Liam's lips were molten against Alex's, devouring him in a way that left no room for thought. The strength of his arms, the heat of his body — it caged Alex in, and yet Alex never wanted to escape.
But when Liam finally pulled back, his smirk was sharp enough to cut.
"You're flushed," he murmured, thumb brushing Alex's cheek.
"I am not—" Alex began, only to yelp when Liam nipped at his jaw.
"You are," Liam whispered against his skin, voice low, teasing. "Your heart's racing. I can hear it. Feel it." His palm slid down Alex's chest, resting just above where his heartbeat thundered. "Every beat for me."
"Conceited," Alex muttered, but his breath hitched when Liam's mouth grazed the line of his throat.
"Not conceited," Liam corrected softly, lips dragging over the thrum of his pulse. "Just addicted."
Alex's hands curled in his hair, tugging lightly. "Liam…"
