17. Sydney

CHAPTER 17

SYDNEY

My last meeting of the day is a status update. I lean forward in my chair, meeting Coach Daniels' keen gaze across his cluttered desk.

"Jason's been making real strides lately," I say. "He's been consistently attending AA meetings with the support of his wife and really opening up during our sessions about his drinking. I think he's starting to understand how it's been a crutch for him to avoid dealing with deeper issues."

Coach nods thoughtfully. "That's great to hear. I've noticed a change in him on the ice too. He seems more focused, more at peace with himself."

"Absolutely," I agree. "And Tomas too. He's been journaling every day, unpacking a lot of the anger and resentment that was fueling his drug use. We've been working on healthier coping mechanisms and he's really embraced the process."

Pride swells in my chest as I recount their progress, hard-won through vulnerability and courage.

But my smile fades as my thoughts turn to Mikey.

"I have to admit though, I'm worried about Mikey," I confess with a sigh. "He still refuses to try group therapy or AA. I haven't been able to get him to open up at all. And Eva mentioned some behavior that has me concerned."

Coach's brow furrows, his expression grave.

"I've noticed he's been withdrawn, irritable," he says. "You think he's still struggling with active addiction?"

"I suspect so," I say grimly. "Addiction is insidious. It thrives in isolation and secrecy. If he won't let anyone in, won't admit he needs help..." I trail off, my heart heavy with concern for him.

"What do you recommend?" Coach asks, his troubled gaze reflecting back my same worry. "I don't want to see the kid throw away his future."

I'm about to reply when my phone buzzes against my hip. Slipping it out of my pocket, I glance down to see DJ's name lighting up the screen.

My pulse quickens. Why is he calling me? DJ isn't the type to call out of the blue, so my instinctual reaction is that something is wrong, either with him or with someone on the team.

"I'm so sorry, Coach, would you excuse me for just a moment?" I say. "I really need to take this."

He nods understandingly and I step out into the quiet hallway, my thumb already swiping to answer. As I lift the phone to my ear, I can't help the tingle of anticipation that runs through me.

"DJ? Is everything okay?"

DJ's smooth voice tickles my ear through the phone.

"Syd," he purrs, and my knees go weak at the sound of my name in his mouth. "My plans tonight fell through. I'm sitting here all alone with enough sushi for an army. You like Izumi's, right? The place near my apartment?"

I scoff, even as my mouth waters involuntarily at the thought of their signature dynamite rolls.

"That's what this is about? God, DJ, I thought something was wrong. But, yes, it's my favorite sushi spot in the city. How did you know?"

"Oh I have my ways," he says mysteriously. I can practically hear the cocky smirk in his voice. "So what do you say, want to come keep me company? I promise to be a perfect gentleman." His voice drops. "Scout's honor."

I bite my lip, goosebumps erupting on my arms at his reference to the last time he promised to be a gentleman. Hanging out alone with DJ, just the two of us, is dangerous. Exciting .

"I don't know, I have an early morning tomorrow..." I hedge.

"Come on, live a little! I'll have you home before curfew."

His playful tone is impossible to resist.

My resolve, already weak, crumbles.

"Okay, fine, you've twisted my arm. I'll be there in an hour."

"Can't wait."

What am I doing? My heart hammers as I head back inside to wrap things up with Coach Daniels. I try to convince myself this is totally casual—two friends, some sushi, no big deal.

But deep down, I know I'm only fooling myself.

This growing thing between DJ and I refuses to be ignored, no matter how hard I try to tamp it down. It's magnetic, constantly pulling us into each other's orbit against our better judgment.

What would it mean to stop fighting it and see where this gravitational pull takes me?

Two hours later, I find myself spread out across DJ's bed, totally naked. The sushi he'd ordered sits forgotten on the kitchen counter, abandoned in favor of a much more delectable meal.

When I first arrived, DJ was the perfect gentleman, just like he promised. But we both knew why I was really there. One charged moment, a devilish glint in his eye, and I couldn't resist going in for a searing kiss.

Things rapidly heated up from there, clothes frantically shed and discarded on the way to his bedroom.

I know I should feel guilty, having once again crossed the boundaries I set for myself. But right now, sated and boneless, it's hard to be anything but blissful.

DJ isn't my patient, we're both consenting adults, we're not hurting anyone…

Except for Tyler.

I frown, the thought sobering. Clearly I was delusional for thinking DJ and I could have a one-off hookup. This energy between us is too explosive to ignore. But what does this mean for my own relationship with Tyler—and the growing connection between him and DJ?

Am I getting in between them?

I flash back to that night at the charity event, when I was literally sandwiched between them on the dance floor.

I'd like to get in between them again , my filthy mind responds.

DJ's skillful hands skim over my sensitive skin, his full lips trailing fiery kisses in their wake, and I can't bring myself to worry anymore.

"Mmm, your body is so gorgeous. I can't wait to fuck you again," DJ murmurs against my neck, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

He captures my lips in another hungry kiss before trailing his mouth lower, worshiping my breasts with licks and nibbles that make me whimper and arch into him.

I grin when I feel him already rock hard against my thigh. Emboldened by his eagerness, I push against his sculpted chest until he rolls onto his back, allowing me to straddle him. DJ's hands immediately go to my hips as I bend down to plant open-mouthed kisses across his chest.

"I want to blow you," I whisper against his abs, glancing up at him from beneath my lashes.

DJ's eyes darken even further, his grip on my hips tightening.

"Fuck yeah, baby. Take my cock in that pretty mouth."

