by S R Watson
When the credits begin to roll, I excuse myself to go work on the lyrics for “Come Undone,” and Asher follows me. I somehow knew he would. “You’re not trying to push up on Harlow, are you?” Yup. Straight to the point.
“No, man. Just trying to make her feel welcome. You guys are the ones who left her sitting by herself while you went canoeing.” Reverse tactic—a skill unmatched.
“She didn’t want to go. Look, you’re right. Just checking. She’s not like most women. I have to look out for her.”
“Of course. And I can tell she’s different.” I pat him on the shoulder and slide the headphones on to signal the end of our conversation. The truth is, I’m not so sure. I can’t say for certain he has nothing to worry about. She is a gazelle right in the midst of a lion’s den, so I’m not sure he can protect her from the inevitable. Women are plentiful, yet they don’t hold a candle to this one. Harlow has an aura of light that attracts even the worst of demons. I feel the pull, and I know that this is all temporary. I have shit I need to be focusing on, like these lyrics. I turn the track up to “Come Undone” and get lost in the transitions. In no time at all, it all flows seamlessly. I finish the song in about an hour. Before it’s even shared, I know this one will be special.
Asher informs us later that Harlow’s friend and her friend’s cousin are coming into town in the morning and want them to stay here. The guys are a little too quick to agree. This has been a woman-free zone for a reason. I think the idea is asking for trouble, but I’m not going to be the one to reject the idea. Not me of all people. Harlow already took the biggest room, so I’m not sharing the room I’m sleeping in. Asher agrees to share with Killian and open his room to this Sasha chick while Irelyn shares with Harlow. Let’s see how this fiasco plays out.
Harlow
I was the first one up and ready to go this morning. Asher is taking me to pick up Irelyn in a few minutes, and I can hardly wait. You’d swear we haven’t seen each other in a few years rather than a few days. I’ve eaten breakfast, made breakfast for the house, including Phoenix’s egg white omelet, and now I’m pacing. Asher calls me from downstairs, and I’m already halfway to him before he can tell me he made his room ready for Sasha. My gut turns with the mention of her name, but she will not ruin the visit. I’m curious to see what the guys think of her snooty ass. Surely, Phoenix wouldn’t be interested. He is a bit of a diva himself. He’s used to receiving attention and being chased, not the other way around, so no worries there. What the hell am I saying? I’m not worried either way.
“So you’re pretty excited about seeing your friend, Irelyn, huh? Didn’t you see her like a few days ago before you left?” I know Asher is teasing me.
“That is ages in girl time, smarty. Seriously though, she needed to come down to register for classes that start in a couple of weeks. She could have done it online, but she wanted to take this time to tour the campus with me.”
“Is she a journalism major, too?” I’m not sure if he’s truly interested or just making conversation.
“Yes, but her focus is different from mine. She wants to report the news—boring,” I joke.
“What about Sasha?”
“Oh, no. She attends UCLA and is an English major. Irelyn and I both know she really just wants to meet some jock and get married so she can be taken care of. She is only attending college for her mother’s sake and to find a suitor that fits the bill.” Asher laughs at my description of Sasha, but it’s the truth. She is a snooty gold digger. I fill him in on how Irelyn and I met when I first started at the community college, and how she refuses to let me be an introvert. We have been like two peas in a pod ever since.
“I like her already then,” Asher says. “I think you need to get out even more, so I’m glad she’s decided to come down. You guys should do something tonight. The guys and I are planning to grill this afternoon for your guests, but maybe you can find something to get into later. I’m not sure there will be much to do on a Tuesday, but you can see.”
“Maybe. I’ll check with the girls and find out what they want to do.” He knows I’m not much of a partier. Other than Irelyn, I prefer my own company. She knows this too, so she doesn’t push. I have my suspicions that she would go out more; if I did, so I hope when we start at the university, she doesn’t let me hold her back.
