One Night Stand With Alexander Blackwood-Chapter 32 — Thirty-two

Serena’s POV

My eyes swept over the club, unease settling deep in my chest. The lights were too dim. The music was too loud. The air smelled of alcohol and indulgence.

Why would Liam bring me here?

Did he forget how much I hated places like this?

"I knew I was right to come with you," Maya muttered beside me, arms folded tightly. Her eyes scanned the room with open distaste.

I exhaled softly. At least I wasn’t alone.

Before I could respond, a shadow fell over us. I lifted my head.

Liam.

My lips curved into a polite smile, automatic and practiced.

"If it isn’t the heartthrob from college," Maya said dryly. She didn’t bother hiding her dislike. She wasn’t that type of girl who played pretend.

Liam chuckled lightly, unfazed. "Nice to see you too, Maya."

She scoffed.

He turned his attention to me, his gaze lingering just a second longer than necessary. "Was it difficult getting in?"

I shook my head. "No."

His brows knit together as he glanced around. "Let’s get a private room. This place isn’t ideal."

Something about the way he said it made my stomach twist—but I nodded anyway.

Liam started toward the stairs, Maya and I following behind him. We’d only gone a few steps when my foot faltered.

I froze.

My eyes collided with a familiar figure across the room.

"Alexander..." I breathed out, my voice barely above a whisper. .

Liam followed my gaze. His jaw tightened for a split second—so fast I almost missed it—before his expression smoothed out.

Maya, however, brightened instantly.

"Boss!" she called out, her voice cutting through the music.

Alexander stopped.

For a heartbeat, the entire world seemed to hold its breath.

His gaze moved from Maya... to Liam... then finally to me.

Something unreadable passed through his eyes.

"Didn’t expect to see you here," Liam said, his tone casual, almost lazy.

"Neither did I," Alexander replied coolly.

The air between them grew taut, heavy with something sharp and unspoken.

I shifted, fingers tightening around my purse strap. Perhaps... I shouldn’t have come.

Maya leaned in and whispered, "Do you want to leave?"

Before I could answer, Alexander spoke again.

"Enjoy your evening."

The words were polite. But, the tone wasn’t.

My chest tightened painfully. He was doing exactly what I asked earlier—keeping his distance.

So why did it hurt?

"Thank you," Liam replied smoothly. Then, without asking, his hand settled on my waist. "Shall we?"

My breath hitched.

He guided me forward, his grip firm, but possessive.

I almost didn’t look back.

Almost.

Alexander’s eyes were dark, burning with something raw and unmistakable. They flicked to Liam’s hand on my waist... then returned to mine.

Jealousy

.

Anger.

It made my pulse race.

Uncomfortable, I gently pried Liam’s hand away.

"What’s wrong?" he asked softly.

"People are staring," I replied calmly.

It was a lie.

There was only one person watching.

And only one opinion that mattered.

I didn’t turn to look at Alexander again, but my thoughts lingered on him even when we arrived at the private room.

"Come in," Liam’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I forced a smile on my face.

Maya seemed to have noticed as she came to stand beside me, while she whispered into my ears.

"You’ve been absentminded ever since we walked away from Mr. Blackwood. Don’t tell me you are thinking about him?"

I snapped my head, my eyes widening. "W-what do you mean?" My words came out in a stuttering mess while my eyes darted around.

Maya was silent for a while, before she chuckled slowly. "You may fool others, but you can’t fool me. I’m your best friend, and I understand you better than anyone else."

I didn’t respond. She was right. Maya was the only one who knew the ’real’ me. The ’me’ nobody knew.

"Alright ladies. What are you whispering about? Care to let me know?" Liam’s voice snapped us out of our discussion.

Maya was quick to respond while rolling her eyes. "Nothing for you to know about."

I didn’t know if it was me, but I swear I could see a dangerous glint flashed through Liam’s eyes. But it was only for a few seconds, before his eyes reverted to its calm. It made me question if what I had seen was my imagination or if it was real.

"You may have your seat." Liam gestured, breaking my thoughts. Just like a gentleman, he had pulled the seat out for me.

Maya scoffed, grumbled something which I didn’t get under her breath, walked to the opposite seat, and took a seat directly in front of me.

We made eye contact, and I smiled at her. She looked cute with her rage simmering in her eyes.

Maya kicked my foot lightly under the table.

I met her gaze again. Her annoyance softened just a fraction, replaced by concern. She was watching me—really watching me—and that alone calmed my breathing.

Liam snapped his fingers, and within seconds a waiter appeared, placing drinks on the table without asking for our order.

I frowned slightly. "I didn’t—"

"It’s fine," Liam cut in smoothly. "I ordered for you. Same thing you used to like"

Used to. The word sat wrong with me. I glanced at the glass in front of me, unease creeping up my spine.

Maya didn’t hide her irritation. "She didn’t say she wanted it."

Liam’s smile didn’t falter, but the air shifted. Subtly. More dangerously. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"I’m sure Serena doesn’t mind," he replied, eyes flicking to me. He was not asking, but expecting.

I forced a polite smile. "I actually—"

"You’re still the same," he interrupted softly. "You are always hesitant and always overthinking."

Something cold brushed against my ribs. Liam felt... different.

Maya leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Funny," she said, voice sharp and laced with something I was unable to pinpoint. "from where I’m sitting, it looks like she’s just learned to choose for herself."

For a brief second, Liam’s jaw tightened.

There it was again—that flash. That familiar yet unfamiliar dark, impatient glint before he smoothed himself out.

"You should excuse us," he said, standing abruptly and turning to me. "Serena and I need a moment alone."

My pulse spiked.

Before I could respond, Maya stood too, placing herself slightly in front of me. "No," she said calmly. "She’s fine right here."

Silence fell between the three of us.

Liam stared at her. Maya stared back, unflinching.

And then—

My phone vibrated on the table.

A single message lit up the screen.

Alexander Blackwood:

[Are you okay?]

My breath caught.

I looked up instinctively—toward the door, and I made contact with him.