- Chapter One -

Abell

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It had been three days and five hours since my last fuck.

Well, give or take.

I could be wrong about the hour.

Either way, I was antsy as hell. Going this long was like keeping water from a man in the desert. I could survive for awhile, sure, but I knew myself. If I didn't find a nice pair of thighs to dive between, I'd be useless to the world.

So, really, it was for everyone's benefit that I got laid.

I had a few places I liked to roam when I was scouting for a playmate. Bars are stereotypical, but they work—especially if you like the college crowd. Clubs? They were too sweaty for my mood.

Tonight, I'd gone a little out of the way.

The rock concert was in a park that had been strung up with Christmas lights along the fringes. An invigorating chill infused the night air. All in all, it wasn't a bad scene. I just wish the damn speakers weren't numbing my ears, I thought with a chuckle.

The band had been playing for twenty minutes, but I couldn't have repeated any of their lyrics. My attention was devoted to scouring the rolling bodies for my next prize.

There were women everywhere, thank fucking goodness. Skinny types in painted on jeans, curvy girls with their tits fluffing out... you name it, they were here in droves.

I was in Heaven.

As I swayed casually to the music, I moved with grace through the packed bodies. The smell of spilled beer weighed the air down, making me glad the venue was outdoors. The space—like every event in this city—was too small to hold everyone comfortably.

Speaking of too small. To my left, a woman in a skirt that barely hid her ass was grinding at the air. Her hair was slicked back in a high tail, makeup clinging around her eyes like she was auditioning for a movie about Egypt.

She was trying way too hard.

I love the Try-Hards.

They were the kind of girl you knew was looking to get some cock. Their actions said, 'I'm right here, just insert tab A into slot B and let's go!' My type, entirely; women who knew what they wanted never failed to get my pants tight.

Grinning, I slid beside her, my hips rocking with the tempo. Wordlessly, not even meeting my eyes, Skirt-Girl humped the air until she was inches away from me. Her hips twisted, towering heels barely moving off the grass—maybe so she wouldn't fall and break an ankle.

In seconds we were swaying together, her round ass touching my zipper. That long length of hair brushed her neck, tempting me to reach out and grab it.

I hoped she liked having her hair pulled, because once I got her alone, I planned to yank it back so I could nibble her pale neck. Just thinking about that has me getting stiff. Carefully, I adjusted myself in my pants, never missing a beat.

The music suddenly exploded, turning into applause. Skirt-Girl slowed down, acting like she was watching the stage, but I knew better. This game and I were old friends.

Running a hand through my hair, I smiled at her until she glanced my way. It's funny, we hadn't said hello, but I'd had my erection on her ass for several minutes. “Hey,” I said, nodding at the band. “I think they're finishing their set. Come take a break with me, get some air.”

Cocking her head, Skirt made a show of toying with the top of her halter. “How about you buy me a drink first?”

I wasn't surprised by her request. Try-Hards sometimes want you to buy them something before they'll sleep with you. It's an exhausting ritual, but what did I care? Cash was never a problem for me, I'd had it in spades my whole life.

“Sure, I'll be right back, Sugar. What do you want?”

Her eyes darted down, fixing on the front of my jeans for a long second. Oh, she was good. “A beer is fine. For now.”

For now.

Jeez. Try-Hards are seriously the best.

“Beer. Not a problem, you just hang here.” My smile touched my eyes, then I was off. I knew where the nearest vendor selling alcohol was, I'd already chugged a bottle down when I'd first arrived. The problem was that they were as far from the stage as you could get.

Shoving around dancing groups and chatting people, I beat a path towards the drink stand. It was past ten, the sky a rich blue-black that would never be truly dark, not with all of the city's light pollution.

The edge of the park had a few tall lamps, the people thinning until I didn't feel like I was being crushed in a tuna can. Most folks wanted to be near the stage, so the fringe was almost empty in comparison.

There, I thought, walking towards the small table in the distance. Buy some beer and hurry the fuck back before little miss Skirt finds another cock to ride.

