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We shall not grow wiser before we learn
that much that we have done was very foolish.
~Friedrich August von Hayek
“It’s so beautiful.” Lexi twirled in a circle, taking in the white, fluffy powder covering the ground, trees, and shrubs. The sky was a bright grey and everything was capped in snow. Silence filled the dry, cold air and it seemed like people had vacated the city.
We walked in front of the apartment complex, checking out what the storm left behind. The snow crunched beneath my boots, but underneath the soft flakes were layers of treacherous ice. “I feel like we’re in Colorado, even though I’ve never been there.”
“I’ve been a few times, since that’s where my parents prefer to vacation. It’s somewhat like this, except there’s a lot more snow and people. Everyone is headed to the slopes to take advantage of what the latest storm has left behind. Not hiding inside, like everyone is here.”
“Hey, there are some people over there.” I pointed to the park at the end of the street.
“Wanna walk over there?”
“Yeah, let’s go check it out.”
We trekked through the snow and I held Lexi’s hand, making sure she didn’t slip or fall — it was difficult to tell where the curb ended and the street began. Some guys were having a snowball fight with a few girls and a family was building a snowman. Huge icicles hung from the trees and I steered Lexi from under the branches. Mounds of snow stacked along the stone wall circling the park, aligning it to our knees. In all my years, I’d never seen so much snow. It really was beautiful.
“Wow, there’s more snow over here. That’s weird.” Lexi looked.
“Maybe because there aren’t any buildings?” I wasn’t sure why the snow had accumulated more in the park area.
“Possibly.”
Lexi walked ahead of me and I took the opportunity to have a little fun with her. I grabbed a handful of snow, made a ball, and hit her in the back. Snow sprayed her and she turned around, shock written across her face. I laughed, unable to hold it in.
“Did you just peg me with a snowball?”
My eyes darted to the trees and I whistled innocently. Her hands scooped a handful of snow and she pounded it against her palm, making a perfect ball.
“You wouldn’t.” I stood with my hands at my waist and my feet spread apart, challenging her to take the shot. She cocked her head to the side and huffed. Not backing down, she hurled the snowball toward me. I turned slightly, but allowed it to nail me in the chest.
The ball exploded against me and fell to the ground. “That’s it.” I narrowed my eyes and breathed out white puffs of smoke from my nose. “You’ve done it now!”
Lexi’s eyes widened as I took off toward her, trudging through the thick snow. She screamed and turned to run away, but struggled as her boots sunk into the ground. I caught up to her, wrapped my arms tightly around her waist, and tackled her to the ground. Our bodies landed on the soft snow, but I managed to shift her in front of me so I took the blow. Peeling herself off my chest, she shook her head and looked at me with dazed eyes.
“Are you okay?” I pushed away the strands of hair stuck to her face.
“Yes.” She inhaled deeply. “I just didn’t expect you to tackle me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Lexi straightened and then dusted the snow from her coat. “I’m good.”
“Let’s do it again. That was fun.” I tried to get up but she shoved me to the ground.
“What?” She pulled my knitted cap over my eyes. “Fun for you, maybe.”
I laughed hard and she crawled off me. With arms crossed and lips pouted, she sat there eyeing me.
Readjusting my hat, I said, “Oh, baby, don’t be mad. I just want to have a little fun with you.”
She lowered her arms and smiled. “Then let’s do a something more my style.”
I bit back a grin, knowing she wouldn’t be able to resist my playful tactics. “What’s that?” I stood and shook the snow from my body.
Grabbing my hand, she pulled me back to the ground. “Make snow angels.”
“Oh, lord.” I rolled my eyes, but I had agreed to do something more her pace.
We goofed off; throwing snowballs at each other, making snow angels, and various animals. We even tried to make a dragon but it ended up looking more like a fat cat. It was most fun I’d ever had playing in the snow.
After thirty minutes or so, Lexi breathed into her hands and rubbed them fiercely together.
