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Khardine Gray Faith Summers

USATodayBestsellingAuthor KhardineGray writingas FaithSummers

Photographer-WanderAguiar

CoverModel-Mr Ferrari

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

Thisworkiscopyrighted ApartfromanyuseaspermittedundertheCopyrightAct1968,nopartmaybereproduced,copied,scanned,storedinaretrievalsystem, recordedortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionoftheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

Thisisaworkoffiction Names,characters,businesses,places,eventsandincidentsareeithertheproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorusedinafictitiousmanner Any resemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,oractualeventsispurelycoincidental

Theauthorassertsthatallcharactersandsituationsdepictedinthisworkoffictionareentirelyimaginaryandbearnorelationtoanyrealperson

Thefollowingstorycontainsmaturethemes,stronglanguageandsexualsituations

Itisintendedformaturereaders Allcharactersare18+yearsofageandallsexualactsareconsensual

Author Note

PleasenoteFaithSummersistheDarkromancepennameofUSATodayBestsellingAuthorKhardineGray

Romance Note

Dearreaderfriend, Thankyousomuchforpickingmybooktoread.Ihopeyouenjoyit. Ijusthavetowarnyouthatthisbookisasteamybillionaireromance Italsocontainsscenesthatmaybetriggeringtosomereaders. Bestofwishesxx

Alsoby Faith Summers

FAITH SUMMERS COLLECTION

SERIES

Ruthless Billionaires

RuthlessKnight

RuthlessRebel

RuthlessVillain

Empire ofSinners

RuthlessSinner

MercilessSinner

Savage Legacy

Devil’sKiss

Villain’sObsession

Hunter’sRevenge

DarkSyndicate

RuthlessPrince

DarkCaptor

WickedLiar

MercilessHunter

HeartlessLover

RuthlessKing

DarkOdyssey

TeaseMe

TauntMe

ThrillMe

TemptMe

TakeMe

OriginalSins

DarkOdysseyFantasies

Entice

Tease

Play

Tempt

Theirs

DUETs

BloodandThorns Duet

MercilessVows

MercilessUnion

CruelSecrets

CruelLies

CruelPromises

Standalones

DeceptiveVows

DeadlyGames

BadBlood

NOVELLAS

TheBoss’Girl ThePlayer

TaintedBeginnings

Blurb

MyKnight.MyRebel.MyForbiddenVillain…

InthedazzlinglightsofVegas,Iindulgedinapassionateone-nightstandwithamanwholookedlikeaGreekgodintheflesh. Weagreed:nonames,nostringsattached,justanunforgettablenightoffun. Theplanwassimple saygoodbyeandmoveon. LittledidIknowfatehadotherideasforme.

IneverexpectedtorunintoMr GreekgodinNew York aweeklateratmyfather’sfundraiser NortofindoutthatthegodlikemanisLucLeBlanche,theNHLstardefensemanfortheHawks. The Hawks,asinthehockeyteammyfatherjustbought Tomakemattersworse,myfatherdeclaresmeoff-limitstohimbecauseofthebitterrivalrybetweenLuc'sfatherandmine. Luchasalsomadeanenemyoutofmyfathersincetheteam’ssale.

DuetothecontrolmyfatherhasovermyinheritanceandLuc’scareerwiththeteam,we’reforcedtoobeyhisdemands. Theproblemiswecan’tkeepourhandsoffeachother.

Despitethestakes,neitherofuscanresistthemagneticpulldrawingustogether Caughtbetweendesireandduty,Lucproposesadaringsolution: We see each other in secret OfcourseIagree.

Iknowtheriskandwhat’satstakeifwegetcaught. Ialsoknowhecan’tbemine

Yeteachstolenmomentandeveryforbiddenkissfuelsmyhungerforthe6'6tattooedhockeygod. Whenthingsgetcomplicated,I’mnotsurewhatwillbreakmemore

Theexposureofoursecretromance.

Orfallingforhim

Amanmyfathercallsthevillain.

Chapter 1 Autumn

ThemomentZoe’scallcamethrough,Iknewsomethingwasup

Abadsomething.ThesortofsomethingthatfitsrightintotheI-don’t-need-anything-else-to-go-wrongcategory.

Theconfirmationofthatwasthereinthenail-biting,teeth-chatteringwayshe’dsaidhello.

“What’sgoingon?”Itrytokeeptheworryoutofmytonebutfail.

“Maybe youshould sit.” The cautionripplingthroughmybestfriend’s voice contorts mystomachinto twisted shards of moltenmetal Igripthephonetighteragainstmyear.

“Seriously,sit It’snotgoodnews” Christ. Whatthehellcouldhavehappenednow?

Imakemywayovertothebedandsitontheedge,mykneesbrushingagainstmysuitcase.I’msupposedtobeheadingto LAXtojoinZoeandmyfamilyinCanadafortonight’sbigicehockeymatch.

It’s an important night for the team my father just bought, so he’s summoned everyone family, friends, and business associatesalike

AsZoeworksasanassistantatmymother’sPRcompany,shetraveledwithmyfamilydaysago. Hockeyisnotmything,butneitherisdefyingmyfather

To those who have the Jakobe blood runningthroughtheir veins or have business ties to our family myfather is the judge,jury,andexecutioneroftheirlives.

“I’msitting,”Itellher

“Okay,isyourlaptopnearby?”

“Always”I’majournalist Inearlycameintothisworldwithalaptopnestledinmypalms Icradlethephoneagainstmy shoulderandgrabthelaptopfrommydesk.“Igotit.”

Zoe sighs, and her breathsounds statickythroughthe phone “Before Isayanythingmore, Ithinkit’s importantthatyou knowyourfatherreallytriedtododamagecontrol,butitwastoolate.”

AnArcticchillrollsovermybody,fillingmewithmoredread.“Jesus,Zoe,justtellmewhathappened?”

“PartofitisaboutCharlotte”

Charlotteismysister.Attwenty-eight,she’solderthanmebyfouryears,awildlysuccessfulentrepreneur,andMissI’mso-perfectshebelieveseveryoneshouldfalltotheirkneesandworshipherlikethequeenshethinkssheis Andtheydo.AnydaynowIexpecthertobecrownedMissUniverse.

“WhataboutCharlotte?”Mytonesoundssour Witheverythingmysisterhasdonetome,andgottenawaywith,it’shardfor metoconsiderthatsomethingbadcouldhavehappenedtoher.

I’mnotanevilcold-heartedbitchlikeher.I’mthecivil,level-headedsister,butevenIhavemylimits.Thataside,I’msure thatifsomethingbadhadhappenedmyparentswouldbecallingmetobreakthenews Notmybestfriend Sothisissomething else.

“ColeproposedtoCharlottelastnight”Thewordsspillfromherlips,andmyhearthammerswiththeechoofthatawful truthIlearnedlongagowhenColebrokeupwithme.

The awful painful truth thathewantedmysisterfromtheget-goandusedmeasastepping-stonetogetclosertoher. Hedatedmefortwoyears,thenherforelevenmonths.Nowthey’reengaged.

Two-timing asshole.

“Proposed…”IonlyspeakbecauseIknowIshouldsaysomething.

I’veknownZoesincewewerelittlekids We’vealways beenreal witheachother,nomatter what,buttherearecertain types ofembarrassmentyoudon’twantto pickapart. Myexleavingme for mybeautiful, perfect, connivingsister is one of them

“Ithappenedlastnight.”

Fabulous Yesterdaywas Valentine’s Day “I’ll betmyparents are thrilled Theywere ecstatic whenCharlotte andCole gottogether.”

“I’mnotgoingtosaytheyaren’thappy.”Zoesighswithexasperation.“Sorry,Iknowthetimingissucky.” “It’sfine WhydoIneedmylaptop?”

“That’stheotherpart.Coletalkedshitaboutyoutothepress.Hedidaninterviewwiththe Enquirer. ” Mybacksnapsstraightandmylungslock,thesuddenimpactmakingmypulsepoundlikeit’sgoingtoexplode “What?”Myvoicecomesouthigh-pitchedandsharpenoughtocutglass.

“Ijustheardaboutitfromyourdad Hecalledthe Enquirer anddidwhathecould,butitwasalreadytoolate”

“WhatthehelldidColesayaboutme?”Thewordsshootoutofmymouthhardandfierce,likeboulderscrashingdowna cliff.

I’ve keptmydistance fromthatsnake Ididn’tevencause trouble whenhe leftme for Charlotte Iknew doingsowould makemelookjealous,andnowaywouldIgiveeitherofthemthatsatisfaction.

“Findthe Enquirer It’sallthereontheirwebpage Sorryinadvance,Autumn” MyentirebodycavesandIwanttosinkintoablackhole,oratleastabottomlesspit.

Feelingweak,Iusemyfreehandtotapthekeysonmylaptopandfindthe Enquirer’s website.

AblissfulpictureofCharlotteandColeisthefirsthit.

TheylooklikeaDisneycouple.Theprinceandtheprincess.Charlottewithherwhite-blondehairlikeElsatheicequeen fromFrozen,andColewithhisdarklockslikePrinceEricfromThe Little Mermaid

Theyalso lookhappy. And inlove. Icansee itinCharlotte’s hazel eyes, whichmirror mine, and the excitementinher smile Colewearsthesamesickening,etherealgrin

Abovethemistheheadline:

Cole Van Camp Decides to Tie the Knot, saying he picked the better sister. The better sister

Thosewordsstabaholeinmyheart,buthiscrueltydoesn’tstopthere.

Beneaththepictureofthe blissful couple isCole’sinterview.Thefirstparagraphisinboldsoyoucan’tmissasinglejab.

Cole Van Camp calls Charlotte Jakobe everyman’s dream come true. He’s ecstatic she’s agreed to become his wife. When asked about his previous relationship with her younger sister, Autumn, he explained that he and Autumn were as incompatible as fire and water.

He states that although the younger Jakobe sister appears to be a high-achieving introverted bookworm, in reality she’s a trainwreck waiting to happen.

