Boxed Set

by Brenda K. Davies

  He grinned at her and shifted his hold as he pulled her closer. "What would that be?" he asked; his voice was deep and husky. It sent chills of pleasure down her spine.

  "Serendipity Hill."

  He broke into a grin as he chuckled. "Well now, isn't that perfect. Sera, I think my meeting you was serendipitous."

  She laughed and shrugged. "Who knows, maybe. What's your name?"

  "Liam Byrne."

  "Nice to meet you," she said as the music ended.

  She felt a sense of loss as his arms fell away from her. "Would you like to go somewhere else?" he inquired.

  Sera’s gaze flitted around the crowded room. "Where?"

  Liam was thrown off by her sudden hesitation and distress. His mind went from lust-filled thoughts of the bedroom, to making her feel safe and secure. "For a walk. It's hot and loud in here. Too loud to talk, and I would like to get to know you better."

  She stared at him in disbelief, and then, to her astonishment, she found herself nodding in agreement as the music blared again. He took hold of her hand and led her off the crowded dance floor. She numbly followed behind, unable to believe she had agreed to leave with him. What was the matter with her? She knew better than to do this, knew better than to allow this to happen, but she couldn't stop herself.

  She caught the envious glances tossed her way as they moved through the thick crowd. Suddenly, Michelle stepped in front of her.

  "Where are you going?" she demanded, her eyes chillingly cold.

  Sera pulled on Liam's hand, stopping him in the midst of the crowd. He turned back to her, a frown marring his forehead. His eyes traveled to Michelle, and his frown deepened. "I don't know yet," Sera answered.

  "This is very unlike you Sera," she said coldly. "I've never known you to leave a party with someone. Has Kathleen finally succeeded in making you a slut?"

  Sera's face flamed red with embarrassment. Michelle was supposed to be one of her best friends, why was she attacking her like this?

  "That is uncalled for," Liam growled, taking a step closer to her.

  Michelle's eyes blazed with vehemence as they landed upon him. Sera found herself trapped between them, her face on fire. She had no idea how to get away from either one of them, but she desperately wanted to bolt from this awkward situation.

  "Well, Michelle, it is like you to be a bitch." Kathleen appeared at Sera's side; her jaw clenched as she leveled Michelle with a fierce stare. "Even I, who am well aware of how much of a bitch you can be, am astounded by this new level."

  Michelle's eyes settled on Kathleen. They burned with an intense hatred, unlike anything Sera had seen before. A chill shuddered through Sera in the face of that hatred. Kathleen seemed not to notice it as she grabbed hold of Sera's arm and steered her away. She found herself pulling Liam behind her through the crowd as Kathleen plunged onward. They made their way outside where Kathleen released her arm, slid to the bottom step, and hugged her middle as she burst out laughing.

  "Did... you... see... her... face?" she managed to wheeze out. "That was great!"

  "Kathleen—" Sera started.

  "Oh I know, she's a friend of yours," Kathleen waved a hand in dismissal as she sobered up. "But I love putting her in her place. Besides, I don't know how you can consider that stuck up bitch a friend."

  "She's your friend?" Liam inquired.

  "Yes."

  "Good friends you have," he commented dryly.

  "Hey!" Kathleen protested. "I'm a terrific friend. By the way, my name is Kathleen, and you are...?"

  "Liam."

  "Nice to meet you, Liam."

  "You too, Kathleen."

  Kathleen climbed to her feet and absently brushed at her wrinkled skirt. "I'm going to head back to the room; are you coming with me Sera?"

  "I'll be there in a little bit."

  Kathleen's gaze darted nervously to Liam. "Are you sure you're going to be all right?"

  Sera smiled reassuringly at her. Regardless of Kathleen's carefree demeanor, Sera knew Kathleen worried about her. "I'll be okay. Why are you heading back so early?"

  "I've had my share of entertainment, alcohol, leering guys, and bitches for the night," she said with a huge grin. "I'll see you later." She hopped off the stairs and skipped down the sidewalk. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" she called over her shoulder, "Which is nothing!"

