10. Alex

Chapter ten

Alex

M y sister Victoria has never been a fan of Daphne, but oddly enough, it was Vic who informed me I was being an asshat about the whole Daphne’s birthday thing.

Well, she didn’t consciously tell me that word for word, on account of Vic remaining unaware I’m dating her biggest rival, but she did in a roundabout way enlighten me without her knowledge.

Vic knows Celeste and I aren’t together anymore, and surprisingly, she’s been cool about it. Plus, to my amazement, Vic and I were meeting for lunch a few days ago, when she told me her stories of past breakups. I don’t know, I think she did it to support me through the breakup with her best friend. Either way, she recounted this one woman she dated for three months. Vic said they’d been perfect together. Which surprised the hell out of me because she mentioned the lady’s name as Honey, and I sure as fuck would have remembered a name like that, but I digress. They ultimately split because Honey had forgotten her birthday .

Apparently, Honey tried to pretend that she hadn’t forgotten, but it was obvious she had. Vic said any kind of gesture would have satisfied her, but no alternative could have made up for Honey’s lack of investment.

So, yeah. Oddly enough, my sister, who is oblivious to me dating her sworn enemy, convinced me to show Daphne I care.

Hence why I’m at the gym, deciding what type of date to take Daphne on for her birthday. Plus, you know, chasing the darkness away.

The bar is heavy, making my arms shake. I push it up and breathe out hard. Metal clinks back on the rack as perspiration drips into my eyes, stinging them.

I wipe my face with a rough towel and toss it. Next, I grab the bar again. Lift. Lower. Repeat.

It’s just me, my thoughts, and the weights. The gym echoes with grunts and the thud of dumbbells. Each rep, each drop of sweat, is a fight against the grayness in my head. Depression is a shadow that clings tight.

The Greek philosopher Epicurus had it figured out, didn’t he? Death means naught because we won’t be around to care.

Simple, though I wish I felt that way. Just switch off the thoughts about what comes after, about if any of this—sweat, pain, life—matters. Nothing to fear .

If only it were that easy. It’ll never be enough for me.

Rubber, disinfectant, and body odor mix. They keep me here, at this very moment, alive. But as always, they’re fleeting. Completely temporary, like everything else.

Racking the weights onto the barbell, the iron clangs. Now that my hands are free, I grab my phone. It’s been my connection to her for the past two days.

Me:

Hey, Daph.

I can almost see her face lighting up when she reads the message. It’s like a burst of color in a monochrome world.

Cutting through the bullshit, I text again to get past the “Hey, how are you?”

Me:

“Got plans Tuesday and Wednesday?”

My thumb hovers over the send button. I imagine us together, away from everything. Just Daphne and me, with her laughter and those hazel eyes that always seem to pierce through my gloom. No shadows, no doubts.

Vic was so right. Can’t believe I almost dropped the ball this hard.

It’s only been a few seconds, but I’m inpatient. So, I carry on texting.

Me:

“Let’s get out of here.”

I press send. The message floats into the digital ether, carrying all my thoughts with it.

I wait another five seconds. Am I being needy? Fuck yeah, but do I care? No.

Another second goes by. I can’t wait for her response. So I keep going.

Me:

“Rent a room? Dinner, cuddles, room service . . . What do you say?”

Sent. Done.

My breathing evens out. Waiting for her reply, I feel something stir—a spark. With Daphne, life isn’t just bearable; it’s vibrant. She’s melody in a sea of dissonance.

I sit on the edge of the bench with my cell. The air is cool as it hits my sweat-drenched skin. Everything’s on pause. Then, my phone vibrates with her reply. The buzz subsequently reminds me how much of a coward I am when I glace at her contact name. Not even man enough to label her what she means to me.

Lab Partner:

“Sounds perfect. Can’t wait ??.”

Perfect. That’s what she is. In this instant, the weight of existence lifts. There’s only the plan, the promise of hours wrapped up in each other’s presence. For once, the future feels like a guarantee rather than a threat.

