Cassidy, sensing the tension in the room, quickly spoke up.
"That was during your birthday, Xav," she said, trying to keep her voice light. "We were at your place with some friends. I forgot Claire's rabbit because we left in such a rush that night."
Xavier simply smiled, offering no further comment. But that small smile was enough for Zeke.
The tightness in Zeke's chest eased slightly at Cassidy's explanation. Still, he couldn't shake the unease that had been growing since earlier. His eyes drifted toward Xavier. Calm, composed, confident. A faint, knowing smirk tugged at Zeke's lips.
He saw it now.
He knew exactly what Xavier was trying to do.
Stir jealousy. Plant doubt. Push him to lose control in front of Cassidy.
Zeke drew in a slow breath. Not this time.
He held Xavier's gaze in silence. But beneath that calm, a silent warning had already been delivered.
Suddenly, Zeke's phone buzzed. He glanced down. It was Blake. Without hesitation, he picked up.
"Yeah ?"
