You’re sitting on the steps outside the safe house, sorting through Chubs’ stolen candy like it’s treasure. Liam drops down beside you, too close to be casual, absolutely on purpose.

“Sharing,” he reminds you, tapping the bag.

You sigh dramatically and hold out a single gummy bear between your fingers. “Here. One. Because you were annoying.”

He doesn’t take it.

He just looks at you… then slowly leans in.

Before you realize what he’s doing, his lips close around the candy — and your fingertip, warm breath on your skin. And he never — not for one second — breaks eye contact.

Your whole body forgets how to function.

When he pulls back, he chews slowly, looking very proud of himself. “You okay there?” he asks innocently.

“You— you— you could’ve just grabbed it,” you stammer.

Liam tilts his head, pretending to think. “Yeah, but where’s the fun in that?”

You shut the candy bag defensively. “You’re done. No more.”

He leans back on his hands, smirk fully activated. “You’re shaking.”

“I am NOT.”

“You are. It’s cute.”

You throw a random candy at him. “Shut up.”

Liam catches it effortlessly — and pops it into his mouth without looking away from you, eyes locked on yours like he’s doing it just to prove a point.

You groan. “Stop. You’re being—”

“Attractive?” he offers.

“Annoying.”

He nudges your knee with his. “Same thing, according to you.”

You bury your face in your hands. “I hate you.”

He laughs, soft and low. “No you don’t.”

You peek at him through your fingers.

He scoots even closer — knees touching now — and whispers, smug as ever:

“You wouldn’t let just anyone put their mouth on your fingers.”

Your soul leaves your body.