The next day, I take her to a fancy restaurant inside a hotel. For the ambience, not to fuck. Though, I’m not opposed to the idea.

Anyway, I spot her immediately. Daphne stands by our reserved table, a vision in a simple black dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. My heart skips a beat, a flutter that feels both familiar and exhilarating.

I’ve been waiting all my life for this moment. For her smile directed at me while being inexplicitly mine.

“H-hey,” I stutter as I approach. Thankfully, my tone sounds far more casual than I am.

“Hi,” she replies, her joyful smile a radiant beam of sunshine that cuts through the dim lighting. My stomach does a little flip-flop.

We make our way into the restaurant, through hushed conversations and the clinking of silverware filling the air. I pull out a chair for her, and she sits gracefully, her captivating eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. So, naturally, I can’t resist. My hand reaches out and finds hers on the crisp white tablecloth. A wave of warmth courses through me as I trace lazy circles on her soft skin with my thumb.

“Thanks,” she murmurs, her piercing gaze locking onto mine.

“Anything for you,” I reply, meaning every word. Completely relaxed now, I’m at peace and no longer stuttering. Not that she’d ever comment on it.

Daphne always treats me as though I’m worthy. Even if she were to mention my stutter, she’d only do it because she’s concerned about me. Unlike the bullies of my childhood, she’d never make fun of me.

We open our menus, but honestly, food feels secondary. All I can focus on is her beauty, her warmth, and her intoxicating presence. My fingers wander, brushing lightly against her wrist on the table. A jolt of desire courses through me, an ache that I can’t suppress. I stroke her arm next, reveling in the silky smoothness of her skin. Daphne shivers slightly, leaning into my touch.

“You’re always so warm,” she whispers in a voice like velvet.

“Only around you,” I assert, a bold statement that I mean wholeheartedly. Truth is, when she’s around, I start burning up. Every part of me wants to shed my clothes and take her to bed to show her exactly how hot we can burn.

I lean in closer, my lips finding the sensitive flesh of her neck. She giggles, a sound that sends a thrill through me. “Baby, we’re in public.”

“Can’t help it,” I reply, my voice husky. I’m not sorry at all, and I fucking love how she called me baby.

I signal the server over, nodding at our closed menus. “We’ll have a bottle of the Cabernet Sauvignon,” I say, my eyes flicking back to Daphne’s. She nods in approval.

“Steak for me,” I add, handing the server the menu.

“And for the lady?” he asks.

“The grilled sea bass, please.”

“Excellent choices,” he says, scribbling on his notepad before disappearing.

The chatter and clinking of silverware fade into the background. It’s just us, lost in our own private world. Daphne’s foot brushes against mine under the table, a subtle, electric connection that sends a jolt through me. I have to engage in conversation. If I don’t, my cock is going to burst from my pants from need.

“Can’t wait for the season to wrap up,” I confess, leaning back in my chair. “Football’s great and all, but tough on the body.” I rotate my shoulder, wincing slightly at the tightness .

“Is it the physical strain?” she asks. Her eyes scan my face, searching for any signs of discomfort.

“Yeah, it takes a toll, but I love the teamwork and camaraderie,” I reply, offering her a half-smile. “You know, having friends.”

I’d never admit such a thing to anyone else but her. When Celeste took notice of me, I joined football and learned I was naturally good, and with the snap of a finger, I had people to eat lunch with. At first, my depression felt more manageable when surrounded by people.

“I get that.” She nods, her fingertips tracing the stem of her water glass. “Must be satisfying, working with others towards a common goal.”

“Exactly,” I say, relieved that she understands. It’s more than just a game for me; it’s about connection, about belonging. But my body doesn’t always keep up with my ambitions, and I don’t actually enjoy playing. That’s the hard truth.

“I’m sure you can’t wait for some relaxation.”