God knows what kind of medication or drugs she’s on these days.

Humiliationandrageracethroughme,andIhavetostopreading.

Becausethere’smore.Alotmore.

Hevirtuallycallsmecertifiablycrazy

MyhandsgolimpandIalmostdropthelaptop.It’sagoodthingI am sittingandthelaptopisrestingonmylap,oritwould havelandedontheconcretefloor

Cole. Thatbastard.That’swhathethinksofme?

Trainwreck waiting to happen

Andmedicationand drugs?

Godinheaven.KnowingtheshitI’vebeenthroughdidhe really needtosaythattomakehimselflookbetterforchoosing mysister?

Whatanabsolute,arrogant,egotisticalfuckingasshole.

Tryingtoexposemypainfulsecretsandpaintingmeassomekindofdrugaddictwaitingforhernextfixissuchafuckedup move.EspeciallywhenheknowsI’mnothing likethat.

“Autumn,talktome”Zoe’svoicecreepsintomythoughts,pullingmebackfromburningredrage “Ican’tbelievehedidthistome.Andmyparentsweren’tgoingtotellme?”

“Theywereplanningtotellyouinpersonwhenyougothere.ButIwasworriedyou’dseetheshitforyourself,soIhadto callyou”

“Thankyou.”I’mgladIcanalwayscountonZoetohavemyback.

“Idon’tknowwhatthehellColewasthinkingbytalkingaboutyou.”

“He’ssuchanasshole”

“Yes.That’swhyIwantyoutotrynottoletthisgettoyou.”

“How the hell amIsupposedtodothat? Doyouknow how manypeople readthe Enquirer? Myboss probablysaw the article.”IsqueezemyhandsaroundthephonewishingitwereCole’sneck.“Myjobisalreadyontheline.Thisisthelastthing Ineed”

Iworkfor The Chronicle,aprestigiousweeklynewspaper.Myhealth mental and physical hasbeenaworryoverthe lastyear,sothisshitisnotgoingtogodownwellforme.

“Sweetie,pleasedon’tworryaboutwork Theyknowtherealyou”

“Evenso,Colehasmademelookreallybad.”Ibringaheavyhandtomyheadandwince.“Thisisanightmare,Zoe.”

“Iknow,butyou’rebiggerthanthis Youknowyouare,sopleasetrytocalmdown”Shetakesaquickbreath “Grabacup ofcoffeeatthecaféifyoucanandtakesometimetocooloffbeforeyouheadout.” Iglanceattheclock InowhavetenminutesbeforeIhavetoleavefortheairport WhatawaitsmewhenIreachmydestinationandseeeveryone?

Embarrassment, humiliation, shame. Sadness.

I don’t want anyof it I’ve always tried to be independent and show mystrength Especiallysince myfamilyand Zoe movedtoNewYorkatthebeginningoflastyear.Butshittythingslikethiskeephappeningtosetmeback.

“Autumn,pleasebestrong,”Zoepleads “You’vecometoofartoallowsomethinglikethistogettoyou” Ireleaseanexhaustedbreath.“Okay.”Myvoiceiswhispersoft.

“We’llcatchupoveradrinkwhenyougethere.Ican’twaittoseeyou.” “Youtoo.”

“Luvya.”IimagineZoedoingherhabitualsalutewithakisstoherfingertips. “Loveyoutoo”

WehangupandmygazedriftsrightbacktothehauntinglybeautifulfacesofColeandCharlotteonmylaptopscreen.

IfocusonCharlotte,wholookssomuchlikemewecouldbethesameperson Wehavethesameheart-shapedface,same haircolor,samewillowyfigureweinheritedfromMom.Butwearen’tthesame.Iwouldneverhaveallowedmyfiancétohurt her.

DamnCole to hell for talkingshitaboutme. And damnthe Enquirer for printinghis shit. I’ve always managed to keep myselfundertheradar.NowIlooklikeapitifuljoke.

Iswitchoffmylaptop,removingtherepulsivelyhappycouplefrommysight It’shardenoughtofightyourinnerdemons, butwhataboutthereallifeoneswhotrytotakeyoudown?

Charlotte and Cole bothknow I’mluckyto be alive Icould have died inthe same car accidentthatkilled Jennifer, my mentorandlifelongfriend.

That accident happened only ten months ago. What followed were months of depression and grief that saw me getting hookedonpainkillers That’swhatColeistalkingaboutinreferenceto medication and drugs

AfteranothernearbrushwithdeathIworkedhardtofixmyselfandgetbackontrack.Ihaven’teventouchedapainkiller forclosetosevenmonths

Tryingto face mygriefand bereavementwithoutthe gloss ofmedicationis probablythe thingthatthrew me offcourse againweeksago,whenIhadaseriouspanicattackatworkafterbeingtrappedintheelevator

Mydoctordiagnosedmewithpost-traumaticstressdisorderandsignedmeoffwork.NowI’vebeenforcedtotakeasixmonthsabbatical.

Coleknows all ofthat,buthe’sthekindofprickwhobelievesit’sokaytokicksomeonewhentheyalreadyhaveonefoot inthegraveandthey’retryingtoclimbout.Theworsethingishe’snottheonlyonetoblame.

Dadistoo Andheknowsit That’swhyhedidn’tcallme MyfatherhasgivenColewayyytoomuchpower.

AsColehasworkedformyfathersincehewasinhisteens,Dadtreatedhimlikeason ColeevenmadethemovetoNew YorkandgotevenmorepowerwhenDadappointedhimCFOofthecompany.That’swhenColeandCharlottegottogether.

Daddidn’tcallmetodayandinsteadtriedtofixtheshitbecauseheknewthearticlemakeshimlookjustasbadandwrong asCole

Knowingmyfather,hedidn’twantanythingtotainttheperfectimageofthedictator andcontroller he’s becomeover me sincetheaccident

IthurtsmysoulwhenIthinkofseeingeitherofthemlater. MygazedriftstotheTVwherepeoplearecheeringwhiletheyjumpupanddown.

Somegameshowison,andoneofthecontestantsjustwonatriptoVegas.IhadtheTVonmutewhileIwastalkingtoZoe. The footage switches to the multicolor lights of The Strip, and the anger pulsing through me snaps my usual level-

headedness.Itignitessomethingwicked.

Somethingwickedandrebelliousthatpushesacrazyideaintomymind.

Trainwreck waiting to happen

Yeah,maybe…

MaybeCole’swordscutmedeeperthananybladecouldbecausehemightberight Theobjectivewordbeingmight Idon’thavetogivehimthatpoweroverme.

Nothimormyfather

Atleast,nottoday.

Myflightleavesatten.ButI’mnotgoingtoCanada,andI’mnotseeingmyfamilylater. I’mgoingtoVegas

Chapter 2 Luc

Myphoneringsforthegazillionthtime,buzzingonthetableasifit’sabouttogetupandhitmewithaone-twopunch.

ThesoundblendsinwiththesoftclubmusicsurroundingHunterandmeintheVIPareaoftheBlueMoonClubin Vegas

LikealltheothercallsthathavecomethroughsinceIdidn’tjoinmyteamonthebusyesterday,Iignoreit. IslidethephoneovertoseewhichassholeiscallingmenowtocheckwhereIam Thistimeit’sCoachDonovan,abosslevelassholeIknownottofuckwith.

“Who’scallingnow?”Huntergivesmeacrookedsmile.

He’smycousin,afew monthsolder thanme,butjustasvillainous He’salsotheguyyoucancountontokeepyousane That’swhyIdraggedhimalongformylittletrip.

“It’sCoachDonovan”Ismirk

“Aww,man.”Huntermakesashowofplacingahandtohishearttofeigninjury.Thegesturelooksaswrongonhimasit wouldonme

We’rebothbuiltliketanks,withthemuscleandheightwe’veinheritedfromthelonglineofpedigreeLeBlanchemen.Men whohaveeitherconqueredtheworldasbusinessmeninourfamilycompany,LeBlancheGlobal,orasathletesontheice.

ThatisexactlyHunterandme

HunterisahedgefundanalystatthecompanyandI’maproicehockeyplayer.Thedifferencesbetweenusareevidentin Hunter’sconservativelookmeshedagainstmyuncontrollablecurls

“You’reseriouslygoingtodoyourcoachdirtylikethat?”HissurprisedexpressionremindsmeofthetimeIconfessedto settingAuntTilly’scaronfire

“Yes.”IsoundassureasaWallStreetbankertryingtoimpressaninvestor.“Thecoachsuffers,too.EventhoughIrespect himandthinkhe’sthebestI’veeverhadintheNHL,heneedsawake-upcalljustliketherestofthem.”Thelastpeoplewho calledweretheteammanagersandassistantcoaches

“Idon’tfuckingcareifcoachcallsmeahundredtimes.I’mstayinginVegas.Andhecan’tchangemymind.”

Thebuzzingstops

Good. Message received.

Huntertakesaswigofhisbeer.“You’replayingarealhard-assgame, cousin. ” “Iknow.”IgivehimanI-don’t-give-a-fucklook.“That’swhatcoachgetsforbenchingme.” Benched.

Thatworddoesn’tevensoundrightinmyhead Anddefinitelynotinrelationtome Atthirty-oneyearsold,andwithmy trackrecord,it’shumiliating.

FourdaysagoIwasbenchedafterIgotintoaseriousfightwiththenewguy EvanKowalski Ialsothreatenedtokillhim, butthatwasbecausehethreatenedtokillmefirst.Thefucked-upproblemisthatnooneheardhim.Buteveryoneheardme. IshouldbeplayingthegameofmylifeinVancouvernow.Instead,I’mhere. Whenyougetbenched,it’s standardprocedure tojointhe teamfor all their matches as planned.Youjustdon’tplay.IfI agreedwithmysentenceIwouldhavedonethat,butsinceIdon’t,Icouldn’tdoit.

“Youdorealizethatonlyyou couldgetawaywiththistypeofshit,right?” Ilaughnowbecausehe’sright.“That’sthebeautyofit.”

