by L. J. Woods
“You got any of that stuff you had last week?”
I freeze, a familiar voice coming from down the hall.
“Nothing crazy, just one.” It’s smooth. Crisp. Croaky. “Might hit a trio with Monique and Savannah tonight.”
“Samantha,” another voice corrects. It’s slurry, drunk like the rest of these partygoers.
“Johnson, does it really matter?”
Ew. My nose wrinkles before my eyes widen.
Johnson as in Isaac Johnson? Shit.
I peek into the room, the door cracked. “Someone’s coming,” I whisper.
“Hold them off,” August says, his eyes on the chest, big back to the door.
Taking a breath, I try to settle my nerves. It’s been a while since I’ve teamed up with August and I remember why. He’s a bigger risk taker than I am.
“Dude, the pussy at ERU is intense and this is just the pre-party.” It sounds like they’re coming closer, my nail between my teeth. “ERU doesn’t have the same ring as ERA though."
"Isaac!" A girl calls.
"Meet me in my room, gimme a second.”
Shit.
Peeking through the door I glare at August. “How about you stop your little scavenger hunt before you get a lawsuit?”
That gets him to get up before he moves towards me. “Buy me ten more minutes,” he says, his hand on the door. “I almost got this.” Then he closes it. Right in my face.
Motherfucker.
I tap on the door, pushing on the handle but it’s locked. “August!” I call into the little crack, knocking. "August!"
“New Girl?”
That voice sends a jolt to my spine.
Turning around, Sparkly Eyes stares right at me and he looks even better than before.
The collared shirt he wears sits unbuttoned to his abs, rolled up to his elbows. Even his forearms look like they’re packing weight.
He smiles, a knot twisting in my stomach. “I knew I’d see you again.”
Three
Christian
“Looking for me?”
She doesn’t smile when I ask my cheeky question but I don’t miss the way those toffee eyes wander my body.
There's a pull in my abs, a jolt in my pants.
Crossing my arms, I lean against the wall, too tipsy to stand straight. Blame the half bottle of scotch Johnson and I demolished.
New Girl straightens up, looking as delicious as she did in the new rink parking lot. Those fishnets look rippable and I'm already fantasizing fucking her in those boots. Her long dark hair matches her dark demeanor. Those short choppy bangs as edgy as she looks and something tells me this girl can take me for a ride.
Her eyes fall to my shirt, her tongue landing between her teeth, and I'm no idiot. I’ve been with enough girls this summer alone to know that look.
She wants me.
“Unless you’re the bathroom, no,” she replies, pulling a bottle of scotch to her dark lips. Black lipstick is unconventional for Eden but I won't tell her she just got it all over the bottle Isaac and I shared. There's a rose tatted on her hand, more tats on each knuckle. A knife, skull, snake, and a spider. It makes me all the more intrigued. “But if you’re willing to ruin your Ralph Lauren I’ll take you up on the offer.”
It's hard not to laugh. She's funny. And she so fucking wants me. Every girl does.
“Versace, but nice try.” When she tries to move around me, I block her. My tall, broad stature is even bigger after getting my body in the best shape of my life this summer. A lot of thrusting and pumping if you catch my drift. “Bathroom’s right there.” Flicking a finger to the door next to Isaac’s, my eyes gaze around her body again. “So, you sure you weren’t looking for me?” If there’s anything I’ve learned about girls from across the track, they’re wild. And that’s exactly what I need for tonight.
My phone vibrates in my jeans but I'm too distracted. Probably my dad and this girl is a much better way to spend my night.
“Told you.” Her eyes drop to my crotch before she meets mine again. Her eyes are shaped as sharp as her tongue. Like a mischievous cat and I can use some mischief. “You guys have houses so big I need a goddamn map.”
When I take a step closer, she takes a step back until she’s against the door. My palms press on either side of her head before she sucks in a breath, those plump lips parting an inch. She meets me under my chin, a whiff of vanilla and amber engulfing me. Like a cozy day.
Thud!
That wasn't my heart. Or my throbbing hardon.
