Chapter 3

Avoiding Liam wasn't easy. Northwood wasn't that big, and their shared Organic Chemistry elective was a mandatory collision course.

She tried to slip into the lecture hall late, but he was waiting, leaning against the doorframe, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Hey, stranger," he said, his voice smooth.

Ava mumbled a greeting, trying to push past.

He grabbed her arm, his grip surprisingly strong. "Not so fast."

He pulled her into an empty, smaller lecture hall nearby, the dusty velvet curtain of the stage the only witness.

"What are you doing, Liam?" she asked, her voice tight with anxiety.

"Missed you," he said, backing her against a table. He kissed her, hard, demanding.

Ava turned her head away. "Liam, stop. I don't feel well."

It was true. The EC pill had left her nauseous and crampy.

He pressed closer, his hand sliding to her waist. "A fever? That's hot," he whispered, his breath on her neck. "Maybe we should make you feel better."

His hand moved lower.

Footsteps echoed outside. Students were arriving for the next class in this room.

Liam pulled back, annoyance flashing in his eyes.

"Later," he mouthed, then sauntered out, just as a group of students entered.

His crew – Chad and Brody – were with them. They spotted Ava, disheveled and pale, emerging from behind the curtain.

Chad whistled. "Damn, Walker, already getting a pre-lecture warm-up?"

Brody snickered. "Sharma's looking a little flushed. Guess O-Chem isn't the only chemistry happening."

Ava's face burned. She clutched her books and fled, their crass laughter following her down the hall.