Prologue

PROLOGUE

Elliot

Six months earlier…

Alejandro Cruz eats pussy like a man starved.

I swear I have never been devoured by a man the way he consumes me. He laps at my center like he would die if he didn't gorge himself on my taste. I'm lost under his mouth. Unable to comprehend anything but the pleasure he brings me and how much I want it more than my next breath. I love his mouth, his tongue, his hands—oh God, his hands.

Goalies have the best hands.

My back bows into the breakfast bar table he has me perched on as he holds my ass right where he wants me. He sucks on my clit, causing me to howl his name, and as I'm coming down, I see a smug grin pull at his lips.

"Don't stop," I beg, my knuckles white as I grip the table. "Please."

God, his voice is deep, sultry, and pure sin with all the spice included. "Mmm, but mami —" Fuck me stupid, that endearment has me arching up to his mouth. His grin only grows, such heat in his eyes before he runs his thick, warm tongue up my center in a slow, agonizing sweep. I cry out as he kisses my clit. His thick lips envelop my bud, and I almost die at the sensation. Against my swollen, wanton flesh, he whispers, "I love my name on your lips."

I meet his gaze as he looks up at me, and I feel as if I can come from the look in his eyes. Like I am the best thing he's ever put in his mouth. The most treasured prize. But I can't be his. This is purely physical—or, at least, it needs to be. Unfortunately, every time he meets my eyes, his need for me burns visibly in his gaze, and I know he's falling for me. "Then make me come so I'll scream it louder."

He groans before sucking my clit in his mouth without hesitation. I rock against his lips, chasing the pleasure that his mouth gives me. He slides his tongue to my entrance, fucking me with it, right before his thumb finds my clit, caressing it with sure, even strokes. I writhe under him, mewing like a cat in heat before a fire starts to burn in my spine and then explodes everywhere. I squeeze my eyes shut as I come undone, bellowing his name.

He presses his tongue into my clit, extending my release, and I can't help the way I clutch his head, digging my nails into his scalp as shivers run through my body. "Yes, Alex, oh, yessss…" I cry out as he devours my release, licking every single part of my pussy.

" Mami , you taste divine," he murmurs against my throbbing center before he kisses my mound, then each of my thighs, followed by my pelvic bone. I try to get my bearings, but then he stands, and I'm hit once more with undeniable need for this gorgeous man. In a tailored three-piece blue suit, he looks like he didn't just get finished playing hockey and winning the game in a shutout, but rather, he was off killing bad guys and taking all the drugs and money for himself.

Or for me.

Sinful. He looks downright sinful.

Alex's eyes don't move from my naked body as he pulls at his tie, leaving it open before pushing off his jacket and throwing it onto the bed. I lick my lips, my gaze hooded. "I would help, but I love watching you undress to fuck me."

I curse myself for saying that since it only urges him to fall deeper for me. I should be pushing him away. We've been doing this little dance for about three months, and he's getting attached. I only give him my body, but damn if it's getting harder not to give him more. Alex's lip quirks as he unfastens each button of his dark-blue dress shirt, his eyes roaming over my body like he is trying to figure out where he wants to kiss or touch me next. "And I love when you watch me, legs open, that pretty pussy on display, all glistening and dripping for me."

I suppress a moan as he throws open his shirt, pushing it off his shoulders, which are corded with muscle. His shoulders are wide, thick, and mouthwatering. Shoulders I love to hold on to as he pounds into me. On the side of his neck is a tattoo of a black snake that curves around the back, along his shoulders, before the head comes to a rest over his heart, with the tail ending on his bicep. I've never asked what it is about because I always forget when I read the script that trails down the length of the body.

Die with memories, not dreams.

I don't know why that phrase does something to me, but it does.

Or maybe it's the man who has it so boldly tattooed on his body.

I watch as he runs his hand down his stomach to the button of his pants, and when I meet his heated stare, he looks almost pained. I bite my lip. "What's wrong?"

He shakes his head. "I'm trying to figure out if I want to fuck your mouth or your pussy."

I grin widely at him, cupping my breasts and squeezing my nipples. "Who says you can't do both?"

"Ah, mami ," he mutters before unbuttoning his pants and releasing his cock. "You drive me crazy."

Alex is a huge man, over six and half feet tall, and his cock is just as large. He is the biggest I've ever been with, and that's probably why I keep coming back.

Liar.

Ignoring my inner romantic heart, I take in his long, thick, and dripping-for-me cock. Fuck, I want him in my mouth. A grin pulls at my lips as I look back up to his swirling gaze. His dark lashes curl, making me jealous that he has those naturally, while I have to go every two weeks to the salon and sit for an hour to get the lashes I have. His hair is shaved up the sides in clean lines, while his dark curls fall over his forehead in a lazy but gorgeous heap. His nose is wide, his eyes are the most gorgeous color I've ever seen, and his lips? They are thick and juicy. Fucking kissable. I love kissing him because, like he does with my pussy, he devours me. His beard is neat and groomed, the perfect line along his cheeks with a dark shadow of well-maintained, shaved hair. His skin is naturally bronzed from his Mexican heritage, and just like I was the day I set eyes on him, I'm in awe of him.

