“Later.” I place my attention back on the screen. They’re always giving me shit about not having enough “fun”. Who the hell has time for that when worrying about keeping anorganization running and keeping their members alive? That shit’s stressful, so excuse me for wanting to spend my free time deep in pussy or sleeping. Right now, I don’t even give two shits about pussy. There’s a dance pole set up on the back side of the basement, but I haven’t had the urge to entertain the girls with my presence.
“You know they’re gonna want to play against the champion.”
Huffing a laugh, “Yeah, later.” I’ve been deemed thechampionof our version of beer pong. It’s easy to beat your opponent when they’re intoxicated and you’re sober. He taps my shoulder before going back to the table. I hear them filling the solo cups, letting me know they’re about to start the game.
The fights we hold down here are our most popular after-partygame, but with this kind of crowd, who knows who would report it? We can’t have police on our trail, especially not with me having a man currently rotting in our holding cells at the bank.
6
KELSEY
Hayden invited me to the basement for the after-party games. At first, I denied the invitation, but he assured me it would be fun. If only he knew my anxiety with crowds. Exiting Jessie’s room, the house is quiet, but you can hear music softly playing from below. He leads me through the kitchen, towards the living room, stopping at a door in the middle of the room. Once he opens it, the music becomes louder along with the chatter. “Hear Me Now,” by Framing Hanley booms up the steep staircase.
“Are you seeing anyone?” My voice wavers nervously. What am I going to say if he says no? I mean, if he is seeing somebody, obviously, I will stop it there, but do I really want to push it further with him if not?
“What a personal question for somebody who wants to be acquaintances.” He retorts while giving me the side eye. I roll my eyes at him.
“It’s just a question.” I was low-key hoping he would make a move up in the room, but I don’t blame him for not trying after how I reacted at the pool.
“Well, to answer your very personal question, no. I am not.” He glances back at me, wiggling his eyebrows. “Are you interested in this, baby?”
My insides melt away, sending butterflies fluttering at the nickname. The way it wraps around his tongue. Fuck me. He said no. I can’t just trust him like that. I need to question him more. What if he’s lying to me? The last thing I need is to be jumped by some girl, like Lexie, who claims he’s her boyfriend or something.
“What if I were? But it’s hard to believe a guy like you is single.” I probe.
He stops abruptly and turns to face me. “I don’t lie. I refuse to settle, because I like to have whoever I want whenever I want.” He takes an intimidating step toward me, and I take a step back, not breaking eye contact. I continue until he’s backed me into the opposite wall. He’s too close. I could break away easily, but I don’t want to. I want to find out how far he’ll go, and I have a need that needs to be sated.
“Oh,” I respond breathlessly. My eyes feel heavy, and I rub my thighs together, anticipating his touch. I need him to touch me. Ryder has me too worked up from Lexie. I have no obligation to Ryder, so why not enjoy myself? He places both of his large hands on either side of my head, making me feel trapped.
Helpless.
I love it. My blood rushes in my ears, muting all other noises around us. My heart pounds in my chest. I think Hayden hears it, too. That oh so sexy smirk graces his plump lips as I look up at him under my weighted eyes.
He lifts my chin gently, ensuring my eyes are on his. His eyes burn a hole right through me.
“You’re so fucking beautiful, Kelsey.” He brushes his thumb across my lower lip, making my breath hitch. He leans in closer, his lips so close his breath dances with mine. I feel his hard length press against my stomach, then he’s pressing his lips to mine. His lips part, and I open mine, allowing him access. I can taste the lingering alcohol on his tongue. I want more, need more. As if he reads my mind, he does just that. His tongue explores every inch of my mouth, as if he can’t get enough either.
I pull away, “Do you tell all your fucks that?”
His head tilts at my question. “I mean, they are usually beautiful, but it’s never a lie. I told you, I don’t lie.” I bite my lip in thought, still tasting him on them.
I’m closer to begging him to just fuck me right here in the kitchen. He pulls away completely, and I miss his warmth. His closeness. I search his baby blue eyes for a hint, thinking he’s changed his mind about this.
He leans in, whispering against my lips. “Follow me, baby.” His fingers wrap around my wrist, gently, and he pulls me into a small supply closet around the corner. He kicks a cleaning cart in front of the door.
“You could lock it…”
“No lock,” he clips.
He tugs my jean shorts down. “Are we?—”
“Is this not what you wanted?” His brows crease.
Isn’t this what I wanted? I nod, not able to get the word out of my mouth.
“I’m going to need to hear you say it, Kelsey.”
I take a deep breath and whisper, “Yes.”
