Boxed Set

by Brenda K. Davies

  He clasped hold of her chin and lifted her head. She looked up at his handsome face as he tenderly stared down at her. "You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to," he assured her as he wiped the tear from her face. The tender gesture nearly undid her. She blinked rapidly against the flood of tears filling her eyes.

  "I know, maybe that's why I can tell you. Or maybe it's because, for some reason, I don't know why, but I feel I can trust you." Although, she often put her trust in the wrong people. First Jacob, then her parents, and most recently Michelle.

  "You can trust me, Sera," he vowed.

  "I want to." His hand stilled on her cheek as something flashed through his eyes, something filled with longing and wistfulness. Sera's breath caught in her throat, and she knew she could tell him anything, trust him with anything.

  She raised her hand and took hold of his. She couldn't tell him the rest if she kept looking at him. She would get lost in him and forget everything else. For a moment she wished for that, but she knew if he was ever going to understand her, then this was something he needed to know. She lowered her head and buried herself within the warm security of his powerful arms.

  "Like I was saying, I don't know what happened, but everything seemed to go from blissful to frightening in an instant. I tried not to be scared, but I was. I had planned on losing my virginity to him that night, but suddenly I wasn't so sure I wanted to anymore. I told him to stop, if only just to give me a few minutes to calm down and relax."

  Sera's voice became tenser as she continued. Memories washed over her, threatening to suffocate her with their intensity. She could suddenly feel Jacob's hands on her again, smell his stinking, alcohol-drenched breath; taste blood in her mouth.

  "No matter what anyone says, I told him to stop. But, he wouldn't. He just kept saying this was supposed to happen, this was our night, and I had said I would. He ripped my dress, tore the front out of it. I started to cry, and he told me to shut up, to stop being a selfish bitch. I tried to make him stop, I screamed, God did I scream, and I beat him until my hands were bruised and numb."

  Sera's words tumbled out in a heedless rush revealing her intense grief. A fiery rage began to course through his veins as he thought of the man who attacked her, a man she had trusted. If Jacob had been standing in front of him, he would have killed him. He took a deep breath as he tried to fight against the animal thirst for revenge building inside him.

  She took a hitching breath. "Then, he hit me," she continued, her voice small and extremely fragile. The sound of it tore at his heart, ripped into his soul. His arms squeezed around her in an attempt to block out the anguish of her past. It was impossible.

  "That hurt so much," she whispered. "I nearly blacked out, but I knew if I did, he would do whatever he wanted to me. I somehow managed to claw his face as he continued to fumble and paw at me. He bellowed and smashed a fist into the side of my face. Blood spurted everywhere. It soaked him, and my dress, as it poured from my nose."

  She forced herself to stay focused on the present and to get it all out. "I think it was all the blood that made him come to his senses. It coated everything. He started screaming at me to get out of the car, that I was getting blood everywhere and making a mess. He didn't have to tell me twice. I got out of there as fast as I could. I walked home through the woods, clutching my dress together, and leaving a trail of blood behind me.

  "When I got there, I couldn't talk to tell my parents what had happened. My jaw was swollen shut, and I was in complete shock. They rushed me to the hospital, my mother in hysterics, and my father screaming about drunk drivers. It wasn't until a few hours later I was able to write down what had happened."

  Sera stopped as tears spilled out of her eyes. She tried to wipe them away, but now that they were flowing freely, they wouldn't stop. "Sera, you don't have to say anything more. I understand."

  "There's more," she whispered, lowering her eyes.

  He tried to raise her chin back up, but she kept her face firmly averted. She couldn't look at him when the shame was boiling up in waves, and the memories of Jacob's hands on her were so vivid and real. She didn't want him to see her humiliation.

  "Sera—"

  "I have to finish. I have to." She took a deep breath and forced herself to continue speaking. "To make a long story short, my father called me a liar. He said Jacob had told them I’d gotten drunk at the party, and taken off with a group of guys from his school. We must have gotten into a car accident, and I was trying to cover it up so I wouldn't get in trouble. The kids at school began to whisper about me behind my back, and my friends abandoned me. You don't remain popular by calling the star quarterback a rapist.