I don't need to be told twice. I shimmy down his body until I'm eye level with his impressive erection. Wrapping my hand around him, I give a few teasing pumps before I swirl my tongue around the tip, lapping up the bead of moisture there.

DJ groans, a hand coming down to tangle in my hair. "I'm going to tell you what to do. If it's ever too much just tap my thigh, okay?"

I swallow and nod, gazing up at him. I can feel myself getting wetter and wetter. Fuck, it turns me on to hear him order me around.

"Good. Then take it deep, Syd," he commands. "Fuck my cock with your mouth."

His gravelly voice lights a fire in my core.

Following his instructions, I start bobbing my head, taking him slowly into the soft wetness of my mouth.

I've never blown someone with a cock this big, and the new sensation drives me crazy. Then his other hand grabs the back of my neck and he yanks me down, filling my mouth, pressing his hard cock deep into my throat until I'm choking on him.

DJ's grip is steady but gentle, as if he's fully aware of my limits and holding me right at the brink. My eyes water slightly, the moment thrilling in its intensity.

I manage a slight nod, signaling I'm okay, and DJ's features slacken with pleasure as I start to move up and down his cock, taking him all the way in each time.

As I build my rhythm, DJ watches me intently, his dark eyes glazed with passion. He starts directing me again, his voice husky.

"Just like that...you're doing so good," he encourages as I work him deeper with each motion, his moans urging me on, taking him into my throat over and over until I'm lightheaded.

"Tell me what to do next, DJ," I manage to gasp out. There's something exhilarating about giving in to this act, letting him order me around. I've never felt so turned on.

DJ's smirk turns decidedly wicked, his eyes dancing with mischief and yearning.

"Get up here," he commands, the authority in his voice sending a shudder of anticipation through me. "I want that tight pussy on my cock."

Eager to please and equally eager to have him inside me again, I shift my position and crawl up until I'm straddling him. I align myself above him as he rolls a condom on.

DJ's hands remain firmly on my hips, guiding me down fast and hard, lifting me up and then slamming me back down. His movements are deliberate, a perfect blend of rough and tender, as if he knows exactly how much I can handle.

I groan as his huge cock stretches my pussy out almost to the point of pain, wanting more.

"You feel so fucking good," DJ groans, his voice strained with effort.

I lean forward to capture his lips in a fevered kiss, my hands exploring the defined muscles of his chest. Every thrust sends waves of pleasure coursing through me, blurring the line between pain and ecstasy.

DJ's hands are everywhere, pulling me closer, and the world narrows to the electrifying sensations overwhelming my body—DJ's powerful strokes, his hot skin against mine, his fingers digging into my thighs.

As the intensity builds, I'm spiraling toward a climax. DJ senses it too and holds me down on his cock, tight, so that I can't move, can't give myself the friction I'm craving.

I half moan, half sob, desperately trying to break his grasp and move on his cock again.

"Naughty girl," DJ chides. "It's not time to come yet."

Tears of frustration prick my eyes, and I beg him for release.

"Please DJ, fuck me. I need your cock, I need to come now!"

His hand loosens slightly, and I take the opportunity to grind against him, my movements frenzied with need.

"Little slut," he laughs approvingly and slaps my ass hard, the pain pulling me back from the edge again, and it feels so fucking good.

I grit my teeth and will myself to stop moving, to obey his every command.

DJ notes my reaction and his low laughter resonates through the room, a low, seductive sound that only builds my need. One hand remains firmly on my hip, his control absolute, as the other one caresses the skin he just spanked, making me shiver, and then he slaps the spot again.

"That's right, stay still for me, little slut," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire.

I'm panting now, desperate for release but held captive by his will.

He lets me catch my breath, his gaze locked on mine, smoldering and intense.

"You're so beautiful like this," he whispers as he runs a thumb across my cheek, wiping away a stray tear from my cheek, pulling back my bottom lip with his thumb before anchoring his hand back on my hip, keeping me locked down on his hard cock, so deep inside me.

"This is how I want you, all the time," he continues, his voice husky. "Completely at my mercy."

The words send a shiver through me, a mix of fear and excitement sparking deep in my belly, and I clench over his cock, gasping.

"You aren't going to move until I tell you, are you, my good girl?"

I shake my head mutely, and he frees one hand to start playing with my clit—alternating between feather-light strokes, hard insistent caresses, and small painful tweaks that jolt me back from the edge, over and over again.

The tension builds to a fever pitch and I'm losing my mind with it, a delicious torment orchestrated by DJ's skilled touch. He keeps me teetering on the brink, pushing me closer with each caress, then pulling back just as I'm about to tumble over into oblivion.

The mixture of frustration and anticipation is intoxicating, overwhelming my senses until I'm not sure how much more I can take.

"Look at me," DJ commands.

I lift my gaze to meet his, finding his eyes burning with need, his expression one of intense focus as he watches the alternating pain and pleasure written across my face.

"Let go, Sydney," he murmurs, his voice quiet but commanding, as if he's willing me to break apart under his touch. "It's time. Let go for me."

I can hardly breathe, the ferocity of his gaze pinning me as surely as his hands. His fingers are relentless, skimming over my clit until, in a wave of torturous bliss, he sends me crashing into orgasm.

My body convulses around the rock-hard length of his cock inside me, waves of release sweeping over me in an unending rush.

As I shudder and gasp, DJ slowly eases his grip, allowing me to collapse against his chest. His arms wrap around me in a firm embrace, his heartbeat strong under my ear. He kisses the top of my head gently, looking down at me with affection filling his dark eyes.

"Perfect," he breathes out.