The Bad Boy Arrangement

Abell:

It had been three days and five hours since my last fuck.

Well, give or take.

I could be wrong about the hour.

Either way, I was antsy as hell. Going this long was like keeping water from a man in the desert. I could survive for awhile, sure, but I knew myself. If I didn't find a nice pair of thighs to dive between, I'd be useless to the world.

So, really, it was for everyone's benefit that I got laid.

I had a few places I liked to roam when I was scouting for a playmate. Bars are stereotypical, but they work—especially if you like the college crowd. Clubs? They were too sweaty for my mood.

Tonight, I'd gone a little out of the way.

The rock concert was in a park that had been strung up with Christmas lights along the fringes. An invigorating chill infused the night air. All in all, it wasn't a bad scene. I just wish the damn speakers weren't numbing my ears, I thought with a chuckle.

The band had been playing for twenty minutes, but I couldn't have repeated any of their lyrics. My attention was devoted to scouring the rolling bodies for my next prize.

There were women everywhere, thank fucking goodness. Skinny types in painted on jeans, curvy girls with their tits fluffing out... you name it, they were here in droves.

I was in Heaven.

As I swayed casually to the music, I moved with grace through the packed bodies. The smell of spilled beer weighed the air down, making me glad the venue was outdoors. The space—like every event in this city—was too small to hold everyone comfortably.

Speaking of too small. To my left, a woman in a skirt that barely hid her ass was grinding at the air. Her hair was slicked back in a high tail, makeup clinging around her eyes like she was auditioning for a movie about Egypt.

She was trying way too hard.

I love the Try-Hards.

They were the kind of girl you knew was looking to get some cock. Their actions said, 'I'm right here, just insert tab A into slot B and let's go!' My type, entirely; women who knew what they wanted never failed to get my pants tight.

Grinning, I slid beside her, my hips rocking with the tempo. Wordlessly, not even meeting my eyes, Skirt-Girl humped the air until she was inches away from me. Her hips twisted, towering heels barely moving off the grass—maybe so she wouldn't fall and break an ankle.

In seconds we were swaying together, her round ass touching my zipper. That long length of hair brushed her neck, tempting me to reach out and grab it.

I hoped she liked having her hair pulled, because once I got her alone, I planned to yank it back so I could nibble her pale neck. Just thinking about that has me getting stiff. Carefully, I adjusted myself in my pants, never missing a beat.

The music suddenly exploded, turning into applause. Skirt-Girl slowed down, acting like she was watching the stage, but I knew better. This game and I were old friends.

Running a hand through my hair, I smiled at her until she glanced my way. It's funny, we hadn't said hello, but I'd had my erection on her ass for several minutes. “Hey,” I said, nodding at the band. “I think they're finishing their set. Come take a break with me, get some air.”

Cocking her head, Skirt made a show of toying with the top of her halter. “How about you buy me a drink first?”

I wasn't surprised by her request. Try-Hards sometimes want you to buy them something before they'll sleep with you. It's an exhausting ritual, but what did I care? Cash was never a problem for me, I'd had it in spades my whole life.

“Sure, I'll be right back, Sugar. What do you want?”

Her eyes darted down, fixing on the front of my jeans for a long second. Oh, she was good. “A beer is fine. For now.”

For now.

Jeez. Try-Hards are seriously the best.

“Beer. Not a problem, you just hang here.” My smile touched my eyes, then I was off. I knew where the nearest vendor selling alcohol was, I'd already chugged a bottle down when I'd first arrived. The problem was that they were as far from the stage as you could get.

Shoving around dancing groups and chatting people, I beat a path towards the drink stand. It was past ten, the sky a rich blue-black that would never be truly dark, not with all of the city's light pollution.

The edge of the park had a few tall lamps, the people thinning until I didn't feel like I was being crushed in a tuna can. Most folks wanted to be near the stage, so the fringe was almost empty in comparison.

There, I thought, walking towards the small table in the distance. Buy some beer and hurry the fuck back before little miss Skirt finds another cock to ride.

“Get the fuck away from her!” A voice shouted out from my right. On instinct, I turned to look.

Just down the grassy hill, away from the crowds, there was a woman. Reddish hair, black pants, a surprisingly demure cream colored top and appropriate jacket for the weather. Pretty. Normal. But the situation she was in wasn't normal at all.

She had her hands on a man's arm, yanking at him to get him away from...

Oh, shit.

There was another girl, and she was kneeling on the grass at the guy's feet, doubled over like she'd taken a punch. Had that guy actually hit her?

“I said get away from her!” The red head was pulling at the man. There was no hint of fear, even though he could easily break her damn skull. Her short black heels dug into the ground. She meant business.

What was going on? And why was no one else doing anything?

Not my problem, I told myself, glancing at the drink stand. Visions of Skirt-Girl danced in my head. Her plump lips, her perky ass, her—

“I'm calling the cops, you son of a—Aaah!”

Red was a damn ghost to me, I had no clue who she was. Regardless, when I heard her scream, I bolted down that hill at breakneck-speed.

His fingers were crushing her forearms, turning the skin bloodless. Seconds before I careened into the group, I saw Red's face. Instead of terrified about how he was ready to split her in two, she was pissed this guy had dared to touch her.

Who was this woman?

Grabbing the man's shoulders, I yanked him to me, forcing him to release Red. Then, before he could get his balance, I shoved him away violently. He stumbled, catching himself at the last second.

“Hey, Fuck-Head!” I shouted, cracking my knuckles. “What the hell are you doing to these two?”

I wasn't some breed of hero; this was none of my business. But no one else had stepped up.

How could I sit back and watch?

The big guy stomped forward, eyeballing me—sizing me up. “This isn't your problem, buddy. Why don't you get out of here before you get hurt?”

I knew he could see the muscles through my tight shirt and open jacket. I'd dressed to impress the ladies, but it also warned the world that I was no push-over.

If this guy thought I'd be an easy mark, he was dead wrong.

Standing taller, I flashed my best smile. “A lovely woman in a skimpy skirt is waiting for me to return, and you just cock-blocked that plan. Someone has to pay for that, might as well be the asshole beating on his girlfriend.”

To my left, Red made a face. “I'm not his girlfriend, and neither is she.”