“Is Isaac in there?" I ask. I swear he went the other way. "Black guy in a really yellow suit?”
“No,” she's quick to respond.
My brow cocks. “Then who’s in there?”
Everyone knows Isaac’s room is off-limits and if anyone finds his stash, there’ll be hell to raise. If there’s one thing about being back in Eden, they know who runs the show. Us.
She shrugs, bringing her thumb nail between her teeth. “Some horny students. You don’t wanna go in there, lots of dickage.”
Another thud comes from behind Isaac’s door. “If that’s the truth then what do you say we take their place?” When I reach for the handle, the bottle drops from her hand.
When I try to catch it, her palms come to my face.
I freeze when she looks into my eyes. It sends a pang to my gut, something familiar in her gaze. But before I can put my finger on it, her lips press to mine.
Told you she wants me.
And with the way my body falls into hers, the taste of mocha on my tongue, I want her too.
For tonight.
My hips push into her warmth and it’s been a while since I’ve been this hard this quick. Her lips feel like overdue sleep. Soft. Warm and sweet. Like I’ve been waiting for it all day. Her hands grip my face like she’s been thirsting for it and when she flicks her tongue on mine, I know I’m in for a trip.
“Lemme kick these assholes out.” My words land on her lips, stopping our heated session. When my eyes open, she looks as lost in that kiss as I was.
Reaching for the handle again, a lazy smirk spreads across my face before her eyes pop open. “Wait!” She slaps my hand away.
My brows knit. “I thought—”
“Thought you could get in my pants that easy?” She straightens up, pushing on my chest. “I’m not like these girls, Rich Boy.”
“You fucking with me?” Her eyes dance with mine. “‘Cause, you’re the one who couldn’t resist kissing me, New Girl.”
When she holds her gaze on mine, I don’t look away, that knot getting tighter in my stomach. I'm hoping I don’t hurl before New Girl and I get it on. With her eyes still on me, she crouches to grab the bottle from the floor, most of its contents poured onto the wood.
She tips it to her lips, finishing it before she pushes it at my chest. “Get me another drink and I won’t ask you what my name is.” Pushing off the door, she moves past me, those sexy boots thudding against the hardwood.
New Girl looks like a model when she saunters down the hall, her plump ass swaying in those shorts. Looking over her shoulder, she pushes strands of her hair behind her ear. It reveals another tattoo, “NOA.” While I’m curious about who the hell that is, I’m also curious to see where else she’s inked.
“Coming?” she asks.
“You tell me. Will I?” That kiss felt like it would lead to a lot more. But now that she’s walking away from the room, I’m losing my read.
Turning around, she walks backward to the steps. “If you play your cards right, Richie Rich.”
So she likes to play games. Well, I’m down for a bit of foreplay. “Richie Rich? You as old as that reference?”
“Do I look as old as that reference?” One of the potlights from above catches the shimmer in her eye, her button nose way too innocent for this girl who's far from pure.
Wonder if she knows who I am. “You look like someone who belongs underneath me.” I wink, following behind her with my own sway. �
��And that’s not because I’m a King on campus.”
She looks over her tattooed shoulder. Roses blend with camellias and other flowers on one arm. A Day of the Dead tattoo and the Grim Reaper on the other. She looks even sexier when she bites her lip, her eyes roaming my body again. “And you look like a guy with one hell of a trust fund.”
She’s too tipsy to realize she’s about to slip down the steps. Or too enthralled in our banter. Another foot moves back and if she doesn’t turn around, she’s going down hard.
A few quick strides put her in my arms, her skin warm and smooth. “Woah, there.” She meets my gaze, whiskey spinning in my stomach. She's softer than I imagined, contrasting her hard exterior.
I tilt my chin towards the staircase before she breaks our staring contest. “You wanna thank me now?” I grin. “Or after that drink?”
“Your entitlement is showing,” she replies, pushing on my chest.
When we get to the bottom of the stairs, the party is even more packed than when I left it. A crowd cheers below the DJ mixing from the second-floor balcony, the fog machine and purple lights adding extra magic to the evening. While I’m dressed in a pair of jeans and this white shirt, most people here dress to impress. Except for New Girl.
