I don’t get to answer him. His mouth comes down to meet mine. Our lips press together, and I haven’t a clue what I am doing. I haven’t kissed anyone since tenth grade. It was a dare at summer camp. The soft tip of his tongue traces the outline of my lips, and I move my mouth against his, but he pulls away, and I feel like maybe I suck at kissing.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” he states short of breath and presses my wristlet into my hand.
I stand here speechless watching him as he goes down the stairs for the emergency exit instead of taking the elevator. I touch my fingers to my lips feeling dumbfounded. He kissed me, and I have this crazy feeling that kiss was merely the beginning of more to come.
Chapter 4
Liri
I pull my key out and unlock the door. The lights are all off and Hayley isn’t here. I go into the bathroom to remove the makeup or what is left of it and change into my pajamas. After brushing my teeth, I check my phone to see if Hayley as tried to text me, but I have a few missed messages and one call from my mom. It’s too late to call or text now. I don’t want her knowing I was out till three am with some guy I don’t even know. God only knows what she’d think of the night I’ve had. She’d probably drive down here and force me back home.
I collapse on my twin bed and am so exhausted I pass right out.
The next morning, I awaken to Hayley bouncing on the end of my bed. “Wake up. I have coffee,” she coos.
“What time is it?” I mumble wiping the sleep from my eyes.
“Someone was up late.” She tickles the bottom of my foot, and I kick my legs.
“Stop. I hate having my feet tickled,” I complain and sit up as the aroma of the coffee she was speaking of hits my nose. “That smells delicious.” I take the cup and blow over the opening on the lid.
“How was your night? Did Killian get you here in one piece?”
I groan and roll my eyes at his name.
“Oh my God. What did he do? I warned him not to mess with you.”
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “There was this race.”
“He took you to a race?”
I nod and sip my coffee.
She jumps up off the bed. “I’m going to kill him. Did anything happen? I mean did he race?”
“Yeah he won gas.”
Hayley’s hand goes to her mouth. “He fucking bet you?!”
“Not technically, I guess. I mean, I was in the car with him…” My cheeks flush remembering the thrill of being in the passenger seat when he was driving like a bat out of hell.
She’s not even listening to me now. She has her phone pressed to her ear and is pacing back and forth across the small room. “I’m going to strangle Killian,” she gripes. “He took her to a fucking race…” she pauses. “No, but I told him he better not pull his shit with Liri. She’s my family, Liam. You better handle him, or I will.” She tosses her phone on her bed. “Killian is well he’s Killian, but he won’t bother you anymore,” she promises, and my heart sinks to my stomach.
“I’m fine. He’s not that bad.” I don’t know why I feel defensive of him. I mean, he called me a nerd and bet me in a race without my knowing. I know he’s a jerk, but he is a cute jerk. I look up and catch Hayley gawking at me with an open mouth. “What?”
“Wow. He works fast. He’s already made a pass at you, hasn’t he?”
“No. Only if you count him calling me a nerd yesterday.” I don’t know why I don’t tell her about him kissing me. Probably because I am embarrassed that I am a terrible kisser. I don’t want anyone to know or for him to retaliate and tell everyone. I decide it’s a secret to take to the grave.
“Okay. If you say so. Are you sure you’re okay? I know he can be intense.”
Intense is one word for him. “I’m totally fine.” I place the coffee on my desk and start gathering my stuff for a shower.
“When you get ready, we’ll head to the cafeteria for breakfast,” Hayley announces and lifts her shirt over her head switching it out for a new one.
I leave her to do her thing and grab a much needed shower. The water pressure feels good on my skin as it pelts down on me. While I’m getting dressed, I can hear voices and figure Hayley is watching something on her laptop. I decide on my smiley face leggings and a black tee that doesn’t have any noticeable paint stains on it paired with my black high-top Converse. After blow-drying my hair as good as it will get, I sweep my hair into a ponytail and brush my teeth.
