Chapter Thirty-One

C hapter Thirty-One

A rna

Arna: I'm here. x

Andy: On my way down.

I waited as close to the entrance as possible as hundreds of fans bustled their way towards the gates – a chaotic flutter of red and black lining the street. It was a sea of vibrant movement as people chatted, laughed and animatedly predicted how the game would pan out. I kept my knee-length black coat pulled tight, my head down, careful to avoid recognition, but it was hard not to be swept away in the excitement of the lively crowd. Tonight was my first game alone and I already missed the comfort of Marlee on my arm, but I was excited to be here for Andy. A secluded, comfortable space with an excellent view of the field was not something I would refuse though, as it meant I was warm but still close enough to bask in the joy.

When the door swung open not even a minute later, I raced through the gap and was immediately pulled into a bare chest. Thick, familiar arms enveloped me and I tilted my head up to look into my favourite face. Deep eyes, dark lashes, sun-kissed skin and a mouth begging me for a taste.

"Missed you." Andy growled before kissing me firmly and I felt myself relax into his arms. God, he was the cure for every single one of my aches and pains, because when I was with him, I felt nothing but lust, my brain wiped clear.

"Your game starts in thirty minutes. So, you need to stop doing that." I protested weakly against his mouth.

"Doing what?" He said, his large, wicked grin splitting his face as he reached down and pulled me tighter against him. I moaned when I felt how hard he already was, knowing it was going to be hours before I could take advantage of that.

"I have something to show you." I said as he kissed my neck.

"Mmm," He droned against my skin, "And what's that?"

I put my hands against his chest and pushed him back a little so there was space between us. I slowly undid my long coat, his eyes tracking my movements and I giggled, knowing he probably thought I was naked underneath.

When the last button was open, I shuffled the sleeves down and spun around so he could see his name boldly spread across the top of my brand new Hearts jersey.

I looked back over my shoulder, my bottom lip tucked under my teeth as I grinned, "What do you think?"

He rubbed a hand down his face slowly and when he looked from his name to my face, his pupils were very clearly dilated. I didn't even get a chance to turn back around before he lunged forward, hoisted me up and opened the closest door. The lights were off inside the room but the glass panelled window along the top of the walls allowed a sliver of moonlight to enter, highlighting the large boardroom style desk.

I spun around, my eyes like large saucers as a small laugh bubbled out of me. Andy was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling with expectancy.

"I guess that means you like my jersey?"

"Fucking love it." He gritted. "Now, take your clothes off but leave the shirt on." He commanded and my eyes widened further.

"Andy, you have to play in –" My protest choked in my throat as he covered the space between us easily, ripping my coat off and throwing it to the floor.

"You better hurry then." He snapped as he undid the button of my pants and the authority in his husky tone awakened every single cell in my body. I ripped my jeans down my legs, my panties following closely behind. The click of a lock sliced through the air before a very naked Andy strode towards me, unadulterated ardour in his gaze. When he kissed me deeply and walked me back towards the table I pulsed with need. My hands raked up and down his back before squeezing his biceps. The sounds of the crowd outside were muffled only by the desperation of our heavy breaths as our hands rediscovered each other. The backs of my thighs touched the woodgrain of the large table and Andy shoved the two chairs on either side of us away. He spun me around my backside on full display.

I felt the weight of his body against my back as he leaned over me until his mouth was against my ear. His voice was soft, one hand hot against my skin as he reached around and under my jersey to palm my breast. The other hand fisted my ponytail as his body held me down firmly against the table.

"I'm going to fuck you, Arna, and I'm going to do it while you have my name across your back. But it has to be quick, so spread those legs for me and hold on."

Holy fuck. My sexy man, who was about to run out onto a field in front of 50,000 screaming fans, was about to make my wildest dreams come true. I panted in anticipation and opened my legs, my hands placed firmly on the top of the desk in front of me.

"I'm ready, Captain."

His hands roamed up and down the back of my legs and I felt him rubbing himself through my folds. My eyes rolled back in my head as he grabbed hold of my hips and stroked my entrance with his cock.

"I've never gone bare." His voice was strained and I froze as realisation dawned on me. I was so aroused, so caught up in the intensity that I didn't even think about a condom. I didn't move, leaving the decision entirely with him. I wanted to feel him, truly feel him, but I wouldn't push against something which could very well be deep-seated.