  "It didn't matter people saw me leaving with Jacob that night, or that there had been no other guys around. No one would believe he could do such a thing. They all said I had asked for it. That I deserved whatever happened, and Jacob had done nothing wrong. Most of the guys already disliked me because I wouldn't date them, and I think the girls had always secretly hated me. They now had their excuse to turn their backs on me.

  "By the time my father realized there had been no car accidents reported that night, and people had seen me leave with Jacob, it was too late. The damage had been done. I hated them for not believing in me, for not trusting me. The only person who always believed me was my grandmother. I moved to Cape Cod to spend the rest of my senior year with her. It took some finagling, but she managed to get me a resident tuition rate here."

  He squeezed her chin gently, and she finally managed to lift her eyes to his. She was scared she would find disgust, or pity, in his gaze. Instead, she found a startling wealth of warmth and caring. The sight of it stole her breath away.

  "I'm sorry for what happened to you, and I wish I could take it away. It never should have happened to someone like you. But the worst things always happen to the best people. I think you realize that," Liam said.

  He bent his head and dropped a kiss on her trembling lower lip. He pulled away and wiped the tears from her face. "I don't know why I told you all of this," she whispered. "I barely know you. You must think I'm an idiot."

  "You're not an idiot, Sera, and no matter what people said, or did, you did not deserve what happened, and you didn't ask for it."

  It had taken her a long time to believe that, and there were times she still doubted it. She had always thought she’d done something wrong, that she’d encouraged it, but to have Liam say she hadn't made her feel better, stronger. For once, someone besides her grandmother believed in her and was on her side.

  He lay back on the bed, pulling her down with him. She didn't fight against him as she lay down on top of him. His hands were relaxing as they rubbed her back and hair. She nestled closer, his warmth and security pushing the remains of her fear away.

  Liam stared at the ceiling as she cuddled against him. He couldn't get over how small and delicate she was. Protective instincts he never knew he possessed raced through him. The anger still radiated just beneath the surface, but he refused to let her see it. He didn't want to frighten her with it.

  "What do you say we order some pizza, rent some movies, and stay in tonight?" he inquired.

  "What about the party?"

  He knew the last thing she felt like doing was going to a party right now, and neither did he. "I'd rather stay here, with you."

  She lifted her head to look at him. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying, but she was still exquisitely lovely. "I'd like that."

  He smiled as he pushed back some of her glorious hair from her face. "Good."

  She curled up against his chest and, within minutes, fell asleep again.

  Chapter Five

  Sera leaned against the doorjamb. The frat house was packed with people, more people than she had ever imagined it could hold. They bumped and jostled her as they made their way through the crowd. Kathleen stood by her side, swaying with the music as she surveyed the dance floor. It was so packed there was no room for them.

  Danie
lle reappeared, slightly flushed and harried looking as she handed Kathleen another beer. "God, it's packed in here!" she cried.

  Sera agreed as she studied the swarm of bodies. Kathleen ran a hand through her tousled, short bob. Even though they weren't dancing, the heat of the room was enough to make them sweat. She cast Sera a small smile as she stood on her tiptoes trying to look over the sea of heads.

  Sera was still amazed Kathleen wasn't mad at her for not telling her about Jacob sooner, and for telling Liam first. At first, she'd been upset, more by the fact Sera had told Liam first, but she’d said she understood. Sera was even more astonished when Kathleen stated she'd known something had happened to Sera; she just wasn't exactly sure what.

  She knew Kathleen, and patience was not one of her virtues. Kathleen loved gossip and hated being kept in the dark about anything, but although she had noticed it, she had never questioned Sera about her hesitancy around men or the fact she never dated. She simply tried to help Sera get over it, in her own way, by forcing her to go to parties and to interact with other people. Kathleen waited for Sera to tell her in her own time.