When I leave the bathroom, I am surprised to see Liam laying across Hayley’s bed, and Killian is on mine. Holy shit. He’s on my bed where I sleep. There’s a guy on my bed. I know how dumb that makes me seem, but I’ve never had a dude in my room before.
“There you are. I’m starving,” my cousin says as she touches up her makeup in her mirror.
Liam pulls a pillow over his face, but I can still hear his muffled laughter. Killian squints at me. “Do I know you?”
“Real funny,” Hayley says and pins him with a glare. “You hung out with her last night, and I should still kick your ass for taking her to that race.”
His eyes widen and he looks at me again. “Liri?”
“Don’t you mean nerd?” I roll my eyes and grab my stuff. I look to Hayley. “I actually have a few errands to run, I’ll catch up with you later.” I don’t wait for her to protest. I have to get out of here and away from Killian. I had also better call my mother before she starts calling the local hospitals.
I dial her number and hit the button for the elevator but decide at the last minute to take the stairs, so I don’t lose cell service. She picks up on the first ring. “Are you alive?” She teases.
Barely. “I survived my first night.” If she only knew what I was doing and who I was doing it with. My thoughts flash to Killian. All-consuming and broody in his black leather jacket smelling too good.
“How’s Hayley?”
“Good. I think we are going to be great friends.” I grab the locket hanging around my neck and decide now isn’t a good time to mention my birth father. It is a very sore subject for Mom, and I don’t want to fight with her.
“I’m glad to hear it. I don’t want to keep you. I am sure you are busy making friends and such.”
“Yeah so many friends.” I roll my eyes and sigh knowing she won’t pick up on my sarcasm. I exit the building and end the call with an, “I love you, Mom.”
The cafeteria is two buildings over, but I don’t want to chance running into Hayley, Liam, and Killian so they can make fun of me again. I pull out my keys and decide to treat myself to breakfast from this diner I passed on my way through the town yesterday. I’m not mad at Hayley or anything, but I know Liam will probably be with her followed by Killian. Even thinking his name has heat spreading through my veins remembering that kiss. If only it didn’t suck for him. I could hear his regret when he said, “I shouldn’t have done that.”
I get in my car and set out for the restaurant as my stomach growls demanding nourishment. It’s about thirty minutes from campus. I hope the food is worth the drive. Parking my car, I’m second guessing myself and thinking about simply going to a drive-thru instead. I’ve never gone to breakfast alone other than at home. Even then I usually had my mother unless she had an appointment or obligation.
I fidget with the locket around my neck. Hayley and I will need to discuss it soon. I’d like to talk to her mom so she can tell me about him…about James—my birth father. That’s something an adult would do. Have a mature conversation. Taking a deep breath, I give myself a mental pep talk and exit the black Camry. My stepfather thought it made the perfect first car for me. It’s decent on gas, and if I hit something it won’t be the end of the world or cost a fortune to repair.
The diner is crowded, and I easily blend in at the counter. Most people sitting here appear to be alone, and I don’t feel as awkward as I had imagined that I would. I order the breakfast platter and resist the urge to take it to go and eat alone in my car. The waitress brings me my orange ju
ice, and I sip on it through a straw while I wait for my food.
My cellphone pings with a new text.
Unknown Number: Hey, this is Woodrow. Hope you don’t mind, but I got your number from Hayley. Did you still want that tour?
Liri: Sounds like fun. Want to meet at the student center in about an hour?
Woodrow: See you soon.
I finish my food off, and when I get back in my car, I apply some lip gloss to my mouth and some mascara to my lashes. I don’t usually wear as much makeup as I did last night, but I do wear a little. By the time I arrive back at campus and park my car it is almost time to meet up with Woodrow. I get to the student center about ten minutes early and he is already waiting for me.
“Hey,” I greet, tapping him on the shoulder. He spins around wearing a Crestwood University t-shirt and jeans. A wide smile crosses his face.
He looks down at my pants. “You look cute.”
