The Story of Killian & Liri (Cruel Love Book 1) Read online

  The Story of Killian & Liri

  Cruel Love

  Book 1

  Glenna Maynard

  The Story Of Killian & Liri ©2019 All Rights Reserved Glenna Maynard

  This is a work of fiction. Names characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual people, alive or dead, business, establishments, locals or events is entirely coincidental. Any reference to real events, business, organizations or locals is intended only to give the fiction a sense of realism and authenticity. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means – electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying), recording, or otherwise – without prior permission in writing from the author.

  The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of the word marks mentioned in this work of fiction.

  Cover design and formatting by Glenna Maynard.

  The Story of Killian & Liri

  When Killian Hendrix lays his eyes on a dorky freshman crossing the road in rainbow print leggings, the last thing he expects is to be attracted to her. The harder he fights his pull to her the harder he falls. She’s too good for him and he knows it, but he can’t stay away. He’s a bad boy who likes his women as fast as the car he races, but Liri Hart is under his skin and in his veins. No matter how hard he tries to push her away, she keeps coming back for more, hoping she can be the one to change him.

  They say you never get over your first love. One thing is for sure. Neither of them will ever be the same again.

  This is the story of Killian & Liri.

  Dedication

  ~To crazy, mad, stupid, cruel love~

  Contents

  Blurb

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Dear Reader

  Playlist

  Acknowledgments

  About Glenna

  Available Now

  Chapter 1

  Liri

  “To Liri,” my stepfather says, raising his glass in toast. Crow’s feet line his eyes as a boastful smile spreads over his handsome features.

  I grin politely as everyone in the room wishes me well. My parents went overboard like they always do with too much food and too many guests, but I adore them for it. Tomorrow morning I am getting in my car and driving away to start the next chapter of my life. College. I have been preparing for this day for my whole life it seems. I’ve always done what has been expected of me. Making perfect grades, staying out of trouble, no dating, simply focusing on my future. Tomorrow everything will be different. I’ve never lived away from home outside of youth camp through our church for one month every summer.

  “My baby girl is all grown up.” My mother dabs under her eyes with her napkin. Her friends smile graciously, and I offer a forced but modest grin in return.

  I’m anxious about tomorrow. I’m going to be rooming with my cousin Hayley. She’s a sophomore at Crestwood University. I’ve not seen her since I was like seven, but we’ve managed to stay in contact through email over the years. She’s my birth father’s niece. Her mother is the sister of the man who makes up half of my DNA.

  Hayley swears I am going to love the campus and the town. It’s a four-hour drive for me. I know my mother will be freaking out until the minute I text her to tell her that I have made it there safe and sound.

  The rest of the evening passes quickly. I say goodnight to my folks and their guests. Upstairs I am going over every inch of my room making sure I didn’t miss anything when I was packing.

  I scan my bookshelf, running my fingers along the spines of my favorites. These will be staying here in favor of taking my e-reader with me instead. It takes up less space. I check my drawers and closet making sure I didn’t overlook anything. I don’t spot any belongings that I feel I won’t survive without.

  My art supplies and most of my clothes have been packed up in my car since yesterday. I’m eager to see Hayley and the school. My new dorm room. I am looking forward to meeting new people. Drinking coffee in the evening if I want to. My life begins tomorrow.

  Pulling my dark hair up into a loose bun on my head, I finish getting ready for bed though I doubt I will sleep a wink.

  **

  The next morning my mother is knocking on my bedroom door and serving me breakfast in bed. My favorite. Chocolate chip smiley face pancakes with whip cream and strawberries on the side. Now this I will miss. The woman spoils me.

  “You remember what we talked about?”

  I sigh internally. “Yes, Mom. No drinking. No drugs. No unprotected sex. I have the pepper spray on my keychain.”

  Her thin lips lift into an amused smile. “Okay. Okay, college girl.” She squeezes my shoulder and kisses the top of my hair. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “Don’t start crying again,” I complain on a groan and flop back on my pillows.

  “I promise. At least not until you are backing out of the driveway.” Her blue eyes glitter with unshed tears.

  “I love you too.”

  “Best get ready and on the road.” She sniffles and leaves the room.

  My stepfather is probably having breakfast at the country club with my Uncle Cooper. It’s their ritual or whatever. Breakfast then golf, every single Sunday. As promised my mother is standing in the doorway with tissues as I pull out of the driveway.

  Me? I’m turning up my stereo with my windows down, singing along to Lorde.

  I stop off for gas and some hard candy to suck on halfway there. My phone pings with a text from Hayley.

  Hayley: When are you coming? There’s a huge party tonight and you are coming with me!

  Liri: About two hours away. I don’t know about this party…see you soon.