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.” She nodded, her teeth chattering.
“Then let’s go.” I helped her stand and then looked across the street to the shopping strip where I bought my comic books. I couldn’t tell whether it was open, but the place next door had their sign on. “Hey, look, the donut shop is open. Want something hot to drink?”
“Sure, that sounds good.” We crossed the street and a guy walked out of the comic book store. “Do you want to go?” Lexi looked at me.
“Yeah, I need to get my latest issues.”
She released a soft laugh. “I can’t believe you read comic books.”
I opened the door to the donut shop and Lexi walked in. “That’s why I never read my assigned books.”
“Aw, so the truth finally comes out,” she scolded.
“What can I say?” I shrugged. “Comic books are more fun to read than Booker T. Washington.”
“I guess it depends on what you like to read, but I won’t argue with you on that one.”
I was glad she didn’t take offense to my bashing of classical reads, but Lexi never came off as one of those snobby English majors — at least not like the ones who had tutored me.
I bought two cups of hot chocolate and then we headed next door. A small Christmas tree decorated with Star Wars figures immediately caught my attention.
“Wow, this is cool.” I tapped a mini figure of Chewbacca.
“It sure is.” Lexi showed me a Princess Leia figure.
“I think we should buy it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, we need one for the apartment.” I checked out the tree, noting all the figures. “It’s not Christmas, unless you have a tree.”
Rimmy, the store clerk, stuck out his hand. “What’s up?” We clasped hands and then did the Vulcan salute, like we did every time I visited. My team might have made fun of me, but I didn’t care. To each their own.
He turned around and retrieved the comic books I reserved monthly. I leaned over the counter and strummed my fingers across the glass. “I didn’t think the store would be open today.”
He stacked the comics in front of me. “Since I live in the apartments right behind here, I was able to walk to work.”
“Really?” I flipped through the issues, making sure he had pulled the right ones. “What building are you in?”
“Building four.” He sipped his coffee from an oversized coffee mug shaped like the head of Spock from Star Trek. I was still mad I had broken mine and hadn’t been able to find another one. Rimmy said he was keeping an eye out for one, but nothing had surfaced yet.
“I’m in building two.”
“Kick ass.”
I motioned with my head. “How much for the tree?”
“Seventy-five bucks.”
“Does that include the ornaments?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll take it.”
“Alright.” He walked to the display and took the tree to the counter. He removed the ornaments and wrapped each one individually in tissue paper. We talked about a few upcoming issues of The Superior Spider-Man and if the writers would continue to make him part of the Avengers in the comic stories.
“Woot! Woot! The Raven’s in the house.” I turned to see Calvin ‘Cage’ Rutherford enter with Jared.
“What’s up?” We fist bumped.
I hated that Cage continued to hang around with Jared. The guy was bad news, but I tended to fall victim, just like Cage. Maybe it was his badass apartment, the girls hanging out there, the free liquor, or knowing if I wanted to get high, he’d provide me with the weed. Regardless, it was a cool place to be.
“Damn remote broke to my Xbox. Thought I’d stop by and see if they had one.” Jared ran his hand over his short buzz cut, showing an impressive amount of diamond rings on his fingers. More than last time. The dude needed to stop slinging dope before he ended up in prison.
“You’re in luck, Jared.” Rimmy held up a brand new remote in a package. “We got a few last week.”
Jared pumped his arm in a backward motion. “Yes.”
“Good. Now we don’t have to take turns like little kids.” Cage rolled his eyes. “Rimmy, when does Halo: Spartan Assault come out?”
“December twenty-fourth.”
“Fuck. Seven more days?” Cage whined as he stomped his foot, pouting and sighing like a big baby. The floor shook and I looked around, hoping nothing had fallen off the shelves. I would definitely be giving him shit about his temper tantrum the next time he gave me a hard time in the locker room.
