Bellamy POV
“I’ll drop you home,” Max said confidently as soon as the boat docked.
“I got it,” Tristan cut in, walking up with his usual scowl. “I’ll call her a cab.”
Max raised an eyebrow, smiling casually. “Come on, Tristan. Don’t be dramatic. I have a car right here. I’m offering her a ride.”
“I don’t want her going alone with you,” Tristan said, his voice low but sharp.
Max let out a soft chuckle and turned to me. “Bellamy?”
I looked between the two of them. The tension between them was thick again. I hated being in the middle, but I hated dragging things out even more. “It’s fine. I can ride with Max.”
Tristan didn’t look happy, but he gave a curt nod and muttered, “I’m coming too.”
Max smirked. “Whatever makes you feel better.”
The drive was quiet. I sat in the passenger seat while Max drove, one hand on the wheel, the other drumming against the leather. Tristan sat in the back seat, completely silent, staring out the window like he wished it would shatter.
I stared out my window too, biting the inside of my cheek. The city lights were getting closer. The closer we got, the heavier my chest felt.
When we pulled up to my apartment building, Max killed the engine and got out before I could even unbuckle. He came around to open my door.
“I’ll walk you to your door,” he said with a soft smile.
“I’m fine,” I said, grabbing my bag, but he was already offering his arm.
Tristan got out too, leaning against the car but saying nothing.
At the top of the stairs, just before my front door, Max turned to face me.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” he said. “Really.”
I nodded. “Thanks for the ride.”
He reached for my hand, gently lifting it. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”
And then—he kissed my hand. Soft. Slow. I froze. Down below, I heard the slam of a car door.