Page 49 of Major Penalty

Something inside me clenches at the sight of him. He looks like sin. Like violence. Like temptation wrapped in heat. And when I finally risk looking up, his eyes are already on me—focused, and burning. A slow, dark current crackles between us, invisible but undeniable.

My pulse hammers.

I just dreamt of him. Of his weight, pinning me down, his voice in my ear, his hands. Heat prickles up my neck, mortification burning beneath my skin.

My throat bobs as I take a slow sip of my drink, forcing my face into something neutral. I feel his gaze slide over me, a burning imprint against my skin.

I shift on my feet, my thighs clenching because my body remembers it too well.

And now, he’s standing right here. Real, solid, and so dangerously close.

And the way he’s looking at me, it’s like he knows.

I shift closer to Livia, clearing my throat.

Distract yourself.

“You excited?” She smiles at me, adjusting the strap of her clutch.

“I don’t go out much.” I snort, shaking my head.

“You should.” She nudges me playfully. “This team can be a lot, but they know how to party.”

“It already feels like chaos.” I glance around.

Livia sighs dramatically, waving a hand toward Langley, who’s already gathering attention from a few lingering ladies at the bar. “Exhibit A.”

“Does he ever stop?” I laugh, covering my mouth.

“Not unless he’s unconscious.” She shakes her head. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to check who hasn’t come down yet.”

I open my mouth to stop her, but she’s already moving. For a moment, I’m alone with my drink. Until a heat presses against my back, a presence so overwhelming that I stop breathing.

“Who knew the walls of this hotel are so thin?” Ares’ voice is right against my ear.

He heard.

Every molecule in my body freezes. My lips part, but no sound comes out as my fingers clench around my glass. He didn’t just say that. He didn’t just confirm what I was terrified of.

My stomach drops, yet heat pools between my legs so fast I feel lightheaded.

I stare ahead, eyes wide and heart hammering.

He heard me. He heard everything.

“Okay!” Livia’s voice comes from my left. “It seems like everyone’s ready to go!”

Ares steps around me until he’s standing to my left. I don’t look at him, but I can still see him from the corner of my eye. And then I see his lips stretch slowly. Not a normal smile. It’s a slow, sharp smirk, steeling another piece of me and pocketed it like a trophy.

I swallow hard and suck in a breath. But I already know I won’t survive the night unless I get it together.

***.

The club is loud and dark. Music pounds from the speakers, the bass vibrating through the floors, through my chest. Neon lights flash against the ceiling, cutting through the thick, hazy air.

We step up the stairs into VIP lounge, where a roped-off section is already set up—booths, bottles, and security blocking off the area from the rest of the club.

The team walks in like they own the place. Ares, Rowan, and Damien are already heading toward the private bar, the rest of the team trailing behind. Livia slips into one of the booths, stretching an arm along the backrest as if she’s about to hold court.

---