Huntersetshisbeerbackdownonthetableandlevelsmeahardstare.“NoonewouldexpectmutinyfromthegreatLucLe Blanche,stardefensemanfortheNewYorkHawks,akaTheDragon.”HeuseshisbestESPNsportscastervoice.

“No, theymost definitelydidn’t see that coming” The planI’ve concocted also extends to skippingout onthe matches againstMontrealandToronto.

Thisisthekindofstuntthatcouldhavegottenmefiredinmyrookieyears,orifIwereanyoldhockeyplayer

Still…evenIknowI’mplayingadangerousgameandtreadingonthethinnestoficethatcouldcrackatanygivenmoment.

“Managementtriedtomakeanexampleoutofme,butI’mgivingthemareminderofwhothey’redealingwith”Ipushmy wideshouldersbackandrestmyhandsonthetable.“EveryoneknowstheHawksstandabetterchanceofgettingthroughtothe playoffs andwinningtheCup iftheyhaveme.SinceI’vebeenplayingforthemwe’vewontheCupseriesforthelastthree yearsinarow”

“Yes,thenumbersspeakforthemselves.”

I’mateamplayerbutIknow myworth TheHawksareoneofthefinestintheNHL,butthingsweretouchandgountilI came along. The lasttime theyhad thatkind ofwinningstreakyear after year was nearlytwentyyears ago whenmyfather playedforthem Thatsaysalot

“YetIwasbenched,andnothingwasdonetoEvan.”

“I’msorry,man.”

The fight started whenEvan called mymother a gold-diggingslut I’ve beenignoring that fucker’s snide comments all season,butIcouldn’tallow himtotalkaboutmymotherlikethat.Whetheritwasmymotherorfather,Iwouldhavelostmy shitthesameway MyparentsdiedinaboatingaccidentwhenIwastwelveandfartooyoungtolosethem

“I’dkickthecrapoutofhimalloveragainforwhathesaid.”

“Ijustwishthere’dbeenawitnesstohearhim.”

“GodknowsIwishthat,too.”

BythetimeanyonecamealongIwasontopofEvan,pulverizinghisfacewithmyfistsandshoutingatthetopofmylungs thatI’dkillhisass Ittookthreesecurityguardsandtwoofmyteammatestogetmeoffhim

WhenI’dcooledoffIthoughtofalltheothershitEvanhaddonetome,andIrealizedtheassholehasbeentryingtoscrew withmeandsetmeupsoI’dgetkickedofftheteam

“WhatareyougoingtodoaboutEvan?”

“I don’t know yet, but I have to do something. His problem is obviously me I’m standing in his way because that motherfuckerwantsthesamethingIwant tobecaptainoftheHawks.”

“Itmakesperfectsense.”

“Itdoes He’sthesameageasme,playsthesameposition,andwasthecaptainofhisoldteaminLA for twoseasons LeadingateamliketheHawkstovictoryintheStanleyCupwouldmakeyoualegend.”

“Nottomentionthefactthatyournetworthandvaluewillincreasesubstantially,”Hunterpointsout “Exactly.It’senoughammotosabotageafellowteammate akame andgetwhatyouwant.”

“Itis.”Hunter’sexpressiontakesonaseriousedge.“Youcan’tallowhimtomesswithyourcareer,Luc.”

“RestassuredIwon’t”

I’vebeenoneoftheteam’salternatecaptainsforthelastthreeyears.Afterthelastcaptainretired,itwasagivenI’dgetthe fullpositionbutthatchangedwhentheHawksweresoldandEvancamealong

Thatwasthebeginningofmyproblemsbecausethenewowner,ShawnJakobe,haditinformebeforetheinkwasdryon hiscontract Hehadalong-standingfeudwithmyfatherbackintheday,whentheyplayedonrivalteams ItwasJakobewhoorchestratedEvan’stradetotheHawksandsetouttobasicallyreplacemewithhim. Andsurprise,surprise,itwasJakobewhoissuedtheordertonotjustbenchmebutalsotostripmeofthealternatecaptain positionwhichhethengavetoEvan

Ididn’tgetthecaptain’spositionwhenJakobefirstboughttheteambecauseheclaimedhewantedtoseemeearnit.Now I’mnowherecloseandeverythingseemstobestackedagainstme Hunterraiseshisbrowsandgivesmeawildsmirk.“I’minterestedtoseehowlongyouplantokeepupthismutiny.” “AslongasIneedto”Myvoiceisfilledwithvenom “Thelessonneedstobelearned”

ThoselessonskickedoffyesterdaywheneveryonerealizedIwouldn’tbetravelingwiththemtoVancouver.That’swhen thephonecallsfromCoachDonovanandothermanagementofficialsdescendeduponmelikeaflockofwildbirds.

ThingsthentookoffafterlunchtimetodaywhenfansspottedmehereinVegas Isignedautographs,tookpictureswiththem, anddideverythingtogetmyfaceoutthere.

Throughthepowerofsocialmedia,withinthehourwordaboutwhereIwasspreadlikehotlavaspewingfromavolcano “Justbecareful.”Hunternods.“I’mallfordolingoutpunishmentbutthere’sgoingtocomeapointwhenyouhavetotalkto thecoach.Ifyoucontinueignoringhiscallsthiscouldallbackfireonyou.”

ThisisHuntersummoninghisnegotiatorside,thethingIthinkIneededfromhimmostwhenIaskedhimtocometoVegas withme.

“Don’tworry. I’ll figure things out.” Isound sure buttruthfully, Idon’thave a solid plan. “This trip was aboutshaking Jakobeup.Benchingmewasashowofhispowertokeepmeinline.”

I’vehadseveralrun-inswithJakobesinceheboughttheteam,soheconsideredthefightwithEvanstrikethree

Ofall thecallsI’vereceived,Jakobe’swasn’toneofthem,butIknow fromthevolumeofcallsfromtheothersthatI’ve ruffledhisfeathers

Hockeyismylife.Ilive,breathe,eat,sleepanddreamhockey.Playingthegameandbeingthebestversionofmyselfisall I’veeverwantedtodo,butShawnJakobewantstotakemydreamsawayfromme Iwon’tletthathappen.

“I’llfindawaytogetthingsbackontrack.Thisisastart.”

Huntersteepleshisfingers,thenrestshischinonthetips “Well,youknowDad,AsherandIarebehindyoueverystepof theway.”

“Iknow”Hunter,hisfather-myUnclePreston,andAsher-hisyoungerbrother,havealwayssupportedmeregardlessofthe situation.“Iappreciateyouallforthat.”

“Iknowyoudo”Heknocksbacktherestofhisbeer “Butwiththatsaid,IhavetotakeoffnoworI’llpissoffmyfather HewantsmetolandadealwiththenewclientI’mmeetingtomorrowmorning.”

“That’s cool, and I’msure you’ll get the deal. Don’t youalways? You’re a sharkwhenit comes to closinganykind of deal”

“Inevercountmychickensbeforetheymakeanappearance.DefinitelynotafteraspreewithyouinSinCity.Igottamakeit homefirst”

Ismile.“You’llbefine.”

“Hopeso.”

I’mabouttosaysomethingmorebutthewordsfizzleintothebackofmymindwhenmygazelandsonastunningblonde woman.

Thebeautyismakingherwayacrossthefloorbelowustowardthebar,showcasingabodythatwassculptedforsin Herlonghairflowsbehindherasiffloatinginthewind,andtheoverheadlightscastaglowonperfectporcelainskin.It highlightsexoticcheekbonesandglossyfulllips Thesightofhersendsajoltofbloodrushingtomydick,andasIstareIcan’t helpbutwonderwhatthoselipswouldfeellikeonmine.Orwrappedaroundmylength.

Alittle blackskater dress hugs the generous curves ofher breasts and her shapelyass. Whenshe glances around Igeta goodlookatherangelicfacewithitsstrikingbutdelicatefeatures.

Thebeautyhasthekindoffaceyou’dseeonastatueorapaintingdepictinggoddessesfromtheancientworld.

Like Venus

I’mnotinthehabitofchasingwomen.Withtheendlesssupplyofpuckbunnieswhoflocktotheteamonanhourlybasis,I don’tneedto EvenwithoutthemI still wouldn’tneedtochase ButthisgirlhasmealreadythinkingofallthewaysI’dliketo ownherexquisitebody.

Everythoughtmakesmybloodthumpagainstthewallsofmyveins,andit’sallIcandotocontrolmyself.

Oblivioustomystareandmyseedythoughts,thebeautycontinuestothebarandplantsherselfonastoolatthefarcorner “Well,damn,”Huntermuses,staringather,too.“Lookslikeyou’reabouttogetyourselfinmoretrouble.” “Maybe”Igrinbackathim Hestandsandshrugsintohisjacket.

MoretroubleisthelastthingIneedrightnowbutthisgirlisthefirstthingtodistractmefromtheshitstorminmylife “Iguessthat’smycuetoleave.Seeyouinafewdays,cuz.” “Seeyou.”

AssoonasheleavesIreturnmygazetothebeautyandwonderifshe’sherefortonight’sgames

LikemanyoftheotherclubsontheStrip,theBlueMoonishostinga‘ComeAsYouAren’tNight’forValentine’sweekend. It’sforallthesinglepeopleherethisweekendlookingtohookup NotthatpeopleneedanexcuseinVegas It’sjustmorefunto giveitatheme.

Theideaistobewhoeveryouwanttobe Giventhatmostpeoplehavealreadyrecognizedme,itmightbealittleharder forme.

Iwasn’tplanningonplayingorhookingupwithanyone.However,itlookslikethisangelmighthavejustchangedmymind. Igetup,alreadydecidingshe’sgoingtobeminetonight

Chapter 3 Autumn

Hello, Vegas, I’m here

Imadeit,andIfeelprettydamngoodaboutmydecisiontocomehere.

Defyingmyfather’s wishes like this is rebellionatits finestand Ifeel a surge ofindependence thatIdesperately needed.

