Page 8 of That's Too Pucking Bad

I grab her wrist, pulling her onto my lap, and she laughs, throwing her arms around my neck. I don’t waste time—my lips crash into hers, and she responds eagerly, her fingers tangling in my hair as I deepen the kiss.

Kaia knows exactly what I like, and she’s not shy about giving it to me. That’s the thing with us—no strings, no expectations, just a good time when we both need it. And right now, I need it.

We barely make it upstairs before I’m ripping that dress off her, and she’s pushing me back onto the bed, that wicked grin still plastered on her face.

“Missed this,” she murmurs against my neck, biting down just hard enough to make me groan.

“Yeah?” I flip us over, pinning her beneath me, my hand sliding up her thigh. “Show me how much.”

Kaia doesn’t need to be told twice. She’s always been good at this, and tonight’s no different. It’s rough, fast, and exactly what I need after a day like today. When we’re done, she sprawls out beside me, catching her breath, but I’m already getting up, reaching for my phone.

She notices, of course, because she’s not stupid. “Heading out?”

I shrug, pulling on a pair of sweatpants. “Got some stuff to do.”

Kaia watches me for a moment, then rolls her eyes, clearly not expecting anything more. “Right. Well, don’t be a stranger.”

I smirk, already halfway out the door. “You know where to find me.”

Back downstairs, I check my phone again. Caleb’s texted twice already, probably trying to make sure I’m still coming to this party.

Caleb: You better not bail, Cap.

Caleb: Maya is bringing a friend ;)

I roll my eyes, texting back a quick response:

Zane: I’ll be there. Chill.

Honestly, I’m not even sure why I’m still going. Parties like this—loud, packed, everyone watching the “big man on campus”—they used to be fun. Now, they’re just... expected. But Caleb’s right. I should show up, if only for the team. We won the championship last semester. The party’s for us, after all.

Still, something about it feels off tonight. Maybe it’s the pressure of being captain. Maybe it’s the fact that everyone assumes I’m the guy who always wants to be in the spotlight when, truth is, I’d rather just do my thing, play the game, and not deal with the rest of the bullshit. And I’m over the Reapers politics. I want out.

But whatever. I told Caleb I’d go, so I’m going. I grab my jacket and head out the door.

The party’s in full swing by the time I get there, music blasting so loud I can hear it from halfway down the block. People are already spilling out onto the lawn, red solo cups in hand, laughing, dancing, stumbling over each other. Classic Blackridge.

I push my way through the crowd, nodding at a few familiar faces, but mostly just trying to get inside without getting pulled into too many conversations. As soon as I step into the house, though, I spot Caleb. And of course, he’s already with Maya.

“Zane!” Caleb calls out, waving me over, a big grin on his face. Maya’s next to him, looking as stunning as ever, and when she sees me, she gives a little wave, her smile more reserved. She’s always been like that around me—quiet, shy almost. Not that it matters.

“Told you he’d show,” Caleb says, clapping me on the shoulder as I reach them.

“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter, glancing around. The place is packed, just like I figured it would be.

Maya looks up at me, her green eyes sparkling under the dim lights. “Glad you made it.”

I nod, giving her a small smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Caleb winks at me, clearly thrilled with himself for getting us all here, but I’m already scanning the room for the bar. If I’m going to be stuck here all night, I might as well grab a drink.

“I’m getting a beer,” I say, excusing myself.

As I walk away, I can feel eyes on me, but I don’t turn around. I don’t need that distraction tonight. Not when I’m already in my head about too many other things.

Grabbing a drink, I find a spot near the back, away from the chaos, and take a long sip. The beer’s cold, and for a second, it helps. But as I watch everyone around me, laughing, dancing, living it up like it’s the best night of their lives, I can’t help but wonder what the hell I’m even doing here.

My father would not approve this,the voice inside me repeats. I take another sip of my drink instead.

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