He squeezed my hips tighter, causing the slightest movement of our bodies which allowed his cock to press against my opening.

"I'm on the pill." I panted as my nails dug into the tabletop. I trembled at the slight pressure, ready for him. Aching for him.

I could feel his uncertainty. His internal fight with whatever was going on in his head against the hunger our bodies felt for each other. Whatever had kept his barriers sky high for so long was powerful – his hesitation obvious. His cock toyed with me and I lifted myself onto my toes a little desperate to feel the buzz when he brushed my clit.

"Oh, fuck it. Only for you, Arna." He conceded as he slammed into me so fast that all the breath rushed out of my lungs. His hips were flush against my arse and I was so delectably full. Our bodies stripped bare as my inner walls welcomed him as if he were made perfectly just for me.

"Fuck." I said, my voice exposing how aroused I was as Andy withdrew himself before slapping back into me. I peeked a glance over my shoulder and the unfiltered desire in his eyes as he pushed himself in and out of me was like nothing I had ever seen. I wanted to taste him. To run my hands on his skin, but I was powerless to do anything with the way I was sprawled on the table. The lack of control was surprisingly refreshing and I pressed back to meet him with every vicious thrust as the flutter of release flapped its wings and my toes curled in my boots. He took my hair in his hand again and used it as leverage as he took exactly what he needed.

"I'm going to fill this hot fucking pussy with my cum." His iniquitous tongue made my insides clench.

"Don't stop, Andy." I begged, spurred on by the sounds of his body slapping against mine.

My eyes flew open when someone called Andy's name just outside the door but he didn't falter. His fingers dug into my skin so hard I knew I would have bruises and the thought filled me with another wave of pleasure.

"Ignore them!" Andy growled and I pressed my mouth to my arm to silence the lust which ripped through me as my vision blurred and my orgasm swept through my body, goosebumps erupting across my flesh when Andy shook with his own release.

He slowly pulled out of me, lifting me up, my back pressed against his front as he leant over me and kissed my cheek rapidly. Twirling me around to face him he pressed another three quick kisses to my mouth before leaning down to grab our clothes.

"I want to stay here and do that all over again. But I have to go." He said, an unspoken apology in the air.

I grinned up at him. "Well, that was deliciously unexpected, I should have worn this jersey earlier."

He shoved his legs through his shorts before kissing me deeply one final time. "My name across your back is fucking sexy, woman." He whispered before turning towards the door. "You're in Box Three," he added with a shit-eating grin before he left.

"Good luck, baby." I said, blowing him a kiss as I too got dressed and headed out to where I was sitting.

"You realise you're going to draw blood if you chew that nail anymore." I jumped at the male voice, my attention drawn away from the match in front of me, and evidently the nail that I was indeed nibbling half to death.

"Dylan, you scared the crap out of me. Thank goodness you're here. I'm only half sure what is happening but it's brutal and Andy has taken so many hits and on the last one when he got up, he was limping. Why does he choose to do this?" Dylan laughed at my breathless spiel as he closed the door to the box reserved for Andy's guests.

"Are you here on your own?" He had the same reassuringly easy grin that he always wore. Watching as Andy was targeted by the opposition was much less stressful when I had someone here to remind me he would be fine. Plus, his charismatic merriment would bolster any feelings of fear I held when Andy took longer than expected to get up off the turf.

"I am and it is not fun at all. I wanted to bring my friend Marlee but she was busy so now I'm sitting here, stress eating enough popcorn to feed fourteen people, watching my boyfriend be physically assaulted by a group of other men. People actually pay to watch this. It's baffling. Every time he is tackled, they use three players."

"Looks like you are eating just as much of your fingernails too." Dylan laughed and grabbed a beer from the fridge before sitting in the chair next to me. "You need to relax, Arna. He's fine. He will have an ice bath and get a rub down from a hot masse–" I swung my head in his direction causing him to pause and look appropriately remorseful. "Sorry, wrong audience. Disgustingly hairy male masseuse obviously."

I scrunched my brows and turned back to the game, grabbing another handful of the salty buttery kernels which were keeping me busy enough not to ponder the idea of Andy and the team massage therapists.

"Why are you so late, it's the last quarter?" I asked, only just realising he could have been here the entire time.

"I was downstairs with some mates. Andy told me I couldn't bring them up here in case they tried anything on you."