“Geez, Perez.” Hunter Hoffman, our star goalie, pats me on my shoulder. “Who the fuck is that?” Turning to my right, he has his eyes on New Girl’s ass, a bottle of beer in his grip.
Whiskey fuels my next words. “Mine.” He laughs and I backtrack, clarifying, “For the night.”
Laughing again, he raises his hands in the air in surrender. These guys know my reputation by now. A charmer. Ladies’ man. Mr. One Night. They know better than to get in the way of my next prey, and this one is a challenge. I like a challenge.
Taking her hand, a shock shoots through my forearm as I lead her towards the kitchen, a crowd parting in front of us.
"Mister Popular, huh?" she comments as we get in front of the island. I grab the first bottle I see, wanting to take this girl back to a room ASAP. Any room.
Passing her the uncorked bottle, I lean against the island. She pulls it to her lips while I pull her to me. “Popular is an understatement, New Girl.” She tips the bottle to my mouth and I swallow before I swirl a tongue over the tip, locking my eyes with hers. I don’t want to know her name. Don’t need to. Too personal. And tonight, it’s nothing but physical. “I’m a legend.”
“That you are, Perez!” Isaac appears next to me, a heavy arm leaning on my shoulder. “So this is where you’ve been.” He tilts a chin towards New Girl. “His dad might be a legend, but this guy? He’s a king.” His palm comes to my face, tapping my cheek.
I nudge him off. He stumbles.
“Perez?” New Girl asks. “Like … Hugo Perez?”
If it’ll help me get into her pants, I don’t mind swinging my name around. “His son, at your service.”
Her sharp brows lower before she pushes from my hold. “I need some air.” She storms out of the kitchen.
When I look at Isaac, he shrugs before I follow her outside. “Hey! New Girl!” I catch her pushing by a group of stoners along the bridge but she’s not getting away that easily.
Pulling her hand gives me another spark.
“Not my name,” she replies, pulling away.
I keep her wrist tight in mine, pulling her around towards me. I’m not usually one to chase pussy but there’s something about this girl that I want. Even if it’s for a night. “Did I miss something here?”
When she looks up, meeting my eyes, the rest of the people around us blur.
Fucking whiskey.
“Hey!” Isaac’s voice comes from behind me. “Fuck! Hey! Someone get those guys!”
“Rayne!" A blur of black passes by us, a growl coming from it. "We're going!" When I turn around, two big guys carry Isaac’s chest towards the driveway. One has his grey eyes locked on New Girl. “Now!”
I should be more concerned about whatever the fuck is going on but that name rings through my head like a loud echo.
Rayne?
This can’t be …
A bunch of guys from the team push by us, Isaac behind them. “Come on, Perez!” he calls.
“Fuck,” New Girl mutters, about to take off but I grip her wrist tighter, my eyes narrowing.
“Rayne Rose?” I’m too stunned to help out my best friend, a loud laugh coming from the driveway. Another big guy pushes Hoffman back. “You know those assholes?” Told Isaac to make this thing invite-only and something tells me he didn’t.
CRACK!
Turning my head to the commotion, Hoffman falls to the ground, hand on his face. One of the random guys shakes his fist before continuing to haul the chest down the driveway.
“Not assholes,” she says, still trying to pull free. “My brother.”
Tires screech from behind me, one of the two guys climbing into …
“That’s my car!” Turning to New Girl, Rayne, or whoever, I pull her closer. “The fuck is going on?” A cloud of questions circle my head before the rose gold blade of a knife comes to my jaw.
“Let me go. Now.” Her voice comes out calm but there’s a hint of a menacing tone, like she’ll actually push this knife into my face. When I drop her arm, her eyes move to my wrist before they’re back on me, looking darker than ever. “Gimme the watch.”
My teeth clench before I slip it off my wrist. Cartier.
“Ray!” Someone calls from the car. My car.
But hearing her name again confirms it.
“Think about this, Rayne Rose,” I warn, dropping the hefty golden watch into her palm.