“Cute isn’t the word I was expecting but thanks.” What a nerd. Killian’s voice repeats in my head, but I shove the negative thought away.
“Where would you like to start? What classes do you have?”
“Art History, Creative Writing, Introduction to Web Design, Ceramics, and a dance class.”
“I’m sure you are eager to check out the studio for ceramics.”
“Absolutely.”
“What’s your major?”
“I’m undeclared but leaning toward Art Education. So I am kind of dabbling in a bit of everything art related until I decide. I earned some of my credits while I was in high school. I did online courses and AP classes.”
“That’s cool.”
“What about you?”
“I’m here on an engineering scholarship.”
“So you’re like super smart then, huh?” I am lucky that my stepdad makes good money and is paying for my education. I don’t like telling people that I am sort of a trust fund baby. Uncle Cooper and Theo are investment bankers who have done really well for themselves. They bought stock in some tech company years ago. It was the startup of some guy they knew from college. Apparently, it was a great investment. The company is a multibillion-dollar leader of the tech world. When I turn twenty-one and graduate with my degree, I will be given accesses to five million dollars. At twenty-five I will receive another five. When I reach thirty-two, I will receive the remaining ten. I grew up knowing we had money, but Theo has always made me do chores and earn good grades. He told me that because we had money didn’t mean I got to be lazy or indulge in every want or fancy that I had. Hence me driving a Camry instead of having something flashy like Killian. Jesus. Why is he always on my mind? I have known him less than twenty-four hours. I feel like a crazy person. I’ve become infatuated with the jerk.
“You could say that.” Woodrow offers me his arm and I loop mine over his elbow. He’s nice and exactly the kind of guy I should be pursuing a friendship with, but my thoughts keep circling back to last night. That race and that stupid kiss. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I never obsess over guys or a guy.
Woodrow and I spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around campus and goofing off. I think he is going to be a good friend.
I learn he lives at the frat house the party was at. He’s a sophomore and is like a computer whiz or something.
Chapter 5
Liri
We are coming back up on my dorm when I get a text from Hayley. “Sorry, I need to reply to this message,” I tell Woodrow and he motions for me to go ahead. I meander over to a nearby bench.
Hayley: Sorry things were weird this morning. Don’t worry I talked to Killian and he won’t be giving you any shit. Dinner? Just the two of us. Promise.
My heart races at the sight of his name. I ignore talking about the jerk and agree to dinner.
Liri: Dinner sounds perfect.
Hayley: Cool. Whenever you get back, I’ll be ready.
“Everything okay?” Woodrow approaches with his hands shoved in his jean pockets. His sandy colored hair has fell over his forehead giving him some boyish charm.
“Yeah. Thanks for hanging out with me today despite my poor choices in fashion.” I hit my palm to my forehead. I don’t know why I said that. Stupid Killian is still invading my thoughts.
He laughs. “Like I said. You look cute.” He grins impishly.
My cheeks bloom pink. “Well I should get going. Hayley wants us to grab dinner together and have some girl time.”
Woodrow ’s smile turns into a frown. “Right. I’ll see you around then. Maybe we could meet up for lunch or something?” He kicks at a pebble staring at the ground.
“Of course.”
“Cool.” His hazel eyes meet mine glittering with happiness. “I’ll text you.”
“Sounds good.”
He gives me a small wave and jogs off. As I am entering the dorm, I swear I hear a Woohoo echoing in the distance it makes me giggle. At least I have made one new friend.
I open the door to the dorm and Hayley is stretched out on the couch with her laptop. “Hey.” She pops up.
“Hey.”
“What are you in the mood for?”
“Chinese?”
“Perfect.” She claps her hands and her long braid falls over her shoulder. I swear she is always so put together. I feel like a goober in comparison.
“You think we could go by the mall. I think I want to do some shopping.”
“Totally.”
I have to drive because Hayley doesn’t have a car.
