Chapter 28

TWENTY-EIGHT

E van looks good tonight. I can't take my eyes off him as I pull up to the address he gave me to pick him and his friends up. He has on a long-sleeved top, his thumbs through cutouts on the sleeves. It's a deep gunmetal gray with white grooves down the arms. The neckline is slightly torn, and it ends mid-waist, so when he turns or moves, it exposes his abs. The sight shouldn't make me hard or feel possessive, but it does. All his skin on display, his tight waist . . .

Shit.

The pants don't help. They might be loose cargos, but they hang low, showing off his boxers, and the chains looping around them have some very bad ideas entering my head.

Nothing else matters, though, except his wide smile and his wave when he spots me.

I won't admit that I was in the car, counting down the minutes until it was time to meet, or that I spent an hour picking out an outfit. I even asked Alice for help, wanting to look good for him and his friends. I know this is important, and I want to make a good impression, but one look at my sunshine and all that anxiety flees. A smile curves my lips as I pull up alongside them and hop out, ignoring the honking traffic since I shouldn't stop here. Usually, I wouldn't care about helping others into the car, but again, I know these are important people to my boy.

"Hey, princess," he greets, winking at me as his eyes drop to my outfit. I feel severely underdressed in my black shirt and jeans. My boots have yellow laces, and I styled my hair, but I suddenly feel very . . . out of it. "Looking good." Instantly, those feelings disappear too.

"Perv," I mutter, glancing at his friends. "You must be rich b—Evan's friends."

"I'm Lally, and this is Tommy." A pink-haired girl grins. Covered in piercings and tattoos, she looks more like someone I would hang out with, but the e-girl outfit she has on has my eyebrows rising. Nodding, I open the door, and she clambers into the back. Tommy salutes me as he follows her. He's wearing loose overalls without a shirt underneath and a beanie. Shutting the door, I head around to the passenger side and open the door before Evan can.

His eyebrows rise, and I smile as I slide my hand across the base of his spine, feeling his soft skin as I lean in. He shivers as his eyes land on my lips. "You look good enough to eat, pretty boy."

"Later, if you're good," he promises, both of us lost in each other's eyes until a honk makes him jump.

I flip the driver off as I guide Evan inside, my hand automatically going above his head as he slides in, and I shut the door behind him. Hurrying around, I reach over and fasten his belt—a habit.

"Aww, you two are so cute." Lally grins, popping her head between the seats. "It's nice to finally meet you. Should we call you asshole or Alek?"

"Alek is fine," I mutter, embarrassed as I glance back. "Belts."

"He's all bark and no bite. Well, some bite," Evan teases as he reaches for the radio and flips through the music. I let him as I pull out into traffic.

My cheeks heat as I focus on the road, but his friends just laugh. "Nice ride," Tommy says. "You build it?"

I nod, unsure what to say. I've never been good with the social side of things or small talk, and I worry I'm doing it wrong .

"Nice, love the artwork. You should do some dope paintings on other cars. People would pay for it." He nods, and I glance at him in the rearview mirror.

"I do it for some friends. I've thought about it," I tell him. The subject is something I'm interested in, so I find myself relaxing. "I can always show you one day."

"Hell yes, I'm down for that." Tommy grins and nudges Lally. "I like him."

Lally smiles, but she watches me closely, and I know she won't be won over so easily. Evan told me a lot about her, and I'm glad he has her. She's very protective, which I like.

I focus on the road. I mapped the drive earlier when Evan texted me the party address, so I leave him singing along to the radio as we drive, Lally and Tommy chatting away in the back.

It's . . . nice.

My hand drifts from the stick to his thigh before I remember we aren't alone and I snatch it back. Grinning at me, he grabs my hand and laces our fingers together, uncaring about his friends. It shouldn't make me float, but it does. I like that they know about us, plus they seem nice. There was no judgment, no teasing, just acceptance, as if Evan liking me was enough.

Lifting his hand, I kissed the back of it at the next light. "I missed you tonight," I admit quietly.

"Did you?" He kisses my cheek, his voice coming before he leans away. "Then we can spend the night making up for it."

Grinding my jaw at the hungry look in his eyes, I jerk my gaze back to the road before I do something super inappropriate. Laughing, he tightens his hold on my hand as I pull onto the street the party is being held at. I'm not usually one for a frat party, but Evan invited me so I'll go.

If it's filled with idiots, though, I might just have to kidnap him. There is only so much sports talk I can handle. It surprises me when we pull up outside and see jocks there. "I didn't know you were a jock kid. "

"Evan is friends with everyone," Lally supplies happily. "He's all about breaking stereotypes. Equal rights and all that."

My eyebrows rise, and he shrugs as he gets out. I meet him around the front of the car, itching to reach for his hand, but I shove mine in my pockets. The grass is filled with students, some waving at Evan. There's no flying under the radar here. I don't know why I thought Evan was an outcast, but it seems he knows everyone.