“You're both single? Good to know.” I blessed her with a quick smirk. The way her eyes widened had my heart beating faster.

Unfortunately, I had other priorities.

The big asshole lifted his chin, chest puffed out like a rooster. “Last chance, get lost or get ready to collect your teeth off the grass. Hope you have a good dentist.”

“Holy shit,” I laughed. “Did you really just say that? Like, actually say that out loud?”

Lines crawled across the bridge of his nose, a snarl if I'd ever seen one. Talking this out was a failure. I'd already figured it would be. Any guy that'd attack a woman had to be short-tempered.

Ducking low, he ran right at me.

I'd taken some martial arts classes when I was a teen. Nothing serious, basic body-movement and leverage shit. My mother's idea, of course—she wanted me to know how to protect myself from the 'bad kids.' I don't think it occurred to her that I was one of those kids.

If she was still alive, I would have thanked her for those lessons now.

Anticipating his movements, light on my toes, I tensed up. When he got close, I darted to the side. It didn't take much momentum—he was the one rushing me—for my fist to slam into his guts.

The noise he made was awful, like a balloon deflating while it dribbled wetness.

Coughing, my attacker slumped forward. Hugging his stomach, he glared up at me through his hair. Drool slid down his chin, veins criss-crossing the whites of his eyes.

The fucker wanted my blood.

Twisting my torso, I got ready to give him one more hit, something to drop him for a few hours so he'd stop being a threat. Nighty night, I thought.

Red's knee came down, catching him in the ear and planting his face firmly in the grass. Green stained his cheek, his shirt ruined from his own spittle.

The other girl gasped, covering her mouth.

Holy shit. Lifting an eyebrow, I stared at Red appreciatively.

She smoothed her shirt, shrugging. “He deserved it.” Bending over, she helped the blonde woman to her feet. “Are you alright, miss...?”

“Trish,” she said, stepping further away from the unconscious man. “And thanks. Both of you. I don't know what made him think it was okay to corner me like that. I told him I didn't want to go home with him. I'd seen him slip something into my drink earlier, knew he was bad news.”

A picture was forming in my mind. This guy wasn't just violent, he was a fucking rapist. I hadn't felt bad for him before, but now, I fought back the urge to kick him while he was down.

Red pulled out her cellphone. “Let me call the police.”

“Wait,” Trish said quickly. “I'd prefer if you didn't.”

I frowned dubiously. “He tried to drug you. The shit-heel shouldn't get to walk away from that.”

“Nothing really happened, just almost. The cops won't help with this.” Trish shrugged defeatedly. “I've been down this road before. Nothing gets resolved and I get dragged through the mud.”

Red looked shocked. “Wait, what?” she asked.

Offering an apologetic smile, Trish slid backwards. “Thanks again.” In seconds, she'd faded into the crowd.

The red-head tightened her eyebrows, glaring down at the guy on the ground. “Now what do we do?”

I understood her anger; this man was trash. But we were in public, it wasn't like I could tear him to pieces with everyone watching. The reality of the situation sucked. I said, “We can't do anything, so we have to do nothing. For now.”

She fixed her wide eyes on me. The centers were flaring, green jade that was engulfed in flames. “What does that mean, 'for now?'”

Nudging the guy roughly with my foot, I took some sick pleasure in his groan. “That girl is right. The world is unfair, it's shit. This guy is going to be walking the streets again, looking for prey. That's the reality.”

“So what, he never has to pay for trying to rape someone?”

Slowly, I moved my eyes to hers. I was sure she sensed the budding fury in me. How could she not? It was making the back of my neck hot as a furnace. “No. I said we'd do nothing—for now. He'll pay someday. This city is smaller than it seems.”

Red's lips parted so that the center was a beautiful little 'o' shape. The genuine threat in my voice, my not so subtle promise, had made her reevaluate me.

Seeing the way her eyes lit up, I did her the same favor.

I'd lost my chances with Skirt, perhaps it was time for Plan B.

She said, “You'd hurt him? You'd go that far for justice?”

Grinning, I offered her my hand. “Don't know what you're talking about, I don't give a shit about justice. Name's Abell, and you?”

Looking from my palm to my face, she hesitated... then reached out for the handshake. “Nix. And you're wrong.”

I blinked. “Huh?”

She motioned at the guy in the grass who still hadn't moved. “You have to care about justice a little, you jumped in to try and help a pair of strangers.”

My jaw tightened from Nix's scrutiny. Having my actions picked apart made me uncomfortable. “What can I say? I heard a beautiful woman in trouble and had to step in to help.”

Her lips curled up at the edges. “Too bad she didn't hang around, she could have heard you flattering her.”

Bending closer, I lowered my voice. “I didn't mean Trish.”

Nix froze, staring at me like I might bite her. The longer I stood near her, the more I wanted to.

She wasn't the type I was searching for while prowling for pussy this evening. Don't get me wrong, I love strong women—and she was obviously strong—but I was suffering a dry spell. Nix wouldn't be easy.

Or would she?

It's worth finding out. The more we talked, the more I wanted to hear how she'd sound in... other situations. There was a soft indent on her bottom lip. How would that feel under my roaming tongue? Would she moan or whimper when I gently scraped my teeth over her nipples?

Fuck. This is happening.

I'd decided.

Nix was going to be mine.

I nodded towards the drink stand. “Let me buy you something. After what just happened, we could both use a little refresher.”

“But what about...?”

Glancing over her head, I pointed. “The cavalry is coming.”

Turning, she peered at the men in security shirts who were being guided our way by bystanders. They'd become helpful now that the action was over.

“Security can handle it from here,” I said, reaching for her wrist. Her hand twitched in my grip; it was warm and smooth. “Everyone saw what happened. Maybe the guy will get charged with causing a nuisance, at least. Come on, take a breather, enjoy a reward for your good Samaritan actions.”

Pursing her lips at me, Nix said, “I'm going to talk to them.”

“What?”

She broke away, hurrying towards the guards. Stunned, I stood there, watching as she spoke to the group. Her hands moved, gesturing sharply from herself to the guy in the grass.

A small buzz of pride burned through me. It was laugh worthy; I didn't know this woman, why did I care that she was bothering to take the time to speak to Security?