“Get the fuck away from her!” A voice shouted out from my right. On instinct, I turned to look.

Just down the grassy hill, away from the crowds, there was a woman. Reddish hair, black pants, a surprisingly demure cream colored top and appropriate jacket for the weather. Pretty. Normal. But the situation she was in wasn't normal at all.

She had her hands on a man's arm, yanking at him to get him away from...

Oh, shit.

There was another girl, and she was kneeling on the grass at the guy's feet, doubled over like she'd taken a punch. Had that guy actually hit her?

“I said get away from her!” The red head was pulling at the man. There was no hint of fear, even though he could easily break her damn skull. Her short black heels dug into the ground. She meant business.

What was going on? And why was no one else doing anything?

Not my problem, I told myself, glancing at the drink stand. Visions of Skirt-Girl danced in my head. Her plump lips, her perky ass, her—

“I'm calling the cops, you son of a—Aaah!”

Red was a damn ghost to me, I had no clue who she was. Regardless, when I heard her scream, I bolted down that hill at breakneck-speed.

His fingers were crushing her forearms, turning the skin bloodless. Seconds before I careened into the group, I saw Red's face. Instead of terrified about how he was ready to split her in two, she was pissed this guy had dared to touch her.

Who was this woman?

Grabbing the man's shoulders, I yanked him to me, forcing him to release Red. Then, before he could get his balance, I shoved him away violently. He stumbled, catching himself at the last second.

“Hey, Fuck-Head!” I shouted, cracking my knuckles. “What the hell are you doing to these two?”

I wasn't some breed of hero; this was none of my business. But no one else had stepped up.

How could I sit back and watch?

The big guy stomped forward, eyeballing me—sizing me up. “This isn't your problem, buddy. Why don't you get out of here before you get hurt?”

I knew he could see the muscles through my tight shirt and open jacket. I'd dressed to impress the ladies, but it also warned the world that I was no push-over.

If this guy thought I'd be an easy mark, he was dead wrong.

Standing taller, I flashed my best smile. “A lovely woman in a skimpy skirt is waiting for me to return, and you just cock-blocked that plan. Someone has to pay for that, might as well be the asshole beating on his girlfriend.”

To my left, Red made a face. “I'm not his girlfriend, and neither is she.”

“You're both single? Good to know.” I blessed her with a quick smirk. The way her eyes widened had my heart beating faster.

Unfortunately, I had other priorities.

The big asshole lifted his chin, chest puffed out like a rooster. “Last chance, get lost or get ready to collect your teeth off the grass. Hope you have a good dentist.”

“Holy shit,” I laughed. “Did you really just say that? Like, actually say that out loud?”

Lines crawled across the bridge of his nose, a snarl if I'd ever seen one. Talking this out was a failure. I'd already figured it would be. Any guy that'd attack a woman had to be short-tempered.

Ducking low, he ran right at me.

I'd taken some martial arts classes when I was a teen. Nothing serious, basic body-movement and leverage shit. My mother's idea, of course—she wanted me to know how to protect myself from the 'bad kids.' I don't think it occurred to her that I was one of those kids.

If she was still alive, I would have thanked her for those lessons now.

Anticipating his movements, light on my toes, I tensed up. When he got close, I darted to the side. It didn't take much momentum—he was the one rushing me—for my fist to slam into his guts.

The noise he made was awful, like a balloon deflating while it dribbled wetness.

Coughing, my attacker slumped forward. Hugging his stomach, he glared up at me through his hair. Drool slid down his chin, veins criss-crossing the whites of his eyes.

The fucker wanted my blood.

Twisting my torso, I got ready to give him one more hit, something to drop him for a few hours so he'd stop being a threat. Nighty night, I thought.

Red's knee came down, catching him in the ear and planting his face firmly in the grass. Green stained his cheek, his shirt ruined from his own spittle.

The other girl gasped, covering her mouth.

Holy shit. Lifting an eyebrow, I stared at Red appreciatively.

