jeff regret telling him immediately. Jeff hugged him, patting his head and assuring him everything would be fine soon.
"I'm sorry, Jeff."
"For what?"
"I'm supposed to be the one comforting you, but honestly I don't know how."
"No, no, no. Seeing you safe is the greatest comfort to me, Liam. That's the only thing I want right now. As a matter of fact, I don't want you out of my sight ever."
He held Liam tightly. For several minutes they stayed like that, just hugging. Liam wanted to kiss Jeff badly—he missed his lips and touch. He raised his head, and their eyes locked. Hunger burned between them. Liam moved first, but only managed a shy peck on Jeff's lips. He tried to look down, but Jeff stopped him halfway and devoured his mouth hungrily.
He kissed Liam like he had been practicing for it—claiming every part of his mouth, sucking on his tongue as if his life depended on it. Liam returned the kiss more softly, teasing him and giggling lightly. Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw the door was still open.
"Oh shit, Jeff—the door!"
"Dammit."
"Hi, bro."
Standing at the far end of the room was Smart. He had been there the whole time without them noticing.
"Oh my God!!!!!!"
Liam buried his face. Jeff stared at Smart with an expression that clearly said, You little brat just ruined my moment.
"Bro, your shirt is stained—probably with coffee or whatever. And hi, Liam. Don't worry, I heard your name from Jeff. I'll leave now."
He left, smiling weirdly.