She didn't leave me to stew for long. Writing something down, she handed a notebook back to the guard, then ran my way. The night air brushed the hair off of her neck, her lips were redder than the skin of a fresh apple. I knew I was staring, but thank goodness, she didn't notice.

“Okay!” she said, smoothing her hair back, taming it as if she was ashamed it would dare fly free. “I told them what happened, and they have my information if they need me for anything else.”

I shook my disorienting mood away. “Then it's time for that reward drink.”

Nix wrapped her arms around herself, adjusting her coat. The frown on her decadent lips warned me she was considering saying no. Everything in her body language was closed off.

But she wasn't done surprising me.

“Alright,” she said with a coy smile. “I've had a rough week, and tonight hasn't helped. I could use a 'reward.' Just one drink, though. I have an important meeting early tomorrow.”

Beaming, I spread my arms. “What a coincidence! I've got a meeting, too, so you can't keep me out all night, no matter how much you beg me.”

“Sure,” she laughed, eyeballing my torn jeans. Her furrowed brow said she doubted I had to be anywhere tomorrow. “One drink. That's it.”

It's funny how many of my nights started this way; alcohol at the beginning, and my bedroom at the end. Tonight would be no different.

Nix was just like every other girl I'd met. But that was good.

I didn't need different.

****

December had turned the air into a metallic blanket. It crackled with static energy, my nose burning red the longer we stumbled through the streets.

One drink had quickly become two.

Then three.

I'd stopped counting after five.

We were a blur of laughter, heated stares, and progressively more bold touches. As we climbed into the empty subway car, Nix caught her heel on the floor's rough edge. Bending low, I meant to just help her stand.

That was when she kissed me.

She tasted like beer, and a little bit of whiskey—the shots we'd swallowed had been a surprise. Her hands were in my hair, nails digging into my scalp like I was going to vanish. “Your place,” she mumbled, talking between tangling her tongue with mine. “Now. Right fucking now.”

I'd pegged Nix as standoffish. Clearly, I'd been way off the mark.

Holding her close, loving how her body warmed us both against the winter's chill, I guided her out of the metro station.

“How drunk are you?” I asked, curling her against my hip as we climbed the stairs of my building. I wanted this woman, but if she was too wasted to know what was about to happen...

Unlike that scumbag from earlier, I was no rapist.

“I know what I'm doing.” She bit the words off, the first hint of the attitude I'd seen in her when we'd met mere hours ago.

Through my whirl of alcohol and lust, I studied her. What was going on that I'd missed? She'd been brisk in the beginning. And now she's begging you to take her inside your place. Stop analyzing it.

“Kiss me again,” she demanded, shoving me against the wall beside my apartment door.

Fuck analyzing.

Clutching my keys in one hand, I curled the other into her hair. It was thick, soft as velvet. “Yes Ma'am.” I forced her lower, arching her spine as I buried my mouth onto hers.

Nix's lips were as pillowy as whipped cream, her hips yielding under my seeking fingers. When I crushed her to me, her breasts plumped over my chest. If she'd had on a low-cut top, they would have spilled out.

Without breaking our kiss, I shoved the key into the door, kicking it open. Finally I pulled away, sucking in air. “The bed,” I growled, giving her a shove. “Now.”

Nix landed there, rolling to her back and yanking her jacket off. The look in her eyes lured me. Pink tinged her cheeks, a mix from the cold and her obvious desire.

Approaching her, ripping my own jacket away, I threw it to the floor. Bending down, I slammed my hands onto the bed on either side of her knees. “Shirt. Off.”

She shivered visibly, nails hooking under her top so she could pull it over her head. The result mussed up her long hair, ruining what was left of the precise, pulled-back style. Nix went to fix it, but I grabbed her wrist. “No,” I whispered, “I like it messy like that.”

Her eyes flashed, as if she were trying to recover something in her brain—a deep thought. “You do? Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” I chuckled, pulling myself on top of her. “Plus, it's only going to get worse. Believe me.”

Nix squirmed, lying back in my shadow. Her bra was gorgeous, an expensive, silky thing in pale lavender. This woman had money—that, or a sugar daddy.

What if she does?

That shouldn't have bothered me, but somehow... the idea of another man spoiling her had me bristling. It's the alcohol, I told myself. It's fucking with my mind. Shouldn't have mixed so many things.

Yeah. It had to be the foggy drunkeness. Why would I give a shit about who someone else belonged to?

I'm a bad person, I knew that to my core. All I wanted was to dominate this woman, leave her panting and broken so that my cock was the only dick that could ever satisfy her again.

I love the sound of that. Sliding towards the edge of my bed, I unhooked the button of her pants. Nix was ahead of me, kicking her heels off. “Eager?” I asked, grinning up at her where she was lying.

I saw the dip of her throat flex. “Maybe. Is that weird?”

“What?”

Her mouth moved like a fish, then she looked away. “Nothing, forget it.”

Watching her for a long moment, I said, “I want you to be eager.” My teeth slid over the inside of her pants; she twitched, gasping. “Everything I do is meant to drive you so fucking wild that you forget what planet we're on, baby girl.”

She shifted her body, pushing her hip against my cheek. “Then hurry up, get to that. That's where I want to be.”

A flutter of doubt flew through my mind. Is this girl using me? That would be new; my motif was to fuck people, then forget about them. No attachments. Nothing long term. I wanted to hear women scream my name, but I always forgot theirs.

Was Nix thinking the same thing?

I was intrigued, but it didn't matter. If she wanted pleasure so she could numb her woes, then fine. She'd get that.

Rolling her pants down, I tossed them in the corner with her shirt. Her panties matched her bra, glossy lavender and already damp. I bent close, flaring my nostrils and meeting her eyes. “Delicious. Fuck, I can't wait to taste you.”

Nix reached down, grabbing my hair, forcing me upwards. “No, not that. I don't want that. I just want you to fuck me.”

She doesn't want me to eat her out? I slid my hand low, peeling her panties aside. “Are you sure?” Gliding my fingertips over her inner thighs, I spread her wetness around. “If you ask me, this is one hungry pussy. And I love eating hungry pussy.”

