I blink, looking at the half-empty cup and getting the sudden urge to spill the rest of it over his head. But I can't waste more of the brew. My lips twitch in annoyance as I drink the remaining liquid. While it's only slightly warm now, the taste is bitter and unpleasant.

He clears his throat. "That is an extra point," he has the gall to say.

I gawk at him. He's impossible. I've never been prone to violence, but Ze has an unusual effect on me.

"I'm revoking your extra point privileges," I snap at him, unable to keep my tone civil. His face immediately falls. He blinks a few times, taking a few breaths and pushing his chin down.

"I'm sensing some bad energy here," Thea notes as she stares between the two of us. "What happened?"

"Nothing," Ze says.

"He's an asshole," I add at the same time, turning to give him a murderous look.

I slam the cup onto the table and get up. Ze gets up too, his eyes on me.

"I'm going out. I need some time alone," I declare. "You can ask him what he did wrong." I point at Ze.

"I knew it," Thea grumbles under her breath. Cer just stares at the two of us, shaking his head. "I told you." She turns to her brother. "He's awful and cannot be trusted to be alone with anyone."

My lids flutter in surprise at the vehemence of her tone. I didn't expect her to defend me. Alas, I don't want to stick around to listen to them argue.

"Why did you even come here? You said you'd stay away, Ze," Thea tells him as I stealthily head out. But just as I open the door, I feel a looming presence behind. Stopping, I suddenly turn to find Ze right behind me, following me like a shadow.

"Do not follow me," I tell him pointedly.

He doesn't acknowledge my words, so I simply shut the door in his face, walking away from the apartment. But it's not before I hear Thea yell, "He's your friend, Cer. I've been patient enough with him for your sake, but I can't do it anymore."

Well, it seems I'm not the only one who has a bone to pick with Ze. Poor Cer, he might be the only one who doesn't dislike him.