When the girls get to the car, I hug Irelyn and halfheartedly do the same to Sasha. The half top has her girls runneth over, and her jeans look painted on, they’re so tight. Stilettos complete her look. Yup…same old Sasha. She always dresses to impress or, shall I say, to snag a man. Irelyn, on the other hand, is outfitted in a simple sundress and sandals. I introduce them to Asher, and I notice his gaze lasts a little longer on Sasha. I can’t deny that she is gorgeous. She has thick curly brunette hair and green eyes. Her olive skin tone is flawless, courtesy of her Mediterranean roots. As I said, she is beautiful, but her attitude is shitty. I haven’t seen her in months, so maybe she has matured some.
Irelyn and I gossip and talk about our favorite television shows the whole way back to the lake house as though Asher isn’t in the truck. When we finally park, I’m guessing he is ready to be back with the guys. He announces our arrival when we walk into the house and heads back out to grab Sasha’s and Irelyn’s luggage. The reactions are all the same. The guys are welcoming, but they zero in on Sasha like fresh meat. Phoenix is the last to join us in the living room. He gives the girls a simple chin tilt and mumbles hello, before taking a seat on the sofa and turning on the TV.
“I’ll start the grill,” Killian announces. “Asher and I have already purchased some meat this morning if someone wants to season it.”
“I’ll do it,” Ren volunteers.
“I’ll help,” Irelyn tells Ren. Sasha walks over to the other sofa and sits across from Phoenix. She crosses her legs and runs a hand through her hair. It is obvious to me who she has set her sights on. Figures. I join Killian outside to see if I can help.
“Nice friends you have there,” Killian says, making small talk as he works with the propane.
“Irelyn is my best friend. Sasha is her cousin.”
“So, you aren’t friends with Sasha?” He peers over at me.
“I’m not saying that. We’re not enemies. I just don’t know her that well,” I lie. The truth is, I know her and her type too well.
“Yeah, well, it looks like she isn’t wasting any time getting to know Phoenix.” He chuckles. I look through the glass into the living room. Sasha is now sitting right next to Phoenix, and they’re talking. “He’ll probably hit that before morning.”
“Probably,” I agree. A lump forms in my throat at the thought. Dammit, why should I care? I don’t want him. Killian and Irelyn come outside with seasoned chicken, fish, and sausage, and I’m happy for the distraction. Asher is right behind them with a cooler. Sasha and Phoenix finally decide to join us outside on the deck. With a click of a remote, Asher starts some music. Jeremih’s “Planes” begins to play.
Heineken beers are passed around. The guys start to sing the lyrics and have a good time. Sasha sways her hips to the beat, and I swear every eye is glued to her ass, including Phoenix’s. She always gets all the attention. She knows exactly what she is doing.
“Why don’t you ladies change into swimsuits, so we can take this party down to the lake?” Phoenix suggests. I’m sure he is just anxious to see Sasha, in particular, half-naked because he knows I’m not going to wear a swimsuit.
“Sounds like a great idea,” Sasha replies. She pulls on Irelyn’s arm. Irelyn looks over at me, unsure. She knows that I won’t change.
“Go ahead. I’ll be here when you get back. Third floor, master bedroom to the right.” Asher adds that he already put both of their things in there for now.
“You’re not going to change?” Phoenix winks at me, and I roll my eyes. I don’t even entertain his question. I walk off, leaving him standing there and head down the stairs, leading to the chaise lounges by the lake. I down my beer
in a few gulps. The guys disappeared to change into their board shorts, so it looks like I get to be the oddball in my usual dress of baggy jeans and T-shirt. Irelyn and Sasha are the first to meet me by the lake. Irelyn brought another beer for me. Sasha’s micro thong bikini doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Talk about thirsty.
I look over at Irelyn in exasperation, and she mouths, “I know.”
Sasha waits until the guys all arrive to flaunt her assets. “Phoenix, do you mind passing me another beer?”
“Sure, doll.” He smiles. He passes her the beer, and flirtation between the two of them is blatantly obvious as he brushes his fingers across hers. I want to puke.
