Page 135 of Rome: The Ballerina

Cross.

Back.

Left.

Left.

Dribble.

Step forward.

Back.

Yancy didn’t stand a chance. He was losing himself trying to keep up with me. Noticing he was out of moves, he pushed forward, getting more physical in his approach. His attempt was laughable.

Shoot.

I stepped back, sure to get behind the three-point line before launching the ball. Simultaneously, my body went crashing tothe ground. My ass hit the wood. I slid over three feet before my body came to a screeching halt.

“Yooouuuuup.”The crowd roared.“And one!”

Lavender, vanilla, and peach notes swelled my nostrils. Whatever she’d spritzed on her body was as addictive as she was. I peered up, locating Rome instantly. Not because she was close enough, but because she’d managed to reach me from six chairs away. Standing over me, she extended a hand, offering assistance.

Her softness had evaded her. Her eyebrows were crinkled on her forehead. Her eyes had turned to slits.

Mellow was far from mellow at the moment. She was pissed. I stood up with a bit of help. Just before I pulled away, I leaned closer and whispered in her ear.

“It’s all a part of the game, baby.”

She followed me with her eyes as I stepped back out into the danger zone. I gathered my lips and blew her a kiss. She snatched it mid-air and placed it on her chest where it belonged. A smile spread across my face. Just as I turned to make my way to the free throw line, Mellow’s mouth was moving.

WIN!She demanded.

Say less, I thought, nodding.

At the line, I rubbed my hands down my pants to reduce the chances of it slipping. The ref tossed the ball in my direction. I caught it and dribbled it right in front of me. When ready, I bent my knees and flicked my wrist, launching the ball in the air.

Swoosh.

A clean shot sent the crowd wild. I was given the ball again. Repeating the same steps, I kept my aim right and my focus fixated on the basket.

Swoosh.

The third attempt at a free throw didn’t disappoint. It landed after circling the rim twice.

Three for three!

Sixteen seconds into the game and the Vultures were up six.

Game on!

“Let’s motherfucking go,” I growled, beating my chest.

I had been given an order that I planned to follow to a science. If Mellow wanted this win, then she’d have it. There was no other option. Once I secured it, I’d be sure to secure my dick inside of her as my celebratory act.

TWELVE

Wake.

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