  Sera could hear her laughing all the way down the street. She turned back to Liam, who was watching Kathleen's disappearing figure. "She seems like fun," he commented dryly.

  "She is. Lots of fun, and my best friend."

  "I don't know you, or your friends very well, but I would suggest rethinking at least one of them."

  Sera turned and headed down the sidewalk, kicking at a few loose stones. "Michelle is a little funny about some things," she admitted.

  "I must have missed her sense of humor."

  She laughed and turned to walk backward in front of him. "She doesn't have one, but she's a good person, once you get to know her. However, she's used to getting whatever she wants."

  "And what did she want that she didn't get?"

  Sera looked away; a blush stained her cheeks as a wave of shyness swept her. "She wanted you," she mumbled, unable to meet his eyes.

  "And she always gets what she wants?"

  Sera looked up at him, expecting him to be laughing at her. Instead, his face was expressionless, and his eyes were cold and remote. Sera stopped walking. He halted before her, his eyes focused on her, but remained distant.

  "Yes," Sera said. "Michelle always gets what she sets her mind to. She's beautiful and smart, and not easily denied."

  Liam's gaze searched her small, delicate face. He hadn't been wrong in his assumption earlier; her eyes were spectacular. They were a swirling combination of sapphire blue and vivid purple. The violet mingled with the blue in such a way it was almost impossible to discern one color from the other. He could become lost in those beguiling eyes if he wasn't careful.

  Which he always was. He couldn't allow himself to get involved with someone, or to get attached. But, he found himself becoming intrigued with her. If he wasn't cautious, he might find himself liking her. That was something he couldn't do, wasn't capable of doing. He needed to stay aloof, and distant from her.

  "I see," he finally replied.

  She searched his face for why he was suddenly so detached, but he remained impassive. "Why does that make you angry?"

  He smiled as he took hold of her hand and began to walk again. "It doesn't make me angry. I just don't like it when people assume things."

  "Assume things?"

  "She assumed she would always get what she wanted, and so did you."

  "I'm not assuming anything," she retorted. "That's the way it's always been."

  "Well, it isn't now."

  "Besides, she won't give up. She never does."

  "So?"

  Sera looked down at the sidewalk. "You never know what the future holds."

  "Wouldn't I have a say in it?" he asked, his voice tinged with ire.

  "Yes," she said. "I didn't mean to upset you."

  He squeezed her hand. "I know you didn't, but I don't want Michelle, and I think that's why she was so mad at you."

  "Why?"

  He smiled at her as he led her across the street. Sera realized they’d left campus and were heading into town. Cars packed the streets. People, mostly college students, were milling around outside the bars smoking cigarettes. Music filled the air as they passed the crammed bars and groups of people on the street. She couldn't help but smile as she noticed the envious glances of the women they passed.

  They turned a corner and left the noise of the bars and restaurants behind for the closed shops. "She knew I had my eye on someone else."

  "And who would that be?" she asked.

  "Some blonde who wouldn't talk to me." Sera was pleased by the teasing glint in his eyes.

  She laughed as she cast him a smile. "Who could with the swarm you had around yo
u?"

  He stopped walking, tugging on her hand to halt her. She stopped before him, tilting her chin up to gaze into his amazing green eyes. "I found a way to talk to you," he said huskily.

  His voice sent shivers down her spine. His intense stare caused her to bite nervously on her bottom lip as his hand came up to caress her cheek. "There wasn't a swarm of people around me," she said as she relished in the feel of his touch against her skin.

  "No," he whispered. "Just a bunch of leering guys who were too scared to talk to you."

  Sera burst into laughter. "Oh, I don't think so."

  His hand froze on her face as he stared at her doubtfully. "Didn't you notice them?"

  Sera looked at him in confusion and took a step back. His hand fell from her face. A sense of loss enveloped her as the contact broke. "Notice who?" she asked.