“It's not—I just—aah!” she moaned, shuddering as I slid my fingers deep inside of her. Then I pulled them back, fluttering just the tips at her entrance. Again, I dipped into her pussy, rubbing her walls.

Nix rolled her whole body, nails curling harder in my hair. “Wait, hold on, that's... that's amazing!”

“I know.” Wrenching out of her grip, I kissed just above her swollen clit. It pulsed, but Nix, she tensed down to her toes. Her pussy squeezed my hand, a reaction she couldn't control. “Your cute little cunt is sucking me inside. It's more honest than you are.”

She arched her back, whimpering. “I didn't say I didn't like it, I just really want you to fuck me.”

“You're blunt,” I chuckled against her skin. “I love that.” With a final twist of my fingers, I slid them free. Nix sighed, her body trying to hold me inside of her. As I smoothed my palm over her thigh, I brushed her clit with my thumb in passing.

Instantly she jerked, staring at me with a new rush of heat. I whispered, “You're beyond ready. Is this from me, or are you just always so horny?” Crawling on top of Nix, I straddled her hips. Peeling my shirt off, I put my torso on display. I was covered in ink, dark splashes and punctuating colors.

“Did those hurt?” she whispered, tracing my hip. Her touch thrilled me, my eyes shutting briefly so I could enjoy the sensation.

“They hurt, yeah. But I like a bit of pain.” My hands went lower, clutching the top button of my jeans. “I don't think you want to hear about my tattoos. I can tell you'd rather my cock was buried inside you right now.”

She hadn't blinked in far too long. When I pulled my zipper down, I watched goosebumps creep over her pale skin. Kicking my pants away, I sat back on her. The way she gawked, I had a feeling she'd just realized how big my cock actually was. It was pushing against my briefs, the material stretching to try and hold it back.

“It'll go in easier if I eat you out,” I whispered.

Her stare flicked up to my face. “You're not the only one who can handle a bit of pain.”

“You've got some attitude, huh? Bit of fire on that tongue?” Laughing softly, I reached down and lifted her hand. Before she reacted, I pressed it against the shape of my erection. Both of us shuddered, her touch making my cock flex under my briefs.

I pulled away, but her hand remained. Gingerly, she stroked me, one finger gliding up under the head of my cock. My eyes closed, rolling in my head. Fuck, that feels amazing.

Gripping the elastic band, she pulled my underwear down. My prick bounced into the air, the tip shiny, reddish and engorged. Like I said, it had been far too long since my last fuck—I was eager.

Squeezing around the base of my cock, I guided it towards her. Her hand came up, pressing against my chest. I was expecting her face to be flush with passion, but even through the alcohol, she was nervous. I said, “It'll be fine, I'll fit, trust me.”

Her eyebrows crunched together. “It's not that. Do you have a condom?”

Leaning across her body, I yanked one from my nightstand. The whole sheet of them spilled out, lying on my floor like discarded police tape. Nix blinked at them, but she wasn't distracted for long.

Rolling the latex down my thick length, I winked at her. “Better?”

She licked her lips, nodding. “Yeah.”

“Ready to go for a ride?”

Her lashes covered her eyes like a sultry canopy. The edge of her smile went higher. “Yeah.”

Rubbing my chest over her bra, I reached under her; the hooks snapped free. With nothing between us now, I caressed her firm nipples with my inked chest. We were smothered together, friction that begged to become real fire.

Her arms circled me, thighs forcing the tip of my cock against her pussy. The sensation blinded me, showing me colors that shouldn't exist. Too much whiskey, I reminded myself.

The hunger in my belly burned. My prick couldn't have been harder, it was ready to shred the condom into useless bits. She puffed out a heavy breath, the noise vibrating over her tongue.

“Excited?” I teased, rubbing the fat cock-head against her wetness.

“Yeah,” she whispered.

“Is that all you can say?” Smirking like a half-moon, I pushed harder—spreading her a mere inch. Her warmth was intense, it took everything I had not to ram balls-deep. “Tell me you want it. I want to hear you screaming my name.”

Nix went pinker than ever, avoiding my stare. “I... forgot your name.”

I started to laugh, but the motion forced my cock deeper. Groaning, I bit my tongue and grinned. Sweat slid between my shoulder blades from my willpower.

“Naughty girl, I wait until the next day at least to forget someone's name.” What was the point in storing that information? “It's Abell.” Thrusting fiercely, I listened to her cry out—and I joined her. “Say it, say my name or I'll stop right here.”

It was a lie.

There was no way I'd stop fucking that perfect pussy.

Nix whined, her muscles convulsing under me as the sensation of my cock stuffing her finally reached her brain. “Abell!” she hissed, eyes wide, seeing nothing. “Abell, it's Abell! Now just fuck me, please, just...”

Kissing her throat, I moved up, nipping her earlobe. Then I offered her the darkest, most private of whispers. “I love how you sound when you beg for it.”

Arching my spine, I slid out so only the tip was inside her hugging warmth. Without missing a beat, I slammed forward, the wet sound of our contact echoing through my apartment.

She squealed, crushing my cock with the most greedy pussy I'd ever met. Her pace was faster than I expected; her body reaching for me, closing the distance again and again.

Nix thrust along my shaft with so much desperation, I had to adjust to her speed. “When was the last time you got laid?” I asked breathlessly. “A hundred damn years ago?”

Ignoring me, she cut into my back with her nails. Her panting scorched my ear. Nix clutched me, demanding my cock—making it clear she was used to getting her way.

Heat bloomed in my chest, then slid down into my belly. Tension flooded my muscles, the tingles taking hold. I knew I was going to finish soon, but I wanted her to cum first. I always made my partner cum before me.

It was one of my few generosities.

Wrapping my lips on hers, I cut off her erotic moaning. I slid over her teeth, explored her roof. All the while I kept thrusting, my thick cock pushing the limit of her body.

I could feel how tight she was, stretching near the breaking point. Nix was soaked, more excited than I remembered anyone else being—without more work, that is. And fuck, she felt amazing.

My skin was going numb, my mouth buttery, almost too sensitive. The telltale flutter of her pussy warned me she was near orgasm. Hugging her against me, I broke the kiss. The dazed centers of her eyes met mine, saw my grin.

