3. Lilian
Chapter 3
Lilian
I turn on my heel and stumble down the hallway through the crowd, heart pounding in my ears in the same rhythm the monsters do. Mike’s voice is behind me, calling my name, but I don’t stop. I can’t.
Hide.
I reach for the nearest doorknob, praying it’s unlocked. It turns, and I practically fall into the room, kicking the door shut. My shaking hands fumble with the lock, and I manage to turn it as footsteps halt on the other side.
“Lilian, open the door.” His voice is muffled through the wood.
I back away, my breath coming in short gasps. The room spins around me, and the walls close in. I cover my ears, trying to block out the sound of his fist beating against the door. I need to breathe .
The pounds against the door become harder, louder. “Lilian.”
Hide.
“Open the fucking door.” The monsters circle closer, their gnashing teeth and grasping claws sounding against the door.
I drop to the floor. Tears stream down my face as I try to make myself as small as possible.
“You’re worthless.”
Hide, the voice hisses again. Hide, or they will destroy you.
A sudden tap lands on my shoulder, and I flinch, swinging my arm back. My fist connects with a solid thud, followed by a pained grunt.
“Ow, what the fuck?” a deep male voice curses.
My eyes fly open. A blond guy stumbles back, hand clutching his nose. Oh god, did I just punch someone?
“I’m so sorry!” I scramble to my feet. “I thought you were… I didn’t mean—”
He lowers his hand, and I get a good look at his face. Fantastic. I punched the most gorgeous guy. Blonde hair and a jawline that is just like what I would imagine an author describing the handsome duke. Even with a red mark blooming on his cheekbone, he’s easily the most attractive I’ve ever seen.
“It’s fine.” He touches his nose, wincing. “I probably shouldn’t have snuck up on you like that.”
“No, it’s my fault. I’m sorry.” My cheeks burn. “Let me get you some ice.” I turn to the door, eager to escape the awkwardness of punching a stranger, but my body goes rigid as my hand touches the knob. Going outside means facing the crowded party again. And Mike.
A knot forms in my stomach at the thought. Hide . No, I can’t go out there yet.
“Hey.” The handsome guy points to a mini fridge tucked into the corner. “There’s ice, too.”
I let out a breath, the tightness in my chest easing. At least I can stay hidden a little longer. “Thanks.”
“There are towels and stuff in the bathroom if you need one.” He nods towards a door on the other side of the room.
“Good idea.” I hurry in there, grabbing a hand towel from a stack on the counter. Perfect. Folding it into a makeshift ice pack, I bundle the ice inside and return to the bed, perching beside him. Gently, I tap it on his cheek, examining the damage I’ve caused.
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t expect anyone to be in here.”
He raises an eyebrow. “In my room?”
I skim over my surroundings, taking in the football jerseys and stacks of textbooks. “Your room. Right. I’m sorry, I’ll just go.”
I start to stand, but he catches my arm with the ice pack. “Stay. You seem pretty shaken up. Did something happen?”
“I, uh—” What am I supposed to say? Yes, I was hiding from my cheating crush like a pathetic child and having a meltdown. I shake my head, not trusting my voice. The last thing I want is to break down in front of a complete stranger, an attractive complete stranger .
He studies me for a moment. “Look, why don’t you stay a bit? Catch your breath and treat this injured person here.”
I hesitate, glancing at the door. Mike is still out there.
“I’m really sorry,” I say.
“I’ll live.” He draws me back to sit beside him and places my hand with the ice pack on his face. “You pack a mean right hook for someone so tiny.”
I chew on my lip. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
I risk a glance up at his face. His eyes are a striking green with flecks of brown and gold, like sunlight shining through a forest canopy.
“Although if you feel that guilty, I can think of a few ways you could make it up to me.” His voice dips lower.
My cheeks flush, and I quickly avert my gaze. Is he… flirting with me? No, he couldn’t be. Guys like him don’t flirt with girls like me.
I shift on the bed, very aware of how close we’re sitting, our legs nearly touching. Get it together, Lil. Just keep icing his cheek and avoid eye contact. Easy enough, right?
I chance another peek at him. The corner of his mouth quirks up in a heart-melting smile.
Yup, avoiding eye contact is definitely the way to go here. I focus my attention on holding the ice pack to his face, willing the heat in my cheeks to fade.
We sit in silence, the party’s muffled music filtering through the walls .
Focus on the task at hand. Ice the stranger’s cheek that you punched for no reason. Could this night be any more mortifying?
“So, do I get to know the name of my assailant?” he asks.
“It’s Lilian. But I usually go by Lil.”
There. Keep it simple.
“It’s nice to meet you, Lil. Although I wish it were under better circumstances.”
A laugh bubbles up in my throat. “Yeah, I guess punching you in the face isn’t the best first impression.”
“I don’t know, it’s definitely memorable.” He chuckles. “I’m Sebastian, by the way, and I usually go by Bash.”
I force myself to stay quiet, pressing the ice pack a little firmer against his cheekbone. Nothing good comes from being drawn into a conversation with a complete stranger. Let alone one who looks like… well, him.
“Are you trying to suffocate me now?” His fingers brush mine as he envelops my hand with his.
“Oh!” I quickly pull the ice pack back, my face burning. “I’m sorry.”
“If you apologize one more time, I might have to shut you up in another way.”
I lower my gaze. “I didn’t mean to suffocate you.”
“I’m messing with you.” He takes the ice pack from my hand.
“I should probably go. ”
“What’s the rush? You just got here.” He leans back on his elbows, the picture of ease. “Besides, I think I deserve some company after that vicious attack.”
Despite myself, a smile tugs at my lips. “Vicious attack? Please. You barely have a mark.”
“I don’t know, it feels pretty serious.” He touches his cheek, wincing dramatically. “I might need stitches. Or at least a cute nurse to tend to my wounds.”
My stomach flips. He thinks I’m cute? Don’t be an idiot. You just met him. And you’re hiding in his room like a crazy person. What am I doing? This is so far out of my comfort zone.
Sebastian tilts his head. “You know, I’m really bringing my A-game here. And yet…” He taps his chin thoughtfully. “Either you’re not attracted to me, already have a boyfriend, or you like girls. Which is it?”
I blink. “What? No, I don’t have a boyfriend. And I’m not… I mean, I like guys.”
“Well then.” He closes the gap between us. “In case it wasn’t obvious, I’m flirting with you.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t—”
“Didn’t I tell you what happens when you apologize again?”
“I’m sor—” I bite my lip.
A wolfish grin spreads across his face. “You’re provoking it, aren’t you?”
Before I can respond, his fingers wind around my throat. I stiffen, pinned in place by his intense gaze. But it’s not uncomfortable. Weirdly safe. His thumb caresses the sensitive skin, rubbing over my pulse point.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
His gaze drops to my lips. “Don’t make me responsible for this, princess.”
“For what?”