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For all the sleepy girls out there who can’t seem to shut off their brains.
Elio Reynolds—my best friend from childhood and half-willing sober companion—is a well-renowned sex worker. It’s not something he enjoys bragging about, but he does make decent money doing it.
For some reason, our newest athletic trainer, Harper Reynolds, is riding my ass harder than the rest of the team. And not in a good way.
lol she’s backing up Elio
She’s in her element now, confidence radiating from head to toe—from her wide smile to her self-assured posture to the notable pep in her step. She’s a fucking vision, isn’t she?
“Well, I’m sure you killed it. You’re gonna top your girl Kaia, no doubt.” “I’d definitely fucking like to,” I say, grinning at the innuendo that’s slipped right over poor Rai Rai’s head. “That’s one thing I know for sure.”
“You know what? Fine. As embarrassing as this is, I’m looking for a hookup tonight. If you have any friends that aren’t total jerks, I’d be down for a setup.” At her request, there’s an uncomfortable pinching sensation in my chest. For some reason, I’m rattled by the thought of her hooking up with one of my teammates. It’s not because I want her for myself—to date her or anything like that—but it’s just the principle of the matter. Kaia Karras is mine to fuck with.
“He’s in trouble,” I offer by way of explanation. “Moi?” Rai presses an open palm to his chest, eyes widening in faux surprise. “Whatever for?” “Don’t play coy,” I playfully scold, lips rolling together. “You sent me straight into the lion’s den.” His sly grin widens. “But he’s such a friendly lion.”
“Do you need a ride?” My brow arches as I rear back. “What?” “A ride?” He assesses me with a smug smirk. “You know, the thing where you get in my car and I drive you home.” “Haven’t you been drinking?” “Water,” he says earnestly, forming a quick cross over his chest. “That’s it.” I eye him suspiciously. “Why are you being nice to me?” “Feel like mixing it up.”
“If I’m way off base right now, just tell me,” he continues, caramel eyes flashing with contrition. “Hand to God, I won’t bother you again.” “What do you mean?” “I won’t approach you,” he says softly, seriously. “I won’t speak to you unless I’m spoken to. In fact, I won’t even give you a second look if that’s what you want from me.” My shoulders slump. “Oh.” “Is that what you want, Kaia?” “No.” My throat’s filled with gravel, the jagged shards burning through me as I swallow. “No, that’s not what I want.”
She may not want me to completely disappear from her life, but I still don’t know where that leaves us for now. But what I do know, without a doubt, is that there’s a part of her that’s inexplicably drawn to me. The same way I’ve been drawn to her for the past three years.
What’s something carefree and weightless? Something that can help me drift off to sleep at a reasonable hour. Like a light in the darkness, my thoughts unwillingly stray to Holden.
I miss teasing her, making her laugh despite herself, riling her up like usual.
I know we left things on a shitty note, but a part of me wants to show her how fucking hard I work outside of class. That I’m not just the rich, spoiled asshole she thinks I am.
I want someone who wouldn’t let my family steamroll her. Someone who’s fiercely independent and who can handle my hockey career. She needs to have ambition, drive, a sharp mind, and an even sharper wit. And she’s not just someone’s fucking arm candy, that’s for damn sure. If I really wanted to torture myself, I might admit that my description sounds a hell of a lot like a girl I already know . . . one who won’t even bother to look at me right now.
“And did you really think I’d show up? Come congratulate you on your big win? Maybe this time, you could call me a brat in front of all your friends.” “Actually, I was just hoping you’d call me baby again.”
“You know, I missed you last week.” “What?” “I missed talking to you,” he admits, his gaze intense. “This ignoring shit you’ve been doing? Yeah, it doesn’t really work for me.” I’m momentarily speechless. Honestly, I assumed that he didn’t care either way if we talked. “Holden,” I murmur softly, uncertain of what else to say. “Kaia.” He parrots my tone. “Look, if you’re pissed at me, then just tell me. Fight with me. Yell at me. But don’t shut me out. I don’t like seeing you everywhere, knowing that you’re just gonna look the other way.”
Hell, I straight up admitted that I missed her last week. That I want her in my life, despite our constant bickering. And maybe she feels the same spark that I do. Or maybe I’m inventing something more between us inside my head. So yeah, she makes my dick hard. But there’s something deeper here, too. I’m drawn to her ambition. Her intelligence. Kaia has always been driven and focused and dedicated, and I find all of those qualities incredibly fucking sexy.