Lowering my face, I circled the tip of her left nipple, suckling gently. “Oh!” she cried, jerking without control. I held her close, tongue making patterns on her pink flesh. Around my expanding cock, her walls rippled.

“Cum for me,” I growled in her ear. “You're right there, babe. Go for it... I need to feel you milking my cock.”

Sobbing, her thighs choked my waist as she shook. The pressure of her release put me into overdrive. I bent her hips up, my arms hooking under her legs. While she was still shaking from orgasm, I pounded into her vigorously.

Nix bent in two, her knees by her ears. She was flexible, and that turned me on in a way I could never describe. It toyed at me with future promises, told me the things she could do... the things I could do to her.

Grunting, I grit my teeth until my skull throbbed. Warmth attacked my core, my balls tightening as I started to cum. The condom worked, but I swear, I filled it so violently the latex was ready to split.

“Fuck,” I said, sweat dripping down my neck. Below me, Nix had shut her eyes. Her cunt embraced me, making it tempting to stay inside of her. Just enjoy it. Ride that pleasure out.

I waited longer than usual, studying her eyelashes, the mild curve of her nose. She was beautiful. How had I not noticed just how beautiful until now?

Her head lolled to one side. “Right,” she mumbled. “I will, I know.”

Startled, I waited for her to explain what she was talking about. Nix was lying there, her eyelids twitching. She's dreaming. I'd fucked her so good that, combined with the alcohol, she was out cold.

Shifting, she said softly, “I'll do it. Trust me. I do everything you ask, I always have.”

I hated the idea of waking her. Gently, I slid backwards, my shaft dragging inch by inch along her slickness. The sensation was delicious, I had to squeeze my eyes shut and bite my tongue to stay quiet. Dammit, she feels too good.

Finally I was free. Sighing, I tossed the condom into the trashcan near the bed. As carefully as I could, I peeled my blankets back. Guess she's staying the night, I thought, bemused.

Naked as she was, my room—weak to the December temperatures—proved to be too much. Her shivers were subtle, but I felt them through the mattress. Frowning, I tugged the blankets back, amazed she didn't wake up.

I'm getting all of my good deeds for the year out of the way. That was what I told myself as I covered her up, tucking the blankets firmly around her chin. Lying under them beside her, I kept watching the side of her face.

This bold woman... brave enough to stand up against a muscled brute, to protect an unknown person, and to insist the right thing be done in the aftermath.

A woman who had proved to be just as eager, as hungry, as I was.

The buzzing at the stem of my brain kept trying to tell me this was special. That she, this stranger, was special.

No.

She's like every other woman I've hooked up with.

That didn't sound true. But it was.

It had to be.

No one in this world was special. Everyone was out for themselves. People were selfish to their core, they always proved it in the end.

She's nobody.

With that on my mind, I drifted off to sleep.

Nix:

My mouth tasted like the bottom of a lake.

Groaning, I rolled over, rubbing my hand over my lips. What the hell did I eat? And why did my skull feel like someone had been jumping on it?

It must be from the rock concert.

As the black fog slipped off my brain, I remembered more about my evening. How I'd only gone to the show because my 'date' was supposed to meet me there. And, when he hadn't, I'd started to leave in anger.

Being stood up was awful. I didn't have time for dating with my busy work life, but I still tried occasionally. Dating sites were the only way I had of meeting men. But last night was just a reminder of what a waste it all was.

Wait. Last night.

Right. The girl getting assaulted, and me, deciding to get involved.

Twisting under the blankets, I felt my sore muscles. Was it all from defending... what was her name, Trish?

Chuckling at myself, I rolled onto my side. What was I doing, being all heroic? But she'd needed help. That guy was going to hurt her, I'd just known it. And no one else was stepping up!

No. That's not... entirely right, wait...

Blinking, I stared blearily around the room. Had my walls always been so white? No... My apartment was blue, what was going on?

Next to me, something moved. Then it grunted.

Clarity slammed into me like a train going off the tracks. This isn't my apartment.

Then this wasn't my bed!

I...

No.

I sat up, the blankets falling away and exposing my naked chest to the cool air. The motion split my brain in two, I grabbed my forehead and winced. I didn't have the luxury of feeling pain, not right then. I needed every brain cell, all of my focus, to make sense of what I was seeing.

There was a stranger lying next to me.

In a wavy mess, my memories came back. All of them. Every alcohol infused, sweaty, obscene and wild memory.

I never did hookups. It just wasn't me. But the combination of stress at work, stress from my parents, and the rejection of my no-show date, had left me wanting to act out.

Abell—his name was Abell, right?—had... I don't know, tempted me to let go. To have some fun, shake things out. Plus, he'd been my savior, shoving that potential rapist off of me.

It had helped that he was sexy as hell, too.

Now, sitting in those unfamiliar sheets in the early glow of morning, looking down on his sharp features, noting the string of condoms cluttering the floor...

I regretted everything.

I hooked up with someone who keeps that many condoms at the ready. Shit, why did the one person I decided to let loose with have to be a player?

Flushing, I covered my breasts, frantically looking for my clothes. I need to get out of here before he wakes up. Sliding out from under the covers, I touched my toes against something rough. My outfit!

Bending down, I gathered the clothes in my arms, my eyes fixed on Abell with paranoia. Starting to lean away, I wasn't aware of my surroundings; my hip connected with a small alarm clock on the nightstand.

The device tumbled free, clanking loudly on the floor. I slammed my palm over my mouth, as if the sound had come from inside of me. Then I saw the time blinking on the clock.

It's after eight? Oh fuck, fuck! I need to go, I don't even have time to go home and change, the company meeting... my parents are going to kill me!

“Morning,” a smooth, sultry voice said beside me.

Yanking the bundle of clothes to my neck, I stared at Abell. He was leaning back on the pillows, arms folded behind his head. He looked entirely too comfortable, his blue eyes twinkling warmly in the morning sun.

His torso was bare, hard muscles and rich ink drawing me back; forcing me to remember the night we'd had. The way he'd rolled over me, claiming every inch of my flesh until I was writhing, soaking, screaming—Stop stop stop! I warned myself.