OnceI’dcheckedintomyhotel,IwalkedaroundforawhileanddidsomeshoppingwhereIspentwaytoomuch closeto anentiremonth’ssalary

WhennightfellItooktheshoppingbagsbacktomyhotelroomthendecidedIhadtodothewholenightlifething.

TheBlueMooncalledtomebecauseofthenameandthelogo Theywerealsogivingoutchocolateloveheartsatthedoor toanyonewho’ssingle.Anicechangetowhatyou’dexpectduringValentine’sweekend.

Itookthechocolateandwaltzedrightintothisswankyupbeatclub,knowingasmyphonebuzzedinsidemypursethatIwas inallsortsoftroublebutnotcaring.

Atleastnoone really hastoworryaboutme.Theydon’tknowwhereIambuttheyknowI’malive. OriginallyI’dplannedtodoacompletedisappearingact,butIknewMomwouldfreakoutwhenshewenttopickmeupat theairportanddidn’tfindme.

AsangryasIfeelaboutwhat’shappenedIcouldn’tdothattoher,soIsentheratextlettingherknowIwasn’tcomingto Canada.Ialsotoldherwhy.

IthoughtitwouldbemoreeffectiveifIvoicedmyrage.

Ofcourse,mydeclarationheraldedanonslaughtofcallsfrombothmyparentsandZoe,whichIignored Idon’twanttotalktoanyone.Notrightnoworforthenextfewdays.

Idon’tknowhowlongIplantostayyet,butIknowIwon’tbeinanyhurrytoseemyfamilyanytimesoon

AsthedayworeonandIthoughtaboutwhatColedid,ithitmethatifthiswereanyotherfamily,he’dbegone.Insteadit’s mewhohastofeelliketheoutsider

Well,tonightIwillbeexactlythatandI’lldoitwithasonginmyhearthereinVegas.

Cole’scruelwordsarestillstuckinmymindlikeatreatment-resistantvirus,andIfeelalittlelikealoserforbeinghereby myself,butI’mgladI’mhere

MylittlerebellionhasgivenmeaboostoflifeIhaven’tfeltinfartoolong,andmytwenty-four-year-oldselfisthanking myinnerwildchildforthebreak

Astheclubmusicchangesandgetsalittlelouder,thepeoplearoundmeandonthedancefloorbelowcheer.

Ilikeclubslikethisthataresetupsoyoucaneitherdanceorhangoutandstillenjoythemusic WhereIamthemusicis mellowandlowenoughsopeoplearoundmearetalkingitupwitheachother.

Itakeasipoftheluminousblueandredcocktailthebartenderjustfixedmeandsavorthesweetburstoffruitmixedwith thewarmthofaromaticrum Idon’tknowwhatthiscocktailiscalledbutit’sseriouslygood WhenthebartendercametotakemyorderItoldhimtobecreative.

Hedidagreatjob ThedrinkhasjusttherightamountofsweetnessandtangandremindsmeofmytriptotheBarbadosfor mytwenty-firstbirthday.

Rumisn’tsomethingIdrinktoooften,butIdoonoccasionwhenIneedaquickfix.TonightitworkslikemagicandIcan alreadyfeelmymindmellowingout.Idrinksomemore,alreadyplanningtogetanothercocktailassoonasIfinish.

ThisisthekindofdrinkZoewouldenjoy.

The sad thoughthits me thatshe’s nothere. It’s strange doingsomethinglike this withouther. Ifshe were here we’d be takingpicturesofeachotherandourdrinkstoposttoourInstagramandTikTokaccounts ZoeistheonlypersonIfeelbadaboutignoringtoday.

IwishIcould have found a wayto bringher alongbutIknow onthis occasionshe would have tried to convince me to followmyparents’ordersandgotoCanada.

She’s like that with anything to do with them, which is totally understandable since she works for my mother and her parentsworkformyfather.

It’sfine.I’mjustgoingtohavetoberebelliousallbymyselfandenjoymydrink whichIdefinitelyam. EventhoughIdon’tknowwhatI’mgoingtodonext Thenightisyoung.Ijustdon’tknowwhattodowithit.

I’malsoawarethatinsittingherebymyselfI’minvitingallsortsofattention QuiteafeweyesfollowedmeasImademy wayin.Therewereguysingroupsalongthewallsandinthesurroundingbooths.

Theywatchedmeclosely Intently Andwiththekindofinterestyou’dexpectwhenapersonishopingyou’reavailable I always get attentionlike that wherever I go, whichis not always a bad thing. I’mjust not usuallyinthe mood to do anythingaboutit.

I’mnotexactlyinthemoodnow,butIpromisedmyselfthatifI’mgoingtobehereforamuch-neededtimeoutIwouldstep awayfromthebubbleofwoeI’vebeenlivingin.

Enteringthisclubwasstepone I’veneverbeentoaclubbymyselfbefore,sothisisnewanddifferentforme

Worst-case scenario will see me gettingwasted right here inthis corner of the bar before headingbackto the hotel to devoureverythinginsidetheminibar.

Withthatreasoning,Ifinishoffmydrink.

“Youshould be Venus,” says a deep and sexybaritone voice right next to me. It seems to fill all the spaces inside and outsideofme

Iturnandhavetolookupuntilmyeyesconnectwiththeintensegreensofamansohandsomeanddevastatinglybeautiful thebloodstopsflowingthroughmyveins

Itake inthe wild, blackcurlyhair adorninghis head and the razor-sharp cheekbones ofhis chiseled face thatseemtoo perfecttobelongtoareal-lifeperson.

Asifthat’snotenough,he’sGreek-godtallandhaswidemilitary-manshoulderssetatopapowerfultorsothatlooksmore pronounced inthe long-sleeved blackT-shirtmolded to his skin. Igetthe feelinghe’s notone ofthose guys who purposely showsoffhismuscles He’sjust huge

Everythinginside me comes to a halt the longer I stare and onlystarts up againwhena smirkspreads across his face, settingmeonfire

Hestraightens,toweringoverme,andIhavetotiltmyhead.

Iguesshimtobeatleastsix-foot-six.Atfive-foot-fourI’mfairysizeincomparison.

HiseyesroamingdownmybodyheatmeupinascandalouswaythatmakesmethinkofsinfulthingsIshouldn’timaginein thepresenceofastranger.AseriouslyhotstrangerI’vejustbeenstaringatasifI’velostmymind.

ButImusthavelostitwellbeforehewalkeduptomebecausehowdidn’tIsee him?

ThisguylookslikeacrossbetweenHenryCavill andMicheleMorrone.Healsohastheexoticswoonworthycharmthat couldmeltyourinsides Andyourbrain

HowcouldIhavebeensolostthinkingaboutfoolishnessthatIdidn’tnotice him?

Andwhatdidhesaytome?

SomethingaboutVenus?

“I’msorry,whatdidyousay?”I’mthrilledIhaven’tlostmyabilitytospeak.Thatwouldbeevenmoreembarrassingthan staringathim

Myhandsomestranger’ssmirkmorphsintoafull-blownsmile.GodinHeaven,it’slikethefabricofrealityunravelsand everystarinthenightskyrealignsallinthesplitofasecond

“IsaidyoushouldbeVenus.”

Ididhearhimright orpartlyright butwhatdoeshemean?

“Venus?Liketheplanet?”Igivehimanarrowedstare Hesmileswider.“No,likethegoddess Venus.Unlessyou’reoneofthosepeoplewhomaintainsheshouldonlybecalled Aphrodite,butIthinkVenussuitsyou”

Istarebackathim,mylipsagapeandmymindracing.Mybrainisworkingalittlebetternow,soIunderstandfullywhathe meansandI’mimpressedheknowshismythology.AndI’mjustasstunned.

Hepaidmeahuge,hugecompliment,andcomingfromaguywithlookslikehisitaddsamillionbonuspoints. “Oh.Thankyou.”

Alightofcuriosityminglingwithdominance flashes inhis eyes, makingthemappear brighter. “Don’ttell me you’re not playingtonight’sgame.”

“Game?”Myeyeswiden Iwasn’tawaretherewasagamegoingonhere IglancearoundtryingtofigureoutwhathemeansbutIfindnothingtosuggestanythingaboutagame.

Except thebigsilversignneartheDJboxonthedancefloorthatsays,‘HavefunwithComeAsYouAren’tNight’ Thehandsomestrangerfollowsmygazeandnodsslowly.“Thatgame.LikeonHalloween,youcanbewhoeveryouwantto betonight”

Whataninteresting,oh-so-appealing idea.Iwouldlovetobeanyonebesidesmerightnow,andthisguyjustcalledmethe goddessoflove.

Iwon’tcrushhisperceptionofmebycorrectinghimandlettinghimknowI’mmorelikethegoddessofbadluck “YouthinkIshouldbeVenus?”Ismilebackathim,shovingthenegativethoughtsawaytothebackofmymind.

“Of course You’re beautiful, so it’s a given” He winks at me and my entire body blushes with a flush of heat The sensationpullsatmyinsidesandspiralsdowntomycore,makingmeclenchmythighs.

“Thankyou That’sniceofyoutosay”

“Itakeitthatmeansyouweren’tplayingthegame.”

“No.Ijustgothere.”Iassumehemustknowthatpartalready.“Iwasjustgoingtograbacoupleofdrinks.”

Heraisesthickbrowsandglancesbrieflyatmycocktailasiftryingtofiguremeout “Byyourself?”

“Somethinglikethat.”Ishufflenervouslyonthebarstool,feelinglikealoserloneragain,butthesexysmilereturnstohis face,chasingawaymyfears

Thatsmileofhisalsohasthedouble-edgedeffectofunearthingthenestofbutterfliespermanentlylivingonthefloorofmy stomach.

“Well,Ihaveaconfessiontomake.”Herunsahandoverhisthickhair,smoothingitback.