Text me when you get home, please.” “As you wish, Daddy.” Her eyes widen, and she shudders, feigning a gag at her own suggestive comment. “Oh, God. Please pretend I never said that.” I allow the corners of my mouth to curl up into a self-satisfied grin. “Couldn’t erase it from my brain even if I tried.”
“You must know I want you, Karras,” I admit, my heart hammering in my ears. “I’ve wanted you for as long as I can remember. And if you’re looking for just one night, then count me in.”
“You still think I don’t like you?” I lean back, running a frustrated hand through my hair. “Kaia, I fucking adore you.” Her brow furrows. “What?” “I admire the hell out of you. I think you’re smart, funny, witty, beautiful.” I stop myself before I get truly carried away. “There’s never a dull moment when we’re around each other.”
I never thought I had a real shot at spending a night with her, other than in my wildest dreams. In my mind, she’s always been taken. This forbidden fruit—just something pretty to look at, pine over, and then forget about. But ever since I found out the truth, it’s like a switch flipped inside my brain. Now, I feel like I have to have her.
“It’s been a long time since anyone’s touched me,” she whispers, her voice laced with vulnerability. “Don’t worry, baby,” I murmur, sliding my hands up her firm thighs. “I’ll be so fucking good to you.”
“Please, just make me come already,” she whines, her voice full of need. It’s intoxicating—the way she wants this so fucking badly. “God, you’re so hot when you’re desperate.” “Oh, shut up, Beck.” “Even hotter when you pretend not to like me.”
“Who said anything about sex? I can make you come in a thousand different ways that don’t involve sticking my cock in your pussy.”
“Karras,” I murmur, my voice low and soft. “Let me try again for you. Let me be that guy.” She blinks, her gaze flicking up to meet mine. “That guy?” she echoes. “If you’re struggling, I wanna be the guy you call for help. The one who can make you forget about everything else and just . . . be in the moment.” There’s a long, stilted silence, the air between us heavy with unspoken tension. Finally, she speaks again, her tone teasing. “So, what you’re saying is that you want to be my last resort?” A smirk tilts my lips. “As long as I’m your something.”
If she’s looking for the key to unlock her problems, then I’m exactly what she fucking needs. It’s undeniable.
I sigh as she turns and walks away, feeling like a lost puppy while she disappears from view. Everything in me wants to chase after her, to make things right, and to take away some of her frustration. But for now, all I can do is stand there and watch.
Kaia are you up? Holden I’ll be there in 20
“I’m the one who practically begged for this, Karras,” he says, pinning me with a harsh look. “Besides, if things get complicated, we’ll deal with it as it comes.” “Okay.” I tilt my head, feeling a small sliver of relief. “Agreeing to this means I’m putting my trust in you. You know that, right?” “I know.” His eyes light up with determination as he flashes me a smile. “And I can promise you, you won’t regret it.”
“I can’t touch you?” I ask, outraged. “Tonight is just for you, Karras,” he says firmly. “But this is for me,” I protest, desperate to feel his hard cock in my hands. “No,” he denies me again, and I feel a surge of frustration mixed with excitement. “I’m gonna make you come. At least three times in a row, and then you’re gonna go right to sleep like a good fucking girl.”
“Well, I did have my face buried between your legs for the last two weekends, so I’m just wondering when or if you wanted that to happen again.” She lets out a displeased groan, shaking her head. “Okay, I’m gonna pretend that you just asked me a normal question for once. You want to define the parameters of our sexual relationship?” “Wow, you make it sound so sexy.”
“So, would you say your stress levels are doin’ okay this week, then? No trouble sleeping?” I work my lower lip between my teeth, craving another quick fix. “I, uh, think I might have a little trouble, actually. Tonight?” His lips curl into a smirk. “Hm, and I might have a remedy.” “Nine o’clock, Becker. Don’t be late.” He leans in close, breath hot against my ear. “Wouldn’t fuckin’ dream of it.”
“You sure about this?” “I’m sure. I asked you to come over again, didn’t I?” A wide grin spreads across my face. “Yeah, you did. But it doesn’t hurt to ask twice.” “Stop being so fucking considerate,” she says, grabbing my face and pulling me back in for another kiss.
These moments between us are fucking radiant, aren’t they? But even still, I can’t help but want more.
“Tell me you want me, Karras. Beg for it.” The words come out low and rough, and she shivers under my touch. Her eyes widen, and for a moment, she hesitates. But then she leans into me, lips brushing against mine as she whispers back, “I want you, Beck. I need you.”
