Tori

Bash always finds a way to get everyone to do what he wants—including me. He bent me to his will, making me succumb to my desires, and in class, of all places. I feel so dirty and cheap, like one of his whores. But at this moment, I don’t give a fuck. I have zero fucks to give after Bash gave me another mind-blowing orgasm. And I want another one.

I follow him out of the classroom as if on autopilot from the high he had just given me. His fingers were like magic, commanding power over me, taking me to the brink of ecstasy.

We run down the somewhat vacant hallway with our hands intertwined. Our excitement buzzes between us, the electricity between us palpable. Even though I know that what we did was wrong, it feels so right. With Bash, every feeling I once had for him has come flooding back to me ever since the night of the football game.

From the start of the school year, I wanted to hate Bash. But he makes it impossible. It’s hard not to like Bash when he smiles at me as though there’s no else in the room with us, his bright green eyes burning a hole through me. Or when he tells me how sorry he is for letting me walk away. Most of the time, I believe him. I want him back in my life, and I want us to take our relationship to the next level.

The rooms are locked when not in use, but Bash manages to find one that is vacant. We step inside, and he locks the door, pulling down the shade to cover the window, leaving us in darkness. The room is on the small side for a biology lab, not much larger than the classrooms I’ve had for English Lit. He leads me to a long laboratory desk toward the front, cups my ass with his big hands, his erection digging into me, and lifts me up and onto the cold marble top.

Bash spreads my legs, finding his place among them. Planting hungry kisses on my lips, Bash doesn’t waste any time exploring my body, his hands traveling up my shirt and beneath my bra to cup my breasts in his big hands. He massages my nipples, giving them a little pinch, as his tongue tangles with mine.

The more he touches me, the more I lose all control. Right now, Bash owns my body. And whether I care to admit it or not, Bash has always owned my heart. He claimed it a long time ago.

I let out a soft moan as his hand slides between my thighs. My panties are so wet. I cannot think of anything other than immersing myself into mind-blowing sexual bliss with Bash.

When he stops kissing me long enough to look into my eyes, he smiles one of those crooked smiles that go right to my core. Bash leans in, and I thread my fingers through his shaggy brown hair and slip my tongue in his mouth. He palms the back of my head, deepening the kiss.

Each kiss grows more passionate, more impatient. Heat spreads from my cheeks, down my arms, and to my thighs like wildfire. An intense burning, a desire only Bash can satisfy, makes my body quiver in anticipation, but I’m also a little nervous about having sex with Bash. This isn’t our first time. Even so, it sure feels like he’s stripping me of my virginity all over again.

He slides his hands up the back of my shirt and unhooks my bra. I sit back, staring into his eyes, as I pull my shirt over my head and set it on the counter behind me.

Bash grabs the straps of my bra and slips them down my arms. He stops for a moment, his gaze traveling from my breasts to my face, before holding my gaze. He lets out a loud sigh. “You are so fucking beautiful, Tori.”

I smile, his words melting my heart along with my panties.

Just as his tongue is about to glide over my nipple, the sound of people talking fills the once quiet air. Before I can prepare myself, the door at the back of the classroom flings open, students filing in without even noticing we are there. Still dressed, Bash blocks me with his muscular frame and reaches behind me to hand me my shirt. Acting fast, I put my shirt back on in record timing, sans bra, and use Bash as my shield.

As students begin to take their seats, someone has enough sense to flip the light switch, drawing their attention to the front of the room. The shock of such a compromising position makes me want to crawl into a ball and die. Bash tucks my bra into his pocket, pretending as if this encounter had never happened. He was always the cool, calm, and collected one. I was always—and still am—a giant ball of nerves.

He grabs my hand, leading me out of the room without a word. Not until we make it outside do I get some sense of relief. My chest is tight from holding my breath. Instead of freaking out, as I want to do, Bash laughs. At first, he starts with a light chuckle that turns into loud, guttural laughter that shakes through his body.

I smack him on the arm and shake my head. “I cannot believe you are laughing after what just happened.”

He hooks his arm around me, his muscles flexing against my back. “C’mon, Queenie, don’t be so uptight. You have to admit that was pretty damn funny.”

“Well, I am not laughing,” I say, trying to stifle my laughter. But I fail because a few seconds pass before I join him.

We’re hunched over, getting a kick out of what could have been an awful situation for both of us. What else can I do but see the lighter side to this situation? And it’s not like anyone even noticed what we were doing. If they did, he’s Sebastian fucking Prince. Heaven and Earth move for him. I doubt we would’ve even had as much as a lecture from a professor.