“Hmm. Rest and spending time with you,” I reply, reaching across the table to take her hand. “That’s what I’m really looking forward to.”

We continue eating in comfortable silence until we near the end of our meal .

The last bite of my steak lingers on my tongue, rich and satisfying. I wash it down with a sip of red wine that tastes deep and earthy. Meanwhile, Daphne’s eyes hold mine, a spark of something new ignited within them.

“So,” she says, her voice low. “I’ve got to admit, watching you on the field is exciting.”

“Really?” I’m genuinely surprised. “You’ve seen me play?”

“Sure have,” she replies, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Local broadcast, plus YouTube. Hard to miss that tight end in action.”

I can’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside. “You’re talking about football, right?”

“Maybe,” she teases, her eyes dancing with amusement. It feels good, light and easy, but there’s an underlying heat that’s building between us with every glance. Every touch.

I’m pleased that she’s been watching me play even before she transferred. It means she’s thought about me too over the years. That our connection hasn’t withered on her end either.

Dinner wraps up too soon, or perhaps not soon enough because the need to be alone with her gnaws at me. I stand, reach for her hand, and feel the electric pulse as our fingers intertwine.

We make our way through the elegant dining room, past tables of diners lost in their own worlds. I don’t see any of them. My world narrows on her, on the anticipation that’s coiling tighter with each step we take towards the elevator.

The ride up is silent, our eyes locked and breaths shallow. We exit and almost jog to our suite. The entire time, the key card trembles slightly in my hand. Finally, when the door clicks open, we slip inside.

We haven’t had sex yet and I’m trying to be a gentleman, but pre-cum is dripping against my thigh.

The moment the door shuts behind us, Daphne’s on me. Her lips crush against mine, hungry and demanding. Her hands are everywhere, lighting fires under my skin. They find their way to my jeans, unapologetic and bold.

“Are you sure?” I groan out the words, but they’re more of a formality than a question. Please, God. Please, say yes.

Her breath is hot against my ear. “I’ve been waiting since the second I first saw you.”

Fuck yeah.

Desire, dark and all-consuming, swallows us whole.

Daphne’s hands are everywhere. My skin burns under her touch. I’ve been aroused all night, the tension building with every look she threw my way across the table.

I grab a fistful of her hair and pull her head back gently. She tilts into the grip, exposing the length of her neck. I press my lips to her skin, tasting the salt and the faint trace of her perfume. She sighs, a sound that drives me wild.

“Alex, please,” she moans with my lips against her. Fuuuck, she’s right. I can’t wait either. I trail my hands down her body to find her firm and inviting ass. When I lift her, she wraps her legs around my waist like it’s where she belongs. She’s not too heavy or light, but instead is just right, fitting perfectly against me. Her dress is soft under my hands, but all I can think about is what’s beneath. I lean in and kiss the top of her breasts through the thin fabric. She moans, and the sound is music—a melody more stirring than any harp could produce. Not that she’d believe me.

“Alex,” she breathes out, and her voice is thick with want.

“Shh,” I say, though I’m buoyed by her neediness. It tells me I’m doing something right, that I can satisfy her and take care of her in ways no one else can. My mouth moves over her cloth-covered skin once more, eliciting another moan, and I know this is where I’m meant to be. With her, like this, always.

I hoist Daphne into my arms, her legs still locked around me. The bedroom is only steps away, but each second feels like an eternity with her heat pressed against me. I lay her down in the center of the white sheets, paler than her flushed skin.

“Alex,” she whispers .

Fuck, need her now. Clothes—hers, mine—are just obstacles. I strip, movements hurried and rough. She matches my pace, fabric pooling at her feet until we’re both bare and exposed with nothing between us. I’m on edge, so damn close to losing it before I’ve even touched her properly.

But I need this. Need her.

I can’t stop staring at her. Daphne, with those hazel eyes that seem to see right through me. She’s lying there on the bed, breathless from our earlier kisses, and I’m getting impatient to feel more of her.