He's stunning.

When he steps closer to me, I go to sit up, but he shakes his head. I pause as he grabs ahold of the breakfast bar table, spinning it so that my head is positioned to where his cock is straining for me. I look up at him, a grin pulling at my lips at the sight of him towering over me.

What. A. View.

His cock is weeping from its swollen head, but when I go to reach for him, he stops me once more. "Patience, mami ," he murmurs before rubbing the tip over my lips, spreading his precome all over my mouth. I stick out my tongue to catch his salty taste, and he hisses in approval. "Open for me." My pussy throbs when I do as he asks, my eyes never leaving his. He strokes my jaw, his eyes burning into mine. " Buena ni?a ." Good girl.

Before I can react to his praise, which is even hotter because it's in Spanish, he slowly pushes his length into my mouth, the weight of him, the taste of him driving me wild. My eyes drift shut as he slides into my mouth, stroking my jaw as he fills me. "Relax," he says softly. "Breathe through your nose." I do as he says while he continues to stroke me and slowly pushes his cock to the back of my throat. "Swallow, mami . You can take all of me. I know you can."

My pussy pulses as I do as he asks, taking him to the hilt and fighting my gag reflex.

"That's it. Fucking hell, you are a gift."

I swallow again around his cock, causing him to groan before he slowly drags himself out of my mouth and then pushes back in. He starts to fuck my mouth, and I'm lost in the pleasure it brings me, knowing I'm pleasing him. Each groan and grunt are pure electric shocks to my pussy. Heat burns through me as I continue to take him in, while his fingers brush my hair aside so that nothing disrupts my moves. "You suck cock like a fucking pro. I swear, you have the best mouth. Those lips… Fuck me, Elliot, you are perfection."

Another reason I keep coming back—no one has ever spoken to me the way he does. I get off on it, and soon, I'm groaning around his cock. That urges him to go faster. His heavy balls slap the top of my head, and I don't know why I love it, but I do. As much as he loves to pleasure me, I love it just the same.

I'm playing with fire here. I don't want to be in a relationship. I don't want to be owned by anyone after my sisters saved me from a life of exactly that. Ownership.

I'm a lot. Everyone says it. I let my emotions go when I shouldn't, and I feel way too fucking big. When I fall, I fall hard, and it doesn't end well for me. I swore to protect myself, to never allow anyone close enough to really know me, but man, it's hard to remember that with Alex's cock in my mouth.

I want to be owned by him.

But that has to be the lust talking.

We have no future. He's going, and I'm staying. I've worked hard for my place as the head of the Knoxville Bears social media department. I am sought-after, I am loved by everyone, and I work my ass off. I've watched my older sisters fall in love and give themselves over to the men they love. It's mind-blowing after how we grew up, but I know the guys they've chosen are good men. And while I know Alex is also a good guy, nothing can happen between us but this.

Really great sex.

I roll my tongue along his shaft as he fucks my mouth, his grunts sending heat directly to my center. He grips my breasts as he continues his assault on my mouth. Each thrust has my eyes watering and tears leaking down my face, but he clears them away just as fast as they fall. When he stills, I feel him throbbing, but he doesn't come. "As much as I want to come in this needy little mouth, I want to feel you come undone on my cock once more."

Sounds like a great idea to me.

He draws his cock out of my mouth, my throat achy but in a good way. He spins the table once more, but instead of entering me like I assumed he would, he lifts me from the table. I wrap my arms around his neck and my thighs around his waist as he crashes his mouth to mine. His lips overcome mine before he pushes his tongue into my mouth, taking me hostage. Our tongues dance together, sending heat arcing through my body. He sighs into my mouth, and I squeeze my thighs around him as his cock bobs around my pussy, causing my body to throb for him. Unable to wait, I reach between us to guide his cock in, but he stops me once more. I whine in protest, and he chuckles.

"You have no patience whatsoever, Elliot."

"Not when it comes to your cock."

He grins against my lips before he unwraps my legs from around him and hooks his arms under my knees. He holds them open and nods. "Then guide me in, mami ."

He doesn't have to ask me twice. I know he has me and won't let me fall. With my other hand, I guide his cock to my entrance. Once there, he thrusts inside me. I cry out, digging my fingers into his shoulders as he fills me to the brim, stretching me and leaving me gasping for air.