I laughed, "That's actually adorable."

"Mum planning an engagement party like it's imminent makes more sense when I see him so territorial. He's never cared before." He shook his head as I felt my eyes widen. Was he serious or was he being the sarcastic joker he often was?

"D-Dylan, we've been dating for a few months, we're not even close to being there." The crowd roaring startled me and I turned to see the Hearts players jumping on each other like a swarm of bees around a hive.

Dylan clapped before finishing his drink.

"That's the game. They'll win from here, so you can stop stressing." Ignoring the bomb he just dropped he asked, "You coming to Nexus tonight?"

"Wait, what? Slow down! So, Hearts won?"

"Yes." He laughed again, shaking his head like I was certifiably insane.

"Oh," I let out a huge breath and relaxed in the seat basking in the residual twinge between my legs courtesy of the unanticipated response of Andy seeing my new jersey. "And Nexus tonight? The club Sebastian owns, right?" I walked to the fridge as the siren sounded and the crowd shot to their feet on the other side of the glass.

"That's the one." Dylan said, raising his voice to be heard over the cheering. "Jack messaged me earlier. You and Andy should come. Cute jersey, has my brother seen that?" I reached for the wine rather than the water I initially intended to take and poured a glass. If we were going out, I was going to be taking advantage of Sergio's kerbside service.

"He has." I shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Can you also tell your mum that Andy and I are not getting engaged. He will freak the hell out if he hears talk like that."

I approached where he sat, a beer in my outstretched hand which he accepted with thanks. The crisp sound as he opened the bottle sliced through the room and I tapped my glass against his own.

"Mum said she has never seen Ando this happy and if he fucks it up, she will divorce him as her son." I covered my mouth to stop the liquid which threatened to spill from my lips as I snickered.

"It's called emancipation, Dyl, and that is incredibly dramatic, even by my standards." I said, feeling a felicitous warmth at the idea of his mum advocating for me.

"I don't understand women." He scratched his head and grabbed another drink. "Let's head to the rooms and enjoy the only perk of being related to il capitano ."

"How rude," I mocked. "But also, here's a hint on women, don't speak Italian with an awful Australian accent anywhere near them." I giggled, following him out the door.

Seeing Andy without a shirt never failed to take my breath away. I eye-fucked him as he confidently circulated congratulating the team on their win, taking the time to individually comment on each player's efforts. The room was filled with family and friends hugging and sharing joy amid a post-win bliss. He was the epitome of humility as he accepted congratulatory remarks and high fives from plenty of bystanders. But as soon as he saw me his entire demeanour changed. His gaze turned hungry which sent a sharp thrill all the way to Barbs - and suddenly the man who just led this side to their victory, saw no one other than me. I licked my lips in anticipation of congratulating him myself as a devilish grin split his face.

Christ, was that my ovaries screaming at his pure manliness?

Andy bent, picking me up and I threw my arms around his neck.

"Good job tonight, Captain."

"I think I play better when I know you are here watching. Especially when I get to fuck you ten minutes before I take the field." He nuzzled my neck, leaving wet kisses in his wake before placing me back on the floor.

"Well then, I better come to every match, but only if I get this after each game and you know what before." I pressed my lips to his and moaned into his mouth when he dragged his hands down my body and kneaded my backside while deepening the kiss. He was sweaty and warm and salacious thoughts flooded my mind at the things I wanted to do to him.

"Get a room, you two." Dylan bellowed and Andy unfortunately loosened his hold, turning towards him with a dazzling grin.

"Double fisting already, brother? You sure you will make it out tonight?" Andy pulled me into his side and I used my finger to trace a bead of his sweat up his chest.

"Not all of us are weak like you, old man." Dyl replied, holding both beers in the air proudly.

"Don't listen to him, baby." I said, nuzzling into Andy's chest further.

He shook with his laughter and I gave him a quick squeeze before he took his arm from around me.

"He's just upset since Mum still has to cut his steak for him."

I giggled as Dylan also did his best not to laugh at Andy's insult.

"Just go shower, dickhead, so we can go out and celebrate."

"You happy to go out, Arns? The boys were planning on Nexus but if you want to stay in, we can."

"I think we should definitely go. We must make the most of these nights seeing as you're soooo old." I shot Dylan a glance as Andy kissed the tip of my nose.

