Page 12

Chapter twelve

~ROWAN~

I stay in the bathroom a moment longer, gripping the edge of the counter and staring at my reflection in the mirror. My chest rises and falls like I just got off the ice after a fight, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Her taste is still on my tongue, and I can’t fucking remember a time when I wanted someone this badly. It’s not just the kiss. It’s her.

The look she gave me before she walked out was like she was two seconds from begging me to finish what I had started. That stubborn pride, the way she wants to slap me and kiss me all at once, drives me out of my goddamn mind.

I take a slow, steady breath, willing myself to calm down. I can’t walk back out there with a fucking boner, looking like I’m seconds from dragging her back in here and pinning her to the wall.

When I finally push the door open and step into the small corridor leading to the VIP lounge, it’s like flipping a switch. The music thumps, the strobe lights flicker, and the scent of liquor and perfume mixes with the bass. I walk back into the main area, and my eyes sweep the room casually. I catch Damien’s smirk.

He’s standing near the railing, glass in hand, watching me like I’ve just done exactly what he expected. He raises his glass in a silent toast and winks. Next to him, Ares is more subtle, giving me a knowing look and a slight nod. I smile back, but internally, I know the game’s changed.

The rest of the guys are too busy with their puck bunnies to notice a thing.

Then I see her.

Livia’s at the bar, talking to Avery, a drink in her hand. I don’t miss the way her gaze flickers toward me for half a second before she snaps it away. Her lips are swollen, her cheeks are flushed, and I’d bet every dollar in my contract she can still feel the slickness between her thighs, just like I did.

Her taste is still on my tongue, sweet as honey and deadly like venom.

Fuck, I want to drink her until there’s nothing left. My cock stirs again, and I take a deep breath, willing my body to calm down.

I walk up to the bar, nodding at the bartender to give me another drink.

I don’t take my eyes off her, not for a second. Watching her squirm is better than half the shit that passes for entertainment in this place. She shifts on her stool, crossing her legs, her bare thigh peeking out from her dress.

I smirk, knowing exactly how much of a mess I’ve caused.

My drink is half gone before Mr. Harrison, the team owner, and his wife, Alegra, make their grand entrance. Mr. Harrison’s all handshakes and smiles, throwing out that charm that only money can buy. Poor guy seems to be the only one in here who’s clueless about his wife’s infidelity.

Alegra’s eyes catch mine. They’re predatory. Hungry. I’ve seen that look before too many times to count. It’s the same look she’s been giving me since I signed with the Panthers years ago.

I keep it polite when they make their way over, shaking hands and exchanging the usual bullshit.

The second Mr. Harrison breaks off to talk to Ares, my eyes are on Livia again. She shifts on the barstool again, no doubt trying to get rid of the ache between her legs. The memory of her soft skin under my fingers is enough for blood to rush to my cock again.

Fuck, I need to go calm down.

I excuse myself, drink in hand, and make my way to the corridor leading to the bathrooms.

And that’s when Alegra makes her move. I see it coming a mile away. Her gaze locks onto me like a hawk sizing up prey. Her red lips curl into a predatory smile as she moves toward me, closing the distance between us in those sky-high heels.

“Rowan,” she purrs, the sound practically dripping with intent. She’s in a sleek red dress, her jewelry glinting under the lights. She leans in just enough to push the boundaries of what’s appropriate. “Looking good tonight.”

“Everyone’s dressed up.” I take a slow sip of my drink, my face impassive.

Her perfectly arched eyebrow rises, amused by my deflection.

“But not everyone pulls it off like you do.” She takes another step closer, brushing her hand against my bicep.

I know what she’s doing. I’ve seen this act too many times. Alegra Harrison is used to getting what she wants, and she’s decided she wants me.

Too bad for her, I’m not interested.

She drifts even closer, her hand trailing down my arm.

“You should let yourself have a little fun, Rowan. Loosen up.” Her gaze drops, lingering on my chest before sliding lower, and I can see the wheels turning in her head.

“What would you suggest, Mrs. Harrison?” I don’t move, but my patience thins.

“I have a few things in mind.” Her smile sharpens like a blade, her fingers now ghosting over my stomach.

I let her words hang in the air for a beat and then meet her gaze head-on, my tone flat. “Do you?”

Her eyes spark, thinking she’s hooked me.

“Oh, I do.” Her voice lowers, dripping with confidence. She moves her hand lower, too low, and I’m done.

I step back just enough to break her touch.

“You might want to keep it together, Alegra. At least in the presence of your husband,” I snap, my voice stern.

“Oh, don’t be such a bore, Rowan.” Her smile drops, replaced by a flicker of irritation.

She’s been screwing around with younger men for years, and it’s none of my business unless she drags me or my team into it. The guys have all been instructed not to mess around with her if they wanna keep their spot on the team. And I don’t plan on losing players.

“Have a good night, Alegra,” I say, my tone polite but dismissive, and turn on my heel before she can spew any more venom.

At least one good thing came out of my conversation with her. My boner’s gone, so I walk back out of the hallway and back into the chaos. I scan the VIP section, and my eyes land on Livia and Avery at the bar.

Avery’s gesturing animatedly, her face lit up with excitement, while Livia leans in, nodding along, her lips curling into that soft smile I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

For a moment, I pause, watching the two of them. That’s when I realize I’m smiling. They look so at ease with each other.

I make my way over.

“Hey, you,” I say, ruffling Avery’s auburn hair the way I know she hates.

“Rowan!” She bats my hand away and starts fixing her hair.

“Sorry,” I throw out, helping her smooth it out.