“What’sthat?”Isoundaseagertoknowasifhe’djustofferedtotellmeallhissecrets.Theinquisitivepartofmewould lovethat Thepartthat’sattractedtohimwouldloveitevenmore

Heleanscloser,socloseIcansmellthesandalwoodscentofhisaftershaveandthescentofhim.Hesmellslikepowerand allsortsofforbiddenthings

“Iwasn’tplayingthegameeither.”Hekeepshiseyeslockedonmine.“ButIreally washopingyouwere.”Hisvoicedrops anotchlowerandhiswordssendazingofelectricitythroughme.

I’mcaughtoffguardbytheintensityofthefeeling,anditfreezesmeinplace. “Oh.”Myvoiceisalittleaboveawhisper.“Isee.”

“Whatifweplayedittogether?I’msureyou’dhavemorefunwithmethandrinkingbyyourself”Hisgazeflicksdownto mydrinkthencrawlsleisurelybackoverme.

Mymindisstunnedagain,butthistimeI’mthinking Andconsideringhisoffer ShouldIplaythisgamewiththehandsomestranger?

IfZoewerehereshewouldatleastslapmebecausethat’snotevenaquestion.Idon’tthinkanywomanintheirrightmind wouldturnthismandown

Myanswershouldbearesoundingyes.EspeciallysinceIpromisedmyselfIwouldn’tbeinself-destructmodewhileIwas here

Howmanyguyswholooklikethisonehaveaskedmeoutinmylifetime? Zero.

Sure,theywerealotofgood-lookingones,butthere’sbeingclassedasgoodlookingandthenthere’s him

Thehandsomemanstandingbeforemeisawholeotherspeciesonhisown.LikethememorableHollywoodhunkswhocan sellafilmfordecadeswithjusttheirnames.

So,whyamIhesitating?

BecauseI’m…justnotsure.

Ihaven’tevenbeenonasingledatesinceCole Yeah, I know boring

Workwasmysolace.Ithrew myselfintoit,thentheaccidenthappened,anditseemedlikeeverythingturnedagainstme. Evenwork

“WhatifIsaidyes?”Imutter,mytonesoftandsearching,alreadyexploringtheidea,butit’sclearI’mnotcertain.Fromthe shiftinhisgazeIcantellhe’spickeduponthattoo.

Mr Handsomeinchescloser,envelopingmeinhisalluringscentalloveragainandI’mnotreadyforthepullofattraction thatluresmedeeperintohim.

“Thatquestionsoundslikeyoumightbethinkingofsayingno”AwolfishgrinbringsoutgorgeousdimplesIdidn’tnotice before.God,thismaniswaytoogood-lookingforhisowngood.

“Maybe.”ThemomentthatwordfallsfrommylipsthevulnerabilityI’vebeentryingsohardtostaveoffsneaksuponme, butsurprisingly,myanswerseemstopleasehim.Why,though?It’sodd.

“Youdon’tknowme,doyou?”Hegivesmeanarrowedstare,thecuriositythatwaspreviouslyinhiseyesreturning.

MylipspartagainandIsearchhisface,hiseyes,hiswords.Icomeupwithablank.There’snowayinhell I’dforgeta manlikehim.

“Knowyou?”Icheck

“Youdon’trecognizeme?”

Thewayhesaysthat,it’slikehemightbesomeonefamous Itwouldbejustlikemetobeinthepresenceofsomeonelike thatandnotknow.Ican’tevenblameitonworkbecause,truthfully,Ihaven’treallybeenworking.

“Idon’t ShouldI?”

Myanswerseemstopleasehimevenmore.“No.Thisisgood.”

“Isit?”Iblinkseveraltimes,expectinghimtotellmehisname.

“Yeah That’sthewholepointofthegame”Hewinksatmeagain “How aboutyoudon’tsaynoandplaythegamewith me,Venus?”

Ifindmyselfsmilingand,myGod,I’magreeing

Thisdoesn’tfeelbad.ItfeelsliketheharmlessfunIneed.ThekindofharmlessfunpeoplecometoVegasfor. “Okay I’llplay”

“Perfect.” Ilike the wayhe says that. As ifhe knew all alongthatI’d sayyes butwas still givingme the choice. “How aboutwealsoagreetobecalledbythenameswegiveeachother?”

Yes That’sactuallyperfect Iwouldn’twanthimknowingwhoIamandlinkingmetotheshitColeblastedtothepress

AlthoughMr.Handsomedoesn’tlooklikehemightreadanysortofgossipmagazineortabloidnewspaper,Iwouldn’twant toriskruiningmyselfbeforewe’veevenbegun

“Thatsoundscool.”Inod.“WhatshouldIcallyou?”

“WhatdoyouthinkIlooklike?”Hechuckles.

Ilookhimover,allowingmyselfthemomenttosavorsimplylookingathisperfect,muscularbody,thenIdecidequickly whoheshouldbe.

“Aries GodofWar” Imeethis eyes again,whichholda sparkofmischieflurkinginthe corners thatreels me intohim evenmoreandthisdaring andpossiblyrisqué adventurehe’sabouttotakemeon.

“Ilikethat”Henods,andhissmilebrightensanotch “Comewithme,Venus” HestretchesouthishandtotakemineandIgiveittohim.Tinglesraceacrossmyskinthemomentourhandstouch,sending thetemperatureofthatliquidfirepoolinginsidemeskyhigh.

God… damn

WhatamIgettingmyselfinto?

Whateveritis,Iwantit

Chapter 4 Autumn

Tenminuteslater Aries andIareseatednexttoeachotherinaprivateroomintheVIPlounge

We’re sittingona long, classyblackleather sofa inthe center ofthe roomwitha table infrontthathas bottles of thousand-dollarwinesandcrystalglasseslaidoutandwaitingforustodivein.

Wealsohaveourownbartender,whofixedmeanothercocktailandcrackedopenabottleofwine,whichsmellslikethe sweetestgrapesinavineyard.

Thebartenderleftusaloneoncehe’dfinishedservingus,butwecansummonhimbypressingthecallbuttonontheedgeof thetable.

AriespourshimselfsomewineandItakeintheopulenceoftheroom,lovingtheclubmusicplayinginthebackground It createstheperfectambiance.

WhenIlookbackatmyhandsomestrangerIleanmoretowardtheideathathemustbesomekindofcelebrity.

Ifhewasn’t,I’mcertainthere’snowaywecouldhavegottenthisroomandthefive-startreatmentwe’vereceivedonsuch awhim’snotice.Nooneevenaskedforhisname;theyjustdidasherequested,asiftheyweretakingordersfromaking. I’mused to the events myparents puttogether, like fundraisers and other social gatherings thatinclude people fromhigh society,butthisismilesdifferent.

IttemptsmeagaintoaskhimhisnamebutIdecideagainstit AsmuchasIwouldlovetoknow,sometimesalittlemystery isgoodforthesoul.

InmycaseitalsokeepsthefaçadegoingthatI’mthegoddessmyAriesimaginesmetobe.

“Doyouliketheroom?”heasks,smilingbackatme

“It’sawesome.It’scoolyouwereabletogetitforus.”

“Ididmybest”Hesmirks,thentakesasipofhiswine “Youdidgood.”

“Thankyou”

I smile back, thendrinkmycocktail, whichtastes just as amazingas the first one I had eventhoughit was mixed bya differentbartender.Ilearnedthatit’scalledtheBlueKahunahere.

“Readytostartthegame?”Ariesasks,gazingatmeovertherimofhisglass “Iam.”Isoundconfident,butI’mabagofall sorts ofcrazynerves.Thankfully,mytrustycocktail has continuedtodoa fabulousjobofevokinganinnercalm

“So,whatbringsyoutoVegas?”

Accordingtotherulesofthegame,that’sthefirstquestionwe’resupposedtoaskeachother,thenwecanaskthreemore randomquestionsandseewheretheanswerstakeus.

Beforewecameuphereweofficiallysignedupforthegameandagreedtotherules.Themainonesbeingtogiveenough informationaboutourselvesandnottolie

“Ineededabreakfromlife,”Iconfess,abidingbytherules. “Abreak?”

“Yes.”Irelaxmyshoulders.“ThekindofbreakthatIsupposeonlyVegascanprovide.” Hechucklesdeepandlow.It’sanicesound.

“Nowthatjustmakesmewanttofindoutwhyyouneededsuchabreak.”Hegrins.“Doyouwanttosharethedetails?”

Do I?

Notreally.Butsomethinginsidemewantstoscreammygrieffromtherooftopandlettheworldknow I’mnottheoneat fault ThatI’mnotbroken I’mjustagirlwhowantsthechancetoliveherlife.

IthinkaboutwhatIwouldsayifIdecidedtotellhimwhathappenedtome Mytruefeelingshavebeenlockedawayforsolongthatitwouldbenicetospeaktosomeonewhodoesn’tknowme. WhatwouldIsay,though,withoutrevealingtoomuchaboutmyself?

Maybejustenough?

“My ex left me for my sister, and now they’re engaged.” There. That’s just enough. I told him the shocking truth but remained vague enoughthatmyhandsome stranger wouldn’tbe able to linkme to Cole or Charlotte, or evenidentifyme as ShawnJakobe’syoungestdaughter.

Ariesnarrowshiseyesandhisfulllipspartinsurprise “Jesus I’msorrythathappenedtoyou”

“It’sokay.TheonlythingthatupsetsmeisthatIcan’tseemtoescapetheawkwardnessoftheaftermath.Itkeepsfollowing me That’sthepartIhateandwhatbroughtmetoVegas”

“Ithinkyourneedforabreakfromlifeisperfectlyunderstandable.”Heblowsoutaraggedbreath.“Doyoustillspeakto yoursister?”

“Unfortunately,Ihaveto”GodknowsIwouldlovetoignoreCharlottefor therestofmylife,butthebeststancetotake withherisoneofstrength.

“Wow Well, I’msure your exhas lost out byreplacingyou” He sounds as ifhe trulybelieves what he’s saying, but I wonderifhereallyknewme,orCharlotte,whetherhe’dstillsaythesamethings.