Clearing my throat, I said, “Uh, morning.”

“Going somewhere?”

“I have to get to work,” I said quickly.

“And you decided to take my jeans as a souvenir?”

Baffled, I stared at the clothing I was using to hide my body. He was right, it was what he'd been wearing last night. Spotting my shirt in the far corner, I narrowed my eyes on Abell. “Look away, please.”

His face went blank. “Look away?”

“I'm naked,” I hissed, turning reddish-pink.

Abell smirked blatantly. “I noticed.”

I think I started to glow, I was so humiliated. “Just look away already!”

“But I saw you last night.” He paused. “All of you. Every inch, Sugar.”

Again, the memories came. His mouth on mine, his fingers burying between my legs.

Gritting my teeth, I lifted my head high and ignored him, walking over to my discarded outfit. I knew he was watching me, I could feel his eyes, but fine. Whatever. I didn't have time for games.

My parents are going to murder me for being late! That was worse than some guy staring at my bare ass. Though I was twenty-three, they both had a strong hold over my life. I guess that's what happens when you work for your mom and dad at one of the top consulting firms in the city.

I'd struggled and busted my hump since the first day I'd walked through those doors. It had been torture to juggle every meeting, every success, every failure. I'd never had time for a social life, but the lack of friends and loved ones would pay off.

When I'm the owner of the company, it'll all be worth it.

All of it.

First, though... I had to get to this damn meeting.

I didn't know why they were having it. My mother had called me last minute, just before I'd reached the concert, telling me I had to show up at nine today.

She could have told me why, I thought, shoving my legs through the holes of my pants. All week, she'd been harder on me—more likely to snap—than usual. It had left me drained, wanting to just break free and change it up.

And look where that got you, a stranger's bed. Way to go, Nix.

Twisting around, I buttoned up my top. Abell was still lounging, but while his body was relaxed, the hunger in his eyes warned of something else.

This guy didn't even try to hide what was on his mind. I'd never met someone like him. How the hell could he be so raw? Who had the energy for that kind of thing?

Still, I couldn't lie to myself; my belly was one big, creamy sensation. No one had ever looked at me with that much desire. Abell lived and breathed sex.

Maybe, in another time-line, I would have tossed my clothes off, ignored the meeting, and crawled back into bed with him for round two. But this wasn't a sci-fi movie, I hadn't discovered the ability to jump dimensions.

In this universe, I was someone with responsibilities. Goals.

None of those included indulging in a second pointless hookup.

“Which way is the metro?” I asked, wiggling into my heels.

“You're not even going to have breakfast with me?” He yawned, stretching so that every muscle on his chest rippled.

Yanking my gaze away, I tugged on my jacket and hurried towards the door. “The metro, just tell me.”

“You could at least give me your number.”

“I don't give out my number to people I barely know.”

“Gotcha. You just have sex with them.”

Freezing, I turned enough to scowl at him. His small smile teased me. “You're going to insult me, when you did the exact same thing last night?”

Abell's eyes twinkled like long lost stars. “Don't get upset, I didn't say it was a bad thing. One of the best qualities a woman can have is going after what she wants.”

Dammit. Fuck this guy.

Staying silent, I ripped open his front door, exposing the hallway of the apartment building. Behind me, Abell spoke with a bored tone. “To the right.”

I blinked and looked over my shoulder. “What?”

“The metro. Take a right when you leave.”

He was helping me now? After busting my lady-balls? I wasn't sure how to take that. Reevaluating him, I placed my hand on the edge of the doorway. “Thanks.”

Straightening up on the bed, he let the blanket slip down his body. The soft curls of hair dusting his pelvis revealed before my eyes.

It was clearly intentional. Helplessly I glanced there, then back to his face. He arched one eyebrow. “You can thank me by climbing back into bed. There was a lot I wanted to try with you last night, it's a shame I never got to.”

Burning like the sun, I clenched the doorway. “And you never will.”

“No?” Abell laughed, placing his hand over the blanket between his thighs. Slowly, he caressed the growing shape of his morning wood. “Sweetheart, remember where I live. You'll want to know when you get that craving for more, and I'd hate for you to forget where you need to go to quench your mad thirst.”

Heat throbbed in my lower belly. Biting my tongue, I spun around. “Believe me, we're never going to see each other again.”

“Want to bet on it?”

“Yes,” I laughed humorlessly. “I'll take that bet.”

Abell winked, jerking himself through the blankets faster. “Mmn. What do I get when I win this bet?”

Rolling my eyes, I said, “On the impossible chance I see you again, I'll buy you dinner.”

“Careful,” he groaned, grinding into his palm lewdly. “I'm not a cheap date.”

My whole face was on fire. Could he be anymore obscene? “Thanks for the evening, it was almost good. Almost.” Though I slammed the door, I could still hear him laughing through the wall.

Asshole.

How dare he act like I couldn't resist him? What an egotistical prick!

I don't have time for this, I reminded myself.

I had a meeting to be late for.

****

Rushing through the glass doors of the building, I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflective walls. My hair was all over, makeup stained the circles under my eyes; I was a damn mess.

I'd decided I definitely didn't have time to get changed, I was late enough as is. Grumbling, I straightened my shirt, then ran my fingers through my hair. My parents are going to lose their minds.

Rounding a corner, I spotted a familiar face at the end of the hall. “Gram!” I said, waving at my brother—technically half-brother—frantically.

Gram always gave me the impression of a coiled spring. He was uptight, a little anxious—and I understood. I'd experienced the rough side of our family, but Gram... well. He'd always had it harder.

Being the product of an affair is never easy.

“Nicky,” he said, pushing off the wall. He glanced at the nearby door, the way into the meeting room, then to me. “Where the hell have you been?”

“I'm sorry!” I groaned, brushing my palms on my pants. “It was... something just came up.” The word 'up' conjured the image of Abell's cock flexing towards the sky, thick and delicious and...

Holy shit focus, you damn nympho. Is this what happened when you got laid for the first time in forever? How did you detox from sex?

Shaking his head, Gram reached out to smooth some strands of hair on my scalp. “They're inside, waiting for you.”

The unsaid sentence was there in the air. I was part of this, but not Gram.

He'd never been allowed in any of the company meetings.