"I'll meet you two outside soon." Turning to me he added, "Don't let him drag you into any trouble. And keep your coat off. I want everyone to know who you belong to."

I grinned as Andy moved to leave, slapping Dylan on the side of the head and lunging away before he could retaliate. His laugh danced around the room loudly and Dylan and I both joined him. It was so nice to see him openly enjoying himself.

There were cameras and microphones everywhere, players and coaching staff giving journalists their opinions on the game against what they were saying was a tough opposition . But none of them approached Andy as he left. It appeared it was an unwritten rule that he did not engage and the arsehole persona they presented now made sense. With no comments or encounters to substantiate a story, they fabricated them based on what they saw and all that consisted of was a side profile often without a smile. If they were lucky enough to receive a glance from him, his face was lined with a scowl just like the one I was given the first time I met him. When in this very room, as an editor acting as a journalist while nursing the hangover of all hangovers, my life changed.

When Andy was long gone, I stepped towards Dylan who was gesturing hopefully at the exit, and I felt the warmth of the privilege that came with being one of the few who saw the real Andy. The version who smiled freely and laughed with ease for those who he deemed mattered most.

And I was his girlfriend.

How lucky I was to hold that title.

Snapping a quick picture of the dance floor at Nexus, I sent it to Marlee telling her how amazing this place was and how utterly devastated I was that she wasn't here to see it with me. I also added a photo Andy took of me just before we left to show her my outfit. I'd paired my leather wet-look black pants with a pair of knee-high black boots and a camisole. My black fur coat was accentuated by a pair of large gold hoops and finished with a bright red lip.

Honestly, I edited for a website but in this get up I could have been on the cover if I did say so myself.

Arna: Black on black on black, bitch. I miss you. Call me before I put out a missing persons ad.

"You look so good in those pants, babe." Andy said, returning to where I stood with the players from the team. I raised my chin and smiled suggestively as he handed me a pink looking margarita.

"Shame, I wanted you to take them off me later." Grinning, I took a sip of the watermelon flavoured cocktail as he hummed appreciatively into my neck and pulled me into his chest by my waist.

"I love when your hair is pulled up like this too, easier access to your neck and I can wrap my hand in it again as I fuck you later."

Spinning around to face him I pouted my lower lip. "Babbbbbe, don't tease me like that when we've just arrived."

He winked and I took another sip to cool my libido, then placed the watermelon from the rim of the glass into my mouth. "This is delicious."

Andy bent down and kissed me, licking his lips as he pulled away. "Mmmm, I love watermelon."

"You two make the rest of us sick. Sit down." Jay shoved Andy lightly and he grinned at me as we moved to sit at the table which was separate from the rest of the revellers in the club.

"Has anyone seen Seb yet?" Andy asked the table and they all shook their heads.

"Nah, but he will be here soon. Probably banging some hottie in his office." Jack said as he laughed.

"No chance." Andy replied, pulling me onto his lap. "He wouldn't take a woman up there, she might spill a drink or, you know, breathe in his space."

Jack laughed as he pushed two shots towards Andy and I. "True, that bloke probably carries antibacterial wipes in his pocket. Drink up, lovebirds."

"What are these?" I asked, mindful of not going overboard considering the watermelon margarita and the wine I had at the game. Andy had promised me an actual date tomorrow and I was so excited. It wasn't going to be in a place where we could be ambushed but it also wasn't going to be in the confines of his apartment either.

"Sambuca, baby." Jack said as he grabbed one of the three he had lined up in front of himself and threw it back. "Oooooh, feel the burn."

"I'm game if you are." I said as I looked towards Andy who shrugged.

"Fine, may as well go out with a bang." We clinked glasses and each took our shots as Jack, Jay and Dylan hollered in triumph.

"Shit. Been a while since I've done shots." Andy said in my ear "Don't tell Dylan but I really am too old for this."

"You still have a tittynope left." I said to him as I raised his glass and finished what was left. "And you're only as old as you feel. Now let's dance, grandpa." Jumping up off his lap, I grabbed his hand and swung my hips to the music onto the dance floor before turning to face him. I could not stop the laugh spilling out of me when I saw the sour look on his face.

"What's wrong, sooky?" I teased, placing my arms around his neck and swaying against him in tune with the latest David Guetta remix.

"I don't dance." He grumbled.

