Liam Mairi.

You couldn’t stand the guy.

You’d grown up with him in the same foster home, and though he’d gotten close with your older brother Xaden, becoming one of his best friends, that was definitely not the case for both of you.

No- there was no way in hell that you two would ever be friends.

You’d constantly get into arguments with him, varying from physical sparring to verbal brawls. He always knew the right things to say to get under your skin, that stupid, alluring, smug smirk making its way onto his face, blue eyes twinkling with amusement whenever he’d get your attention- whenever you’d snap back at him.

Things only got worse by the time you two got to Basgiath war college.

You’d recently been attacked at night by a few cadets in your year who had wanted you dead. Luckily, Xaden intercepted before the situation could worsen, but the cadets still managed to get a few good hits in, which left your brother reeling with worry.

And so Xaden, being the overprotective pain in the ass he is, basically assigned you a bodyguard.

And of course it had to be Liam of all people.

And you? You weren’t happy about it. Not one bit.

Because not only did it make it seem like you couldn’t take care of yourself, Liam also now had to be with you at all times.

── .✦

The morning after the attack, body still sore, you exit your dorm to find the tall blonde leaning against the wall, smirking.

That stupid damn smirk.

He was clearly incredibly amused by your annoyance. “Good morning, Riorson.” He refers to you as your last name, head cocking to the side.