She smoothed her shirt, shrugging. “He deserved it.” Bending over, she helped the blonde woman to her feet. “Are you alright, miss...?”

“Trish,” she said, stepping further away from the unconscious man. “And thanks. Both of you. I don't know what made him think it was okay to corner me like that. I told him I didn't want to go home with him. I'd seen him slip something into my drink earlier, knew he was bad news.”

A picture was forming in my mind. This guy wasn't just violent, he was a fucking rapist. I hadn't felt bad for him before, but now, I fought back the urge to kick him while he was down.

Red pulled out her cellphone. “Let me call the police.”

“Wait,” Trish said quickly. “I'd prefer if you didn't.”

I frowned dubiously. “He tried to drug you. The shit-heel shouldn't get to walk away from that.”

“Nothing really happened, just almost. The cops won't help with this.” Trish shrugged defeatedly. “I've been down this road before. Nothing gets resolved and I get dragged through the mud.”

Red looked shocked. “Wait, what?” she asked.

Offering an apologetic smile, Trish slid backwards. “Thanks again.” In seconds, she'd faded into the crowd.

The red-head tightened her eyebrows, glaring down at the guy on the ground. “Now what do we do?”

I understood her anger; this man was trash. But we were in public, it wasn't like I could tear him to pieces with everyone watching. The reality of the situation sucked. I said, “We can't do anything, so we have to do nothing. For now.”

She fixed her wide eyes on me. The centers were flaring, green jade that was engulfed in flames. “What does that mean, 'for now?'”

Nudging the guy roughly with my foot, I took some sick pleasure in his groan. “That girl is right. The world is unfair, it's shit. This guy is going to be walking the streets again, looking for prey. That's the reality.”

“So what, he never has to pay for trying to rape someone?”

Slowly, I moved my eyes to hers. I was sure she sensed the budding fury in me. How could she not? It was making the back of my neck hot as a furnace. “No. I said we'd do nothing—for now. He'll pay someday. This city is smaller than it seems.”

Red's lips parted so that the center was a beautiful little 'o' shape. The genuine threat in my voice, my not so subtle promise, had made her reevaluate me.

Seeing the way her eyes lit up, I did her the same favor.

I'd lost my chances with Skirt, perhaps it was time for Plan B.

She said, “You'd hurt him? You'd go that far for justice?”

Grinning, I offered her my hand. “Don't know what you're talking about, I don't give a shit about justice. Name's Abell, and you?”

Looking from my palm to my face, she hesitated... then reached out for the handshake. “Nix. And you're wrong.”

I blinked. “Huh?”

She motioned at the guy in the grass who still hadn't moved. “You have to care about justice a little, you jumped in to try and help a pair of strangers.”

My jaw tightened from Nix's scrutiny. Having my actions picked apart made me uncomfortable. “What can I say? I heard a beautiful woman in trouble and had to step in to help.”

Her lips curled up at the edges. “Too bad she didn't hang around, she could have heard you flattering her.”

Bending closer, I lowered my voice. “I didn't mean Trish.”

Nix froze, staring at me like I might bite her. The longer I stood near her, the more I wanted to.

She wasn't the type I was searching for while prowling for pussy this evening. Don't get me wrong, I love strong women—and she was obviously strong—but I was suffering a dry spell. Nix wouldn't be easy.

Or would she?

It's worth finding out. The more we talked, the more I wanted to hear how she'd sound in... other situations. There was a soft indent on her bottom lip. How would that feel under my roaming tongue? Would she moan or whimper when I gently scraped my teeth over her nipples?

Fuck. This is happening.

I'd decided.

Nix was going to be mine.

I nodded towards the drink stand. “Let me buy you something. After what just happened, we could both use a little refresher.”

“But what about...?”

Glancing over her head, I pointed. “The cavalry is coming.”

Turning, she peered at the men in security shirts who were being guided our way by bystanders. They'd become helpful now that the action was over.