I must look overwhelmed because Lally loops her arm through mine and leans in as she drags me after him and Tommy to the huge house where music is currently playing. "Don't worry, it gets easier, and I found the perfect response to the drunk jocks. No matter what they say, just say ‘no way,' and drinking makes it easier to enjoy. School experience and all." She grins at me, letting me in on the secret.

"I don't drink and drive, especially with Evan in the car," I mutter, "but I'll try the no way thing."

"Evan! You came!" a big burly bastard calls out. He's currently helping an upside-down guy drink from a keg.

"Hey, Liam." Evan waves. "Nice party."

"You know it. Have a good night, man." He turns back to the bros surrounding him as I stare.

This is for Evan , I remind myself.

When we get inside, Evan steers us away from the packed dining room that has become a dance floor and to the back porch, where there are some couches surrounding a fire pit. The music still blasts out here with people drinking and partying, but it's chiller than inside. Lally pushes me down and grabs Evan, shoving him down next to me. "We'll get drinks!" she yells and then drags a confused Tommy away.

Evan is pressed against my side, so I move away slightly, not wanting him to worry. He arches his brow but turns to face me. "First college party?"

"First and last probably," I admit.

"Not your scene, asshole?" He smirks, leaning in to hear me better.

"I much prefer the quietness of my garage, especially when you're bent over my car," I flirt, and he throws his head back as he laughs. When he looks at me again, his eyes are sparkling .

"Let me let you in on a secret, princess. I prefer that too. I also like that you're a grumpy, antisocial bastard but still came just because I asked." His lips brush my ear. "I'll make it up to you later."

"You better," I grouch, especially when a stream of shirtless guys run outside, chanting. Dear fucking god, what have I gotten myself into?

His laughter at my reaction is contagious, however, and I find myself relaxing.

For him , I remind myself again.

If I didn't know frat parties were for me, I would now.

Lally's "no way" only works so much. It seems like every time I go to the bathroom or to get Evan a drink, they home in on me. They must think my big build means I'm an athlete, and it's tiresome. The bass pounds in my head, and I'm sweaty from winding through the crowd, but Evan is having a good time, and that's all that matters.

He's a little drunk and getting super touchy, which I wouldn't normally mind, but the crowd that formed around him, as if drawn to him like a magnet, is starting to notice and giving me knowing looks. I'm not ready for questions, not yet, so I keep my distance as much as I can without being obvious. Besides, I'm sober and getting grumpier by the minute, and I don't want to ruin his night. It's not his fault this isn't my thing, and I'm really trying for him, but I just don't get it.

He's flourishing as the center of attention. Hell, even with me, his laughter is contagious, and the stories he tells has everyone on the edges of their seats. He's good, but I can tell he's getting tired of keeping it up, of trying to be the life and soul of the party. If I didn't know Evan as well as I do, I might not have noticed.

When I hand him his drink, his hand lingers on mine before I step back. "So, Alek, right?" one of his many adoring fans says.

I nod, meeting their eyes as they lean in. "You're Evan's friend?"

I rub my neck as I nod again, and he waits for me to say something. " It seems he has a lot of friends." I shrug, and I feel Evan's disappointment, but he soon perks up.

"Alek is amazing with cars, aren't you?" He turns his hopeful gaze to me, and I can't say no.

"I'm okay." It's clear they are waiting for more, so I rack my brain. "Um, I rebuilt a Skyline from scratch."

"Like from Fast and Furious ?" one of the girls asks. "That's so hot. Are you single?"

My eyes widen, but Lally slides in. "You're such a car whore, Heather. Aren't the eight cars your daddy bought you enough?"

The girl laughs, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she replies to Lally. "Why? Want to try one out?"

"You wish." Lally grins and winks at me.

"Can you hold this for a sec?" Evan asks, passing me his drink.

"Sure, bro." I hold it as he stands, and he blinks at the word "bro."

"Um, okay, bro?" he responds, shaking his head. "I'm heading to the bathroom."

I go to follow him, but he points at me and the chair. "Sit, bro, I'll be right back. Friends don't need an escort."

Shit, I'm going to pay for that one later. I watch him storm off as I groan.

Lally flops down next to me, leaning in so our conversation is quiet and not overheard.

"So are you looking after my Evvie well?" she asks, sipping her drink as she watches me with hard eyes. Lally is a force of nature. Hell, I've seen guys less intimidating than her, and they are ex-criminals.

"Uh-uh, your Evvie has a bad temper and likes to square up to me. I don't think he needs protection from me, maybe the other way around," I point out.

"Very true." She laughs. "Just don't hurt him, okay?" she says protectively. "We get it. We've all been where you are, and you're figuring shit out. That's fine, but don't hurt him in the process. He's been hurt enough, and it's obvious he really likes you."