He pulls me in tighter as he glances at his watch—a gold Rolex, of course. “Looks like we have another class in thirty minutes. Wanna kill some time in the movie room at the SAC?” He wiggles his eyebrows at me, and it’s fucking cute.

I shrug. “Sure, why not?”

We stroll through campus, Bash with his arm around me and me with my hand in his jeans pocket. It’s as if we never stopped dating. Everything feels so natural around him that I have to keep reminding myself that Bash was almost my undoing last time. I have to be careful not to get too close until I know for sure I can trust him again.

But it’s nice to have this level of comfort with him. In all honesty, it would be nice to have this with anyone. Because how often does someone who you have amazing chemistry with come along? Other than Jessica, Bash is the only person on campus I had an instant connection.

When we first me, he was the perfect gentleman, despite his reputation. He had me fooled, placed under his well-crafted spell of lust and attraction.

“Do you remember the day we met?” I ask, curious if the day is just as fresh in his mind as it is in mine.

“Of course. How could I forget it? You’re not an easy person to forget, babe. It was the Delta Sig Halloween party. You were with Jessica and a few other girls.” He tucks me under his arm to make the room for a group of boys running toward us, barreling down the sidewalk like a herd of cattle.

“Watch it, assholes,” he yells, interrupting his train of thought about our first encounter.

“Sorry, Bash,” one of them calls out after they pass, which calls to attention the fact that everyone knows Bash.

Bash and his star power are all everyone talk about on this campus. Between Bash and the Mafia boss’ son who goes to Strickland University, it’s as if we have local celebrities walking among us nobodies.

“Where were we before we were interrupted?” Bash says, the warmth from his hand on my back leeching into my skin, leaving a brush of fire in its wake.

“We were talking about the night we met.”

“The best night of my life.” He smiles as he says this, and it has a mirroring effect on me.

“I find that hard to believe,” I quip, smirking up at him.

“Well, believe it, babe. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I was an asshole before I met you.”

“You’re still an asshole,” I interject.

“Hey, that’s not fair, and you know it.”

“Okay, fine, you’re less of an asshole than before.”

“Are you going to keep interrupting me or let me finish the rest of the story, smart ass?”

“Continue, my prince,” I say with a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

“Like I was saying, you were with Jessica and a few girls you stopped hanging out with years ago. I can’t even remember their names.”

“That’s because none of them are important,” I add, thinking about the bitches who had bailed on me after my temporary mental breakdown.

“Anyway, you were dancing with Jess and those girls in the living room at the Delta Sig house. You were wearing a sexy nurse costume and the hottest red lipstick. My God, babe, your lips were what caught my attention first. All I could think about was, you know, what I wanted to do with them.”

“Figures,” I deadpan and roll my eyes at him. “And here I was thinking you were about to go all deep and meaningful on me when in reality, all you were thinking about was me sucking your dick.”

“That wasn’t the only thing I was thinking about,” he shoots back, defensive. “Will you just let me finish or not?”

“I’m dying to hear the part where you did not sound like an asshole, so please proceed.”

“Whatever,” he says, pretending to be annoyed. “The point I was trying to make before you also interrupted me is that I was a different person before I met you.”

“But you went back to being that person after we broke up.”

“Okay, fine. I guess to some extent I went back to being a jerk, but I am not like that when I’m with you. And even you can’t deny it.”

“I guess I will give you that, Prince.”

He bends down to plant a kiss on my forehead, still holding my tight against his chest as we walk toward the SAC. “You make me a better man, Tori, always have and always will. I even play better when we’re together.”

“At least I’m good for something,” I joke, laughing as I speak the last word.

“You’re good for more than sending me positive vibes on the field.” He nuzzles his face against my hair, as he opens the door to the SAC for us to enter. “That much I plan to show you after dinner tonight.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” I counter, nervous about having sex with Bash. But I want it to happen. I need to feel connected to him in that way once more.

“Dinner is happening.” His voice is low enough that only I can hear him. “And so is what comes after it.”

The corners of my mouth curl up and into a wicked grin. For once, I don’t even care about all the people who stare at us when we enter the movie room. Girls can be jealous all they want. Bash is mine.

* * *

True to Bash form, he ignored my request to wear my clothes and had a dress sent over for our dinner. I hadn’t even been home for ten minutes before one of his teammates had knocked on the door and hand delivered a box from Nordstrom. Inside, I found the short, tight black dress that Bash paired with a diamond necklace.

Must be nice to be rich. I’m sure my wardrobe cost more than what my father makes at the steel mill in six months. But it’s Bash. He never spared any expense. All the lavish gifts had always made me feel somewhat uncomfortable when we were dating, especially in the beginning when I had least expected them. He knows how I feel about over-the-top presents, but since it’s our first date in years, I decided to honor his wishes and wear the dress and necklace.

