Chapter 123: The Jungle (Bonus Chapter 4/5)
Matt and Liam moved steadily through the lively party, the sound of the bass rolling like distant thunder beneath the chatter.
Matt walked a half step ahead, weaving through clusters of people with ease, calling out names and clasping hands. He introduced Liam casually whenever someone in his inner circle came close enough.
"Hey, this is Liam," Matt said to a group of three guys standing near the bar, their ties already loose, their faces flushed with drink.
For a moment, the guys looked confused — until one of them blinked twice and his mouth fell open.
"Wait... the Liam?"
Liam gave a polite nod.
"You’re kidding me," another said, his tone a mix of awe and disbelief. "The one with the P1 LM variant? And the mansion?"
The third guy swore under his breath, then laughed as though the punchline of some cosmic joke had just landed in front of him. All three scrambled to shake his hand, their smiles tight but genuine.
"Welcome, man. Enjoy yourself," one said. "Seriously. Tonight’s about fun."
They didn’t dare ask questions, though Liam could feel the weight of their curiosity pressing in. It was written all over their eyes. But they held back — even in this jungle, they knew when to keep their mouths shut.
Matt only grinned, satisfied with the reaction, and tugged Liam along before the conversation could stick too long.
As they moved deeper, Liam could feel more stares. Some were subtle, while some were blatant. Recognition spread in hushed voices and sidelong glances.
"Wait, that’s him—"
"—guy from Bellemere—"
It rolled across the crowd like a slow-burning fire.
Matt leaned closer and muttered with a mischievous grin, "See? Told you. You’re basically a celebrity in these circles."
Liam smirked but said nothing.
After a few more introductions, Matt slowed. "Alright, let me grab us drinks before someone kidnaps you with a thousand questions."
Liam lifted a brow and said, "Don’t take too long."
"Relax. Nobody’s gonna devour you here," Matt teased, backing away. "Try and, you know, look like you’re having fun. Or you’ll grow up to be a grumpy old man."
Liam chuckled despite himself, shaking his head as Matt disappeared into the crowd. He turned slowly, letting his eyes sweep across the sea of bodies. Music, perfume, laughter, flashing lights.
"All these fucking people...," He muttered under his breath.
That was his bad habit talking. The old part of him that disliked crowds was trying to claw its way back. He forced a quiet breath, steadying himself.
Not in the mood to dance and not being much of a dancer himself, he decided to take a seat and wait for Matt.
Spotting a couch against the far wall, he approached it, but his steps faltered when he saw the two girls seated on the couch, locked together in a tangle of lips and hands, oblivious to the room around them.
Liam blinked, caught off guard and a disbelieving scoff left his mouth, "It really is a jungle."
He turned away, scanning again until he saw another couch a short distance away. This one faced the opposite direction, half-hidden from the dance floor. Three girls sat there, chatting and laughing.
Good enough
.He walked over and when he reached them, he inclined his head and politely asked, "Mind if I sit?"
The reaction was immediate. All three turned at once, eyes widening. They lit up like he had just dropped out of a movie screen. Without hesitation, they shuffled aside, clearing a space in the middle.
"Thanks," he said, with a wry smile as he slid into the gap.
So much for keeping a low profile.
No sooner had he sat than the questions started.
"Why’re you sitting all alone?" one asked, her tone playful but laced with curiosity.
Liam could see right through it. He knew exactly where this was going. Still, he smiled as he glanced at each of them in turn. "Maybe because I was meant to keep you three company."
The girls burst into soft laughter. They weren’t used to men meeting them on equal footing. Most guys usually stumbled, as they tried too hard. Liam’s effortless calm was something else entirely.
One of them, a brunette with sharp eyes, leaned closer, the edge of her perfume drifting with her. "And how exactly do you plan to keep us company?"
The other two perked up, watching him expectantly.
Liam tilted his head, meeting her gaze without flinching. "That depends. How do you want me to?"
Her lips parted in surprise, and she bit down gently, caught off guard by the reversal.
"God," the first girl teased, elbowing her friend. "Look at you, about to melt. Careful — she probably just wet herself."
The target of the jab gasped, her cheeks flushing. The third girl laughed, covering her mouth, eyes darting between Liam and her blushing friend.
And just like that, the energy shifted. One of them leaned in with a look that could devour, while the others egged her on.
Liam sighed inwardly. This wasn’t his scene. He wasn’t afraid of their forwardness, but meaningless flings weren’t his style. For him, intimacy was tied to emotional connection, not quick indulgence.
He leaned back slightly, silently praying Matt would hurry.
As if the universe had heard him, Matt’s voice rang out. "Well, well, look at you, Mr. Smooth."
Liam turned his head with relief as Matt appeared, two glasses in hand. His friend’s grin was broad, his eyes dancing with mischief as he took in the scene.
"You sly bastard," Matt muttered under his breath.
Liam rose smoothly, offering the girls a polite nod. "Excuse me, ladies."
He stepped to Matt’s side and accepted the drink. Cool condensation ran down the glass into his hand. Before Liam could take a sip, he noticed someone standing behind Matt.
A tall figure, composed and smiling, eyes fixed on him.
Matt followed Liam’s gaze and smirked knowingly. "Right. Almost forgot. Liam, meet tonight’s host."
Liam shifted his glass to his left hand and extended the right. Their handshake was firm, measured.
"I’ve heard a lot about you," the host said warmly. "Appreciate you gracing us with your presence tonight. It means a lot."
Liam smiled politely. "Thanks for having me."
"If you’d like, I can introduce you to the others," the host offered, gesturing toward the crowd.
Liam shook his head. "Not necessary. I’m here to enjoy myself."
The host studied him for a moment, then nodded with an understanding smile. "Fair enough. Enjoy the party." He patted Matt’s shoulder before slipping back into the crowd.
Matt turned immediately, his grin widening into something wicked. He nudged Liam with his elbow. "So... which one are you planning to take home tonight? Or are you gonna be greedy and try all three?"
Liam leveled him with a flat stare, expression utterly deadpan, before looking away.
Matt burst out laughing, clutching his side. "That’s it! That look says it all. You’re not touching any of them. Probably for the best. Hell, you’d drown — and we both know you can’t swim."
Liam involuntarily chuckled quietly, sipping his drink.
The music swelled around them, laughter and chatter rising like a tide. The jungle was wild, unpredictable, but not unwelcoming.