"Baby," the girl from earlier whines, trying to get Lally's attention .

"Wait your turn, sweetheart," Lally replies before turning back to me, and I can't help but laugh. Oh yeah, she's trouble. It seems all of Evan's friends are wild cards. I process her words as I watch her.

"How do you know?" I ask, not reacting to her anger or barb. She's protective of him. I get it.

"You wouldn't be here if he didn't," she points out. "Just be good to him, okay?"

"I'm glad he has you," I tell her. "It's obvious you care about him a lot. The last thing I want to do is hurt him."

She seems taken aback, blinking as she sips her drink. "Well, okay then." She smiles as if we have come to some sort of agreement, although I have no idea what.

"You should go after him," she suggests.

"Thank you." I leap to my feet and hurry inside, searching the party for Evan as she laughs and returns to the girl smiling seductively at her. I think Lally has her own ride home tonight.

I ask around and then head upstairs where they tell me to go. It's a maze of rooms up here, but as I duck around another almost empty corridor, I see him. A grin curls my lips before I stop dead in my tracks as the other person with him comes into view.

Anger fills me, as does a dark, cloying jealousy as I watch the man step closer. He presses his hand against Evan's chest as he leans into the wall. Evan doesn't remove it, and from the way Evan's looking at him, it's clear they know each other well.

His ex?

It's definitely someone he fucked, if the way the other guy is hungrily eyeing him is anything to go by.

He's taller than Evan and built, with blond hair and a wicked grin. He's a pretty boy and the total opposite of me. My hands fist at my sides, and fury races through me, mixing with my jealousy. I want to punch that smug look off his face.

Why isn't Evan pushing him away?

"I said no." Evan's voice reaches me as he straightens, stepping away from him.

How many times has he said no? My jealousy shifts to pure anger, and before I know it, I'm storming toward them. Evan sees me, his eyes widening. I grab his neck, yank him behind me, and turn to the guy.

"Hey, I was talking—" I don't let the guy finish. I slam my fist into his face, sending him staggering into the wall. Before I can let another punch fly, Evan's hand touches the base of my spine, stopping me. Grinding my jaw, I turn and grab his arm harshly, yanking him into the closest room, slamming the door closed, and engaging the lock.

At the moment, I don't care who sees us, and I don't care what they say.

My chest heaves as I stare at Evan while he backs into the sink. We are in a bathroom. I notice, but I can't focus on anything but him. I'm being an asshole, but I don't care. Covering the distance between us before I go back out there and break the man's hand for touching what's mine, I grab Evan's chin and press my lips to his. He kisses me back for a minute before pulling away. He tries to move away from me, but I pin his body between mine and the sink, not willing to let him go.

"Seriously, Alek, you're such an asshole," he hisses, his nostrils flaring. Fuck, he's so hot when he's angry. "You bro me, you won't even touch me all night, so worried they would figure out you're fucking me, then you come storming up here and do that? You won't even let people know we're dating. Hell, I don't even know if we're dating, yet you're mad another guy tried to talk to me?—"

I cover his mouth, watching his eyes widen as I lean down. "Let me get one thing very clear, Evan. You are mine. We are dating. I have spent the entire evening smiling and small talking with your friends, and it wasn't because I like them. It was because I like you. I want you and want you to be happy. This is the last place I would ever want to be, but I came for you." His lips move against my palm. Sliding my hand down, I circle his throat. "So yes, I don't like him touching what's mine or the fact that you let him. Either I come in here and kiss the ever-loving shit out of you until I forget or I go out there and beat the shit out of him. It's your choice, baby."

I wait, watching his eyes look between mine before his mouth parts, and then he kisses me. "Good boy," I croon into his lips, dragging him closer .

He whimpers into my mouth, the sound going right to my cock, which has practically been hard since I saw him waiting for me on the sidewalk. My other hand slides under his cropped shirt, stroking his abs as I bite and suck his mouth. "I hate this fucking shirt just as much as I love it. I hate that they can all see you, but I love that I can touch you," I tell him as I tilt his head and run my lips along his neck. He rolls his hips into me, letting me feel his hardness beneath his cargos.

"Alek, please," he begs.

"I love the way you say my name when you want my dick, rich boy," I growl as I drop to my knees. Pushing his shirt up, I slide my lips along his abs, kissing him until he's panting, and then I suck on his nipples, watching as he swallows hard.

I fucking love how he reacts to me.

"Yes, baby?" I murmur as I lick down his abs and stop at the waistband of his pants, teasing him.

"Please," he implores, his hands grabbing my shoulders, urging me up. Chuckling darkly, I get back to my feet, wrapping my hand around his throat once more as I tilt his head back and kiss him.

