Page 38 of Submit

“Try me.”

As if Karma wants to test my self-control, the DJ switches songs again. It’s a slower song with a stronger bass.

I take control of the song early on, placing my hands on Casper’s chest, walking him backwards a few steps. He doesn’t fight me but looks down at me with an arrogant grin across his face. I start rolling my hips in time to the music but I maintain a respectful distance between our bodies even though my hands refuse to leave his chest and stomach. I have a feeling I’m testing his boundaries as well as my own.

At the first chorus, he takes over and quickly shows me that he was just being nice by letting me think I was going to control this encounter. His large hand wraps around the back of my neck pulling me flush against his hard body.

“Oh, shit,” I mutter, pulling a dark chuckle from him. When he starts rollinghiships, he slips his thigh between my legs and uses his hands to move my hips in time with his, basically causing me to ride his leg on this dance floor. He keeps one hand on my neck and moves the other behind my back, giving me no chance of escaping his body heat and overwhelming presence. Toward the end of the song, he turns me around so my back is to his front like I was with Johanna except I’m touching him from the back of my shoulders to the back of my knees. I feel his erection digging into my ass and I can’t stop myself from pushing into him harder, causing him to growl. When I lean forward letting his dick gain purchase between my ass cheeks, he abruptly pulls me upright with one hand wrapped lightly around my throat.

God, I’m so turned on.

“I’m going to pop the zipper on these pants if you don’t stop that.”

“You started this,” I breathe.

“What would you do if I wanted to finish it?” His hand is trailing up the outside of my thigh causing my head to roll back and collide with his shoulder. At first, I thought he meant finish it, like, never speak to me again. End whatever this is - or isn’t - before it even starts. But now I realize he’s asking about finishing, period. As in, getting off.

“Please,” I whimper.

Before the conversation can go any further, Johanna comes over to us on the dance floor. “I’mallfor whatever is happening here, but you two look about three seconds away from stripping each other on this dance floor. Cas, need I remind you it’s a small island and she’s technically engaged? Everyone in here is watching you two like someone just turned on the porn channel.”

“Shit.Thanks, Johanna.” With that, he drops his arms and walks off the dance floor.

Fourteen

WHEN JOHANNA DROPS me off the next day, she hugs me tightly and tells me good luck. She also reminds me that I’m welcome to stay with her as long and as often as I need to… as long as I keep her updated about Cas and I.

We decided that my first step needs to be to get my passport back. I can’t do anything without it and I need to set up a bank account here first and foremost if I plan on staying. Right now, I have access to Will’s but I imagine that will stop rather abruptly once I break off this engagement. It’s disorienting, being afraid of someone you thought you loved for so long.

I take a deep breath and walk in the front door.

“Will? I’m home,” I announce, trying to act as normally as possible. Thoughts of our last encounter flit through my head. When I turn the corner into the kitchen, I can see through the window and I notice the blonde girl from West Deck, the restaurant Will and I tried not too long ago, sitting on the porch. Seeing her out there only confirms the fact that this relationship is over when my first thought isgood, maybe she will have him distracted and in a good mood.“Oh, hello again!” I sing sweetly as I step out onto the deck. I expect her to jump up and create space between her and Will, but she doesn’t.

“Hey, Will, just wanted to let you know Johanna just dropped me off.”

“Thanks. Libby, you remember Laura?” he says formally with an air of importance as if I give a shit aboutLaura. “We were just going over a few things before the week starts.”

“Don’t stop on my account.” And in the moment, I decide now is the perfect time to throw another shot over the bow: Will is distracted, he has company, and if the champagne glass in her hand is any indication, Laura isn’t just here for some reports. Looks like Will and I have both moved on. I pause at the doorway and throw a casual look over my shoulder. “Oh, Will?” I start as nonchalantly as I can, “Could you get my passport back from Marcel or whoever has it? I need it for some paperwork for the college.” The lie rolls easily off my tongue but I don’t miss the look of distrust in his eyes at my question.That’s ironic.

“They said they’d give it back when they’re done with it. I’m sure it won’t be long now. After the pandemic, processing times have gotten really slow.” He sounds like an automated recording on a government website. Why is he dragging his feet on this?

“Okay, well I need it. So maybe we can get it back just for a couple of days and then they can have it once I’m done?” I suggest, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice. In a foreign country, that little book is my lifeline.

Will just shrugs and turns his attention back to Laura. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks,” I grit out, knowing I won’t be seeing my passport anytime soon.

“Oh, Libby? Did you have fun out with Johanna last night?” he asks passive-aggressively, like he caught me with my hand in the cookie jar.

As fast as my brain is working to come up with a response, it isn’t fast enough and Laura chooses now to join the conversation.

“I saw you at Avenida 421 last night,” she says, her voice full of malice. “Cute outfit. Your dance partner seemed intense and a little possessive, though.”

Why is this bitch trying to start shit with me?Honey, if you want Willem, he’s all yours. I won’t stand in your way.

“Just a friend of Johanna’s. Next time, say hello if you see me out. I’ll buy you a drink since you obviously enjoy my taste in alcohol.” I nod at the champagne glass in her hand and head back inside.

~

---