  He stared at her with the relentless intensity she was growing accustomed to. Her eyebrows rose inquiringly as she tried to discern what he was searching for, but she had no idea why he was looking at her like that. He gently placed his hand on her face and drew her closer. Her heart pounded as she rested her hands against his chest. The air seemed to crackle with electricity as his thumb brushed over her cheek.

  She stared into his green eyes as they burned into hers. She was completely useless against the magnetic pull drawing her toward him. She closed her eyes as his lips brushed hers and sent a shower of sparks and heat throughout her body.

  Her mouth opened, and his tongue delved into it. His hands thrust into her hair as he kissed her hungrily. Her whole body was on fire as she clutched at his back to pull him closer. He eased her against the cool cement of a store wall as his firm body pressed against hers. Her knees turned to Jell-O as his hands leisurely caressed the exposed skin of her stomach.

  Suddenly, the loud burst of a horn ripped into her daze. She jumped as her mind cleared of its passion-induced haze. With frightening clarity, she realized she was alone, in an alley, with a man she didn't know. A man who was strong enough to do whatever he wanted to her.

  Apprehension surged through her, and she pushed frantically at his solid chest. Needing him to get away from her so she could breathe. He pulled away from her, his eyes a darker, passion-clouded green. She took a shuddery breath as she tried to stop the shaking in her legs, and the pounding of her heart that no longer had anything to do with desire. Her eyes pleaded with him not to harm her as her hands slid away from his chest to clutch at the cool cement of the wall behind her.

  "I'm not going to hurt you."

  Shame flooded her face as she looked down at her feet. "I better get back," she finally managed to say.

  "All right."

  Sera blinked as he took her hand. Dread blazed through her, and she stiffened involuntarily. However, when he didn't make another move toward her, some of the dread dissipated. She knew many men would have been irritated by her refusal, by her sudden hot and cold. Liam seemed to take it all in stride as they walked toward the college.

  It perplexed her, and she couldn't stop herself from casting wary glances his way. Not only did he make her melt just by touching her, but he also seemed to be a decent person. It was too good to be true, there had to be something wrong with him.

  Liam tried to puzzle out the mystery that was Sera. He had finally seen what Mike was talking about. The trepidation and pleading in her eyes had constricted his heart. She reminded him of a frightened, trapped animal, and understood why Mike had said to leave her be.

  It was obvious she’d been hurt in the past. But how bad it had been, he didn't know. His hand involuntarily tensed around hers as the thought of anyone mistreating her sent a flash of burning anger through him. What was the matter with him? He didn't know this girl from Eve; he shouldn't give a rat's ass about what happened to her in the past.

  He chanced a glance at her as she walked along; her golden head bent as she studied the sidewalk. He frowned as he realized that, for some strange reason, he did give a rat's ass. He clenched his jaw as he turned to study the campus. She was the type of person he could truly come to like, and he couldn’t take that chance.

  They passed the party, which had begun to slow down. There was a scattering of people sleeping on the lawn, while others were spilling out the doors. The music was still going, but it wasn't as loud anymore. "Hey, Liam!" someone yelled drunkenly from the stonewall. "You get some, man?"

  Liam was surprised by the deep blush staining her cheeks. He was certain he’d never seen anyone turn so red, that fast. He squeezed her hand for reassurance. "I see you've made some friends since you've been here," she said.

  "I've never met him."

  "It's Jason Riggs."

  "He's an asshole."

  "If you think so now, wait till you get to know him," she told him.

  "Sounds like you like him," he commented dryly.

  "Not at all, but you learn to deal with him."

  "Has he ever done anything to you?"

  Her face burned even hotter as she recalled some of the rude comments he'd made to her in the past. "No, just stupid comments, petty stuff."

  He could tell by her tone it wasn't petty stuff to her. He glanced over his shoulder to see if he could still spot Jason, but the frat house was well behind them. He would talk with Jason later to make sure he didn't bother her again. His frown deepened as he realized he felt protective of this girl. Jesus, he needed to get away from her, now.

  They turned a corner, and her dorm came into view. Disappointment filled her as she realized the night was ending already. Shaking her head to clear her conflicting emotions, she tugged on his hand.