“You look beautiful,” Jessica says, helping me clip the necklace. She slides it in place, the diamond pendant falling between my cleavage. “Bash is going to die when he sees you in this dress.” She tilts her head to the side to appraise my body, making me feel self-conscious.

“He picked it out, so I’m sure he will love it.”

“I’d be surprised if you make it to the restaurant in this. Girl, you look smoking hot.”

“Thanks, Jess.” I smile at her through the mirror in the bathroom and apply the red lipstick Bash had mentioned earlier. I’ve had the same shade since our freshman year, but I reserve it for special occasions. Tonight fits the bill.

“I’m just glad you’re not pissed at Clay and me for helping Bash out.” She shifts her stance, looking nervous.

“I can’t say I was thrilled when I found out that you had helped Bash, but now that we’re back together, I’m kind of happy that you got involved. I spent years hating his guts, only to find out that it was a complete misunderstanding.”

“I tried to tell you before, but you’re so stubborn you wouldn’t listen to me.”

“I guess I just didn’t want to believe that there was any good in him after what had happened, you know. I doubt that makes any sense to you, but that’s how I felt.”

She leans in to slide her arm across my back and into a hug. “It makes perfect sense. If I had found Clay in bed with another girl, I would’ve had a stroke. Trust me; we would not be together. Bash was telling you the truth. At least now you have closure on that part of your life, even if some of it is still painful for you.”

“I’m pretty much over it,” I confess because it’s the truth. “Now, we’re headed in the right direction.”

To move on with my life, I had to forgive Bash. My therapist said it was part of the healing process, and she was right. Once I had let Bash go, the wounds left open by him closed up over time until I’d gotten to the point that I didn’t even think about him anymore. That is until he stumbled back into my life, taking my world by storm.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Jessica says, jumping from the pounding on the front door. “That must be Bash. I’ll get it so that you can make your grand entrance.”

Jessica smiles at me once more before she leaves to answer the door. I stare into the mirror, blinking a few times as I apply another coat of mascara to my lashes. The last time I had worn makeup was at least six months ago when Jessica had asked me to attend some family function at her house. Staring at my reflection, I don’t look much like myself with all the shades of pink and gray, my skin tone almost flawless with all the concealer and blush Jessica had applied to my face.

Once I hear Bash’s deep voice, I fix my dress, tugging at the hem, before I come out from hiding in the bathroom. With such a small apartment, it only takes a few more steps, my heels clicking loudly on the tile, until I reach the kitchen area that connects to our living room. Jessica and Bash chat about Clay and the team on the couch, laughing and joking with one another. Not until I clear my throat do they snap out of their conversation and look up at me.

Bash comes to a standing at once, his eyes as wide as his mouth, as he takes in the sight of me. “Wow!” At first, he doesn’t utter another word, a beat passing between us.

I move into the room, stopping in front of the coffee table with my eyes trained on Bash. He looks handsome, so put together and dressed to the nines. Not like I had expected anything short of perfection.

He steps around the table and grips my hip to pull me closer. “You look beautiful, Tori.”

“Thanks,” I say. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

“Well, coming from you, I guess I will take that as a compliment.”

Bash bends down to plant a soft kiss on my lips, lingering for a few seconds too long. His touch goes right to my core, blazing a trail of heat down my arms in the process. He knows what he’s doing because he flashes one of those sexy-as-fuck grins at me.

“You two have fun,” Jessica says, interrupting our intense stare down.

“We will,” Bash shoots back with sarcasm in his tone. “Don’t wait up.”

“I’m staying with Clay tonight, so you guys have the whole place to yourselves.”

Bash doesn’t say anything in response. In fact, he looks as though he’s hiding something, which tells me he has something else up his sleeve for the night. I don’t even bother to ask. A wave of excitement rushes through me as if this is the first time I am going to have sex with Bash. It sure as hell feels like it after so many years apart.

We leave the apartment in almost silence, both of us a lot more nervous about this date than we had anticipated. The crazy thing is Bash never gets nervous about anything, so his reaction makes me even more uncomfortable.

On our way to the restaurant, I stare out the window and admire the view of the city. Philadelphia has an incredible skyline and rich history that draws you in, makes you want to experience everything the city has to offer. Bash is from the suburbs just outside of Philly. Even after his father made it pro, his family remained in the area, only they upgraded from a normal house to the McMansion he lives in now.

When we get to Luciano’s, Bash pulls up in front of the valet stand and opens his door. He gives my hand a quick squeeze, staring into my eyes with a bright smile on his face.

“This is the start of our new beginning. I want this to work, Tori. Tonight is going to be perfect. I promise.”

