“So, what did you do?”
“Got a lift with the captain.”
Everett snorts, spilling his beer. “On his bike? That would have been cosy.”
“Fuck off,” I say, shoving his shoulder.
The guys laugh, and I take a swig of my drink, trying to settle the heat rising in my chest. The back of my neck prickles, and I glance around, spotting Noah and Hannah across the room, the latter still watching me.
Noah catches my eye, giving me an easy grin that knots my stomach. Why the fuck can’t I shake him from my system? I have my mysterious masked shadow fromEuphoria to set my body alight, even if it’s only within the confines of the club.
Theo struts in, obnoxious as always, clapping shoulders and high-fiving anyone within reach. He’s still riding the team’s coattails and trying to pick up any Beckford Banshee desperate enough to hook up with him.
I roll my eyes and turn back to my mates just as Blake cracks a terrible joke, and Everett mutters a string of curses at him. I let myself get pulled back in, laughing along and tossing a comment at Blake to keep the banter going. The distraction works for a bit, but as the laughter dies down, my eyes flick to Noah again.
I need to stop thinking about my straight captain.
Chapter 17
Noah
The floral scent of perfume invades my senses as I float towards consciousness. I peel open my eyes to see Hannah sleeping soundly on the other side of my bed, blonde hair fanning over the pillow. In the soft morning light, she looks beautiful in that quiet, understated way of hers. Without make-up, the smattering of freckles across her nose makes her look younger.
She’s the kind of woman my father would want me to settle down with. Polite, motivated, and connected. But as I study her, trying to stir up something deeper, all I can think about is a strong, angular jaw. A crooked grin. A low, gravelly voice.
I drag a hand over my face and stare at the ceiling, guilt pressing heavy against my chest. Hannah’s everything I should want. But she’s not the one who fills my every thought.
She’s an amazing friend.
After Dane gave her a hard time about leaving last night, she agreed to stay. She’s been really good about the fake dating arrangement, even though it was only supposed to be for my father’s benefit.
Guilt churns in my stomach when I think about hooking up with my masked Romeo at Euphoria, but Hannah knows this is strictly for show.
For a moment, I wonder if I should come clean to her, tell her why nothing can ever happen between us. But I’m not ready to open that can of worms.
My thoughts drift to Zac, and the feel of him pressed against me on the back of my bike. Every inch of my body was in tune to his, the way he shifted with the turns, how tense he got over every bump, gripping me tighter. My cock stirs to life, and I push the thoughts away. It’s too dangerous to think of him like that.
That doesn’t stop me from reaching for my phone and bringing up his message thread.
Noah: Hey man, let me know when you’re ready to go get your car. I’ll swing past to pick you up.
My stomach fizzes with anticipation when I press send, and I stare at my phone, waiting for the bubbles to pop up that let me know he’s replying.
Zac: Appreciate it, but Ritter and I have already picked her up. Thanks.
Disappointment washes over me, but again, I push it away.
I was an arsehole to him when we both joined the team last year because I was scared of my attraction to him. After everything that happened in Perth, I had to keep those inclinations locked down. No one else could get hurt because of me.
Nothing can ever happen between us, which is why Iwent to Euphoria in the first place—to find someone I can be with in secret. That’s all I can have for now.
I set my phone down just as Hannah stirs.
Her eyes flutter open, and she blinks up at me. “Morning.”
“Morning.”
She stretches, the t-shirt she’s sleeping in riding up, but I don’t even offer a cursory glance.