On her in an instant, my hands explore the curves I’ve never had the right to touch before now. Her skin is soft under my rough fingers, giving her shivers as I trace down her luscious body. She’s responsive, arching towards me and wanting more.

My mouth finds her pussy without hesitation. She tastes like nothing I’ve ever had before. So fucking sweet and intoxicating. I never went down on Celeste, even when she begged me to, but with Daphne, I can’t resist. I tease her with my tongue by sucking on pussy lips and shoving my tongue against the underside.

I’m drunk on her scent.

Her hands grab at the sheets. Little, sexy moans fill the room. I don’t let up, driven by the need to hear more of those sounds, to feel her come undone .

“Alex!” Her voice breaks, and her body tenses. “Baby, I’m coming!” Watching her let go is the most beautiful moment I’ve ever experienced.

I can’t wait. I need inside of her.

Cock angry with me for making him only observe, I slide my palms up her legs to her torso and breasts. My throbbing cock bumps against her delicious pussy. Without my permission, my cockhead slips against her lips, making both of us groan in pleasure.

Then, I line myself up—fucking finally—and drive into her in one quick thrust. We gasp together, a raw sound that fills the room.

“Fuck,” I groan. Her pussy’s so tight. I could just live in her tight channel.

Her nails dig into my back, leaving trails of fire that only stoke my desire. I move hard and fast. There’s no tenderness, no slow build. This is primal, an insatiable hunger we both need to feed.

Every second away from her felt like torture. Daphne literally saved my life when we were kids, and the next day she was gone. She was the only thing that kept me going. So, how did I live with stolen breath?

Well, that’s not entirely true. I do know how I lived in a biological sense. How I survived .

I replaced her with the penny versions. Fake happiness, fake friends, and fake love with Celeste.

Shit, I feel so guilty reflecting on that. Celeste picked up my shattered pieces after Daphne had left, and here I am pondering on how unhappy my last girlfriend made me while fucking my new one.

Daphne meets every thrust, hips rising off the bed, a perfect counterpoint to my own rhythm. Our bodies slap together, the sound obscene in its urgency. Sweat slicks our skin, making us shine in the dim light.

“Alex. Yes, baby,” she gasps. I love when she says my name. It reminds me that she’s as obsessed with this moment as I am.

I thrust into her with all my strength, every instinct urging me forward. “Say it,” I growl, my voice dripping with desire. “Say my name as I fuck you.”

“Alex!”

There is no gentle lovemaking here, only the frantic coupling of two bodies consumed by insatiable lust. Her walls compel me to push harder, deeper. Unbearable tension in my gut builds.

“Damn it,” I choke out between ragged breaths. Pleasure takes over and blinds me, leaving me lost in her touch.

It’s always been her. Only her .

And then it hits us. My balls practically tingle, and I know I’m seconds away from shooting my load. But I’m not ready yet, so I slip my arms around her back and hold her against my chest as I pause for a second. We cling to each other as if we are the only people left in a world of chaos.

Until, with an animalistic need, I flip her onto her hands and knees and enter her from behind. The room echoes with the sounds of flesh slapping, and Daphne’s moans grow louder and more desperate. I grip her hips with bruising force, unable to control myself any longer as I give her everything I have.

“Take it,” I grunt just as I com deep inside her tight pussy. She’s right there with me, matching my movements with fervor until we both reach the edge together. It’s a breathtaking, perfect occasion that leaves us entangled and gasping for air.

As I slide off of her trembling body, I trace my fingers along the curves of Daphne’s shoulders. Her dark hair sprawls across the pillow like a halo framing her goddess form. And in this moment, I’m overwhelmed with the feeling that I don’t deserve her.

That is, until she turns to me, eyes shining with love and desire, and I realize that I am exactly where I’m meant to be—wrapped in the arms of this incredible woman who brings out the sun.