"So fucking good," I groan out, and he only nods, his heated gaze on where we're connected. Then he moves, jackhammering inside me. My breasts bounce wildly as he pistons into me, my face tight with pleasure. Sweat covers our bodies, his chest shining as he fills me over and over. I'm almost there. I can feel myself burning from head to toe, fire licking in my gut before he takes me to the bed, laying me down and covering my body with his. He goes to his knees as I cradle him between my thighs, and he grips my ass. He pulls at one of my cheeks, stretching my ass as he brings his other thumb to his lip. He sucks it before he zeroes in on my clit, and I come undone.

If I weren't in a state of such bliss, I'd kick him for the cocky chuckle that leaves his throat.

But then he thrusts inside me, my pussy milking his cock as he fucks me into oblivion. When he comes, he roars as he stills inside me, filling me completely. We stopped using condoms after the first three times since I know he's clear, and so am I. I've been on birth control since I was sixteen when Louisa would steal it for us, and I have a couple more days until it's that time.

He thrusts once then twice, before dropping his head onto the middle of my chest. I cradle his head in my hands before running my fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp as I try to catch my breath and he throbs inside me. He kisses my chest, then both my breasts, before trailing kisses up along my neck to my jaw. His body comes flush with mine. I welcome his weight; I love when he does this. I feel so small underneath him, which I guess I am. He captures my mouth, drawing sweet kisses from me as I hold him and he holds me. When he falls to the side after pulling out of me, I hate how much I miss how he fills me.

Maybe he's not the only one falling in love.

Which is so damn bad.

He rolls off the bed, and I watch as he heads into the hotel bathroom and comes back with a warm towel. He cleans me up without a word, and I watch him in awe. "You don't have to?—"

"I want to," he says, cutting me off with a look that tells me not to argue.

A small smile moves over my lips as he throws the towel back into the bathroom before gathering me in his arms and kissing my temple.

"You'll miss curfew," I remind him.

He cuddles closer. "Don't care," he whispers against my cheek. "I'll do the extra laps to hold you."

"Alex," I warn. "People may catch on."

"Don't care," he says once more, kissing my cheek. "Now, shut that needy mouth before I put my cock in it again."

"You act like I'd protest."

He grins against my neck. "I know you wouldn't, which isn't helping my recovery."

I snort but then remember he said he didn't care that people knew. "I don't want people to know about us."

He doesn't say anything right away. "Would it be so bad?"

I look over at him, and his eyes are still closed. His lashes are kissing his sweet cheeks as I gawk at him. "This is only sex."

He scoffs, and I want to pinch his nipple. "So you say."

"Alex."

He opens his eyes. The force of his caramel gaze hits me in the gut. "Why can't it be more?"

"You know why."

"Even if I get called up, it's only four hours away," he tries, but I shake my head.

"It's not that," I lie. "I don't want to be tied down."

"That again?"

"Alex," I warn.

"Elliot." He moves over me, caging my head with his hand as my thighs part for him to nestle into. My body is his; there is no doubt about that. "Explain this tie-down thing to me? I don't see us being in a relationship as being tied down. Are you sleeping with anyone else?"

"You know I'm not."

"Then what is the difference? Do you not want to claim me?"

I do. "I don't want to be in a relationship. I'm young."

"So am I," he throws back. "But I know what I want."

Me. He wants me. His eyes search mine, and I shake my head. "I don't want to answer to anyone."

"Elliot, who the fuck hurt you?" he demands, his eyes wild. "Please tell me so I can turn the narrative around for you. I want you. I'm?—"

"Alex—" I start, just as his phone vibrates on the nightstand. He doesn't look toward it, but it's late and surely someone is calling for a reason. "Answer it."

"No. We aren't done talking."

"Yes. We are," I snap back, holding his gaze. "There is nothing else to talk about."

He glares, but when his phone stops vibrating, it's only for a moment before it starts up again. He is visibly annoyed as he reaches for it, and his brows draw in.

Alex sits back on his haunches as he answers. "Hey, Coach."

My stomach drops with worry that he's in trouble, so to distract myself from "girlfriend" feelings, I take in his body, each ripple of muscle and then that thick cock of his. I don't want to argue with him. I want to ride that cock. I sit up, reaching for him to stroke him from root to tip. He smiles at me but then grabs my wrist once his brows pull together once more.

"Right now? Oh, okay. Yeah. I'll head down now."

I make a face, which is ridiculous since I all but asked him to leave. Why am I sad that he's leaving after I made it clear nothing could blossom from this thing between us? Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh, but that's how I protect myself. There is no future for us. Alex ends the call before bringing my hand up to his mouth. He kisses my knuckles then each of my fingers before reaching for me by the back of my neck. The action sends my heart into overdrive as he pulls me to him, pressing his lips to mine in an all-consuming kiss. A kiss that has my stomach flip-flopping, my nipples hardening, and my toes curling.

A goodbye kiss.

When he pulls back, it's much too soon, but then his words hit me like the forty-one frozen pucks that pelted him when he was in goal.

Unlike him, I find it hard to bat them away, and I feel every single one.

"Well, I guess you got what you wanted. I've been called up to the Nashville Assassins."