Page 7 of Broken Desires

As Cole moves away, my attention shifts back to the man from the café, Liam. He’s just as captivating as he was then, and a flutter of excitement stirs in my stomach as I take in his profile—from his perfectly styled light-brown hair, the sharp jawline, the straight nose. There’s a certain allure about him that’s hard to ignore.

He turns to face me, offering a small, genuine smile. “Was Cole bothering you?” he asks.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “He’s an idiot,” I reply. The words feel sharp, even to me.

Liam’s laughter is soundless to my ears, but I can see it’s deep and hearty. There’s an urge within me to touch his chest, to feel the laughter reverberate through him and into me.

“He’s my roommate,” he explains, still smiling. “I can confirm you’re right about him, but he’s not all bad.”

Roommate? My wariness spikes. Birds of a feather flock together, right? But Liam’s knowing smile tells me he’s already guessed my thoughts.

“I’m Liam Ashford, by the way,” he introduces himself. “Certified non-stalker.”

“That’s exactly what a stalker would say,” I quip back.

His laughter follows. “Fair point.”

Liam Ashford. Suddenly I realize that I don’t regret coming to this party at all. I wanted an adventure, and it seems to have walked right up to me. Did I somehow make this happen? For a brief moment, I allow myself to wish for an eight-inch cock in his pants and a million dollars in my bank account.

“I’m Vanessa Caldwell, but my friends call me Nessa. It’s nice to meet you, Liam Ashford.”

“I think I’ll keep you company, warding off boys.”

I want to tell him that I can make boys run away better than he ever could, but I enjoy him being here. I’m not a damsel in distress waiting for her prince—I’ve never been that girl, but right now, I enjoy pretending.

As I sip my drink, Liam opts for a bottle of water. “You don’t drink?” I ask, a touch of curiosity in my tone.

He glances at the bottle, a shrug lifting his shoulders. “Not much, especially during the season,” he admits with a slight wince. “I’m boring, sorry.”

I don’t think there’s anything boring about this man—I’m sure there’s a wildness under the perfectly curated exterior. I can see it… his eyes show far more.

“Allow me to doubt that.”

Our conversation takes on a life of its own, a playful exchange that feels as natural as breathing.

“So, Liam, is ‘certified non-stalker’ a self-proclaimed title, or did you have to take a test for that?” I tease, a smirk playing on my lips.

He grins, leaning in slightly, his clove cologne just as intoxicating as the man himself. “Oh, it was a rigorous exam. Had to swear off lurking in the shadows and following people around. Tough, but I managed.”

I laugh more genuinely than I expected to tonight. “I’m impressed. Must have been a real sacrifice for you.”

He nods solemnly, his green eyes twinkling with humor. “Absolutely. But for the greater good, you know? Can’t have people thinking I’m some cliché bad boy.”

“Ah, so what are you then, if not the cliché bad boy?” I ask, curious despite myself.

“I like to think of myself as a… reformed bad boy. Now more into saving damsels from tedious conversations and offering safe walks home.”

I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a smile. “How chivalrous of you. Do you also rescue cats from trees in your spare time?”

He chuckles. “Only on weekends. Weekdays are strictly for being a boring, non-drinking, responsible student.”

Our laughter and shared glances create a bubble around us, and for a moment, the rest of the party fades into the background. It’s just Liam and me, two people enjoying a genuine connection in the chaos of a college party.

After a while, Liam glances at his watch, a slight frown creasing his brow. “Looks like it’s getting late. I should probably head out soon.”

My heart sinks a little at the thought of the night ending, but then he offers, “Can I walk you home?”

The offer catches me off guard, but in a good way. “Sure, that would be nice,” I reply, a genuine smile touching my lips.

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