I know him. I’m absolutely certain of that. I’ve looked into his eyes before, and it’s almost like I can feel him hugging me, but I know that’s not possible.
But the way he’s staring at me so intensely, so deliberately, it feels like he knows something I don’t.
I’ve got full body tingles, and we haven’t spoken. I’ve never felt like this before. I need to get out of here and away from his direct line of vision before I make a fool of myself.
Because I didn’t answer him, Ronan pats me on the shoulder, letting his hand flutter down my back. I’m slower to react than I normally would be because I feel like I can’t tear my eyes away from the rugby player. Something dark flashes in his green eyes for the briefest second as his gaze flickers over to Ronan. But just as quickly, they narrow again, focused entirely on me.
“N…no. I don’t,” I say to Ronan, rocking two steps away from him, trying not to make it look like I’m pulling away from his touch. I don’t know him that well, and he seems nice, but also like he could become agitated when he doesn’t get his way.
My eyes flash up to number eight one more time, and he’s completely still, gripping what looks like a clean jersey in one of his hands. His thick black hair is damp and clinging messily to his forehead. His shoulders jerk and I realize that his fists are clenched.
His eyes are the darkest shade of green I’ve ever seen and framed with thick lashes that make them look even more striking. His full lips are pulled tight like he’s trying very hard not to stomp over here and say something to me. Or maybe Ronan? Did he not like him touching me?
I can’t tell if the tension in his face is anger or something else. I don’t even know what I’m watching him so unabashedly. Juniper and Ronan are looking at me, I can see them in my peripherals. I realize that I’m making a fool out of myself, but I can’t…or don’t want to look away from him.
“Livingston? Are you okay?” Juniper’s hand touches my arm, and I blink and turn toward her. I can feel the blush creeping up my neck that I’ve been caught looking at this literal stranger.
I turn my body completely toward Juniper so my back faces the rugby players and I can still feel his eyes on me.
A look of confusion crosses Juniper’s face as she glances over my shoulder toward him, then back at me.
“I’ll meet you guys at the pub. I forgot I left something back at our place,” I say finally, pushing away from the fence.
I brush past her before she can argue, the strange tightness in my chest growing stronger with every minute that passes.
BASH
The ivy-covered archway near the academic quad is quiet now that the rugby match is over. Most of the crowd has drifted toward the frat houses or over to the ruck house where there will be parties. I’m told that there are celebrations whether we win or not, which feels very fitting. Jeremy who was born and raised here has been filling me in on all of the traditions. If I wasn’t so preoccupied with, ya know, my life’s work of stalking one girl, I would really enjoy hearing about them and participating in them. The cobblestone path is damp with the kind of Irish evening that feels like rain even when it hasn’t quite started yet.
I lean one shoulder against the cold stone and look down at my phone.
Livy and her friends are moving across campus now, the tiny square of the security camera feed showing them weaving through the crowd. Her blonde hair catches the low evening light as she walks beside Juniper and Miranda.
Ronan follows them closely, but not in a protective boyfriend kind of way. He’s trotting along like a clueless golden retriever, and I know that Miranda keeps him around because he’ll fetch whatever the girls want for them.
My jaw tightens slightly.
I already know everything there is to know about that fucker.
The research I did on Livy didn’t stop with her. Anyone who spends time around her becomes part of the picture.
Ronan sealed his fate the moment he touched her shoulder after the game tonight.
He’s lucky I’m trying to keep my identity undercover right now, because I would have done the same thing to him I did to Nathan. Right in front of my girl. His blood would have spattered up on her while I beat him to death for daring to touch what’s mine. And then I would have beat his lifeless body some more.
I saw red as soon as his hand made contact with her, but then she moved away from him. That wasn’t for my benefit.
Livingston was subtle about it, but I saw it.
That tells me everything I need to know.
She doesn’t want him touching her.
Which means the next time I get the opportunity, I’ll deal with the rowing champ myself.
My eyes return to the screen as the group turns down the street leading toward the pub.
The Red Boot. I don’t know what the name means, but I’m sure after Jeremy has had a few pints in him, he’ll give me a whole historical background complete with pictures. He would do PowerPoint presentations, I’m sure, if he didn’t think Kalen would beat the shit out of him for being annoying.
