Room 307: Chicago / Book 1 [Hemsworth | Styles]

Chapter 4

Callum violently kicked the wall next to my dorm door. I was literally shaking with fear. Who the hell was this guy? 

"OI, MATE." Liam growled at him. I had never heard Liam speak so loudly. Yet he looked as ice-cold as a statue. Keeping his cool as always: "Don't you talk to Kiara that way." 

___

The tension could be cut with a knife as the two boys stared each other down. 

To be honest, it was exciting to be the object of their aggression. 

And boy had Liam grown up. 

To make it clear, aside from Liam, and I guess now Callum, I had never kissed anybody else.

I told myself I was "saving" my v-cards (read: never had a boy want to take them before). To be honest, it's because I'd just never been interested in the dating-partying life. My 'sexy lingerie' was really just underwear with a row of lace on the top. As for being 'soaked down there' - that had never happened before.

I had good grades, a nice family and just loved reading books. I came to college so that I could study literature. Like I said, I was the uncoordinated one, it's Kate that has always been the stunning one.

But now as I saw the defensive look in Liam's eyes, something felt... Powerful inside of me. In control. Wanted.

Or maybe it was my imagination.

Liam had been my first kiss. It was the most awkward experience of my life. When he lifted me up and sat me down on the kitchen counter I felt like I was floating on air. And then I smacked my head on an open cupboard door. (typical). It ended pretty quickly with an ice pack and a silent drive home...

"I'm Liam," Liam's hard voice sounded. He made the first move and extended his hand to Callum for a handshake. I noticed his forearm was muscled. 

I'd last seen him before he went off to Yale University, four years ago. He was incredibly intelligent, mature and always seemed in control. In this moment, with his hard, black eyes, black hair and ivory-white skin, he looked the polar opposite to Callum. Liam was wearing a full suit: black pants, sleek black shiny shoes, slicked hair, black tie, white shirt. Callum was wearing sweats and a hoodie. Liam was lean where Callum was solid. I imagine Callum swore a lot. From this kiss I knew he was the rough-around-the edges type. Liam on the other hand was suave and contained and he moved with purpose.

One would take you for a beer at the campus bar - the other would wine and dine you at the most luxurious places you could imagine. Some would call Liam stuffy and uptight. Right now he just looked pretty fine.

Oh my gosh, Kiara! In one day it seemed I had gone from zero interest in any guys to a passion for far too many!! 

Callum's gaze looked suspicious as he looked at Liam's hand. He shook it and I watched as their skin-tones contrasted. "I'm Callum," he sounded gruffer than usual. 

Liam looked over to me, "Haven't seen you in a while." He flashed one of his crooked smiles, head cocked at the perfect angle. 

I couldn't believe that I'd just been caught snogging some guy that I'd never even had a proper conversation with. And by Liam of all people!

I laughed, trying to ease the tension. "I know, it's really been a long time..." There was an awkward silence during which Liam just kept looking between Callum and I.

I took a small step away from him...  "So what are you doing here?" I asked. 

"I came to visit Kate!" Liam said. "And you of course." He flashed another smile. That last part made me happier than it should have.