“Security can handle it from here,” I said, reaching for her wrist. Her hand twitched in my grip; it was warm and smooth. “Everyone saw what happened. Maybe the guy will get charged with causing a nuisance, at least. Come on, take a breather, enjoy a reward for your good Samaritan actions.”

Pursing her lips at me, Nix said, “I'm going to talk to them.”

“What?”

She broke away, hurrying towards the guards. Stunned, I stood there, watching as she spoke to the group. Her hands moved, gesturing sharply from herself to the guy in the grass.

A small buzz of pride burned through me. It was laugh worthy; I didn't know this woman, why did I care that she was bothering to take the time to speak to Security?

She didn't leave me to stew for long. Writing something down, she handed a notebook back to the guard, then ran my way. The night air brushed the hair off of her neck, her lips were redder than the skin of a fresh apple. I knew I was staring, but thank goodness, she didn't notice.

“Okay!” she said, smoothing her hair back, taming it as if she was ashamed it would dare fly free. “I told them what happened, and they have my information if they need me for anything else.”

I shook my disorienting mood away. “Then it's time for that reward drink.”

Nix wrapped her arms around herself, adjusting her coat. The frown on her decadent lips warned me she was considering saying no. Everything in her body language was closed off.

But she wasn't done surprising me.

“Alright,” she said with a coy smile. “I've had a rough week, and tonight hasn't helped. I could use a 'reward.' Just one drink, though. I have an important meeting early tomorrow.”

Beaming, I spread my arms. “What a coincidence! I've got a meeting, too, so you can't keep me out all night, no matter how much you beg me.”

“Sure,” she laughed, eyeballing my torn jeans. Her furrowed brow said she doubted I had to be anywhere tomorrow. “One drink. That's it.”

It's funny how many of my nights started this way; alcohol at the beginning, and my bedroom at the end. Tonight would be no different.

Nix was just like every other girl I'd met. But that was good.

I didn't need different.

****

December had turned the air  into a metallic blanket. It crackled with static energy, my nose burning red the longer we stumbled through the streets.

One drink had quickly become two.

Then three.

I'd stopped counting after five.

We were a blur of laughter, heated stares, and progressively more bold touches. As we climbed into the empty subway car, Nix caught her heel on the floor's rough edge. Bending low, I meant to just help her stand.

That was when she kissed me.

She tasted like beer, and a little bit of whiskey—the shots we'd swallowed had been a surprise. Her hands were in my hair, nails digging into my scalp like I was going to vanish. “Your place,” she mumbled, talking between tangling her tongue with mine. “Now. Right fucking now.”

I'd pegged Nix as standoffish. Clearly, I'd been way off the mark.

Holding her close, loving how her body warmed us both against the winter's chill, I guided her out of the metro station.

“How drunk are you?” I asked, curling her against my hip as we climbed the stairs of my building. I wanted this woman, but if she was too wasted to know what was about to happen...

Unlike that scumbag from earlier, I was no rapist.

“I know what I'm doing.” She bit the words off, the first hint of the attitude I'd seen in her when we'd met mere hours ago.

Through my whirl of alcohol and lust, I studied her. What was going on that I'd missed? She'd been brisk in the beginning. And now she's begging you to take her inside your place. Stop analyzing it.

“Kiss me again,” she demanded, shoving me against the wall beside my apartment door.

Fuck analyzing.

Clutching my keys in one hand, I curled the other into her hair. It was thick, soft as velvet. “Yes Ma'am.” I forced her lower, arching her spine as I buried my mouth onto hers.

Nix's lips were as pillowy as whipped cream, her hips yielding under my seeking fingers. When I crushed her to me, her breasts plumped over my chest. If she'd had on a low-cut top, they would have spilled out.

Without breaking our kiss, I shoved the key into the door, kicking it open. Finally I pulled away, sucking in air. “The bed,” I growled, giving her a shove. “Now.”

Nix landed there, rolling to her back and yanking her jacket off. The look in her eyes lured me. Pink tinged her cheeks, a mix from the cold and her obvious desire.