  My stomach has butterflies at the thought of going to my first college party. I know I promised my mother but what could one party hurt? I send off a quick text to my mother, so she doesn’t worry, letting her know that I am almost to campus. I receive a ‘drive safe’ response.

  The large sign that reads Welcome to Crestwood University comes into view and the butterflies in my stomach return. I drive through slowly wearing a goofy awestruck expression on my face. Cars are being unloaded and boxes carried into the dorms. This is it. I’m finally here. I pull into the unloading zone and
take my keys out of the ignition. Part of me wishes I hadn’t insisted that my mother let me make the drive alone, but she has always held my hand, and it is time to let go of those apron strings.

  Liri: I’m here.

  Moments later I am being tackle hugged by a curvaceous blonde who is even more gorgeous in person than she was in the photos we exchanged. “I can’t believe you’re finally here. Welcome to Crestwood!” She squeals and hugs me again, choking me in the process. I pull back and meet her green-eyed gaze with my pale blue stare.

  “I’m so happy to see you finally.” We both giggle and start unloading my car. I mostly brought clothes, shoes, and my laptop.

  “You’re going to love it here. I promise. I never thought you’d get here. We’ll get you unpacked and then you’re coming out with Liam and me.”

  “That’s the mechanic you date, right?”

  “The sexy mechanic.” She wiggles her brows suggestively and I blush.

  We take the elevator to our floor. Hayley has staked her claim on the right side of the room, and I take the bed on the left. There isn’t much to our room. We each have a desk and we share a closet and private bathroom along with a small sitting room that also houses a mini-fridge and microwave. I am grateful we don’t have communal showers. We live in an all-female building. My mother would have freaked if our dorm was coed. It takes us three trips to get all of my belongings up to our room.

  Hayley has gone back upstairs while I go to park my car. The lot assigned to our building is across the street. The light is green, so I have to wait for the don’t walk sign to turn to walk. I stand awkwardly shifting from foot to foot dressed in my rainbow print leggings. They are a bit juvenile, but I love how comfortable they are. The traffic light changes from yellow to red. A muscle car rolls to a stop. The engine is purring and classic rock blaring out the rolled down windows. I try not to stare as I pass in front of the two guys in the car, but I can’t help but glance at them as I hurry past. The driver catches my eye. His eyes are as dark as his hair that is tousled in that carefree, I don’t give a fuck look but still manages to look great fashion. I start to smile as the music dies down until I hear him laugh and say, “What a dork,” to his friend.

  My cheeks flame in mortification. I try not to be offended, but for some reason the insult stings, and I feel like I am right back in high school. When my pink Converse hit the sidewalk, the jerk revs his engine making me jump. I roll my eyes and keep trekking to the entrance of the building.

  I make it back to the room without any further embarrassment. Hayley is sitting cross-legged in front of the floor length mirror on her side of the room putting her makeup on and doing her hair. “You’re back. Thought I was gonna have to send out a search party,” she teases. “I thought you could change, then we could grab dinner, and meet up with Liam and go to the party.”

  “I don’t…I’ve never been to a party.”

  Hayley’s eyes shoot up in the mirror before she turns around to gape at me. Her red painted lips stretch into a smirk. “No way. Well you have to come now. I am going to corrupt you.” We both laugh at her threat.

  “I promised my mom I wouldn’t go to parties.”

  Hayley rolls her eyes. “I don’t see her here. You’re your own woman now. This is college, Liri. You’re supposed to take chances and experience new things.”

  “True,” I agree reluctantly.

  I try to push away the nagging voice of my mother sounding in my head that is telling me a party is a terrible idea and concentrate on putting my things away. I hang my clothes and put my sketchbooks and supplies into the large bottom drawer of my desk.

  “Is that what you’re wearing?” Hayley eyes my leggings and pink tee that matches my shoes. “No offense, babe, but that looks like something a five-year-old would wear.”

  I look down at my clothes knowing she isn’t wrong. “I don’t really have anything different from this.”

  “Well…we can’t do much about your wardrobe tonight, but you can borrow something from my side of the closet.” Her hands clap together. “Can I dress you and do your hair and makeup? Please, please, please say yes.”

  Shrugging, I nod my head. I’ve never really had girlfriend before. Sure, I had friends but no one I was overly close with. This could be fun or interesting at least.

  “Seriously. Just like that? You are too easy.” Her infections giggle rings out in the room. “Step into my office.” My eager cousin motions to her side of the closet. I stare at the massive amount of clothing compared to my basic wardrobe of leggings and tees that have a lot of pain stains on them. My mother always begs me to go shopping, but I never see the point. I am probably going to ruin whatever I buy with paint anyway. But now that I’m in college I probably should purchase some real clothes. Thirty minutes later my hair is curled in loose waves and my eyes are a smoky gray with charcoal eyeliner. My lips are stained a dark berry color and light blush is applied to my cheeks. I don’t recognize myself.