“You’re already off to a good start. This place has the best Italian food in the city.”

“It’s like visiting Italy for the night.” He releases my hand and gets out of the car, leaving the door open as he hands the keys and money to the valet attendant holding out his hand.

While Bash makes his way around to my side of the car, another man opens my door, helping me out of the car. Bash is already there, all smiles and waiting to escort me through the front doors held open by two more men in similar red-and-black uniforms.

After Bash gives his name, the hostess offers to seat us without delay, telling us to follow her upstairs to a table in the corner of the second floor. From what I’d heard around campus, the Marchese family owns this place. We go to school with Luca, the son of the Mafia boss who uses this restaurant as a front to launder money. In a city so beautiful, it’s full of so much crime.

Our waitress stops by before I even have time to place the cloth napkin on my lap and takes our drink order. The semi-circular booth is far too big for two people, so I scoot along the bench and sit in the middle next to Bash. We have so much privacy up here, despite the people on the other side of the balcony making noise.

He slides his arms across my shoulders, and I lean my head on his chest. Cradled by his warmth, I take in my surroundings, happy that I gave Bash another chance. So far, this date is perfect, from the dress and necklace to his choice in restaurant.

I peek up at him, and he’s already smiling down at me. “This is happening again, huh? It still doesn’t seem real to me.”

“This is very much real, and we are doing this again.” He takes my hand and rests it on his thigh. “I wasn’t joking when I said I am never letting you go.”

He moves my hand over just enough so I can feel his erection, long and hard against his thigh. “Bash, I think you need to calm down.” I do my best to keep my voice low and soft.

“Who says I’m not calm. Just because seeing you in this dress makes me rock hard doesn’t mean I can’t keep it under control. Besides, we could have sex up here, and no one would even know. No one can see up and into our both from this angle. I could crawl under the table and eat your pussy right now, and no one would have a fucking clue.”

“Bash,” I moan, too distracted by thoughts of Bash making me his meal. “Please don’t start something you cannot finish.”

He runs his calloused thumb across my skin, the heat from his touch spreading up my arm. “Finishing is something I’m good at, babe. And if you want me to make you come before dinner, I have no problem doing just that, whether we’re alone or in a restaurant full of people.”

“As much as I would love that, I think the waitress would notice you under the table.”

He runs his hand through his dark hair and smiles, moving my hand on top of his massive cock, reminding me how much tonight is going to hurt.

“Promise me that you will take things slow tonight.”

“We can go as fast or slow as you want. Hell, we don’t even have to do anything tonight. For all I know, you still have some of the symptoms of your concussion.”

“No, I don’t think so. I have felt fine the last twenty-four hours. I get some pain here and there, and I might get tired, but overall, I am fine.”

“Good, because I have everything planned out for us, and I want you to enjoy every second of it.”

I smile. “I do not doubt that I will.”

The waitress breaks up our conversation when she sets our glasses down on the table and asks us what we want to eat. They serve everything family style, so Bash orders chicken Cacciatore for us to share and Caesar salads.

Bash picks up his glass and takes a sip of his beer. He chose some fancy Craft beer that you would find in another country.

“I hope you don’t mind that I bought you some new clothes to wear, seeing as we’re not going home after this.”

I lift my wine glass to my mouth and chug down a big sip, trying to prepare myself for what comes next. “Where are we going?”

He hugs me tight and kisses my hair. “It’s a surprise, one I know you will love.”

“I can’t wait to see what you planned.”

Bash dips down to kiss my lips, his hand slipping between my legs in the process. I want to pull away from him because I’m afraid the waitress will come back, but I also don’t give a shit. I wish we could skip dinner and go right to the sex. Bash makes it hard for me not to straddle him in the restaurant. Just thinking of his giant cock excites me. As I massage him over his pants, my panties get so fucking wet I want him to drag him into the bathroom or force his head under the table to take care of the situation he has created.

With his hand beneath my dress, I consider pushing further when the waitress comes back with our salads, interrupting our almost under the table action.

“Hungry?” Bash asks, digging into the salad with his fork.

I nod, maintaining eye contact with him as I lift my fork from the table. “Starved.”

“There’s something else I would rather eat,” he mutters under his breath, “but you're shy.”

I shake my head, issuing a silent warning with the waitress still at our table, refilling our water glasses with a pitcher.

He smiles and shoves the lettuce in his mouth, grinning like an idiot as he chews his food, giving me the lust glaze that fills his eyes every time we are together.

We eat in silence with me trying not to think about what I want Bash to do to me, and him staring at my breasts while he eats his food. Even though I’m not allowing him to make me his meal, he sure as hell can have me for dessert.