Approaching her, ripping my own jacket away, I threw it to the floor. Bending down, I slammed my hands onto the bed on either side of her knees. “Shirt. Off.”

She shivered visibly, nails hooking under her top so she could pull it over her head. The result mussed up her long hair, ruining what was left of the precise, pulled-back style. Nix went to fix it, but I grabbed her wrist. “No,” I whispered, “I like it messy like that.”

Her eyes flashed, as if she were trying to recover something in her brain—a deep thought. “You do? Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” I chuckled, pulling myself on top of her. “Plus, it's only going to get worse. Believe me.”

Nix squirmed, lying back in my shadow. Her bra was gorgeous, an expensive, silky thing in pale lavender. This woman had money—that, or a sugar daddy.

What if she does?

That shouldn't have bothered me, but somehow... the idea of another man spoiling her had me bristling. It's the alcohol, I told myself. It's fucking with my mind. Shouldn't have mixed so many things.

Yeah. It had to be the foggy drunkeness. Why would I give a shit about who someone else belonged to?

I'm a bad person, I knew that to my core. All I wanted was to dominate this woman, leave her panting and broken so that my cock was the only dick that could ever satisfy her again.

I love the sound of that. Sliding towards the edge of my bed, I unhooked the button of her pants. Nix was ahead of me, kicking her heels off. “Eager?” I asked, grinning up at her where she was lying.

I saw the dip of her throat flex. “Maybe. Is that weird?”

“What?”

Her mouth moved like a fish, then she looked away. “Nothing, forget it.”

Watching her for a long moment, I said, “I want you to be eager.” My teeth slid over the inside of her pants; she twitched, gasping. “Everything I do is meant to drive you so fucking wild that you forget what planet we're on, baby girl.”

She shifted her body, pushing her hip against my cheek. “Then hurry up, get to that. That's where I want to be.”

A flutter of doubt flew through my mind. Is this girl using me? That would be new; my motif was to fuck people, then forget about them. No attachments. Nothing long term. I wanted to hear women scream my name, but I always forgot theirs.

Was Nix thinking the same thing?

I was intrigued, but it didn't matter. If she wanted pleasure so she could numb her woes, then fine. She'd get that.

Rolling her pants down, I tossed them in the corner with her shirt. Her panties matched her bra, glossy lavender and already damp. I bent close, flaring my nostrils and meeting her eyes. “Delicious. Fuck, I can't wait to taste you.”

Nix reached down, grabbing my hair, forcing me upwards. “No, not that. I don't want that. I just want you to fuck me.”

She doesn't want me to eat her out? I slid my hand low, peeling her panties aside. “Are you sure?” Gliding my fingertips over her inner thighs, I spread her wetness around. “If you ask me, this is one hungry pussy. And I love eating hungry pussy.”

“It's not—I just—aah!” she moaned, shuddering as I slid my fingers deep inside of her. Then I pulled them back, fluttering just the tips at her entrance. Again, I dipped into her pussy, rubbing her walls.

Nix rolled her whole body, nails curling harder in my hair. “Wait, hold on, that's... that's amazing!”

“I know.” Wrenching out of her grip, I kissed just above her swollen clit. It pulsed, but Nix, she tensed down to her toes. Her pussy squeezed my hand, a reaction she couldn't control. “Your cute little cunt is sucking me inside. It's more honest than you are.”

She arched her back, whimpering. “I didn't say I didn't like it, I just really want you to fuck me.”

“You're blunt,” I chuckled against her skin. “I love that.” With a final twist of my fingers, I slid them free. Nix sighed, her body trying to hold me inside of her. As I smoothed my palm over her thigh, I brushed her clit with my thumb in passing.

Instantly she jerked, staring at me with a new rush of heat. I whispered, “You're beyond ready. Is this from me, or are you just always so horny?” Crawling on top of Nix, I straddled her hips. Peeling my shirt off, I put my torso on display. I was covered in ink, dark splashes and punctuating colors.

