"Oh, I see," Alex finally replied.
All the while, he swallowed hard and pushed himself up onto his feet, his chair scraping softly against the floor.
What's wrong with him now? Gabe thought inwardly, watching Alex too closely. What I said… did it hurt him?
A tight feeling settled in Gabe's chest. Does he really have feelings for me? Or is it just lust? Does he only want to fuck me and nothing more?
"Well…" Alex said after a brief pause, his voice steady but forced. "You three can continue eating. I just need to quickly check on something outside."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the living room, his steps purposeful, almost hurried.
Outside, the compound was calm and beautifully kept. Flowers lined the walkway, their soft colors blending together, their scent lingering gently in the air. Normally, Alex found the place soothing. Today, it did nothing to quiet the unease in his chest.
