The squeak of the door opening on Sadie’s side precedes someone calling her name. “Shit. Rave, I gotta go. But think about what I said, okay?”
I nod. “Okay. Love you.”
“Love you too, babe,” Sadie says before she hangs up.
I stare at the blank screen for a few moments, before deciding to take a shower. Maybe if I wash off his scent and the mess of slick between my thighs, I’ll be able to think clearer.
I set my phone on the counter, then reach in the shower to get the water running. The bathroom is nice, nothing luxurious like the one Foster took me to in Milan,but nicer than the dorm showers. My mind races as I go through the motions of stripping down, then stepping under the hot spray.
As I’m shampooing my hair, I think about what Sadie said. I’ve never snuck out before, ever. Rigid Raven. The good girl who was a stickler for the rules. I’ve only been to one party in my life—the one where Tanner…
No. Not thinking about my past. I rinse the shampoo, then squeeze a large dollop of conditioner into my palm, working it into my dark strands.
How would I find one of these epic parties anyway? Sadie made it seem like you could throw a stone and hit one, but I’m not about to wander the streets of Cortina hoping to stumble upon something. That’s asking for trouble.
Stepping back under the spray, I wash the conditioner out, then grab the body wash. As my hands move down my body, I realize my nipples are still taut from arousal. Slipping a hand between my thighs just confirms I’m still dripping slick, my core throbbing from Foster’s almost-attention.
I didn’t tell him to stop, but he pulled away anyway. Then he ran like his ass was on fire. I can’t pretend the rejection didn’t sting. He could have stopped because it isn’t professionally appropriate. But an insidious voice sneaks in, telling me he just didn’t want me. With a body like his, he probably has his pick of omegas. And he’s had to follow me around like a guard dog. He probably thought I’d be a stage five clinger if he hooked up with me. He isn’t wrong.
But I’m sick of being the good girl. I’m sick of being a virgin. I’m sick of playing it safe. What has safe gotten me?A humiliating mistake on an international stage. Disappointment. Loneliness.
Maybe I need to get this out of my system with someone I won’t ever see again, that way I can’t get attached. I channel my inner Sadie, a woman who takes charge of her own sexuality without shame or pause. Determination fills me as I shut off the shower and step out, wrapping myself in a big fluffy towel.
I’m going out tonight. The other girls on the figure skating team mentioned parties, and I know there are a couple clubs around. I’m sure I can find out where to go from one of them. I just have to figure out how to sneak past Foster first.
25
VANN
Normally, I love places like this. Loud music. Flashing lights. Half-dressed bodies pressed close together. My mom used to call me‘sensory-seeking,’and fuck yeah, I’ll own up to that. Nothing makes my brain quiet faster than overloading my senses. But tonight, it’s not working.
The noise scratches at my insides. The lights hurt my eyes. All the scents coming off sweaty, horny bodies just make me angry. They’re not Raven. Her cinnamon-sugar scent is nowhere to be found.
I almost want to turn around and leave, but Orion and Tanner ran off somewhere and I promised Rhodes a dance. Something about that makes me feel even more jittery, though.
After downing a shot of Sambuca, I spot Orion and Tanner dancing at the edge of the crowd, looking sickeningly happy. In their own little world, as always. Fuckers.
“Come on.” I grab Rhodes’ hand and tug him away from the bar. Maybe dancing will help. Alcohol surehasn’t. We’ve all had three shots, and it’s done nothing to calm my nerves.
When we’re in the middle of the crowd, I spin Rhodes toward me. He gives me a stunned look, cheeks pink like he’s embarrassed about something, though I don’t know what. It’s pretty damn cute.
“You okay?’ I bend close to his ear to be heard over the music.
He nods, hands sliding up my arms as he finally starts dancing. We’ve danced together at parties and clubs before, but there’s something different in the way he’s looking at me now. Or maybe it’s that he’s touching me. He rarely initiates physical contact with people. He’s always said he’s fine with how touchy I am, but this is the first time he’s started it. Ever.
He drags his hands over my shoulders and back down my arms as he sways. The firm pressure of his touch feels amazing and instantly soothes my frayed nerves. His hips sway in a perfect relaxed rhythm. The man’s got moves.
I bring my hands to his sides, gripping loosely, synchronizing our motions. Our eyes meet, and he licks his lips. Something tightens deep in my belly, my cock thickening and perking up. How have I never noticed how smooth his lips are? They look so soft, a perfect little bullseye, framed by a light stubble from the late hour. I want to drag my finger across his bottom lip and see if it feels as soft as it looks.
I shouldn’t be thinking about Rhodes this way. He told us he isn’t interested in any of us like that. But that was a long time ago.
He’s looking at me with an expression I’ve never seen from him before. Timid, tentative, but hungry. Maybethings have changed? We’ve been together for years, and it’s been a while since we had that conversation.
With my hands still on his hips, Rhodes spins around, his back to my front, large body pressing against mine. He’s big for a beta, and damn hot. With his tattoos and those studs in his ears and the messy way he wears his hair, he’s got this effortless bad boy look, but it’s not hardened or edgy. There’s a softness to him that’s always appealed to me.
The music changes to something slower, headier, the bass dropping to a low rumble I feel everywhere. Rhodes doesn’t try to keep any distance between us.
I close my eyes, gliding my hands around to the firm planes of his abs. The heavy beat of the music works through my body like a drug. Rhodes grinds his ass back against me, and I groan. Is this really happening?