“Did those hurt?” she whispered, tracing my hip. Her touch thrilled me, my eyes shutting briefly so I could enjoy the sensation.

“They hurt, yeah. But I like a bit of pain.” My hands went lower, clutching the top button of my jeans. “I don't think you want to hear about my tattoos. I can tell you'd rather my cock was buried inside you right now.”

She hadn't blinked in far too long. When I pulled my zipper down, I watched goosebumps creep over her pale skin. Kicking my pants away, I sat back on her. The way she gawked, I had a feeling she'd just realized how big my cock actually was. It was pushing against my briefs, the material stretching to try and hold it back.

“It'll go in easier if I eat you out,” I whispered.

Her stare flicked up to my face. “You're not the only one who can handle a bit of pain.”

“You've got some attitude, huh? Bit of fire on that tongue?” Laughing softly, I reached down and lifted her hand. Before she reacted, I pressed it against the shape of my erection. Both of us shuddered, her touch making my cock flex under my briefs.

I pulled away, but her hand remained. Gingerly, she stroked me, one finger gliding up under the head of my cock. My eyes closed, rolling in my head. Fuck, that feels amazing.

Gripping the elastic band, she pulled my underwear down. My prick bounced into the air, the tip shiny, reddish and engorged. Like I said, it had been far too long since my last fuck—I was eager.

Squeezing around the base of my cock, I guided it towards her. Her hand came up, pressing against my chest. I was expecting her face to be flush with passion, but even through the alcohol, she was nervous. I said, “It'll be fine, I'll fit, trust me.”

Her eyebrows crunched together. “It's not that. Do you have a condom?”

Leaning across her body, I yanked one from my nightstand. The whole sheet of them spilled out, lying on my floor like discarded police tape. Nix blinked at them, but she wasn't distracted for long.

Rolling the latex down my thick length, I winked at her. “Better?”

She licked her lips, nodding. “Yeah.”

“Ready to go for a ride?”

Her lashes covered her eyes like a sultry canopy. The edge of her smile went higher. “Yeah.”

Rubbing my chest over her bra, I reached under her; the hooks snapped free. With nothing between us now, I caressed her firm nipples with my inked chest. We were smothered together, friction that begged to become real fire.

Her arms circled me, thighs forcing the tip of my cock against her pussy. The sensation blinded me, showing me colors that shouldn't exist. Too much whiskey, I reminded myself.

The hunger in my belly burned. My prick couldn't have been harder, it was ready to shred the condom into useless bits. She puffed out a heavy breath, the noise vibrating over her tongue.

“Excited?” I teased, rubbing the fat cock-head against her wetness.

“Yeah,” she whispered.

“Is that all you can say?” Smirking like a half-moon, I pushed harder—spreading her a mere inch. Her warmth was intense, it took everything I had not to ram balls-deep. “Tell me you want it. I want to hear you screaming my name.”

Nix went pinker than ever, avoiding my stare. “I... forgot your name.”

I started to laugh, but the motion forced my cock deeper. Groaning, I bit my tongue and grinned. Sweat slid between my shoulder blades from my willpower.

“Naughty girl, I wait until the next day at least to forget someone's name.” What was the point in storing that information? “It's Abell.” Thrusting fiercely, I listened to her cry out—and I joined her. “Say it, say my name or I'll stop right here.”

It was a lie.

There was no way I'd stop fucking that perfect pussy.

Nix whined, her muscles convulsing under me as the sensation of my cock stuffing her finally reached her brain. “Abell!” she hissed, eyes wide, seeing nothing. “Abell, it's Abell! Now just fuck me, please, just...”

Kissing her throat, I moved up, nipping her earlobe. Then I offered her the darkest, most private of whispers. “I love how you sound when you beg for it.”

Arching my spine, I slid out so only the tip was inside her hugging warmth. Without missing a beat, I slammed forward, the wet sound of our contact echoing through my apartment.