Avery rolls her eyes but grins, and I turn my attention to Livia. She stiffens slightly, her gaze flicking to mine. There it is. Her lips part to suck in a breath, still swollen from mine, and her chest swells with a deep breath, pushing her perfect breasts tight against the cut fabric of her dress.

Her cheeks turn pink in the dim light, and she quickly looks away, focusing on Avery like her life depends on it.

“What are we talking about?” I ask, propping a hand on the back of Avery’s barstool.

“None of your business,” Avery says with a grin, but she doesn’t mean it.

“Everything you do is my business. It’s in the big brother rulebook.”

“This is girl talk,” she shoots back, playfully shoving me back. “Go talk to the other guys.”

“Girl talk, huh?” I chuckle, reaching over to poke at her ribs.

“Yes!” She swats at my hand with a laugh. “Unless you want to hear about it, scram.”

“Harsh,” I chuckle and glance at Livia, who’s doing her best to look anywhere but at me. “Well, you two have fun with your girl talk .” I nudge Avery, who’s already laughing and shooing me away.

Livia hasn’t said a word, but she doesn’t have to. Her shallow breaths, flushed cheeks, and the way she squeezes her thighs tell me all I need to know.

I’ve got her.

The night passes in a haze of drinking, talking, and stealing glances at Livia, who’s been trying her best to stay as far away from me as she can.

I spot her across the room, fingers flying over her phone screen as she stares at it like it’s about to sprout legs and run away. She’s trying to find an Uber. She’s been at it for a while now—thirty minutes, to be exact.

I watch as she swipes the screen again, jaw tightening with each failed attempt to summon a car. It’s a little amusing how stubborn she is, trying to act like she doesn’t need help when it’s obvious she’s about to throw that damn phone across the bar.

Damien’s already left with Avery, and some of the guys have gone home with a bunny or two. That’s how I know it’s time for me to go home as well.

I push off the wall and head in her direction until I’m close enough to catch the scent of her perfume.

“Still can’t get a ride?” I ask, my voice low, teasing.

She jumps slightly, looking up at me with those wide, stormy eyes.

“You’ve been at it for half an hour,” I say, leaning against the bar. “My driver is already on the way.”

“Great for you,” she snaps, clearly trying to keep her distance.

“Need a ride?” I arch a brow.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” she huffs out, but it’s weak.

“Are you sure you don’t need one?” I look down at the open app on her phone with a raised brow.

“Positive. I’d rather walk.” She lowers her phone in her lap, her eyes avoiding mine.

Not a fucking chance I’m letting her walk home.

“No, you won’t.” I cross my arms, leveling her with a look. “I don’t think I need to remind you how dangerous that can be.”

Her lips press together, and I can see her weighing her options. “I don’t need your help.”

“Let me drive you home,” I insist, stepping closer and lowering my voice. “I promise to behave.”

“Behave?” She glares at me, and I can see the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. “I don’t think you know how to behave.” She looks back down at the screen at a pop-up message, stating that no available cars are in the area.

I can see her debating, the wheels turning in her mind.

Stubborn little thing.

“Fine,” she finally huffs out. “But don’t even think that—”

“I know,” I cut her off, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “My driver will be here in five.”

“Okay,” she nods with a resigned sigh.

She’s been quiet during the entire drive, sitting as far away from me as physically possible.

As the car rolls to a stop outside her apartment, I take a second to soak in the sight of her. She looks tipsy, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes dancing with a wild spark. She stumbles out of the car before I can open the door for her, and I follow.

She fumbles with her keys, all thumbs, as she tries to unlock the door. She’s fucking adorable when she’s flustered.

Without a second thought, I wrap my hand around hers, guiding the key into the lock.

“Here, let me help you,” I say, my voice low as I hear the mechanism click. She shivers at my touch but doesn’t pull away from it.

“Thanks,” she murmurs as our bodies brush against each other.

“You’re welcome,” I reply, letting my thumb run over the back of her hand, watching her lean into me, lips parting in that tempting way. “You sure you don’t need help getting inside?”

“I’m fine,” she breathes out. I can see the desire flickering in her eyes, caught between wanting more and holding back.

“More than fine,” I murmur, watching her cheeks flush at the compliment. Her eyes drop to my lips, her chest expanding as she takes a deep breath.

I lean closer, placing my index finger under her chin, gently prompting her to look at me.

Her eyes are so beautiful. All of her is so fucking beautiful. It steals the breath from my lungs each time I see her. And when she opens that smart mouth to slash me with her sharp tongue, it makes her even more beautiful to me.

I see her part her lips in anticipation, but her pretty eyes are still defiant. Still hesitant.

I want my hellcat begging for me. But looking at her right now, at those big blue eyes, her perfect heart-shaped face, and full lips, I have a feeling that I’ll be the one begging on my knees for her.

I gave her a taste tonight. Let’s hope it’s enough to win the battle with her pride. Until then…

“Goodnight, Livia,” I say as I pull away, leaving her breathless and confused.

I turn and stride back to the car. That’s when I hear her behind me.

“Goodnight, Rowan.” Her voice is steadier now.

I slide into the back seat, turning to look at my hellcat through the window.

“Wait here,” I tell my driver, my gaze glued to Livia as she turns toward her door.

I look around, making sure I don’t see anyone else. I need to see her get inside to make sure she’s safe before we drive away.

I see her open her front door, her steps a little unsteady. I fight the urge to go back out there and help her. Hell, I’d stand by her front door all fucking night just to make sure she’s safe, like an obedient guard dog.

This woman has turned my world upside down in a matter of days, and I plan on returning the favor.