She smirks before she backs away, knife pointed at me. No one around us moves and when I look towards my car, two guys I don’t know in the front, I see why.
They have guns pointed at Isaac and Hoffman, Isaac swaying with his hands in the air.
“Thanks for the drink, Perez.” Wiggling the bottle, she climbs into the driver’s seat of the car.
Tires screech as they take off, my watch, car and Rayne Rose going with it.
Four
Christian
“Isaac, you dick!”
A shrill voice forces my eye open.
The realization I’m covered in something cold and wet forces the other.
“Isn’t that why you’re out here, Tash?” Isaac chuckles, my vision focusing on my best friend in tiger-print silk boxers. “For my boy’s dick?”
Fuck.
The smell of vodka enters my nose and it makes my stomach spin, a throb in my head. Seeing Natasha DelGatto naked in front of me makes it pound even harder.
We had one night together when our parents bumped into each other in Ibiza. Attempting to kill my boredom, I had way too much sangria, but she won’t let that night go.
Cold air passes over my chest before the sun makes it all worse. I’m in Isaac’s backyard, a mess from the night before. So are my clothes, stuck to my body.
“Why the fuck would you throw vodka over us?” As annoying as she is, she asks the question I have in my mind.
Groaning, I rise to my feet, pushing Natasha off me.
“‘Cause this dick’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing on my nightstand. Ruined a morning blowie, so I’m returning the favour.” He smirks, tossing my phone my way. It doesn't help the parade storming through my head.
Ten missed calls from Dad in under an hour. One from my mom telling me to answer my dad. I’m not in the mood or the state for this shit.
“We got a team briefing this morning,” Isaac reminds me to top it all off. “New coach at the new school which means you…” He points the bottle at Natasha before he takes a swig. “You gotta get out. The Kings need to prepare for our day back on the throne.”
The bottle of water at my feet looks like heaven and I grab it before emptying the contents down my dry, scratchy throat. Natasha opens her mouth to speak but Isaac puts a finger to her lips. “Sssh. Collect your things, exit to your right, and you’ll have nothing to wo
rry about today, baby.” He clicks at her like she’s a horse before she scoffs, turning towards the house.
Still, she smiles towards me. “Thanks for last night, Perez. See you at school?”
I take another long gulp of warm water so I don’t have to answer. A couple of stragglers leave with Natasha as I pull the vodka-soaked shirt over my head.
“Natahsa DelGatto, dude?" Isaac leans against the outdoor bar when she’s gone. "What happened to your 'one-time only' rule?”
“No, that was an accident.” How loaded was I last night? This is gonna fuck up my performance on the ice.
Isaac laughs like he doesn’t believe me, his coils a mess on his head. “Uh-huh.” He pats my back as we move into the house, a couple of cleaners already inside, sorting through the chaos. He takes another swig while I scroll through my phone. “Guess I’m taking you to campus.” We stop at the guest room, the one I’ve been staying in since we got back in town last week. His dad is never home so Isaac’s place is now an unofficial ERU frat house. Parties happen almost every night and I’m not sure if some guys from the team ever go home. “You know, since your car is MIA with that psycho from last night.”
A pang hits my chest. “You mean—”
“The new girl who stole your seventy-seven? Yeah, man,” he chuckles. “You want her bad. Wouldn't let anyone call the cops.”
It all comes rushing back.
The knife.
My watch.
That kiss.
My car.
Rayne Rose is back and she’s still a force to reckon with. A really hot force.
My cock twitches at the thought of her and I must still be fucked up to be this riled up over Eden’s new criminal. Old criminal. Those eyes flash in my mind. So does that ass. That sexy smirk. Her mischievous, alluring presence. “She’s not new.”
“Another repeat fuck?” Isaac leans against the frame, waggling his brows. "Man, you're losing your game. The rules ain't hard. Hit it and quit it."
“Remember Rayne Rose?” I toss my shirt in the hamper.
It only takes Isaac a moment, his eyebrow raising. “Ray? The big-headed girl that had your little weiner poppin'?” A smirk spreads across his face. “Fuck, amazing what ten years can do to a body. Looks like she’s still a thief.”