Turning him to face the mirror, I keep one hand on his throat so he knows he belongs to me, while the other slides into his pants, circling his cock. "Moan for me, pretty boy, and let them all hear. Let that asshole hear who you are going home with tonight."

His head falls back against my shoulder as he watches me touch him through the mirror. The stark difference between us has me grinding into his ass. He's all golden and bright, and I look like the fucking devil behind him, all dark hair and eyes. It's a fucking sight, and I wish I could film it.

Later , I remind myself.

"Look at you," I murmur into his ear as I slide my lips down his neck. He reaches down, pushing his pants out of the way so I can see my hand palming his huge, hard dick. "Look how pretty you are. Whom do you belong to, rich boy?"

He just pants, his eyes locked on my hand, so I stop moving.

"Evan," I growl.

"You. I belong to you, now fucking touch me."

Chuckling, I bite his ear in warning. "So needy, pretty boy. You want me to let you come?"

"Yes." He groans, thrusting his cock into my hand.

"Then use me," I tell him, circling his cock. "Make yourself come while I watch."

His eyes clash with mine in the mirror as he thrusts into my hand, using it like he would his own.

Fuck, he's so pretty. Licking his neck, I keep my eyes on him, unable to look away as he writhes. I feel him jerking in my hand, and I know he's close.

He pulls his shirt up, exposing his rolling abs as he fucks himself into my grip, his cheeks red with desire. God, he's fucking perfection. I almost blow my load just from watching him, but I hold back. When I do come, it will be inside his ass.

Licking up his neck, I release my breath over his ear. "Come for me, pretty boy."

He lets out a whimper, biting down on his bottom lip as he thrusts into my hand and stills, coming all over me as he bites back his cry. Sliding my hand from his neck, I pull his lip from his teeth. "Let them hear, pretty boy," I order as his hips roll. He cries out louder, spilling in my hand until he finally slumps back into me.

Turning him to me, I pull up his pants and button them for him before I kiss him. "I was just going to play with you, but made me all needy, rich boy. It's your fault, so you need to deal with it. I refuse to take your perfect ass here though." I rub my thumb across his lips as he blinks. "But we have other ways. Put that pretty mouth to good use." I push him down, gripping his icy hair. "Show your boyfriend how grateful you are for him."

His eyes simmer at the word, his lips parting as he eagerly unbuckles my jeans and shoves them down. "Like that, do you? Me calling myself your boyfriend?"

He nods, his tongue darting out to wet his lips as his eyes land on my cock.

"Show me how much you like it," I demand .

He wraps his lips around the tip of my cock, sucking hard. The pressure makes my back bow as desire storms through me. He watches me, his eyes dancing with amusement and lust, as he opens his jaw wider and slides me into his wet, hot mouth. The sight causes me to thrust forward, forcing myself down his throat. He lets me as he breathes heavily through his nose. I hit the back of his throat and slide deeper still.

One of his hands circles the base of my cock, squeezing, while the other grips my thigh, tugging me closer as he licks and sucks my length. "Pretty boy." I slide my hand into his hair, messing it up as I pull out and thrust into his waiting mouth. "Jesus, fuck, I love the way you take me. You look goddamn beautiful while doing it. This mouth was made for me, wasn't it? Made for me to touch, taste, and fuck, just like that hot, little body. Every inch was made for me."

He nods, sucking me deeper and working me with his hand when he can't take me any farther.

"Fuck, look at you, baby," I murmur. "You are a goddamn work of art. I can't get enough of you. I need you all the fucking time. What have you done to me, rich boy?" I ramble as I fuck his mouth, unable to hold back, watching him worship me. It has things unlocking inside me, and when he hums around my cock, I explode with a shout, coming down his throat. I pull him up and rub his neck. "Swallow all of it," I demand, watching his Adam's apple bob as he swallows my cum.

I lean us into the sink as he wraps his arms around me and kisses me softly. "I'm yours, Alek," he promises, his voice slightly hoarse. His lips are raw and swollen and so fucking pretty I can't help kissing him again.

"Don't forget it," I murmur, leaning my head into his shoulder as I try to recover. When I can breathe normally, I fasten my pants and wash my hands as he watches me, a grin dancing over his lips.

"Stop looking at me like that, Evan," I warn.

"Or what?" he asks, leaning into the door.

"Or I'll take your ass right here and now rather than when we get home." I peer up at him as I dry my hands, our eyes meeting in the mirror. "Where I plan to spend all night buried inside you, pumping you so full of my cum, you'll be dripping for days."

He swallows, his eyes widening as I chuckle and head his way.

"That's what I thought. Let's go back to your friends before they send out a search party." Smirking, I rub his bruised, raw lips. They leave nothing to the imagination.

As soon as Evan goes out there, they will all know he's been fucking around, and I love that mark of possession on him.