"But you could if you hold me like this," I turned around, pressing my butt into him and placing a hand on each side of my hips. "You just follow my lead."

He bent down and kissed my cheek as his hands moved rhythmically over my hips and waist. We stayed that way for another few songs and while I spent most of the time convincing Andy that no one was watching, we both knew it was a lie. People were not as discreet as they thought they were, especially those pretending to be on the phone while taking photos of us. Although, no one approached to ask for a photo with Andy thankfully and it wasn't until Sebastian appeared to say hello that we were removed from our little bubble.

"Hey, bro. Thanks for the invite." Andy said as we returned to our private area.

"No worries. When Jack messaged for a Saturday, I knew you'd need some space." He gestured to someone standing close to bring another round of drinks to the table.

Sebastian wasn't as tall as Andy, but it was evident he looked after himself with the way his white business shirt hugged his chest and biceps. There was little doubt in my mind that he would never struggle for female attention as in the time it took to walk to the table from the dance floor, two women had tried to talk to him but he just smiled politely, giving nothing further. Andy mentioned earlier that this establishment was a dream come true for him and other than seeing his family, he spent little time doing anything else. Looking around, I could see why. The place was packed and people appeared to be enjoying themselves rather than trying to impress everyone around them.

"Nice to see you again, Arna." Sebastian leaned over to greet me with a kiss on the cheek and I inwardly preened at the way Andy held me firm around the waist while he did so.

"You too. This place is amazing." I took the margarita from the waitress who held a tray out in front of me and listened to the boys talk about the win tonight as well as a new line of whiskey Cooper was due to release.

I imagined the mood after a loss was vastly different to the way the boys were guffawing and enjoying themselves tonight and I was delighted to be able to witness their joy.

Excusing myself to use the bathroom and repeatedly reassuring Andy I did not need him to come with me, I checked my phone and was elated to find a reply from Marlee. It felt like forever since we had spoken and I couldn't stop the grin from splitting my face.

Marlee: Arns! Shut up! You look stunning. I'm so sorry I've been MIA. Work is so busy and Lucas and I are loved up.

Marlee: Guess what? I'm moving in with him! We need to catch up ASAP. Let me speak to him and we can organise a time. Maybe the four of us could do dinner? Miss you and love you xx

Closing one eye for the briefest of moments in an attempt to focus on the screen – I was drunker than I thought – I re-read the message, certain I was mistaken. She was moving in with him – already! My gut told me something wasn't right with my best friend as I hastily replied. I figured it was normal for us to see each other less given we both just found partners. It wasn't like I had a lot of spare time either, but once a week for dinner or a FaceTime here and there would have been nice. Or having your friends and family get to know the man you were moving in with would have been a start – surely.

Doing my business, I touched up my makeup, and returned to the table.

Approaching, I noticed Jay talking to Andy, a scowl lining both of their expressions, but they stopped their conversation and Andy shook his head just as I sidled up next to him.

"Guess I'll handle this one." Jay said gruffly as he followed a couple of the others who headed towards the bathrooms.

"You good?" I asked, feeling a sense of tension that he didn't have when I left.

"I'm good. But I'd be better if we were home and you were naked."

"Well, I'm ready to go whenever you are." I said, providing the out he wanted. He was looking around anxiously, and I could tell whatever Jay said had killed his mood. He looked as though he needed some space and although I would question him later, I was also ready to leave especially after Marlee's life update. The alcohol was coursing through my system and I was now just looking forward to a shower and snuggling into the warmth of the man beside me.

"Let's go say goodbye to Seb and then we'll leave. I'll text Serg now."

I finished my drink and stood, holding onto the table to steady myself.

"These were really gooo–" A hiccup silenced my words as I placed the now empty glass on the table.

Andy chuckled and put his arm around me as we headed for the bar. "Yes, I can see you enjoyed them." He teased.

Speaking only for him, I exaggeratedly covered my mouth and said, "Not as good as you though. When we get home, I will show you just –" Covering my mouth a second too late another hiccup escaped loudly, "– How good you taste." I finished.

Andy's eyes darkened and he began walking a little quicker, the hand on my back lowering to squeeze my arse.

"Too alluring for your own good, woman." I heard him mutter as we went to find Seb before Barbara had her turn in congratulating her captain as she had been desperately waiting to do all evening.