“Harlow, aren’t you uncomfortable with all those clothes on? It’s only going to get hotter, you know.” Sasha is trying to call me out in front of the guys. They all go quiet to hear my response.
“It’s okay. I don’t need my tits and ass hanging out for attention. I’m fine, thanks,” I snap.
“Damn.” Killian chuckles.
“No need to be jealous, Harlow. I just asked a question. You could be fucking naked for all I care.” I sit up straighter in my chair, ready to curse this bitch out, but Irelyn puts a hand on my shoulder in a silent plea.
“Whoa,” Phoenix interrupts. “Why don’t you come take a dip with me, Sasha?” He grabs her by the hand to pull her away, and she doesn’t resist. That makes my blood boil even more. She hasn’t even been in the house for an hour, and he is taking her side. Fuck him and her. Just yesterday, he stayed clothed here with me in that very chair so I wouldn’t be alone, and today, he is acting as if I don’t matter. I can already see how the girls’ visit will play out, and I hate it. As usual, it will be all about Sasha. Even worse, I have to watch her make a play for Phoenix, and he allows it.
Chapter Four
Phoenix
Sasha is giving me all signs that she wants to fuck me. She sat across from me when she first arrived, waiting for me to make a move. She knows she’s hot. I’m sure men usually trip over themselves for her, but I don’t chase. I waited for her to come to me, and as expected, she did. She led with small talk, but her body language and her constant excuses to touch me gave her away. Harlow is beside herself with jealousy, but she will never admit it. She hates that someone else has my attention. The eye rolls and silent treatment all indicate that she doesn’t like Sasha or the time I’m spending with her. Sasha was out of line for calling Harlow out on her decision not to change like everyone else. I’ve separated the two women, so shit doesn’t escalate. We’re here in the lake for a swim, and Sasha has her legs wrapped around mine. My cock has a mind of its own, and right now, it wants to come out to play. Not now, though. I grab her ass under the water and give it a squeeze. In response, she rubs her pussy against my crotch. Just as I thought.
“So hard,” Sasha whispers.
“Your pussy is rubbing against my dick. What did you think would happen?”
“I think we should take this inside. You can go first, and I’ll follow.”
“Meh. Maybe later, if I decide that is what I want.” One thing she will have to understand real quick is that pussy is a dime a dozen. Just because you can make my dick hard doesn’t mean I will share. I’ll decide as the day progresses if she is worth my time.
“Okay,” she agrees. She doesn’t argue. Smart girl. A point in her favor. I rub my index finger across her slit before smacking her ass.
“Let’s get back to the group,” I tell her. When we get back on the deck, Harlow is even more distant. She refuses to look at me now. It seems she needs to understand as well—I don’t chase. Me being nice to her a few times doesn’t give her the upper hand. If she wants to look down her nose at me, I will give her a reason. She just solidified her fate. I know that she is jealous, and I’m going to push those buttons. I will be fucking Sasha tonight, and I will make sure she finds out. If she wants to keep pretending that she doesn’t want me, she can continue playing that game by herself. She can watch as other women get what she is too afraid to act on. Too bad for her. Maybe a good fucking would have brought down those walls she is so desperately trying to hide behind.
“Sure,” Sasha says, bringing me back to the present. As she walks up the stairs to the deck, I make it obvious that I’m looking at her ass.
As the day turns to evening, we all gather on the top deck around the firepit. The air is a little cooler, and I think we all have a buzz. We’ve enjoyed delicious food. I’ve fucked off my diet for today.
Sasha is now sitting on my lap, and it is no question to the group whose bed she will be in tonight. Harlow has not spoken one word to me. She has been either quiet or talked to Irelyn. As it gets later, Sasha requests to hear one of our songs. Before I can respond, Harlow gets up and bids everyone a good night. She tells Irelyn to stay, and she will see her in the morning. I can see the concern etched in her friend’s face, but in the end, she stays put. I deny Sasha’s request and tell her she will have to just wait and come see our performance at the bar Friday. We only hang out for maybe another hour before we decide to call it a night. I grab Sasha by the hand and bring her upstairs to my room. It’s been a while since I’ve let my demons out to play, but tonight, I will introduce them to Sasha. She wanted to fuck, so she will get a chance to see what that entails. I don’t share these tendencies with my groupies. No, they only get a taste of what I’m capable of. As I said, it’s been a while. Normally, I curb my domineering appetite, but tonight, I don’t have the inclination to do so. I’m not a Dom in the formal sense of the term, but my taste for control can be extreme.
