Page 37 of Double Play

Just as I’m about to venture through the party in search of my best friend, motion near the entrance catches my attention. Monroe struts through the open doors in a short white dress with a flowing cape and golden rope tied strategically around her torso. Metal arm cuffs match her shining gold leaf headpiece, and high stiletto sandals lace all the way up her thighs. Riggs chokes on his beer as he takes her in, frozen in place while she heads his way.

Behind her is Lark, wearing a bright yellow dress with a blue ribbon decorating the neck. Unlike Jane in the Tarzan movies, hers only hits her upper thighs, with a little white ruffle peeking out from underneath. Brown high heels adorn her feet, and I laugh to myself when I think about Ace in his loincloth. What a fucking oversight on his part, because I don’t even have to look at the guy to know he’s rocking a half-chub right now.

But none of that matters when Arden steps into the room, sucking every bit of oxygen right out of it. Everything around me stops when she starts walking my way, and I swallow thickly as I take her in. She’s fucking stunning in a pink and white short-sleeved bodysuit that showcases every inch of the mouthwatering thighs I’d sell my soul to be trapped between right now. A big, floppy bow hangs from the low lace neckline, where her supple tits peek out just enough to have my heart stopping in my chest. White satin gloves climb up her arms, and a small gold crown sits on top of her head, her long, flowing brown hair falling in waves down her back. I have no idea how I’m going to get through this night without putting my hands on her. I knew her costume was a lot different from the cheaply made ankle-length one she wore when we were kids, but I certainly wasn’t expecting her to look like a goddamn smoke show when I can’t touch or kiss her.

“Fuck, Princess,” I say quietly as she loops her arms around my neck. I wrap her up, trying my best to keep the hug as platonic-looking as possible when all I really want is to claim her in front of everyone here. I can’t fucking wait until I can show the world she belongs to me. “You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.”

She pulls back, her eyes sliding up and down my body. “You’re not so bad, yourself.” She tucks her lips over her teeth in an attempt to hide her smile, and any frustration I was feeling earlier melts away because all I care about is making her happy. “I do need one thing, though.”

I shake my head rapidly, taking a small step back. As much as I’d love to hold her for longer, there are some reporters here, and I don’t want to take any chances. “Absolutely not.”

“Jacks, you have to!” she whines, stomping her white stiletto against the floor as she pouts. Her arms cross over her chest, pushing her tits up even more as if she’s fully aware of what that does to me.

“No,” I protest, pointing a finger her way. “You’re lucky you got me into this thing at all. I’m not doing it.” She can beg all she wants. I willnotembarrass myself any further.

She bats her lashes, pushing out her plump lower lip, and I feel my foundation start to crumble before the words even break through the air between us. “Please?For me?”

Son of a motherfucking fuck.

Our friends watch the exchange, eyes wide as if it’s the most riveting thing they’ve ever seen. Sweat beads at the back of my neck, and I nervously shift from one foot to the other before clearing my throat and giving her what she wants.

“It’s-a-me, Mario,” I mumble so quietly, the sound barely even filters through the goddamn caterpillar that’s hanging over my mouth. I narrow my gaze, letting her know that she’s in fucking trouble when we get home, but she doubles down, cupping a hand behind her ear and turning her head.

“What? I couldn’t hear you.” She folds her hands in front of her, swaying back and forth with a look of innocence plastered across her face. As much as I know I should stay strong, I fucking can’t. The little brat owns me, and she knows it.

“It’s-a-me! Mario!” I shout. Her eyes sparkle with amusement for several seconds before she finally breaks, and the sweet sound of her laughter swirls around us. I shove my tongue into my cheek, shaking my head in faux annoyance because there’s no way I could ever really be mad at her. Especially not inthatcostume.

“What a fucking simp,” Riggs quips, hiding a cocky grin behind his bottle as he takes another pull of beer. I slide my scowl in his direction, flipping him off before bringing my attention back to my girl.

“Anyway,” I say, changing direction. “Have you heard from Hawk? I haven’t seen him, and I don’t know what he’s wearing.”

“No,” she replies, looking around. “He said he’d be a little la—” She’s cut off when two large, tattooed hands slip around her waist. He pulls her into him, hovering the mouth of his Ghostface mask over her ear.

“Hey there, Hellcat. What’s your favorite scary movie?”

THIRTY-ONE

HAWK

“Really?”Jackson says, pulling his fake mustache off and slapping it onto the bar as we watch the girls on the dance floor. Arden looks hot as fuck in her costume, every single luscious curve on display as she moves her body to the music. As soon as I saw her, I wanted to throw her over my shoulder, grab my best friend by the collar, and drag them both home as fast as possible so we could get inside her—but I have something else to do first.

“What?” I ask, lifting my glass to my lips and taking a small sip.

“I was expecting something better than this,” he says, waving a dismissive hand at my long black robe and the mask that’s currently sitting on top of my head. “I mean, it’s cool, I guess. But you made it sound like you had some big, epic plan for the night.”

“Weird,” I reply dryly, setting my drink down and standing up. “Come with me for a minute.” Before he even answers, I walk toward the door, entering the hallway with him following closely behind. I turn toward the supply room, pushing the door open. Thankfully, it’s still dark and empty, just like it was when I scoped it out earlier. Looking around to make sure we’re going unnoticed, I step inside, motioning for him to do the same.

“Following the masked psychopath into a dark room isasking for it, bro. You better not kill me.”

I huff a forced exhale, annoyed already. “Get the fuck in here.” He narrows his eyes, studying me for a moment before he finally relents and shuffles past me. I close us in, turning the lock carefully before using the flashlight on my phone to locate the bag I stashed in the corner when I arrived tonight.

“What are you doing?” he whisper-shouts as the purr of a zipper fills the air. Reaching into my duffel, I pull out a costume that’s identical to the one I have on before holding it up to him. His brows pull together, confusion marring his expression as he cautiously takes it. “What is this?”

I stand. “I know how hard it is for you to keep your distance from Arden in public. It sucks to watch because I’m fully aware that you’d give anything to be able to touch or dance with her out there. Now you can.”

His eyes soften as realization and understanding wash over him. Looking down at the items in his hand, he swallows, nodding his head. I wish he could go out there as he is, showing the whole team how he feels about her—and he’ll be able to soon—but for tonight, I wanted to do this for him—for them both. “Thanks, man.” He looks at the ground, his shoulders drooping slightly as he blows out a shaky breath. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“It’s how it should be,” I tell him. “Next year, we’ll both be in whatever costumes she talks us into, loving her out in the open like she deserves.” I’m sure people will have their opinions, but they’ll get over it. If there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that Arden is the only person that matters in our world. As long as we have her, we can get through anything.

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