  Sera loved her even more for her consideration and understanding. She’d been concerned Kathleen might have said she wasn't upset with her while in truth she was, but over the past three weeks, her best friend had shown no signs of resentment.

  Sera returned her smile as she turned to scan the crowd again. She spotted Liam's dark head above the crowd as he wound his way toward them. Her heart immediately began to beat a little faster, and a small smile curved her mouth. She had spent every night of the past three weeks with him. They had spent a few nights hanging out in his room, watching movies, and talking. A few other nights were spent hanging out with Kathleen, Danielle, Mike, Jack, and Doug. Other times they had gone out to dinner, to the movies, and one ridiculous night of bowling where they both made fools of themselves and vowed never to do it again.

  They went to parties, where every girl there hit on him, but he paid no attention to them as he stayed by her side, dancing with her, and never failing to make her feel as if she was the only woman in the room. He also never failed to make her feel safe and protected. When men leered at her and made rude comments, one look from him was enough to silence them, and send them on their way.

  Sera had never been so happy in her life, never felt this secure. He never pressured her, never forced her to do anything she didn't want to. When she stiffened involuntarily, he comforted her. When panic seized her for no reason, he understood and helped to set her at ease.

  She knew she was falling in love with him, and it scared the hell out of her. She hadn't thought it was possible to fall in love with someone in three weeks, but she knew now she was wrong. With each day that passed, she found herself increasingly scared of losing him. There was only so much a man could take before he got tired of being patient. Although he showed no signs of that happening, she was certain it was only a matter of time. She just hoped she could get over her apprehension by then.

  He stepped out of the crowd, flashing his dazzling grin as he handed her a beer. Sera took it and sipped as she studied him through lowered lashes. "Hey guys," Jack greeted as he appeared at his side. "This place is a madhouse tonight!"

  "That's for sure!" Kathleen agreed.

  Jack was bumped forward causing beer to slosh out of his cup. "Hey, watch it!" he yelled over his shoulder before turning back to Liam. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

  "Yeah," Liam replied. He turned back to Sera and kissed her. "I'll be right back."

  She turned and followed Jack back into the crowd. "Well now, wasn't that sweet."

  Sera turned at the voice in her ear. Michelle stood behind her, leaning casually against the wall as she surveyed her through narrowed eyes. Her long hair was loose and flowing around her elegant face. Despite the heat of the house, she somehow managed to look cool and refreshed.

  Sera stared at her as she tried to sort through the jumbled rush of feelings rolling through her at the sight of Michelle. She hadn't seen her since the night she'd left her dorm room. She didn't know what to say to her now, or why Michelle suddenly seemed to hate her so much. She felt betrayed by her, and she was hurt, but she was also mad and getting madder.

  "Hello, Michelle," she replied coldly.

  "Haven't seen you around much." Nor had she attempted to either. Sera didn't say a word as Michelle casually brushed back a strand of hair. "You two make a cute couple," she purred.

  "Don't they?" Kathleen inquired sweetly.

  Michelle's eyes flashed to her as a cruel smile twisted her face. "You're a fool if you think he really likes you."

  Sera's hand clenched on her cup. "I don't believe that's any of your business, Michelle."

  "You're just pissed because he turned you down!" Kathleen retorted.

  Michelle lifted her head haughtily as she tossed back her hair. "I wouldn't waste my time on someone like him."

  "Oh, really, Michelle?" They all turned as Liam stepped beside Sera, his arm wrapped around her waist as he drew her against his side.

  Michelle's eyes flashed angrily as she took in Liam. Kathleen snickered but hid her smile behind her hand. Danielle was frowning as she stood nearby. Liam's arm was like a steel trap around her waist. An odd sense of power radiated from him and frightened her. Sera's heart skipped a beat as his eyes landed on her. His face was pitiless, but there was a warmth in his gaze she knew was only for her.

  "Hello, Liam," Michelle said calmly.

  "Were you talking about me?" he inquired as he lifted his head to look at her.

