Devotion {l.h.}

Chapter Eleven

Katarina’s POV

Ashton pulled up to Sarah’s house.

When Sonya said “hangout” I did not expect it to be this big. Cars lined the streets and the music was so loud that it could be heard from a street away; that’s where Ashton decided to park because they were literally no space anywhere else.

The entire ten-minute walk to Sarah’s house consisted of me pulling down the short, tight, navy dress that Sonya had lent me. It was cold outside and having my legs so exposed was the worst idea I’ve ever had. When we finally arrived at Sarah’s property, I stood in complete shock.

People were passed out on the front lawn, girls were walking around shirtless and I swear I saw three people having sex with each other in the bush.

The feeling of paranoia and uncomfortableness washed over me.

I walked closely behind Sonya and Ashton, who seemed all too familiar with their surroundings.

As we walked through the front door, a drink was forced into my hand.

Never drink from a cup I once read in a magazine so I passed the drink onto the closest person to me, who happily accepted my offer.

By the time I turned back around, Sonya and Ashton were nowhere in sight.

No no no. This isn’t happening.

I tried to look around the crowd, but there were too many people here to see anything clearly.

I walked around aimlessly until I caught sight of the kitchen, which seemed less crowded than the rest of the house.

I stood at the sink for a few moments trying to collect my thoughts before someone tapped me on the shoulder.

Please be Sonya. Or Ashton.

I turned slowly to see a pair of familiar brown eyes.

“Hey Kat! Calum said enthusiastically.

“Hey! What’s up?” I said with a tone of relief.

“Nothing much, killer party don’t you think? Would you like a drink?” he said screaming over the music that had suddenly been turned up in volume.

I was beginning to get a headache. I needed to let loose.

“Sure. Give me the strongest thing you can find,” I shouted back.

Calum walked over to the fridge and nudged a couple that had decided to hump each other against it. The couple did not look pleased to be interrupted but continued doing each other through their clothes on the stove top, which thankfully wasn’t turned on.

No one needs to see scorched buns, I thought to myself.

Calum returned with a red cup filled with brown liquid.

On instinct, I smelt the contents of the cup. The acrid smell burnt my nose causing me to scrunch up my face.

Calum laughed “Cute. It’s easier if you just chug it down” he said, rubbing my arm slowly.

I looked at Calum and then back at my drink. I mentally counted down from three before I tipped my head back and chugged every last drop of the brown, foul smelling liquid.

At first I didn’t feel anything… and then it started to burn.

I started coughing and choking.

“Shit!” I heard Calum shout

“Water!’ I croaked

He quickly handed me a glass of cold water, which relieved the burning instantly.

“I’m so sorry!” Calum shouted

“Not your fault. I’m terrible when it comes to drinking. I’m a lightweight too” I joked.

He smiled, “noted for the future” he said, while shamelessly looking at my half exposed thighs and fully exposed legs.

I giggled and touched his arm. Wow I was being flirty. Blame it on the alcohol.

“Did you want something less strong?” he asked, moving slightly closer.

“Yeah, what do they have here?” I responded

“Here, have a Smirnoff Red Ice. It tastes sweet, kind of like lemonade with a kick,” he said, smiling devilishly.

“Thanks” I replied, taking the frosty bottle from his hands

Again, I smelt the contents of the bottle and was pleased that it did in fact smell sweet. I cautiously took a sip.

“Good?” Calum asked, staring at my lips.

I could literally feel my ears go pink.

“Very good” I replied, looking down at the bottle.

“Hey want to go outside? It’s too noisy and cramped in here” he asked

I nodded, not bothering to shout my answer for the umpteenth time tonight.

Calum grabbed my hand and led me outside.

It was much quieter outside and for that I was thankful.

We sat on the bench situated on the lawn before Calum turned to face me.

“How did you get here?” he asked

“Ashton and Sonya picked me up” I replied.

“You look stunning tonight Kat”, Calum said, deepening the tone of his voice.

“Thank you” I said in almost a whisper.

“So Miss Sierra… tell me something about your self” he said smiling.

“What would you like to know mister…?”

“Hood”

“Right, what would you like to know Mr. Hood” I said with a wink.

Tone it down Katarina.

My head was starting to spin.

“Tell me anything Kat,” he said leaning into me.

Immediately I caught scent of his cologne. It was strong and musky.

I found myself closing my eyes; feeling intoxicated by a combination of the drink that I had previously and the scent of his manly cologne.

“I—ummm” I struggled to form words. Embarrassed, I did the only thing my mind could control my lips to do.

I closed the gap.

My lips pressed onto his.

At first I could feel his shock because his lips didn’t move, but then after a moment of recovery he began to kiss me back. Slowly but firmly he pressed against my lips, taking every opportunity he could to bite down gently on my bottom lip.

Goosebumps covered my body.

I could get used to this.

His hands travelled from my waist up to my chest and I found myself whimpering under his touch.

I moaned against his lips and he used this as an invitation to slip his tongue into my mouth.

Abruptly he pulled away.

Well shit.

I opened my eyes only to realise that he didn’t pull away… he was being pulled away from a fuming man with crystal blue eyes.