Page 15 of Shadowed Whispers

“Well, it just so happens that Tori’s mom is the chief of police,” Amanda chirps, and I do mean chirps. Honestly, if I get her under me, I’ll have to use a ball gag. Her voice is way too annoying. Better yet, I’ll just focus on the redhead. Once again, when I look at her, it isn’t her I see, but another, which is weird. I’m not sure if I like it.

“So you’re telling me we can get back on the island after the bridge closes?” I just want to double-check, because I’m not about to sleep in an alley with a bunch of rats. Of course, there are alternate ways to get back on the island, but those are for worst-case scenarios.

“Of course,” Chloe says, “ask Tori yourself.”

The friend in question stops in front of us, barely out of breath, and begins stretching. “My mom gave me a key to the boom,” she says, obviously hearing our conversation. She shrugs as though it’s no big deal. “I always have a key.” Good to know.

“So are you in?” Chloe presses.

I look at Matteo, raising a brow. His nostrils flare. Clearly, he doesn’t want to go, but he will if I do because he won’t leave me with unknown people. He’s far too protective to let that happen.

“In.” I look back at the girls.

Amanda squeals again. What do I have to do to get her to stop squawking?

“Perfect,” Chloe purrs. “Meet us in the student parking lot in one hour.”

“Done.” I clap Teo on the shoulder. “See you later, girls, and please wear something slutty.” I waggle my eyebrows for good measure because I love a girl who’s dressed provocatively. The thrill of the night ahead sends a shiver through me.

Teo grabs my shirt, dragging me away. “They have horrible vibes,” he grumbles.

“Who cares if they are down to fuck?” I state, tossing the ball back and forth in my hands.

“I care,” he grumbles.

“Aww.” I shoulder tap him. “You love me.”

“You test my patience.” Now he’s growling. “I’d rather not go.”

“I’d rather go.” We enter the locker rooms, and I toss the ball into the large storage bin. Steam wafts to us as the showers run. Half the team is already gone, rushing to get out and enjoy the weekend. Heading to the lockers we chose, I turn to Teo. “Come on, you’ll have fun.”

Teo just gives me a dark look, one I’m accustomed to seeing on him.

“Please.” I pout, whipping off my shirt and tossing it into the locker. His eyes dip lower until he looks at the outline of my cock.

Tilting his head to the side, he looks away before tugging off his own shirt. “Ground rules.”

Win! “Name them.”

“Don’t fuck with the redhead,” he says.

“Aww, come on.” I toe off my shoes, really wanting to socialize. He’s my adopted introvert.

“No,” he says.

“Give me one good reason why.” I cross my arms and glare at him.

“Vibes.” That’s all he says before stripping naked and walking toward the showers.

Vibes, I mock behind him. I want to make fun of his vibes, but the truth is, Matteo’s vibes are always spot-on, always, and I never question them—ever.

Frowning, I strip and follow him into the shower, with only a few lingering players in here. I join Teo in the corner and turn my shower on, stepping under the freezing spray without bothering to let it warm up.

“Why?” I ask again. I usually don’t push him on this, but we are finally away from home, out of our parents’ control, and all I want is to embrace college life. I have a full bucket list of all the things I want to do, and topping that list is hooking up with random chicks.

“Vibes,” he says again as he begins to soap up. For a minute, I’m transfixed as his hands work up a lather and roll over his muscles. “We need to be there tonight. I don’t know why. I only know it’s important.”

“Huh.” This isn’t at all unusual for Matteo. He always follows his gut instinct. I use the soap dispenser on the wall and follow his actions. He’s often right when we need to be somewhere. “So you didn’t agree to go just because I want to hook up?”

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