Page 12 of The Player

Julie’s hands move along my back, and I turn to her. Looking down at her, I can see the tears in her eyes. “If you knew who I was, you’d probably not be here with me.”

Goddamn. How can she think like that? “I’m honored to be with you.”

That’s all I say as I turn and see the creep looking at Julie. He knows who she is. Her voice is way too unique for him now. “What the fuck are you staring at?” I demand as my fuse for staying calm shrinks quickly.

Julie walks around me and out of the closet. Her body needs to be near mine now. Ju-Ju looks back at me as the guy stutters. “Ju…just making sure everyone is following protocol.”

“Then stop staring,” I growl, and Julie giggles. God, it’s been forever since I’ve heard her beautiful laughter in person.

Taking her hand, I guide her toward the ballroom, but she tugs on my hand. “Let…let’s go somewhere quiet.”

My cock is in total agreement with this plan. My brain, not so much. The little sliver of consciousness I have is begging me to tell her who I am, but I don’t.

CHAPTER SEVEN

What am I doing? My heart races as I take him away from the ball. This isn’t like me, but I want one night. Just one night to feel desired and wanted. And this man makes me feel like I’m a princess. Someone special and needed.

“I…” My adventurous moment stops the second we are out in the cool night air. I begin to shake, worried I won’t go through with this, but I don’t have time to think. He pulls me to him, stopping us.

“It’s going to be alright,” he whispers and kisses me. “Stop overthinking.” As we look into each other’s eyes, I feel as if I know this person.

A smile pops out and I nod. “Alright.” Running a hand along his chest, I desperately want to take the mask off his face, but keeping it on is too important. It’s a security net for both of us.

Feeling bold, I pull his head down to mine and lick his lips. He groans, “Goddamn, Sugar Plum.” His hoarse whisper about does me in.

“I want you.” The words come out shyly, belying the way I’m kissing him, demanding he play with my tongue.

He chuckles and pulls back. “I know and the feeling is mutual. How much further to your dorm room?”

“It’s across the campus.”

“Too fucking far.” He growls at me, and I tremble.

“I…I have a vehicle.” A blush pops out on my cheeks. How cliche is it that I’m likely about to lose my virginity in the back of a vehicle?

“You aren’t having sex with me in a vehicle.” His voice is getting raspier. “Come on.”

We walk at a clipped pace toward the dorms, my heart skipping along with my footsteps. This is happening. Giving myself a pep talk, I tell myself not to chicken out. To not make this awkward for myself or the guy that I’m lusting after.

“Did…did I upset you?” My worry that I’m inadequate or not enough is starting to rear its ugly head. I hate this feeling.

“Oh, Sugar Plum, no.” He pushes me against the wall of the nearest building, prying my legs apart with his thigh. “You feel this? It’s for you, sweet one, and if I don’t get in you, I may go nuts.”

“Can I know your name?” It seems like this is something I should know if I’m going to be having sex with them.

“James.” He nibbles on my right earlobe, licking the pulse beneath it. Little sparks of need go off inside of me, and I whimper.

“Julie.” My voice comes out breathy as if I had been running.

“Now stop stalling, Julie. Tonight, you’re mine.”

The way he claims my mouth before I can tell him anything different is so hot. James turns me on more than I ever thought I would be able to get turned on by anyone other than Aaron.

Ducking under his arm, I move into the dorm and float to my room. I’m so glad I’m on the first floor because going upstairs right now would be too far.

James must feel the same because he doesn’t even let the door close before he’s on me, pinning me against the door and running his hands all over my body.

He turns me around and I’m breathless. What’s he doing? I wish I knew more about sex than I do, but I don’t. My breathing hitches as he unzips the side zipper of my dress, and his lips find my exposed neck.

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