My mother would be ecstatic if she could see me coming out of the dressing room in this little black dress. Hayley insisted I try it on. She swears every girl needs a little black dress in her wardrobe. It is a lot more revealing than I would normally choose, but I trust Hayley’s judgment.
“Are you sure I look okay?” I twist sideways trying to see how the back looks in the mirror. It is low-cut with a V that stops right above my but crack.
“Damn.” My eyes snap up at the sound of a male voice. I turn around to see Hayley smacking Liam in the stomach and Killian brooding behind him.
“What are you doing here? I told you we were having girl time.” Her eyes narrow on him but she is fighting a smile. They are in love it is kind of sweet.
“I was in the neighborhood.” He looks back to me. “You should totally get that. Woodrow would have a heart attack.”
“Woodrow?” I giggle as my cheeks flush. “He’s only a friend.”
“Well, he won’t shut up about you” The second the words leave his mouth Killian gets a repulsed look on his face and shoves off from the rack he was leaning against.
Wow. Is it that hard for him to believe someone would want to kiss me and enjoy it?
“What’s his problem?” I overhear Hayley questioning Liam as I go back into the dressing room to change.
“It’s Killian,” he says like no other explanation is needed. Glad to know it isn’t just me that he’s a dick to.
I try on a few more tops and jeans then pick up some new shoes to go with my new clothes. I duck into the bathroom and change into one of my new outfits. When I come out Killian has returned, and he keeps staring at me. It’s making me feel uneasy. He is confusing, and I don’t have the energy to figure him out. The group follows me into Ulta, and I splurge on some new makeup. I get Hayley a few things too that I noticed her looking at. I’ll give them to her later. It’s the least I can do after the amazing gift she gave me.
I’m waiting to pay when I see that Jackie girl sauntering up to Killian. Her dark hair is in a high ponytail and she is dressed like she is about to take to a pole and start gyrating. She’s wearing a lime green tube top and a black leather miniskirt. If that’s what he is into, it’s no wonder he thinks I am such a dork. I glance down at the white sleeveless button down top and skinny jeans I am wearing. I look like a nun in comparison.
Hayley rolls her eyes at the skank. I turn my attention back to the cashier and pull out my black card. “Holy shit. Is that what I think it
is?” Hayley’s eyes go wide.
I don’t want her to think differently of me, and I shake my head and laugh. That’s another reason I had a hard time making friends back home. I never knew who was genuine. “No. That’s the design I chose for my bank card,” I lie and guilt churns in the pit of my stomach. I don’t want to lie to her, but I don’t want it to change the way she sees me. Money makes people stupid. I witnessed that firsthand with Uncle Cooper’s ex-wife. All she was after was his money. She didn’t love him. Their divorce was nasty and costly.
Classes start tomorrow, and I purely want to get out of here and grab some food so I can get a good night’s sleep for the first day. “We still on for dinner?”
“Yes, we are. Liam and company,” she grits the word company, “are leaving.” Liam squeezes her hip and pecks her on the lips.
“I’m hungry,” he complains.
“We’re talking about actual food.” Hayley giggles.
“Me too. I feed off you.” He nips at her neck, and I look away as we make our way toward the exit.
“None of your fucking business,” Killian snaps at Jackie and stomps toward us. The rude chick gives him the finger behind his back, and I can’t help but snort at the vulgar gesture. His nostrils are flared, and he looks troubled as his mouth pinches into a hard line.
“I’ll fill you in later,” Hayley whispers in my ear, but I don’t want to know. It’s none of my business.
Wordlessly, Killian grabs some of the bags from my hands when he notices me struggling and keeps walking.
Hayley gives me an amused look.
Killian and his mood swings are going to be the death of me. The three of us follow him to the food court. Eating here wasn’t what I had in mind but whatever. I don’t think it’d be wise to argue with him right now. He stops at a table and places my bags in an empty chair.
The Story of Killian & Liri (Cruel Love Book 1) Page 3