  Hayley dressed me in a pair of skinny jeans that hug my butt just right and a black slinky top that only has a string going across the middle of the back. Thankfully it has a built-in bra. I would have never picked something like this for myself.

  “One more thing. Actually two more.” She hands me a pair of black flats and a heart pendant necklace.

  I turn the silver locket over in my fingers. “This is beautiful. I’d be scared to lose it.” I try to hand it back.

  Hayley gets this goofy look on her face. “Don’t freak out on me but it belongs to you. Open it.”

  My brows knit together in confusion, but I do as she says. I pop the locket open and inside is a photograph of my birth father and me. My chest squeezes tight, and I suck in a breath biting back my tears. I was probably two and it was most likely one of the last times I saw him. Tears burn in the back of my throat.

  “Hey. We will talk about heavy stuff later. Let’s go eat some greasy pizza.”

  “Okay.” I bite back my emotions and grab my wristlet after tucking my room key inside.

  Chapter 2

  Liri

  We walk two blocks to a place called Donali’s Pizza. The dining area is a bit dark and it’s crowded with college kids eating pizza, drinking beer, and shooting pool. I’m trying not to think about the gift that Hayley gave me hanging around my neck, but I can’t stop from fidgeting with the heart-shaped locket as we trudge through the room to a booth near the back where three guys are sharing a pitcher of beer. The table has plastic red and white checkered place mats on it that are stained with pepperoni grease. Fake greenery that appears to need a good dusting hangs on the wall.

  My heart leaps to my throat when I meet a familiar pair of dark brown eyes. I can hear his laughter echoing in my head as I recall our encounter from earlier. He briefly looks at me then turns his head. I can feel heat spreading across my chest. He’s wearing a black leather jacket and a dark gray t-shirt underneath it. He looks like trouble.

  “Hey, baby.” One of the other guys jumps up and kisses Hayley on the cheek. “Have a seat.” He kicks at the third guy who is smiling at me to scoot over.

  “Liri, this is Liam. Liam, this my cousin.”

  “Oh shit. I was starting to think you made her up. You’re the art prodigy, right?” he sucks his lip ring into his mouth and holds his hand out to me.

  “I wouldn’t go that far.” I accept his tattooed covered hand and he squeezes it once before dropping it. I slide in next to his friend, Woodrow. He seems nice enough. He’s average in the boy next door sense. Clean cut and nice clothes. Hayley is squeezed in on the other side of the table on the bench seat between Liam and the other guy who called me a nerd earlier. I can’t help but wonder if he recognizes me, but I doubt it. I do look different after the makeover Hayley gave me.

  “You want a beer?” Woodrow asks.

  “No thanks. I don’t drink beer.” I scrunch up my nose at the thought. I drank some once at a family cookout that my Uncle Cooper hosted and it made me sick to
my stomach. I ended up puking in his rose bushes.

  The other dude rolls his eyes. Hayley grins at me and swats him on the shoulder. “Be nice, Killian.” Killian…that’s an interesting name. He stares around the restaurant appearing like he is bored to death. I ignore him and order a soda when the waitress approaches.

  The group argues over what toppings to get on the pizza. “What about you. What do you like, Liri?” Liam questions me. He isn’t what I pictured from the emails Hayley and I exchanged. He has dirty blond hair, a lip piercing, and tattoos. The way she talked about him I was expecting someone a bit cleaner cut. He’s cute though.

  “I’m simple. I like pepperoni.” I can feel that Killian guy’s eyes on me, but I’m afraid to look over in his direction. He seems like a bit of a jerk.

  “So you’re into art. Do you like paint and draw?” Woodrow starts asking me questions, and I appreciate him keeping the conversation moving.

  “Yeah. I like to sketch and do portraits mainly.”

  “Well if you need a model I’m not against posing nude,” he tells me, and everyone laughs.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” I blush at the thought. He has thick biceps and I bet the rest of him is as muscular.

  Killian suddenly asks to be excused and our group of five becomes four making it appear we are on a double date. I can’t help but watch Killian as he goes over to the pool tables and starts talking to a group of girls. Woodrow keeps trying to engage me in more conversation, but I keep spacing out.

  “Liri, go to the bathroom with me,” Hayley demands. I follow her past where Killian was. I lost track of him. Not that I should care. However, when we start down the narrow hall to the restroom, I see him. He has a girl pushed up against the wall with his tongue in her mouth and his hand up her shirt. He senses our approach and his eyes meet mine with a wicked glint in them.

  I quickly look away. I don’t know why him making out with some chick has me feeling embarrassed, but it does. Inside the bathroom Hayley goes into a stall. “Ignore Killian. He’s a bit of a broody jackass.” Her voice carries through the two-stall bathroom.