Though he worked here, my brother was treated worse than a regular employee. He had no perks, no real bonuses for being related to my dad. Gram was tolerated at best, part of my father's guilt, and drenched in the shame of how he'd come into existence.

My mother flat out hated him.

I'd been surprised when he chose to work for us, but over time, I'd understood. Jobs were hard to come by in today's market, and Gram had never gotten a degree; his mother couldn't afford to put him through college, and my father refused to help.

Even with the emotional abuse he took, Gram stayed here because he actually loved what he did. Something about the act of problem solving the company finances really left him proud. That counted for something.

Inhaling deeply, I stepped towards the door. “Anything else I should know?”

I could have sworn that something flashed across his face. “Just get in there before they implode.”

Grinning, I soothed my nerves as much as I could... and entered the room.

The long, dark pine table—capable of holding fifteen people—contained only three. My mother, looking ever more tense, my father with his constant frown, and a man I'd only ever seen on the covers of magazines.

Corin Birch.

He looked the same age as my dad, but there were far less wrinkles across his face. Striking blue eyes, richly tan skin, I was sure he was quite the catch when he was younger. Maybe he still was, silver foxes had their appeal.

They all turned to me at once, reminding me just how empty the room was. Wasn't this supposed to be a hugely important meeting? A hard pit grew in my guts. Shouldn't the share holders be here, or the managers, or just... anyone else?

“Nichole,” my mother said, not muting her exasperation. “Where have you been?”

I hated when she used my full first name. “I got caught in traffic,” I lied casually. Flicking a quick look at Corin, I slid into a chair next to my father. “Sorry about being late.”

“Thirty minutes late,” my dad sighed.

My lips pulled into a forced smile. Be professional. “Right, I'm sorry to make you all wait. Especially you, Mr. Birch. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

Corin chuckled, a thickly rich sound. “She's so much like you, Gabby,” he said, eyeing my mother. “That same charming mask when she's trying to impress someone.” His sly smirk was oddly familiar.

That comment struck me as rude, and out of place. My mother shifted in her seat, not looking at me. “Mr. Birch,” she said flatly. “How much longer do we have to wait for your son to arrive?”

His son?

Corin's smile twitched. “I'm sure Abram is on his way. We already waited half an hour, what's a bit more?”

“Excuse me,” I said, lifting my hands and spreading my fingers. “Your son is coming here?” I'd only ever heard about Corin Birch's son, but the rumors weren't very flattering.

Reckless, alcoholic, arrogant with an addiction to wild sex...

I didn't want to meet Abram, why would my parents want to?

My dad kept his gaze on the tabletop. “We'll explain everything once he's arrived.”

I laughed warily. “I thought this was a business meeting, but everyone is acting strange. Where are all the other execs, what's really going on here?”

“Calm down, Nichole,” my mother hissed.

Palming my forehead, I looked straight at Corin. He had his fingers steepled patiently in front of him. “Mr. Birch, please, can you explain what's going on here?”

Before he could answer, the door opened.

Twisting, I looked at the man who swayed—swayed—into the meeting. He had his thumbs hooked in his pockets, a leather belt enhancing the fitness of his lower stomach. I could see his muscles through his shirt and open jacket. The sun that filtered past the windows turned the blue of his eyes into crystals.

Comfortable, calm, and undeniably handsome.

Abram Birch.

Abell.

The man I'd hooked up with last night.

Oh shit, I thought, meeting his surprised stare.

Abell paused, recognizing me and obviously not expecting to. Slow as fresh honey, a smile spread over his face. “Well, hey there.”

Everyone was watching me. A fierce blush rolled up my neck. “You're Corin Birch's son? You?”

Fuck fuck fuck what the hell had I done.

Corin made a gruff noise. “Glad you could make it, Abram.”

“No problem,” he said. “I thought I'd have something to... keep me busy this morning, but that didn't pan out.” He hadn't stopped looking at me since he'd entered. Even now, he kept watching me as he answered his father.

My heart was in overdrive; I couldn't breathe. Torn between feeling humiliated or furious, I bit my tongue and squeezed my knees. Everything was spinning, my world wobbly.

Why did it have to be him that I'd hooked up with?

And why the hell were we all here!?

“Have a seat,” Corin said. “Then we can get started.”

Putting his hand on a chair across from me, Abell slid into it. “You could have started without me. You never needed me at any of your meetings before.”

Corin glanced at him, his eyes hard. “I need you this time.”

My father rocked side to side uncomfortably. “Let's get this over with.”

“Get what over with?” I asked, breaking my silence.

Holding a hand over her mouth, my mother breathed out loudly. Then she opened her briefcase, placing a stack of papers on the table between her and Corin. “You explain it,” she mumbled.

This was all wrong. I'd been to many meetings for our company, and not once had everything been so private or tense. This felt as if I'd stumbled into something... dangerous.

Corin pulled the papers closer, flipping them, reading the tiny words. “You don't want to be the one to explain to your daughter what her choices are?”

I leaned closer. “Choices? What's written in there, what's happening?”

“Mr. Birch—Corin,” my mother hissed. “Please. Don't drag this out.”

“Fine. As you wish.” He lifted his eyes, fixing them on me. “Miss Halloway,” he said, “Tell me, how long have you worked for your parents' company?”

Under the table, something touched my foot. I startled, realizing it was Abell's shoe. He was trying to rub my ankle.

Eyeballing him with a warning, he winked, clearly not bothered by my irritated frown. Ignoring him, I said to his father, “I've legally worked here since I was seventeen. But I've been here constantly since I was a child, doing anything they wanted—anything they'd let me.”

Corin's smile was indulgent. “So you enjoyed working here?”

“Of course!” Nothing felt more satisfying than figuring out what another company needed to increase their success. Marketing was a game, but it had rules and I'd ingrained those rules after years of hard work. Some of my tension melted as I dipped into this familiar territory. “It's how I spend all of my time. It's my life.”

“And,” he went on, “You expected that someday, you'd take over? Inherit all of this, being an only child?”

I wasn't technically an only child, but Gram had no chance of inheriting anything.