Ifeelthatmostpeople includingmyparents believedColedidbetterinpickingCharlotte.

“That’ssweetofyoutosay.”

“Trustme,I’mnotsweet.”Aslygrinliftsthecornersofhismouth,compellingmetobelievehim.

“Aren’tyou?”He’sbeennothingbutsweettomesincewemet

“Notevenalittlebit,Venus.”Helooksmeupanddown.“Butnotbeingsweetisn’talwaysabadthing.” Ipickupadangerousvibeinhiswanderingeyes Surprisingly,itdoesn’tscaremealthoughitprobablyshould Instead,I’m intriguedbytheelementofpossessioninthedangerthatemanatesfromhim.

“Whatareyoulike,then?”

Hiseyesdarkenandlingeronmylipsbeforedriftingbackuptomeetmygaze.“I’mthekindofmanwhothinksyourex’s lossismygain.You’reherewithmenow.”Hisvoiceslidesovermyskinlikesmoothvelvet.Deepandintentionalandfilled withthekindoftemptationthatmakesagirlforgetthegeneralrulesofwhatyoushouldandshouldn’tdoonafirstdate

Thisthingwe’redoingmighthaveadifferentlabel,butit’sstill adate.Itjustfeelslikeitwasdesignedtoskipover the usualboundariesyou’dexpectwhenmeetingsomeoneforthefirsttime

“IguessIamherewithyounow,”Iagree,laughingnervously.

“Yes,youare.AndIsincerelyhopeyou’renotstillhunguponthisexofyours.Areyou?”Heraisesaquizzicalbrow.

“No,I’mnot”

“Howlongwereyoutogether?”

“Twoyears Webrokeupnearlyayearago”

“Twoyearsisalongtimetobewithsomeone.Doyoustilllovehim?”

I’veaskedmyselfthatquestionamilliontimes andcomeupwiththesameanswer “No”AnyloveIfeltfor Colefaded awaythemomenthetoldmehewantedtobewithCharlotte.

Iwon’tdenythe hurtfromour breakup continued to gnaw awayatmyinsides for months, like flesh-eatingbacteria, but therecameapointwhenIwasabletoletgo

Cole’srecentactionsareonlygettingtomenowbecausetherewasnoneedforhimtohurtme.

“Istoppedlovinghimlongago”Thosewordsoutsidemyheadsoundasliberatingasmydecisiontocomehere “That’sevenbetterforme.”Ariescontinuesdrinkinghiswine,andthewildlookinhiseyesintensifies.“Iwouldn’tliketo getmyhopesupifyou’rethinkingaboutsomeoneelse”

“Trust me, I don’t have that problem.” I’msure hardlyanyone would if theyhad a choice betweenMr. Handsome and whoever they were in a relationship with. I’mhaving a hard time remembering my own name in his presence, much less thinkingofsomeoneelse leastofall Cole

“Perfect.” His eyes roamover me again, this time witha slow seductionthat makes the ends of mynerves tingle with anticipation

AsurgeofdesirestirsinmycoreandIhavetolookawayfromhispotentstaretosavemyself.

Ifocusondrinkingmycocktail.It’ssaferthanbeingtrappedinthoseeyesfilledwithsinfuldelight.

Idon’tthinkI’veevermetanyonewhowassoopenlycockyandflirtatious.It’sintense,butwhat’smoreworryingisthatI likeitalittletoomuch.

AndIlikehimalittletoomuchtoo.

“IthinkI’ve maxedoutmyallottedquestions askingaboutyour ex.Ihope Ididn’twaste mychance toknow more about you”Hesetshisglassdownandrestshispalmsonhisknees

Feelinggrateful for thesubtle shiftinsubject,Ismile backathimandplace myglass nexttohis.“Youcanaskme more questionsifyouwant”

Heleansalittlecloser,brushinghiskneesagainstmine.“What’syourfavoritecolor?”

“That’swhatyouwanttoknow?”Istraighten,givinghimameasuredstare “Sure.Youcantellalotaboutapersonbyknowingthingslikethat.”

“Okay.It’syellow.Sunsetyellow.Whatmorecanyoutellaboutmeknowingthat?”

Briefly,hebitestheinsideofhislipandconsidersme “Thatyou’reenergeticandyoulikecreatingthings AmIright?” Hisassumptionmakesmesmile.I’mimpressedbecausehe’sright.“Yes.Thatsoundsalotlikeme.”

“So,GoddessofLove,whatdoyoulikecreating?”Ariesstaresatmewithdeepfascination

“I’mawriter.Ilikewritingabouteveryandanything.”ThatstillringstrueeventhoughI’mfindingithardtobethepersonI usedtobe IhavehighhopesthatonedayIcanfindthatgirlagain “Isthatwhatyoudoforaliving?”

“Yes.”I’llstopthere.IfIsayanythingmoreI’llriskleavingbreadcrumbsandgivingmoreofmyselfaway. Heplacesafingertohistemple “Doesthatmeanyou’reoutofcollege?”

That’sacleverwaytoaskhowoldIam.“Yes.Twoyearsnow.I’mtwenty-four.”

Hegivesmeacunningsmile,realizingIsawstraightthroughhisquestion

“And you?” I quickly add, deciding to throw the spotlight on him. I’ve answered a ton of questions but I don’t know anythingabouthimotherthanhemightbesomekindofceleb.

“Thirty-one,andIguessit’smyturntoanswerquestionsnow.”

Inod.“Itsureis, Aries.I’msureI’veansweredatleasttwentyquestionsbynow.” “Iagree Fireaway”Heleansbackagainstthesofa “WhatbroughtyoutoVegas?”

“Sameasyou Ineededabreakfromlife” “Really?”It’shardtoimaginethingsgoingwrongforsomeonelikehim.Helookslikethekindofguywhohastheworldat hisfingertips.

“Yes.Idon’thavetheexwholeftmeforasiblingoranythinglikethat,butIhavesomeonetryingtoscrewwithmycareer.” Eventhoughtheonlypersonscrewingwithmycareerisme,Icanrelate.“I’msorrytohearthat.”

“It’sokay”Hesmileswithconfidence “I’lltakecareofitwhenIreturntotherealworld Ijustneededtogetawayfora while.”

Itoccurstomethatthiscareerofhiscouldbethethingthatmadehimfamous “IsyourcareersomethingImightrecognize youfor?”

Likebefore,hecomescloser,andhiskneespressagainstmythigh.“Possibly.”

Holdingmygaze,hereachesforwardtotouchalockofmyhair,thegesturepushingpastanotherboundary It’snothingtogetworkedupover,butwatchinghimholdingmyhairsendsanelectricalchargethroughmethatmakesmy heartpoundharder

Wewatchtheendsofmyhaircurlaroundhisthumb,andheholdsontoit.

“I think it’s kind of nice hanging out with someone who doesn’t know me,” he explains “More thrilling That hasn’t happenedinalongtime.”

“Igetit.”ButI’mmoreintriguedthanevertoknowwhoheis.“Nonames,nolinks.” No strings attached “Isthatokay?”

“Yeah,aslongasyou’renotaserialkiller,”Ijoke.“Orsomeonelikethat.” “I’mnot”Hisexpressionisserious,asifhewantsmetoknowIcanfeelsafewithhim “ThenI’mgood.”

He’sabouttoelaboratewhenmyphoneringsinmypurse Fromthesubtleringtoneofpianomusic,Iknowit’smyfather Ariesreleasesmyhairandwebothlookatmypursesittingbetweenus. Ireachintoitandpulloutthephone.Theword Dad flashesonthescreenlikethewarninglightsofapolicesiren,powerful andprevalent

DadhascalledmefiftytimestodayandIhaven’tansweredasinglecall.Iknowhe’sworriedandmaybeevensorry,butI won’tbeansweringhiscallnoweither Insteadofallowingthephonetoringouttomyvoicemail,Iturnitoff. NowIwon’thavetofeelbadeverytimesomeonecalls.

“I’mguessingthatcallmightbepartofthereasonforyourtrip,”Ariessurmises,keepinghisgazetrainedonme. “Yeah,somethinglikethat.”Thecallhasthrownmeandit’sobvious,butIcan’thelprememberingCole’smeanwords.“I

thinkIneedadrinkorten.”

“Howaboutaglassofwineandthensomewater?”

I’msurprisedtofindmyselflaughing “Water?”

“Iwanttomakesureyourmindisclearwhenwemoveontothenextpartofthegame.”Hesearchesmyeyesandthedesire Ireadinhiswipesmymindfreeagainofallmyworries

“Whatwasthenextpartofthegame?”Therewerenoinstructionsotherthantheguidelinesaboutthequestionsbutthelook inhiseyestellsmethispartisallaboutusandwhateverwecreatenext

He touches myhair againandmoves tomyear,his hotbreathticklingmyskin.“The partwhere Itrytoconvince youto comebackwithmetomyhotelroom.”

“Your hotelroom?”Iturnslightly,causingmycheektobrushagainsthis Hereleasesabreath.“Yes,soIcanfuckyouallnight.”

Oh My God

Mybreathingstillsthenshutsrightoff,asifsomeoneblockedmyairwaywithaconcretewall.

WhenIseetherawlustbrimminginhiseyes,dangerousheatcoursesthroughmysoul,leavingmebreathless Aflushofintenseneedrollsacrossmybody,andIshockmyselfwhenIacknowledgedeepwithinthatIwanthimtohave me. To fuck me all night.

I’mnotstupid,soIwon’tpretendthatIdidn’tfactorinthathewouldwantsexfromme

EvenifIdidn’tthinkthatspecifically,Idon’timagineanyonecouldlookatthismanandnotthinkofsexwhenhe’sliterally oozingsexappeallikesweatandlooksbetterthanadream

“Doesthatscareyou,Venus?”Hiseyesroamovermyfaceandanuncannysmileinchesacrosshislipsasheliftsmyhair uptohislips.

“No...”Myvoiceislowandalmostfaraway.