  "This is my dorm," she said, stopping in front of it.

  "I'll walk you to your room."

  She stared at him as she tried to figure him out. Was he being polite, or did he expect something to happen once they were in her room? But Kathleen had said she would be there so he couldn't be expecting anything. She was still busy trying to figure him out when they entered the building.

  Liam was just as startled as she was. He'd planned to leave her at the door to the building, and go back to the party. There were probably some girls still lingering about who would be more than happy to spend the night with him. Instead, he found himself unwilling to leave her until he knew she was safely in her room.

  "Do you live on campus?" she asked.

  "At the Omega house."

  "I don't picture you as a frat guy."

  "It's better than living in a dorm. More freedom."

  "I guess."

  She stopped in front of her door and turned to face him. "Do you want to come in? Kathleen is probably still up." In fact, she knew Kathleen was still up, waiting to hear about everything that had happened.

  "All right."

  She opened the door and stepped aside to let him in. Kathleen was sitting on her bed, a beer in hand as she talked happily with Danielle. They both froze, their mouths gaping as they entered. "Hi," Kathleen finally managed to stammer out.

  "Hey," Sera said. "What are you guys up to?"

  "Nothing," Danielle answered, her eyes latched onto Liam.

  "Beer?" Kathleen asked.

  "Isn't it against the rules for you to have alcohol in the dorm rooms?" Liam asked teasingly.

  "It's also against the rules for you to be here," she replied happily.

  He smiled at her as she dug beneath her bed to pull out a cooler. Liam grabbed two beers from it, popped the top on one, and handed it to Sera. "How do you like this school so far?" Danielle asked unusually shy and hesitant.

  "I'm, having a good time, so far."

  "You have to watch out for some of the people," Kathleen said. "They can be funny." Her eyes settled on Sera. "It takes some people longer to realize that than others."

  Liam looked over at her, his gaze just as intense as Kathleen's. "I figured that," he said.

  A muffled knock on the door made them all jump. "Crap," Danielle said, ditching her beer under the bed. Sera grabbed Liam's can and s
hoved them into her desk drawer. It was bad enough there was a man in their room, but being caught with alcohol would surely get them expelled.

  Heart hammering, she walked over to the door and cracked it a little. Michelle stood outside; her long auburn hair spilled around her beautiful face. "Can I come in?" she asked.

  Sera stepped back, a knot of anxiety forming in her stomach. She wasn't in the mood for an intense encounter. Michelle swept into the room and froze when she spotted Liam sitting elegantly on Sera's bed, beers back in hand. He stared back at her with open disdain before standing and walking over to give Sera her beer. He managed a small smile for her as he casually leaned against the wall, his shoulder brushing against hers as he crossed his legs before him.

  She didn't quite understand what was going on, but she knew he was trying to tell her, and everyone in the room, something. Michelle's dark eyes were filled with resentment as she stared at him. "Hello, everyone," Michelle greeted coldly.

  "Hey," Danielle said nervously. "What's up?"

  "I came to apologize for what I said earlier." The apology was meant for Sera, but Michelle's eyes remained locked on Liam.

  Sera shifted uncomfortably as Liam stood straighter. She still didn't understand what was going on, but she could feel the anger radiating from him. He took a swig of beer and stepped away to place it on her desk before heading back to rest his hands upon her shoulders.

  "I'd better get going," he said.

  "All right."

  Unbelievable disappointment welled inside her. She barely knew him, yet she felt as if something would be missing when he left. She took a deep breath to get her irrational emotions under control. She hadn't had that much to drink, but maybe the alcohol was affecting her.

  "I'll see you tomorrow."

  He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Warmth instantly spread through her whole body. She had to clench her hand around her beer to keep herself from grabbing him and deepening the kiss. When he pulled away from her, there was a wealth of confusion in his eyes.

  Liam studied her attentively. He hadn't meant to tell her he would see her tomorrow. He'd planned to walk out of this room, and never see her again. She was too dangerous. She made him feel things he’d never felt before. Things he wasn't supposed to feel, wasn't allowed to feel.