Grimacing, he clutched his crotch. “Lilah, have you lost your mind?"

“Me? Or perhaps it's you?" she shot back. “Last I checked, you were with Adaline. Is she aware of your wandering ways?”

A smirk curled on Iker's lips. “Why, Lilah, are you jealous?"

Lilah was taken aback, momentarily lost for words.

Sometimes, she thought, she'd like to open up his head and see if there was any semblance of sense inside.

Misinterpreting her silence, Iker was in a better mood, confidence blooming in him. "Listen, being with Adaline is circumstantial. It's you I've always wanted."

She laughed, bitter and short. "Regardless of your reasons, we're done. Now leave."

"Lilah," he began, rising and stepping closer, convinced of a lingering connection between them. "I can sense there's still something between us."

Her eyes flashed dangerously.

Moments later, Iker was sprawled on the floor again, nursing fresh injuries.

"You're right," Lilah said mockingly. "I feel something: revulsion."

Her eyes full of contempt, she yanked him up, ready to toss him out.

However, the sight of the man standing outside her door stopped her in her tracks.

Dressed impeccably in a black shirt and trousers, Gerard emanated an aura of restrained power as he stood at the door.

In front of him, Lilah was in the awkward position of manhandling Iker...

She wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole.

Gerard's gaze, usually warm when on her, went icy. "What's happening?”

“Just taking out the trash," Lilah responded, shoving Iker toward the exit. "Leave!"

Iker had not anticipated Gerard's appearance, nor had he imagined the closeness that had developed between him and Lilah. His fists tightened, humiliation evident in his posture. He walked away, every bit the defeated man.

Now, Lilah had to contend with Gerard's scrutiny. Feeling disordered beside his composed presence, she hurriedly explained, "I've no idea what possessed him to show up like this. I assure you he won't dare bother me again."

Gerard simply nodded and replied, “Breakfast is waiting."

Extending his hand, he presented Lilah with a key. She regarded him quizzically. With his customary coolness, Gerard clarified, "It's to my apartment."

“You're giving it to me?" she queried.

"In case I'm not around, you can come over for breakfast."