“No?”

I shake myhead slowlyand allow mywild curiosityto seize control over mymind The moment I do, I imagine what spendingthenightwithhimcouldbelike.

Thankstomyvividimagination,Iimagineusnakedinhisbed I’mpressedupagainsthimandhe’sburieddeepinsideme, poundingintomybody.

Theimageheightensmysensesandawakenseverycellinsidemethat’sbeggingtobetouched.

It’sbeensolongsinceanyonetouchedmeinsuchaway,andIreallydon’twanttorememberthelasttime.Idesperately wantnewmemories.

“Howwouldyouconvinceme?”Ihearmyselfsay

Ican’tbelieveIjustaskedhimthatbutIreallywanttoknow.

“Comehere”Heliftshisfreehandandcrookshisfinger,beckoningmetomovecloser Ido.

Hemovestowardme,too,andrunshisfingeralongthesideofmyjaw,thenthemagnetismofrawattractiontakesoverand weclosethespacebetweenuswithahot,hungry,heavenlykiss

IlosemyselfinthesensationofhavinghislipsonminelikeI’vebeenstarvingforhim.Idrowninit,wantingtheinsurgent feelingtotakemedeeperandpullmeundersoIcan’tcomebacktoreality

Hisfirmlipscoaxmineopenandhethrasheshistongueover mine,cuppingthebackofmynecksohecanpull meflush againsthischestanddeepenthekiss

Imoanintohismouthandmeltintohishardbody,pressingmyhandagainstthecordedmusclesofhischest.Thefirecomes next.Theflamesflickalloverme,consumingeverycellintheirpath.

Thensuddenlywebreakapart,andI’mbreathingsohardwithmyheartpoundingsoloudIwonderifhecanhearit Can he?

I’veneverkissedastrangerbefore I’veneverevenconsideredit AndIneverimaginedthatI’dlikeitthismuchandwant more,somuchmore.

Isthatwrong?

Itdoesn’tfeelwrong.

“Comewithme?”hehusksinadeepersexyvoice,rousingthegrowingwetnessbetweenmythighs.“Spendthenightwith me,Venus”Hebrusheshisnoseagainstmine Can I do this?

CanIhaveaone-nightstandwithamanIjustmet?

Wait…that’snottherealquestionhere. Therealquestionis,doIwanttogowithhim?

DoIwanthim?

DoIwantthisfreedomI’vegivenmyselfjustbybeinghereinVegas?

Tonight I’mnot just free to be whoever I want to be, I’mfree to do whatever I want to do as well, with the sinfully gorgeousmanwho’schristenedmeVenus.

Withthatreasoning,theanswercomestomeasquicklyasmynextbreath “Yes.”

Chapter 5 Autumn

Theinstantwe’reinsideMr Handsome’shotelroom,hislipsareonmine Thekisshegivesmeismind-numbingandglorious.Itmakestheworldfadeawayintomillionsofflashingstarsand mybodyglowwithpleasure.

We’reattheFourSeasonsinhispenthousesuite.Behindusisabreathtakingviewofthecity.That’sallIknowaboutour surroundings.TheonlyotherthingI’mawareofisthegorgeousmandevouringmylipswhowantstofuckmeallnight.

Hemoveswithmeacrosstheroomandourbodiescrashagainstthewall God,whatthehellhaveIbeenmissingallmylife?

I’veneverbeenkissedwithsuchfireandpassionortouchedwithsuchcarnalpossession It’sasifthishandsomegod-like manreallybelievesI’mhisgoddess.

“You’redrivingmecrazy,Venus.”Hemuttersagainstmylipsandcontinuesfeedingmelittlekisses. “Youtoo, Aries.ButIhearcrazyisneveragoodthing.”Ispeakbreathlessly. Hislipsmovetomyneckandnibblethesensitiveskinthere.“Crazyisalwaysgoodinmybooks,baby.” Baby Ilikethat Iwouldn’tmindhearinghimcallmethatforever “Isit?”Imoan.

“Fuck,yeah”Hekissesmeharder,pushinghishard massive erectionintomybelly Hewantsmetofeelit AshudderracesthroughmeasIdo,andhiscockhardensevenmore. Irubagainsthim.Icanjustimaginehowbighemustbe.

Mybreasts heave against his chest intandemwithour rapid heartbeats and I sinkinto everykiss, gettingdrunkonhis masculinetasteandscentofpower.

IwanthimtoconsumemeandpullmefromtherealworldwhereI’mthegirlwhoalwaysplaysbytherules “Openyourlegsforme.”Hisvoicebecomesasexyraspthatcompelsmybodytoobey. ObeyIdo,partingmylegsforhim Igaspwhenherollsmydressupmythighsandcupsmypussy,runninghisfingeroverthefabricofmypanties. Movingasidemypanties,heslidesafingerintomywetfolds,instantlymakingmemorewet.

Igasp,takinginadeepbreathashecaressesthehardnubofmyclitandsmiles “You’rewetforme.”Healternatesbetweenstrokingandcirclingthesensitivenub. “Um ”Ican’ttalkbecause,damn,thatfeelsso,so,sogoodandIwishhecouldkeephishandrighttherefortherestof eternity.

IknowI’mcrazyforwishingsuchathing,absolutelyandutterlycrazy,butIwantit “Doyoulikethat?”HisvoicedropssolowIfeelitinthepitofmycore,fanningmyarousal.“Tellme.Iwanttoknow.” “Yes…Ilikeit.”Myvoicecomesoutragged.Asoundcaughtsomewherebetweenamoanandawhimper. Withamenacingsmileonhisface,headdsanotherfingerandtheburstofpleasurethatfillsmepushesmetotheedge Imoanoutloudattheintensityandhavetogriphispowerfulbicepstokeepmyselffromfadingintotheether. “Don’tworry,there’smorewherethatcamefrom”Hereturnstomylipsforanotherconsumingkiss,histonguecapturing mineasifhewantstocommitthetasteofmetomemory.

Andhedoesn’tstopstrokingmyclit.Hedeepensthekissandstartsfinger-fuckingme.Ilosemymindandtightenmygrip onhisarm.

Hetearshislipsawayfrommineagain,andthedarknessinhiseyestellsmewe’reabouttostepoveranotherline.

Releasingme,hetugsonmydressandsqueezesmyleftbreast.“Takethisoff,Venus.Iwanttosuckyourtits.”

Theideaofhismouthonmybreastsparalyzesmybrainwithrecklessdesire,sowhenheliftsmydresshigherIhelphimby raisingmyarmssohecanpullitovermyhead.

Afterhetakesthatoffhehastilytacklesmybra,exposingmybreaststotheair ThenI’mlikeapuppetinhisarms

As he stares at mybreasts, takinginthe heavyswells and tight, puckered pinknipples, his eyes become darkpools of desire Atthatmoment,I’mgratefulforthesmallmercythatmybodyismyonlyassetI’veneverhadtoworryabout “You’reperfect,”hemutters.

“Thankyou.”

“Thepleasureisallmine”

Thepleasurealsocomesfromhim.Hegivesmemorewhenhereachesouttosqueezemybreastsandcircleshisfingers aroundmynipples

“I’vebeenfantasizingabouttastingyousincethemomentIsawyou.”

“Haveyou?”Ibreatheout ThereweresomanybeautifulwomenintheclubearlierI’mstunnedhecouldsaythataboutme “Absolutely.”Theconvictioninhisvoicemakesmyheartflip-flop.“I’mgoingtostartwiththese.”

Mymouthwaters whenheleans downandtraces his tongueacross thetopofmybreasts,thentakes eachnippleintohis mouthtosuck,leavingfirecoursingthroughmyveins

Ipress into the wall, moaninguncontrollablyas he sucks mybreastdeep into his warmmouth. Isavor the hotpleasure spreadingovermybodyandmyrisingorgasm

Ittakessecondsforthepleasuretobecometoomuch,thenI’marchingintohismouth,greedyformore.

Hesucksmybreastsuntilmynipplesarerawandmyskinbruised,butthesightofhimfeastingonmeissohotitdissolves myinsides.

And,God,I’mwetterthanI’veeverbeen,sowetmyarousalhasstartedleakingdownmythighs.

Hestops,leavingmegaspingforbreathandshudderingagainsthim Withadisarmingsmilehetakesoffmypanties.

I’mnakednow,standingbeforehim astranger innothingbutmylittleballetpumps,whichhecrouchesdownandslips offnext.

Ibarelygetthechancetocatchabreathbeforehepressesahandtotheflatofmystomachandpushesmeagainstthewall sohecanlickovermypussyfromthetopofmymoundtomyachingslit.

Partingmylegsfurther,helicksupanddownmypussythensettlesonsuckingmyclit.

“Oh God,”Imoanoutloud,grabbinghisshoulders

Awickedsmirkfillshisface,ignitingthemenaceIsawearlier.“Iknewyouweregoingtobemyfavoritemeal.”

Ibarelyregisterwhathesaysbeforehereturnstoeatingoutmypussy Icouldn’tanswerifmylifedependedonitbecause thepleasureistoomuch.

SecondslaterIcomeonhisface,mybodybowingtothehot,insistentburstsofpleasurepulsingitswaythrougheveryinch ofme

Wetnessrushesoutofmeandhedrinks,makingasoundasifI’mtrulythemostexquisitewinehe’severtasted.

MyAries doesn’t stop until he’s licked up all myjuices thenhe stands, his eyes glued to me as he whips offhis shirt, revealingthefantasymusclesIimaginedearlier.ExceptwhatIimaginedwasnothingincomparisontowhatI’mseeing. Hehasthehardbodyofanathlete Thathastobewhatheis

Thosemusclesaretoodefinedtobelongtosomeonewhosimplyworksoutatthegym.Ontopofthosemusclesaretattoos. TherearetwoblackinkydragonsoneithersideofhisabsandJapanesewritingthatseemstomeansomething.