“Sorry, man. We don’t open until nine, but I’m sure you can camp out at Game Stop if you want it that bad.”
“Nah, that’s okay.” He waved off Rimmy’s suggestion. “They don’t give student discounts.”
“Let me check on something.” Rimmy typed some information in the computer and then studied the screen. “Hey, Cage, I can preorder it if you want.”
“Alright, let’s do it.” Cage’s whiny voice transformed into a husky tone better matching his three-hundred and twelve pound frame. The guy was nothing but a big ole teddy bear underneath it all.
“Hey, man, why don’t you stop by tonight? We’re gonna play some Madden and have a few bitches over.” Jared tossed a hundred-dollar bill on the counter. I immediately looked around for Lexi as she suddenly appeared from behind one of the shelves.
“Yeah, uh, well...” I stumbled to answer Jared. What the hell was I supposed to say? I shot Lexi a quick glance. She was waiting for a response, just like Jared. “I um don’t know.”
Jared didn’t pay me any attention, his eyes locking on Lexi instead. He lowered his shades and scanned her from top to bottom in a slow and scheming manner. A devious smile played on the edge of his lips. If he was thinking Lexi was available to share, he was wrong.
“Who’s this?” Jared asked, his gaze remaining fixed on her.
To my surprise, she held her own. Keeping a straight face, she stuck out her hand. “Hi. I’m Lexi Thompson.”
Jared’s brows arched. “Oh, you’re Lexi.” He shook her hand politely, but I was all just a ruse. He tried to charm women, but ended up treating them like shit. Why they continued to come back was beyond me. Rumor was he had a big dick. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” she said, her eyes darting from him to me.
I had no idea how he knew her name, but I was willing to bet Macy told him about her. She liked hanging out at his place and after I made it clear I was with Lexi, she was probably hooking up with him. I even deleted her phone number along with about one hundred other girls in my contact list. I thought it might be difficult, but I guess when you’re crazy about someone, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to prove they can trust you.
“Yeah, so I don’t know, man. Lexi is staying with me and—”
“Oh, you are?” Jared asked, continuing to shake her hand. I didn’t like his sweaty paws on her and just as I was about to pull Lexi away, she yanked her hand from his grip.
“Yes. I am,” Lexi stated boldly.
“Then you should come. We’re gonna hang out, play video games, and drink.” He continued checking her out, and I clenched my fists, holding back from punching him in the face. I reminded myself he always flirted with women and once I told him she was hands off, he’d back down. But what did I expect? We were known to shuffle women between us.
I hooked an arm around Lexi and pulled her close. “Okay. We’ll stop by.” I didn’t want him to think I was completely tied down. I was still up for having some fun. I picked up my bag of comics and the tree Rimmy had wrapped for us and turned to Lexi. “Ready?”
“Yeah, I just need to pay for this and we can go.” Lexi walked to the counter and paid for The Walking Dead figure she had in her hand. I watched Jared, catching his gaze still on Lexi. I needed to set him straight, but didn’t want to cause a scene. I’d tell him when we went over later.
“Excuse me.” Lexi shouldered past him but he barely moved.
“Sure.” Jared raised his brows at me but I shook my head, letting him know she was off limits. “I guess I’ll see you tonight.”
“Yeah, man, see you later.”
“Let’s go.” Lexi grabbed my hand and bolted out the front door.
***
After we put up the miniature Christmas tree, Lexi made it a point to tell me she thought going to Jared’s was a bad idea. I wasn’t sure whether she knew he had been my partner in crime or what he had done to get kicked out of school, but she definitely didn’t want me to hang around with him. I knew better, but I ignored the voices of reason.
His apartment was located on the other side of the park, a short drive from the apartment. I assured Lexi I’d be careful and drive slow. But she didn’t stop there. Her list of concerns grew, insisting that he made her feel uncomfortable by the way he stared at her at the comic shop. Again, I reassured her. Besides, he did that to all the women. I’d set him straight once we got there. It was going to be a non-issue. I wasn’t sure why I felt so compelled to go to his place, especially when I knew, deep down, I shouldn’t. Maybe I needed to prove to myself that I could still be with Lexi and hang out with the guys.
