The Four Leaf

by Lee Jacquot

Somewhere between all that, and a crap ton of other memories embedded around this place, I fell for him. I mean, how could I not? He was everywhere, in everything.

“You are such a cunt, Will,” I hiss through my teeth, twirling on my heels, my hands gripping the clipboard so tight it squeaks under the pressure. “I have one, and I like to lick them, but I’m not one, Sam. Have fun upstairs!” my sister calls after me, and I have to really fight the urge not to flip her off.

“Hey, Adrian,” I breathe. “Hey, Sammy.”

“Like you were going to kiss me.” Adrian’s eyes flash to my lips, then back up. “Would you have let me?” “What?” I’m not sure the words are audible until he shifts his weight and moves forward. “I’m curious. Would you have let me?”

My Stinky Sam.

Samantha bends at the knee and checks under the cabinet. Her loose ponytail has fallen, spilling over her soiled white blouse. Forbidden visuals flash through my mind, and it takes too long for me to reel them in. Flushed skin. Quick breathing. Trembling on the edge. Fuck.

Her laugh echoes down the hallway with words I never thought I’d hear. “Yes, sir. Whatever you say.” Oh, Bambi. If only.

I empty out the four trash bins and replace the bags. He was just being friendly. I fill up the two ice buckets and dump them into the reservoirs. He’s being a good friend and helping out. I replenish the empty shelves, wipe down the counters, and haul the dishes to the back. He doesn’t look at you like that. He’s your best friend, for fuck’s sake.

“Bambi, we both know you will never win a game with me. Wherever you hide, I will find you.”

“You know what I think, Sam? I think you like it when I chase you. And even more so when I find you.”

“Didn’t say you were, but clearly, you’re having a bit of trouble processing. You experienced a little more sexual liberation and you don’t know what to make out of it. But let me ask you this...” She leans over the bar, narrowing her eyes as she draws closer. I suck in air and hold it, unsure what to expect. “Did you like it?” The air escapes as my lips part, my mind floating back to every sound and movement he made. The ache and desire coil low in my stomach, telling me just how badly I liked it. My voice is barely above a whisper. “Yes.”

“No one touches you, Bambi. Not without your consent.” Adrian nods to Willow, who smiles and starts making what I assume is his regular drink. He turns to the side and places one forearm on the bar and the other hand on the back of my chair. His hazel eyes burn a trail up my frame until he reaches my face, to which he grins. “And I’m the only one who gets to massage your feet.”

“Why’d you run from me, Sam?” I suck in a breath, but it’s too thin, forcing me to clear my throat. He’s near my ear now, his warm breath tickling the fine hairs on top. I’m grateful he can’t see my mouth open and close twice before I find the right words. “I wasn’t meant to see that. It was an invasion of a very private moment.” I can hear the grin on his face as he speaks. “If you weren’t meant to see it, don’t you think I would have stopped?”

What’s finally happening. After a torturous pause, he says it. “Are you bothered by the fact I have to think of you to come?”

“Once I find you, there’s no going back. It will change everything. So I advise you to choose your spot wisely, Bambi.”

My entire chest vibrates as I check the time on my phone. It’s only been two minutes since she took off, but the anticipation–the pull–is killing me. It’s a deep-seated hunger that will only be satisfied when the prey is in my hands. When her body is beneath mine, submissive and writhing with want.

She will be my greatest hunt yet, and if I have it my way, she’ll be my last.

“Now, for my secret.” He smiles, silencing the alarm and slipping the phone back into his front pocket. “I want to know what my name sounds like when you come.”

“You’re so fucking gorgeous, and I…” he trails off, falling to his knees. “Am fucking starving.”

“Do you hear that? You’re so fucking wet, Sam. So fucking perfect.”