Page 49 of The Little Black Rose

“So,” Sam says, his eyes gleaming with humor, “Zoey and I were thinking about checking out that new adult toy store over on the south end…”

“Dude. Stop,” I groan, and laughter barks out of him.

“Sorry, Zeke. I just couldn’t resist.”

“Please,” I beg, “for the love of God, man.Resist.”

Whatever response he was about to give cuts off as the front door opens and the sound of feminine laughter meets our ears. The girls are back early.

Ava is here.

Chapter24

Don’t Make a Sound

Ava

We didn’t stay long at the bar. I told the girls what happened last night––giving as few graphic details as possible for Zoey’s sake––and they gave their opinions on the matter.

Sophie scoffed at the fact that Zeke and I had decided it was only sex and no emotions would come into play. Zoey backed me up, saying she knows her brother better than anyone, and he’s stubborn as hell. And hardheaded. And sometimes incredibly dense.

I stopped her there, insisting it’s what I want, too. I’m not sure if that’s exactly true or not, but I couldn’t bear to listen to another word. It is what it is. We had sex. It’s done. And if we do it again, great. If not? Oh, well.

Nothing to see here, folks. Keep moving along.

Jared texted Sophie and told her Sam and Zeke are at the house, and we should come hang out when we’re done at the bar. The girls were eager to get back to their men, and since I couldn’t drink and we were done discussing my eventful night, we bailed on the bar. I drove us back to Jared and Sophie’s, and now we’re all in the living room, the others chatting and laughing while Zeke and I sit side-by-side, the tension between us ratcheting tighter and tighter with every second that passes.

Every time his arm brushes against mine, I stiffen as need thrums in my core. I wore a short skirt to the bar, and my fingers keep tugging the hem down as I repeatedly squeeze my thighs together and shift my weight from side to side.

Why is this so fucking hard? I should be able to hang out with my friends and relax. And before last night, I would’ve been fine. But with Zeke being so near, all I can think about is the way his mouth felt on my flesh. His fingers deep inside me. His cock filling and stretching me until I lost every ounce of my control.

I re-cross my legs for the umpteenth time, and Zeke leans toward me when the others aren’t paying us any attention.

“Are you okay?” he whispers.

“I’m fine,” I whisper back, somehow suppressing the shiver that tries to course down my spine at the feel of his breath on my cheek.

“Are you sure? You seem a little tense.”

His voice deepens on that last word, and I find myself leaping to my feet. The others fall silent, watching me with questioning eyes, and I stammer out an excuse.

“I…uh…have to pee. Yeah. I’ll be right back.”

I hurry to the bathroom with burning cheeks and an even hotter ache between my legs. Closing the door behind me, I lean back against it and take a few deep breaths. I’ve got to get this shit under control. I can’t turn into some needy bitch who can’t be in the same vicinity as Zeke without climbing all over him.

We’re not lovers in the throes of early love. He’s not obsessed with me, and I can’t allow myself to become obsessed with him. We’re two adults who happen to be having children together. Adults can fuck and keep things normal the rest of the time, right?

It’s. Just. Sex.

Moving forward, I decide to use the toilet since I’m in here. Once I finish, I flush and wash my hands. Drying them on the hand towel hanging beside the sink, I pat my hair and take a few more deep breaths. I need to get back out there before the girls come looking for me. I can’t get into this with them when Zeke is nearby.

I open the door and draw up short. Zeke blocks the entrance, his hands braced against the door jamb. His eyes meet mine, and without a word, he pushes me back into the oversized powder room and pushes the door closed behind him before turning the lock.

“What are you––”

My question cuts off as he lunges for me, his mouth landing on mine as his body pushes me back against the wall. My hands land on his chest, and he gathers my wrists in one hand and pulls them over my head, pinning them against the wall.

“Wait,” I gasp, and he freezes. “Where is everyone?”

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