She grabbed the umbrella and swung it at him, but he quickly caught her hand before it could land. In one swift move, he pulled her by the waist into his chest.
"Are you trying to hit me, love?" Liam said.
Hazel looked up in shock and froze. "…Liam?"
He was smiling at her like nothing had happened. She immediately dropped the umbrella.
"And why did you kidnap me?" she asked, frowning.
"I didn't kidnap you. I brought my girlfriend here," he replied calmly.
"You took me without my knowledge. That's kidnapping."
"Hm… that's not kidnapping."
She pushed him away and stepped back. "Why are you still here? Aren't you supposed to be in Mexico?"
"I already went," he said. "But I missed you, so I came back. Aren't you happy?"
Hazel crossed her arms, ignoring his question. "Where am I?"
"My house."
"Take me back to my dorm."
"It's too late."
"And whose fault is that?"
"You're staying here with me."
"No, I have class tomorrow morning. I can't stay here."
"Don't worry." He brought out his phone and made a call. "Postpone the lecture to 11 a.m." After a short pause, he ended the call and looked at her. "See? Your class starts at 11."
Hazel stared at him in disbelief. "Just one call and you changed the time? How?"
"I donate to your school," he said simply. "So you're staying."
She sighed softly. Fine… let me deal with you.
"I'm hungry," she said.
"The food is ready. Let's go," he replied, turning away.
Hazel didn't move. He stopped and looked back at her.
"What?"
She stretched out her hands toward him. "Carry me."
He paused for a second before a small smile appeared on his lips. "Alright." He lifted her in a bridal carry, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her to the dining room.
The maids and guards watching were clearly shocked. Liam tried to put her down, but she shook her head.
"No."
"Why?"
"You're warm. I want to sit on your lap."
He looked at her for a moment. "…You want to sit on my lap?"
She nodded.
"…Fine."
He sat down with her on his lap, making the entire room fall silent. The maids exchanged glances, confused about who she was and why he was obeying her so easily.
"Feed me," Hazel said, opening her mouth slightly.
Liam stared at her for a second, then picked up the spoon. "…Fine." He fed her without hesitation, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. The maids were even more shocked. No one had ever seen him like this.
They finished eating like that, with him feeding her while she leaned comfortably against him.
"I'm full," Hazel said, rubbing her stomach.
Meanwhile, Liam felt completely uncomfortable, trying to control himself.
"Where am I sleeping?" Hazel asked.
"My room."
She immediately looked at him. "What? Why your room?"
"Aren't we dating?" he said, leaning slightly closer.
Hazel hesitated for a moment before nodding. "…Fine."
They walked into his room, and Hazel looked around in amazement. "Wow… your room is so big."
She removed her jacket, revealing her crop top and trousers. Liam's gaze immediately darkened as he scanned her.
"You wore that outside?" he asked.
"Yes. Why?"
"From now on, you're not wearing that outside."
"And why is that?"
"It's too revealing."
Hazel smirked slightly. "Are you jealous?"
He walked up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "I'm very possessive of what is mine," he whispered near her ear. "I don't like other men looking at you. Only I can look."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but before things could go further, she suddenly pushed him away.
"I need to dance."
He raised a brow. "Why?"
"I ate too much. This is my exercise. I prefer dancing."
He nodded and went to sit down, watching her.
Hazel played music on her phone and began to move. Her body followed the rhythm smoothly, her steps confident and natural. After a moment, she decided to tease him. She moved closer to him while dancing, her eyes locking with his. Her hips swayed with the beat, her movements becoming slower and more intentional.
Liam didn't look away.
His eyes darkened as he watched her.
Hazel noticed and continued, enjoying the effect she had on him. After a while, she stepped back as the music ended.
"Now that my exercise is over, I need to sleep," she said casually and turned to leave.
But before she could take a step, Liam grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.
"So you just finish and pretend nothing happened?" he said in a low voice.
She glanced down and quickly looked away again.
"That's not my fault. You were the one staring."
He pulled her closer. "Am I wrong for watching my girlfriend dance like that in front of me?" His voice dropped lower. "You started this."
Hazel swallowed slightly.
"And now," he added, his grip tightening just a little, "you have to take responsibility."
She blinked at him. "…Responsibility for what?"
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
"You'll find out."