Scrunching up my eyebrows, I asked, “Wait, 'expected?' That's what's going to happen.” Paranoia raced through my blood. I stared at my parents. “Right? I... that's my future, isn't it? CEO of Halloway Inc?”

They said nothing.

I let my tone get louder. “That's what you always told me. Talk to me. Tell me what's going on—why is he asking about my future?”

Abell rocked back in his chair, but he was no longer smiling. All of us were feeling the heaviness in the air.

“Nix,” my dad whispered. “Let him finish.” His face was pale.

Sweat poured down my neck, I looked back at Corin expectantly. He slid the papers to me, nodding at them. “Miss Halloway, you'll find your answers in there.”

Turning the stack around, I read the words. “This is a contract,” I said slowly, reading deeper as I flipped the pages. “It says that... no. It can't be.” In disbelief, I gawked at my parents. “You sold the majority of the company to Birch Industries? To him? Why didn't you tell me?”

My mother's lips were fiercely puckered. “It was over twenty years ago. We needed the money Corin had, or we would have gone completely under.”

Abell's chair creaked as he adjusted in it. “Why is this only coming up now?”

I had the same question. Staring at Corin, I bent to read further. What I came across in that document made me start laughing. I knew I sounded unhinged, but I didn't care. The contents of that contract were pure insanity.

“This is a joke,” I said, smiling in a way that never reached my eyes. “You're all messing with me.”

“No,” Corin said. “It's not a joke. Not even a little bit.”

Waving the papers, I tossed them at Abell. “Read that. Go on, read what it says.” A joke, I told myself firmly. A giant fucking joke.

Abell turned the pages, and when he reached what was making me laugh, he froze. “This is a joke. It says her and I are supposed to—”

“Get married!” I cut him off, pushing my chair away from the table. “Isn't that hilarious? They expect me to marry you, of all people, so that your father will return the majority ownership to my parents!”

Insanity. Ridiculous.

I couldn't, even for a second, allow myself to think this was real.

My mother pinched the bridge of her nose. “That's what I agreed to when he loaned us the money. Corin wants you to marry his son and give him a grandchild.”

“It's a giant fucking joke,” I nearly shouted.

She scowled and said, “Don't overreact.”

“Overreact!” Throwing my hands up, I looked at them one by one. “You're trying to tell me that after all these years of killing myself for this company, years of working with the expectation that I'd take it over someday, that now I could lose everything, and you want me to not overreact?”

My mother shut her eyes, saying nothing.

Corin sighed. “Miss Halloway, this is all very real, and all very serious.”

“Fine,” I said, crossing my arms. “This contract is impossible to enforce. You can't make people marry each other or get pregnant! This isn't the eighteen-hundreds.”

He nodded. “True. I can't force you to marry Abell. However, you're deciding your fate—and the fate of everyone working for this company. Marry him, give me a grandchild, or watch as I absorb this company and remove everyone you know and care for from its property. Including you and your family.”

Cold prickles grew along my spine.

He was serious.

This would change everything about my world.

Lifting my chin, I stared Corin down. Then, I turned towards his son; the man I'd slept with last night. A man everyone here expected me to sleep with again. Marriage? A baby? That wasn't the future I'd been chasing.

But if I didn't agree, they'd rob me of the one thing I'd run myself into the ground for.

Not just me. My parents...

And Gram.

What was I supposed to do?

“You,” I said, gesturing at Abell. “You're being really quiet. Aren't you upset? This affects you, too. Don't you realize that?”

His eyebrows went up. “I'm not stupid, of course I know it affects me.”

Suspicion infected me. “Did you know this was going to happen?” He didn't act like he recognized me last night, or this morning, but...

Abell curled his lip in disgust. “I had no fucking clue.”

“Then say something! Tell me what you're thinking!”

“About which part?” he asked, tilting his head. “The bit where I'm supposed to marry you, or the part where, if I don't, I lose nothing?”

I opened my mouth, but Corin spoke first. “You misunderstand, Abell. If you don't marry her, I'll happily cut off your access to my money. It's about time you learned to stand on your own, anyway.”

Shock burned through Abell's expression. “Is that so? How fucking considerate of you.”

My sourness was briefly relieved by Abell's situation. Good, let him see how it feels to be threatened. I didn't want to delight in his misfortune, but it was nice to have someone in the same shoes as me.

“You're awful,” I said softly, seething. “All of you. How can you plan my future like this? How can you just decide I'm supposed to marry a guy like... like him?” I threw my arm out to indicate the tattooed man.

Abell's lips slid into a neutral line. “A guy like me?” Then, a wicked smirk took over his face. “Why do you think 'a guy like me,' who can have any woman, would want to marry you?”

Tensing up, I felt my jaw drop open. He wouldn't want to marry me? Don't think about what he said, that's not important! What did I care if he rejected me? I wasn't marrying anyone! I had dreams, goals, so much to do...

And settling down to pop out babies wasn't in my cards.

Breathing in sharply, I stood out of my seat. “I'm done with this. I'm not going to sit here and let you turn me into some brood mare.”

“Nix,” my father gasped, reaching for me. “Think about what you're doing! If you don't agree to marry him, we'll lose everything!”

I knew he was right, but the disgust—the rage inside of me—was burning away any part of me that could be patient enough to debate this. “I can't agree to anything,” I snapped. “Not here, not without—I don't know, some time to think!”

My mother spoke, but her eyes stayed on her lap. “If you'd read the contract closer, you'd see you have time. Nothing is final until the day of the wedding passes.”

“The day of the wedding,” I laughed bitterly. “Great. Fantastic. When is that?”

“One month from tomorrow,” Corin said calmly.

One month.

That was all I had.

Abell lifted his hand in the air. “Isn't that sort of fast?”

I grabbed the door handle, shoulders hunched. Again, my father called out to me. “Where are you going?”

Gritting my teeth, I glared at him. “I already said I wasn't going to sit here while you guys wrapped me up like a present to hand over to a manwhore like him!”

Abell didn't hide the low boil of distaste that filled his glare. What I'd said or how I'd said it, I'd managed to piss him off.

Let him be mad, I thought firmly. It was his family that had set out to ruin my life.

They thought they could force my hand, but I wasn't going to let anyone choose my future.

Without looking back, I slammed the door on all of them.