She squealed, crushing my cock with the most greedy pussy I'd ever met. Her pace was faster than I expected; her body reaching for me, closing the distance again and again.

Nix thrust along my shaft with so much desperation, I had to adjust to her speed. “When was the last time you got laid?” I asked breathlessly. “A hundred damn years ago?”

Ignoring me, she cut into my back with her nails. Her panting scorched my ear. Nix clutched me, demanding my cock—making it clear she was used to getting her way.

Heat bloomed in my chest, then slid down into my belly. Tension flooded my muscles, the tingles taking hold. I knew I was going to finish soon, but I wanted her to cum first. I always made my partner cum before me.

It was one of my few generosities.

Wrapping my lips on hers, I cut off her erotic moaning. I slid over her teeth, explored her roof. All the while I kept thrusting, my thick cock pushing the limit of her body.

I could feel how tight she was, stretching near the breaking point. Nix was soaked, more excited than I remembered anyone else being—without more work, that is. And fuck, she felt amazing.

My skin was going numb, my mouth buttery, almost too sensitive. The telltale flutter of her pussy warned me she was near orgasm. Hugging her against me, I broke the kiss. The dazed centers of her eyes met mine, saw my grin.

Lowering my face, I circled the tip of her left nipple, suckling gently. “Oh!” she cried, jerking without control. I held her close, tongue making patterns on her pink flesh. Around my expanding cock, her walls rippled.

“Cum for me,” I growled in her ear. “You're right there, babe. Go for it... I need to feel you milking my cock.”

Sobbing, her thighs choked my waist as she shook. The pressure of her release put me into overdrive. I bent her hips up, my arms hooking under her legs. While she was still shaking from orgasm, I pounded into her vigorously.

Nix bent in two, her knees by her ears. She was flexible, and that turned me on in a way I could never describe. It toyed at me with future promises, told me the things she could do... the things I could do to her.

Grunting, I grit my teeth until my skull throbbed. Warmth attacked my core, my balls tightening as I started to cum. The condom worked, but I swear, I filled it so violently the latex was ready to split.

“Fuck,” I said, sweat dripping down my neck. Below me, Nix had shut her eyes. Her cunt embraced me, making it tempting to stay inside of her. Just enjoy it. Ride that pleasure out.

I waited longer than usual, studying her eyelashes, the mild curve of her nose. She was beautiful. How had I not noticed just how beautiful until now?

Her head lolled to one side. “Right,” she mumbled. “I will, I know.”

Startled, I waited for her to explain what she was talking about. Nix was lying there, her eyelids twitching. She's dreaming. I'd fucked her so good that, combined with the alcohol, she was out cold.

Shifting, she said softly, “I'll do it. Trust me. I do everything you ask, I always have.”

I hated the idea of waking her. Gently, I slid backwards, my shaft dragging inch by inch along her slickness. The sensation was delicious, I had to squeeze my eyes shut and bite my tongue to stay quiet. Dammit, she feels too good.

Finally I was free. Sighing, I tossed the condom into the trashcan near the bed. As carefully as I could, I peeled my blankets back. Guess she's staying the night, I thought, bemused.

Naked as she was, my room—weak to the December temperatures—proved to be too much. Her shivers were subtle, but I felt them through the mattress. Frowning, I tugged the blankets back, amazed she didn't wake up.

I'm getting all of my good deeds for the year out of the way. That was what I told myself as I covered her up, tucking the blankets firmly around her chin. Lying under them beside her, I kept watching the side of her face.

This bold woman... brave enough to stand up against a muscled brute, to protect an unknown person, and to insist the right thing be done in the aftermath.

A woman who had proved to be just as eager, as hungry, as I was.

The buzzing at the stem of my brain kept trying to tell me this was special. That she, this stranger, was special.

No.

She's like every other woman I've hooked up with.

That didn't sound true. But it was.

It had to be.

No one in this world was special. Everyone was out for themselves. People were selfish to their core, they always proved it in the end.

She's nobody.

With that on my mind, I drifted off to sleep.