“We’re not friends.” “You’re right.” I let out a humorless chuckle. “I don’t often lick my friends’ pussies. So yeah, we’re a little fucking more than that now, aren’t we?” “Beck.” “Say it, Kaia,” I demand, voice ragged. “Or you’re gonna end up fucking yourself tonight.” “Fine. Fuck.” She pinches her eyes closed, takes a deep breath, then, “Okay, I like you.” My lip quirks. “And?” “And I always fucking have,” she grumbles, yanking my head back down. “Now, stop using your mouth for talking, and let it do what it’s best at.” “Always the romantic.”
I can’t help but recognize that there’s something deeper brewing between us. Something addictive. But for now, I’m content to appreciate these small moments, in the feeling of her pulse beating against me and the knowledge that—for at least a little while longer—she’s mine.
Kaia what’s with the candy? Holden just something to sweeten your day. besides, it’s all I had in my pocket. well, that and another condom but it didn’t quite hit the same Kaia you really know how to make a girl feel special Holden thought you might eat it and think of me. you know, something else to fill your mouth with Kaia gross Holden you’re welcome
“Are you just being rude because you don’t feel good, and it’s making you cranky?” I ask, effectively stopping her in her tracks. “Or is this your half-assed attempt to push me away?” “Excuse me?” I raise a challenging brow. “You heard me.”
I’m so glad he didn’t let her push him away
“Come on, Karras. Go home,” I plead, making one last attempt to cajole her. “I’ll be by this afternoon with some soup and shit.” “Don’t you dare.” “What are you gonna do about it, Sneezy? Fight me?” “I hate you,” she scoffs, but her eyes betray the truth. “No,” I say with a grin. “You don’t.”
“I hear flowers always make girls feel better.” “So, you got me a potted plant.” “Well, I was gonna get you a bouquet of roses,” I say with a smirk. “You know, thorns, since you’re so damn prickly. But I figured this lasts longer. Besides, I already know you love the color purple.” “And how would you know that?” she asks, surprise coating her tone. “You used to rock a big purple clip in your hair.” “Freshman year?” she asks, incredulous. I scratch the back of my neck. “Yeah, I think so.” “I haven’t worn my hair up in a claw clip for over two years.” She scrunches her nose, sniffling again.
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“You’re so bossy,” I grumble. “I thought you liked bossy.” “Only in certain circumstances,” I say, my cheeks flushing as I set my bowl on the coffee table. His grin widens. “Ah, you mean when you have my cock in your mouth.”
“If it wasn’t obvious by now—I kinda give a shit about you, Karras.” I tense up in his arms. “Ah, I see.” “And I think you give a shit about me, too.” “Yeah,” I quietly, hesitantly agree. “Yeah, maybe I do.”
K, Hope you’re feeling better. Did you know that you snore like an old man? Very sexy. Get some rest and I’ll check in later. H
It’s difficult to admit, but I’m grateful for his ever-growing presence in my life. For the comfort he provided me when I was sick, for the way he refused to let me push him away. It’s a strange feeling, but a good one.
“I’m sorry, baby,” I say, rubbing my thumb in small circles on her inner thigh. She rolls her eyes, shifts her body closer against my touch. “Not your baby.” “You are when we’re alone.”
think you still deserve to be punished.” “Oh,” she murmurs, gulping low in her throat. Without another word, she pushes up from the couch, bolting down the hallway. It’s difficult not to smile as I watch her run, her poorly concealed laughter echoing around the apartment. I easily catch up to her in the bedroom, tackling her onto the bed and pinning her to the mattress, shoving both hands above her head. “You’re not getting away that easily,” I say, grinning down at her. “Please, no,” she says, still laughing. This time, it’s full, unbridled, a small symphony of giggles that escape her until
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I know this isn’t what we agreed on, but it’s what we were meant for—two halves of a dysfunctional whole.
I want to wake up with her in the mornings and not have to worry about whether or not I crossed a line. I want to take care of her when she’s sick and not have to practically force her into letting me. I want to fight with her and not have to fear that she’ll never speak to me again. I want security. Trust. To be the one person she comes to when she’s in need.
“Hey, man,” I greet him, plopping down beside him on the couch. “Hypothetically speaking, what does it mean if a girl you’ve been sleeping with suddenly asks you to stay the night?” He looks up at me, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It depends.” “On what?” “On whether or not the girl in question is Kaia Karras,” he says, a smirk spreading across his annoying face. “Rai, you don’t need to use the girl’s full name,” I say, rolling my eyes. “She’s not a fucking celebrity.” “She is in this house,” he retorts, not missing a beat.