As soon as my door closes behind her, my alter ego emerges. “My room. My rules. I’m in control,” I state as a warning. “Any objections to this, you should leave now.”
“No. I understand.”
“If at any time you feel uncomfortable or don’t want something, simply say stop. I only warn that you be sure you want me to stop because once that word is used, our time together ends. I’m not into persuasion or force.” I give her another chance to run the hell out of here, but she only smiles and nods her acceptance of my terms. “Take everything off—slowly.”
I watch as she removes her sundress and then that scrap of material she calls a swimsuit. Her immediate and complete submission already has me hard as a rock. Once she is naked, I tell her to kneel before me, and she does again without hesitation. I release my dick from my shorts, and her eyes widen with anticipation. I rub the tip across her lips and tell her to open. She takes me to the back of her throat like a pro and works me with one of her hands. This is what I need. Tonight, I will not think about Harlow. Sasha is in for a night she will not soon forget. I rarely give it my all, but I don’t know how long it will be before I find someone else worthy—someone else who can handle what I’m about to unleash. I hope she is ready for a long night. She has willingly given me her submission, and for that, she will be rewarded with incredible pleasure. Tonight, my darkness will prevail, and my demons will play.
Harlow
I awake to Irelyn shaking me. I pull my phone off the nightstand and see that it is already almost nine.
“Get up, girl. It’s time to go register for classes.” She is already dressed. How is it that she went to bed after me and is up before me? I know firsthand that the two-hour time difference from California is tiring. Well, I had my shower last night, so I only need a few minutes to freshen up. I throw on my usual attire and brush my hair back into a ponytail. This is progress for me because I used to hide behind my hair—the whole purpose I let it grow to my waist.
Once we’re out the door, Irelyn stops at the bedroom door next to ours and knocks—Phoenix’s room.
“What are you doing?” I hiss.
“Sasha is not in her room. She never made it there, so I know she’s in here,” she says apologetically. “I have to let her know we’re leaving, in case she wants to tag along.” Irelyn is aware of the ambivalence I feel toward Phoenix. I know she hates that her whore of a cous
in slept with him. It’s for the best, actually. I don’t want to see Sasha gloat, though, so I’ll just wait for her downstairs. The door swings open, and Sasha stands there with a lazy smile of satisfaction and bedhead. She is wearing one of Phoenix’s shirts. Being a glutton for punishment, I see him rise from the bed, covered only by a sheet, to see who is at the door.
“What do you girls want?” Sasha finally asks.
“We’re heading to the university. I wanted to know if you were staying or going?” Irelyn asks, frustrated.
“No. I think I’m up for another round with Phoenix. That sounds much more exciting if you know what I mean.” She looks back at him and then directly at me.
“Come on, Irelyn. I’m hungry,” I say to brush off her direct jab. I keep telling myself I don’t care, so why does the ache in my heart from last night seem to be magnified? She says something to Sasha that I can’t hear before following me. Asher is letting me take the Escalade. It is about an hour's drive to Tuscaloosa. Irelyn spends the first part of the drive trying to apologize for her slutty cousin and trying to assess how I’m feeling, but I wave her off. I don’t want to talk about it. It’s not her fault. I have no claim to Phoenix, so he can do what he wants. I’m not even supposed to like him. My heart tells me I do anyway, but fuck that traitor. It’s only because he was the first man to bypass the “fuck-off” vibes that I put out and spend time with me anyway. The attention just caused a lapse in judgment, that is all. I’m confusing appreciation with feelings.