4. Lilian
Chapter 4
Lilia n
He crashes his lips against mine. Shock melts into dizzying heat as his tongue glides between my parted lips.
This is wrong.
His fingers tighten around my neck, holding me in place as his mouth moves over mine, demanding and unapologetic.
I just met him.
But my body doesn’t seem to care. It comes alive under his touch, responding to him with a fervor unknown to me. I’ve never been kissed like this before, with such raw, unbridled passion. It’s overwhelming and consuming, and all I’m able to do is melt into him.
He nips at my lower lip, and I whimper, the sound muffled against his mouth. His other hand twists into my hair, tugging gently as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping against mine. I’m drowning in sensation .
He kisses me until I’m breathless and reeling, unable to form a coherent thought beyond how perfect this is.
The green of his eyes shines as they roam over my face. “That’s what happens when you keep apologizing, princess.”
I lick my swollen lips, still tasting him there. “I’ll have to stop saying sorry.”
“I don’t know. I kind of like it when you do.”
What just happened? I blink, trying to clear the haze of desire from my mind. Did I really make out with a complete stranger?
Sebastian’s thumb brushes over my lower lip. “So, are you going to tell me what got you so upset earlier?”
I can’t tell him. It’s pathetic crying over someone who isn’t even at fault.
“It’s nothing,” I say. “Just stupid boy drama.”
“Stupid boy drama that has you hiding out in another guy’s room and throwing punches?”
I wince. “I really am sorry about that.”
“I think we’ve established that you’re very sorry.” His lips quirk up in a smirk. “But I’m more interested in what caused it.”
The music from the party pulses through the walls, matching the throbbing ache in my chest. I close my eyes, trying to block it out, but the image of Mike with his hands all over that girl is seared into my brain, and the pounding on the door echoes in the back of my mind .
Why does it hurt so much? It’s not like we were together. Yeah, we’ve been on a few dates and kissed, but seeing him with her, seeing the way he looked at her…
I’m so stupid. Of course, he doesn’t like me. Why would he? I’m just the shy, awkward girl who can’t even make it through a party without having a meltdown.
A gentle touch on my chin startles me, and I open my eyes.
Sebastian furrows his brow. “Where did you just go?”
Would he look at me the same way Mike looked at that girl? I shake my head. The last thing I want is to cry in front of him.
His warm hand reaches up and gently brushes away the stray tear on my cheek, his eyes following the movement of his thumb.
His touch is tender and filled with genuine care as if he’s trying to erase all traces of sadness from my face. “Whoever he is, he’s an idiot.”
A surprised laugh escapes me. “You don’t even know him.”
“I don’t need to. If he’s got you this upset, he’s clearly not worth your time.”
I look down at my hands. “It’s not his fault. I’m not good at this stuff.”
“At what? Talking to guys?”
“No. Well, yes, but I mean, parties and drinking and…” I wave my hand around. “All of this. It’s not really my scene.”
“So why’d you come tonight?”
“My roommate dragged me. ”
“And how’s that working out for you so far?” His lips twitch with amusement.
“Oh, you know. Punched a guy, hid in his room, had a minor breakdown. The usual.”
“Sounds like a pretty standard night.”
“For you, maybe.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m usually more of a Netflix and chill kind of girl.”
His eyes darken. “Netflix and chill, huh?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks as I realize how that sounded. “Not like that! I meant, like, actually watching Netflix. And chilling. Separately. Although together.”
“I know what you meant, princess. I’m just messing with you again.”
“Right.” I duck my head. “I’m not very good at this whole flirting thing either.”
“I don’t know. I think you’re doing fine.”
“Can we maybe pretend that this didn’t happen?”
“We can,” he says slowly.
“Thank you.”
“But I want one favor in return.”
My eyes snap to his. “What?”
“I’ll let it slide if I get one pretend card in return?”
“A pretend card?”
“Yes, and I can call it in whenever I want.”
“Do I even have a say in this?”
“Not really. You still owe me for that punch.”
The door rattles. “Lil? ”
I leap up from the bed. That’s Ju. Finding me in a random guy’s room.
Sebastian rubs his temple. Is he still in pain? Great, add that to the list of ways I’ve screwed up tonight.
He stands and strides to the door, opening it before I can protest.
Ju stumbles in. “Lil! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Her eyes squint as she takes in the scene. “What’s going on here?”
“Nothing!” I say quickly. Too quickly.
Sebastian leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “Lil and I were getting to know each other.”
Ju’s eyebrows shoot up. “Getting to know each other?”
“It’s not what it looks like.” How do I explain this?
“Really? Because it looks like you hooked up with Bash here.”
“No! That’s not… we weren’t…” Where’s my bed so I can hide and never come out?
Ju puts her hands on her hips, a big grin playing on her lips. “Then what were you doing?”
I can’t exactly tell her that I punched him and then hid in his room like a lunatic. I shoot him a pleading look.
Sebastian clears his throat. “Lil wasn’t feeling well. I was just making sure she was okay.”
Ju’s grin widens. “Is that what the kids are calling it nowadays, Bash? ”
“I guess. Take your pick, Ju.” Sebastian chuckles while I blush harder, mortified.
“Wow. I leave you alone for a second, and you already found a rebound.” Ju links her arm through mine. “Fuck Mike.”
“Mike?” Sebastian asks, the teasing now vanished from his tone.
“Yeah, Mike. Didn’t know he could be such an asshole. I’m sorry, Lil. I wouldn’t have played cupid if—”
“It’s fine.” I jump to her side before she can say anything else and embarrass me further in front of Sebastian. If that is even possible. “We should go.”
“How about another drink?” My eyes dart up to Sebastian’s at his suggestion.
“What, you want to challenge us to another beer pong game? We already smashed your two buddies, Bran and Con.”
“You did?” he asks.
“Yes, we did. Lil is very good, although she never played before,” Ju says. It’s a total lie.
“Well, I’m down if you decide to stay. I would love to see your skills.” Sebastian pushes off the doorframe.
“We’ll see you downstairs, Bash. Now leave. I have to talk with Lil alone. Seriously, you all are like vultures—first Bran and now you.”
“Seems like I have a busy night,” he says.
I nod mutely, avoiding Sebastian’s heated gaze.
But as he walks by, he bends down. “Don’t forget about that favor, princess. ”
Ju gapes at me, and as soon as he’s gone, she grabs my arm. “Spill. Now.”
“Can we go home please?”
“Fine. But you’ll tell me on the way because, girl, you made some impression on Mr. Quarterback there.”
Nothing like punching a hot guy in the face to make it a memorable first one. Fantastic. At least now I can add ‘breaking someone’s nose’ to my list of accomplishments for the night.