Page 9 of Devil on Skates
XAVIER
I’M AWAKE BEFORE THE sun’s even properly up, my body still sore and my mind replaying last night like a movie, but I don’t fight it. I let my hand wander under the sheets and close my eyes, remembering every detail of what happened in the dark. My cock is so hard it almost hurts.
I picture her body pressed against mine, and her sharp intake of breath when she realized it was me... Her eyes darkened, and when I leaned in close and whispered into her ear, for a split second, she was ready to give in.
I take my time stroking myself, imagining a different scene in my mind.
This time, she doesn’t walk away. Instead, she melts into me, her walls falling with the heat we both feel but refuse to admit.
I picture her against the cold bricks, her soft gasps escaping her throat as my hands explore every curve of her body.
My pace picks up as the fantasy heats up. I’m lifting her like I did at the party, her legs wrapped tight around me, her nails digging into my shoulders. When I bury myself deep inside her, she cries out.
My release and satisfaction that follow are brief, barely scratching the surface of how much I want to turn this fantasy into real life.
I respect Irina’s strength. Most girls I know would’ve given in right away, chasing the rush without thinking.
But Irina? She’s got an iron power of will that lets her walk away, even when she wants to stay. Her resistance and the whole act of duty and obligation only make the chase sweeter.
Because behind all that control, there’s a woman who pressed herself against me in the dark, responded to my touch with fire, and vanished knowing one night wasn’t enough. She’s fighting herself just as much as she’s fighting me.
I admire her discipline, but I’m sure I’m going to break it.
I’m going to break her.
The shower washes off the evidence of my morning fantasy, but not the plan brewing in my head.
Last night was too direct and made it too easy for her to say no , so I need to figure out the real obstacles.
It’s not just her dad’s high expectations, which I know can be hell, but Keith too.
What kind of guy has she settled for? What cracks can I exploit?
As I get dressed, the plan clicks into place. I need to get rid of Keith and throw some uncertainty and jealousy into their relationship. Those mess with anyone’s head, especially when there’s no passion between them.
FINDING KEITH ISN’T hard. I grab a coffee, find a table with a clear view of the whole café, and settle in with a book.
Soon, he shows up, flanked by a couple of other students, who are chatting as if they’re already CEOs. Even in casual—and expensive—clothes, he still looks polished, with every hair in place. That kind of perfection must be exhausting.
I wait until his friends leave, then slide up as he’s checking his phone.
“Costello, right?” I keep my voice light.
He looks up, a slow realization spreading across his face. “Gallagher! Good game last night.”
“Thanks.” I shrug like it’s no big deal.
I pull out a book from my bag. “Actually, I wanted to ask a favor.”
He raises an eyebrow at me. “What kind of favor?”
I hold out the book. “Irina left this at my place. I’ve been meaning to get it back to her. Could you give it to her?”
He blinks twice, his mouth slightly open, as if he’s trying to process something impossible. “You know Irina?”
“We’re old friends,” I say. “Ran in the same circles a while back. Been to the same parties.”
“Parties?” He narrows his eyes, his lips pressed tight, as if he’s not buying it. “She doesn’t even go here.”
“Well, it was a while ago. But you know how the college social scene goes. It doesn’t stop at one campus.”
I see the gears turning behind his cool mask. What parties? When? How close?
“I didn’t know you two were acquainted,” he says, his grip tightening on the book.
“Like I said, it’s been a while.” I flash him a smile.
“I’ll make sure she gets it.” He tucks the book under his arm.
“Thanks.” I check the time. “Gotta get to class. See you around, Costello.”
I turn and head out, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. He’s going to flip through the pages for sure. And then he’ll find the note written in my neat handwriting.
Last night in the shadows reminded me of what happened at that party. We both know what you really want and that he can’t give it to you. When you’re ready, you know where to find me. -X
The note’s perfect because it’s specific enough to remind her of us, but still vague enough that it won’t completely blow up in my face if the wrong person gets their hands on it. But when Keith reads it, it’ll spark jealousy, and maybe Irina will have to confront what she’s been denying.
As I head to class, I feel my satisfaction settle in. Keith will either hand off the book without looking, which would be a little disappointing, but Irina will still get the message, or his curiosity will get the better of him and he’ll see the note, shaking things up between them.
Either way, it’s a win for me.