Istopthinkingwhenheundoeshisbeltandpusheshisjeansdowntofreehiscock

Isinkintothewall,myeyeswideatthesightofhislong,thick,huge, huge cock. I’veneverseenonesobig granted,Ihaven’tseenmany Evenso,I’vewatchedporn,soIhaveenoughofareferenceto sayhe’sthebiggestI’veeverseen.

Hesmilesatmyreactionandflexeshishandaroundhislength,movingupanddown “I’mguessingyourexdidn’tlooklike this.”Hisvoiceissaturatedwiththecockyarroganceofamanwhoknowshelookslikeagod.

“No.Hedidn’t.”

Hescansmymouth,thenmyface “Washeyourfirst?”

Slowlyandregretfully,Inod.“Yes.”

MyAriescatchesmyfacewithhisfreehandandbendsdowntobrushhislipsovermineforabriefkiss,thenhelingers beforeme,stillholdingmyface.

“Don’tworry,Iplantofuckyouproperly.BythetimeIfinishwithyou,youwon’tevenrememberthatyouwereeverwith thatasshole.”WhileIbecomewetalloveragainfromthepromiseinthosewords,adevilishgrindarkenshisface.“Youhear

me?”

“Ihearyou.”

“Good girl,” he husks with an air of dominance that speaks to the secret parts of me “But I’mgonna need you to do somethingformefirst.”

“What’sthat?”

Hissmilewidenswithmischief.“I’dlovetofeelyourmouthonmycock.”

Myeyesdroptohiscockasherunshisfingersoverhislengthagain Iinstinctivelylickmylipsatthethoughtofhavinghis cockinmymouth.

“Onyourknees,Venus.”

AthiscommandIlowertomyknees,sinkingintotheplushcreamcarpet

Slippinghishandbehindmyhead,heguidesmetohiscock.“Openforme.” Iopenmymouthandlickthetipofhiscockwherepre-cumhasseepedout Hetastesthesamewayhesmells likepowerandbrutestrength. Ilickhimagainbeforetakinghimrightintomymouthanddeeper

“Oh,fuck,thatfeelswild,Venus.”Hereachesdownandfondlesmynipples,asifrewardingmeforgivinghimpleasure. Havinghishandsonmybreastsagainsendsaspikeofpleasurestraighttomyachingpussy,andI’mwetagainasifhedidn’t justbringmetoafullorgasm

“Suckmeharder,”hecommands,andIdo.

Itake himdeeper, deep-throatinghis cockso Icanfitmore ofhis lengthinto mymouthand suckhimharder, pullingthe soundofroughmasculinegroansfromhislips.

ItturnsmeonevenmoreandIfindmyselfdesperatetohavehiminsideme.

Lacinghisfingersthroughmyhair,heholdsmesteadysohecanfuckmyface.It’sallIcandotocontrolmygagreflexashe poundsinandoutofmymouth.

IthurtsandIhavetofighttoholdbacktears,butthepainisworthhearinghisgroansofpleasureandseeingthatlookonhis face.Thatlookofuttersatisfaction.

Ibaskinthe knowledge thatI’mdoingthatto this gorgeous perfectmanwho could have chosenanyone else atthe club tonightbutpickedme.

Hepickedmebutmoreimportantly,he’smademefeellikeagoddess.

LikeI’mperfect.

LikeI’mnotbroken.

JustwhenIthinkhe’sgoingtocomeinmymouth,hepullsoutandreleasesmyhead “Ineedtobeinsideyourprettypussynow.”Heliftsmetostand.“Getonthebedonyourhandsandknees.”

Filledwitharousal,Ipadovertotheking-sizebedinthecenteroftheroomandcrawltothemiddle Ilookbackandwatch himstepoutofhisjeanssohe’scompletelynaked,too.Ifindmoretattoosonhislegs,ofdragonsthatlooksimilartothoseon historso.

I’mdistractedfromtheartworkwhenheretrievesacondompackfromthebackpocketofhisjeansandtearsitopen Watchinghimsheathhislengthwiththecondomissexyashell,andagainIwonderwhatthehellI’vebeenmissinginmy life

Ilookforwardwhenheclimbsontothebedbehindmeandrunshishandovermyass,givingitagentlesmack.Hefondles myclit,soakinghisfingersagainwithmywetness

“You’restillsowet.God,you’refuckingperfect,”hesays,lickingmypussyagainbriefly.

Justlikebefore,itfeelssogood.Idon’tgettoanswerwithmynon-existentreply.Inthenextsplitofasecondhegrabsmy hips,linesuphiscockwithmyentrance,andthrustsrightintome

I’msoarousedandwetthathe’sabletosliderightin,butmybodyjoltsforwardwhenheshoveshiscockdeeperintomy pussy,sendingapowerfulblastofpleasurerushingthroughme

MybreathgoesshortasifI’llneverbreatheagain,andIfeelsofullfromthesheermagnitudeofhiscock.

HestartspumpingintomeandwithinsecondshemakesgoodonhispromiseofwipingthememoryofbeingwithColeout ofmymind.

Mypussyspasmsaroundhislengthandthenhestartsfuckingme,hammeringintomybodyasifhewantstostakehisclaim onmeinsideandout

Thisissheer,hardcorepossession.Everythrustofhiscockpushesanewwaveofpleasureintomysoul.

Theluxuriatingsensationtakesmeoutofthisworldwherenothingelseexistsexceptusandthesloppy,sexysoundsofour bodiesslappingtogether.

IfeellikeI’mflyingandfallingatthesametime,andmyskin,it’sonfire.Anever-endingblazeofinfernalfirethatbrands himtomymindsoI’llneverforgethim.

I’llneverforgethimorthismoment.

Hepauseshisrelentlesspoundingforafewsecondstopulloutofmeandflipmeontomybacktofacehim. OureyeslockandforsomereasonIfeelmorevulnerableandexposed.

“IwanttolookatyouwhileIfuckyou Thatokay?”Hegrins “Yes,”Imutter,reachinguptotouchhisface.

Helowerstomylipsandwekiss It’satenderlovers’kissthatdoesn’tfitinwiththerawnessofus It’sbrief.Toobrief.Itendstheinstantheplungesbackintome,thenwegobacktohardcorefucking.Ilikeboth.

Ariesliftsoneofmylegsandsetsitonhisshouldersohecanpushdeeperinsideme Hefeelsimpossiblydeep There,he fucksmeintothemattressandIcomeagain,andIdon’tstopcoming.

Wecontinuelikethisforalongtime,withhimowningmybodyandmelettinghim.

Itgetstothepointwhereitbecomestoomuchandwebothfallovertheedgeofsanity Webothcome,sharingthemutual climax.

Isavorthesensationoffeelinghiscockhardeninsidemewhenhereleases,andI’mdizzyfrompleasure

Breathinghard, he holds me there, restinghis forehead against mine. I hold onto him, too, pressingagainst his sweatcoveredbody

I’msweating,too.Myhairisdampwithitandmyskinisglistening.

Ourbreathmingles,sharingthesamespaceaswebothclimbdownfromthehigh.

Ican’tbelievewhatIjustdidwithacompletestranger

Me. Me,thegirlwhodidn’tbelieveinkissingonthefirstdateandwhobelievedingettingtoknowaguybeforehoppinginbed withthem.

Me…thegirlwhowouldrepeattonightalloveragainandbreakallherrulesfor this guy. ThismorningwhenIwokeup,theonlythingthatwasonmymindwasflyinguptoCanadatoseemyfamily.Ishouldstill beatthathockeygamenow,butI’mhereinVegas,inbedwiththehandsomemanwhotookmeoutoftheuniverse.

“Feelbetter?”heaskswithasmileinhisvoice Whenheliftshisheadsothatwe’reeyetoeyeIseethatheissmiling “Yes.”

“Good,becauseIalreadywantyouagain,Venus” Ismilebackathim,lovingthisnewfoundfreedomfillingmybeingwithnewpurposeandlife.“Thentakemeagain,Aries.” “Withpleasure,baby.”

Iwakebeforehedoeswhenthefirstrayofsunlightsneaksintotheroom Hisarmisaroundme,holdingmeclosetohischest. He’soutcoldindeep,deepslumber,andit’sprobablyforthebest.

Todayistoday Anewday AndIdon’texpectanythingmore

Arieshadmesixtimeslastnight.Westartedinthisbed,thenmovedtothehottubonthebalcony,wherehetookmetwice. Afterthatwegotroomserviceandorderedwaytoomuchfoodandwine,whichwesurprisinglyfinishedoff,thenhehad mefordessertonthetable.

Ourwildsessionendedwhereitstarted. In bed HewouldhavetakenmeagainforaseventhtimeifIhadn’tfallenasleep inhisarms.

Nowit’stimeformetogo.Ijustcan’tbringmyselftoleaveyet.

Twomoreminutes,thenI’llgo IwanttolookathimforjustalittlelongersoIcansavorthememoryofhimandthewild,unexpectednightweshared. It’samazinghowmuchtamerhelooksasleep Hisfaceisalmostangelic,butthat’snothim Idon’tknowenoughtoestablishifhe’sgoodorbad,butIknowhe’snothingclosetoangelic. He’s the forbiddenfantasythatmakes youwetjustfromthe sightofhimandthe guyyoudon’ttake home tointroduce to yourmotheruntilyouhaveto.

IwonderwhatlifewouldbelikeifI’dhadmoretimetoknowhim.

Givenhowwewerelastnight,hemightbehappytoseethatI’mstillherebutIwouldnevertakesucharisk I’dneverbe oneofthoseclingygirlswhodidn’tgetthememoaboutwhataone-nightermeans. ThisismyfirstbutIknowtheropes,andIknowthewayguyslikehimare He’dexpectmetobegonebeforehewakes,andI’mcertainhe’llresumehisnormallifeorevendothesamethingwedid lastnightwithanothergirl. Whywouldn’the?

He’sgorgeousandperfectandknowsit.

Atthesametime,IthinkhegavemethethingIsoughtwhenIcametoVegas freedom and life