  Michelle raised her chin and stared back at him defiantly. "Yes."

  He smiled at her, but there was no warmth in the gesture, or in his features. "Good, because I wouldn't waste my time on you either. So now that we're in agreement, don't you have somewhere else to be?"

  The icy bitterness of his voice made the hair on Sera's arms stand up. "Yeah, I do," Michelle replied coldly.

  "I would suggest going there."

  Michelle glared at the two of them as she stormed past. Sera sighed as some of the tension eased from her body. Liam's arm around her waist loosened marginally, but he didn't release her.

  "Want to dance?" he inquired.

  She glanced back at the crowded floor. She hated the idea of pushing her way onto it, but the thought of being wrapped in Liam's arms was too tempting to refuse. "Yeah," she replied.

  He led her out to the dance floor, easily cutting through the thick crowd. A small smile curved her mouth as she rested her head against his solid chest and wrapped her arms around his muscular body. His arms around her were warm, comforting, and completely sheltering. She felt perfectly safe, and completely at home, as she moved in time with him.

  Liam moved swiftly through the thick crowd, searching for Mike, Jack, or Doug. "Hey."

  He turned as Jack caught hold of his arm. "Hey."

  "Come on."

  Jack led the way to the back stairway and up the stairs. Liam followed behind; his thoughts jumbled as they made it to the second floor and continued to the third. Mike and Doug were standing outside Mike's room; their arms crossed over their chests as they talked quietly. This far up, the music was only a distant, thumping melody. Shouts and laughter wafted up from below, but the words were indiscernible.

  Mike and Doug straightened away from the wall as he and Jack approached. An uneasy feeling began to fill him as he studied the intense looks on their faces. "We have to talk," Mike said briskly.

  Liam knew what they planned to talk about; he just didn't care to hear it. "I don't have time right now," he replied.

  Mike eyed him. "Then you're going to make time."

  Liam folded his arms over his chest. "What is it, Mike?"

  Mike looked at both Jack and Doug, but they appeared content to let Mike do the talking. "Come on."

  Mike strode across the hall and thrust Liam's door open. He waited for all of them to enter before closing it again. Liam silently stood by the
door as he eyed the three of them. "It's Sera," Mike said bluntly.

  He had already known it was, but he still didn't want to deal with it. "What about her?" he asked coldly.

  Mike perched on the edge of the desk. "Don't be difficult, Liam. You shouldn't be involved with her, and you know it."

  "It's none of your concern."

  "It is our concern! We're involved in this too!" Jack shouted.

  "No, you're not."

  Jack's hazel eyes narrowed as his solid jaw clenched. He was shorter and thinner than Liam, with a lithe, soccer player build. Right now, his light brown hair was a darker shade from sweat as it curled down to his collar and clung to the broad angles of his face. His nose was broken when they were twelve, and it was still a little bent to the side with a small bump in the middle.

  "Really?" Jack inquired. "Go tell that to the girl across the hall. She's there for you, not us!"

  Liam's arms dropped as he took an angry step forward. "Hey," Doug intervened. "Cut it out. Both of you."

  Jack's eyes still simmered with resentment, but he took a small step back. Liam glared at him, his jaw clenched, as his nostrils flared. "Look," Mike said, shooting Jack a warning look. "All we're saying is you shouldn't be involved with her, Liam, and you know it."

  Liam scowled at him, but he couldn’t say anything to defend himself. Mike was right; he shouldn't be involved with her. "I know," he replied. "But I'm not going to let her go."

  "Oh, for crying out loud!" Jack exclaimed.

  "Jack!" Doug hissed warningly. Jack sneered at him. Doug didn't back down as his ocean blue eyes remained fixed on Jack. His dark blond hair was cut short, and right now stood in little spikes on top of his head from tugging at it, which had always been his habit when he was agitated. He was shorter and stockier than all of them, but he was wholesome and cute; a combination which always made people think he was younger than he was and had never failed to make women flock to him.