We pulled up to his apartment complex and I entered the parking garage. I had to admit, I was a little jealous of Jared. The complex he lived in was the nicest apartment building around campus, not to mention the most expensive. Why he continued staying by campus was beyond me, especially since he was dismissed permanently from the university when we got busted back in the spring. If that happened to me, I’d get as far away from this place as possible.
I parked on the top level and we got out of the car. We entered the complex and the sound of hip-hop music echoed from Jared’s apartment. The state-of-the-art workout facility called to me. I hadn’t worked out since Saturday morning. If I didn’t get one in tomorrow, Coach would have my ass. The rooftop lounge was closed due to the weather. I smiled, recalling some of the best pool parties we had there. That was the life. I glanced at Lexi, reminding myself my life was ten times sweeter with her.
“Did I tell you that you look really beautiful tonight?” Black leggings covered her long legs, outlining every curve and accenting the length. I couldn’t wait to have them wrapped around me again. It didn’t matter what Lexi had on — she looked beautiful wearing anything or nothing at all.
She unzipped her jacket and gave herself a quick look over. “Thanks.”
“If things get too crazy, we’ll leave, okay?” I knocked on the door and Cage opened it.
“What’s up?” He stood in the doorway with a huge glass stein filled with beer. The party was on!
“Hey, man.” We exchanged a fist bump and walked into the plush loft apartment. It resembled a mini-penthouse, decked out in shaggy rugs, modern furniture, and bright wall colors. Neon lights, trophies, and football paraphernalia decorated the place. It really was a football player’s hangout. Lexi’s eyes surveyed the wall of canvas painted naked girls and I cringed internally, wondering what she was thinking.
Why did I bring her here to begin with?
Jared’s place really wasn’t the best place to hang out with her and I started to have second thoughts when I caught sight of Reece, another girl I’d hooked up with before, and Macy. This time, Macy’s hair was solid black instead of red and black or blonde. The light reflected off her shimmery blouse and gold jewelry, casting a bright golden glow around her. Jared lifted his chin when he saw me and I nodded in return. It was too late now. We couldn’t leave. But we didn’t have to stay long.
A few girls were dancing to a video game in the living room, screaming as they freaked on each other. Tony, our kicker, and Deandre, who played one year and quit, were sitting on the couch with a couple of girls surrounding them. They held up their fist and I knocked mine against theirs.
I led Lexi into the kitchen and dining area. Jared sat at his throne, donning a girl on each side. He took long draws from a silver pipe hanging from his lower lip. Small billows of smoke swirled above his head. I briefly wondered what he was smoking, but the smell was obvious along with the red streaks in his eyes.
“Glad you guys could make it.” Jared pulled the pipe from his mouth and flashed his diamond-studded gold grill at Lexi. Based on his pad, diamonds on his finger and in his mouth, and his red Corvette that was parked outside the comic book store, I was positive Lexi knew he didn’t work for a downtown business firm or attend PHU anymore.
He took his time, sweeping his eyes over Lexi, reminding me I needed to set him straight. “Don’t even think about it, Jared.” I pulled Lexi closer to me. “She’s not for sharing.”
“Ah, hell.” Jared slapped the glass, shaking the table. “I thought I’d get to try a piece of her tight ass.” He snickered and I was ready to punch him.
Lexi’s body tensed and she worked her jaw from side to side. I massaged my hand along her back, trying to get her to relax. Slowly, her shoulders dropped and her jaw softened. She released a heavy breath through her nose and managed to hold her tongue, not giving in to his demeaning tactics. I was proud of her.
“Trust me, Jared, I’ve already tried.” Macy ran her slender hand down his arm and along his chest. I shuddered as her long, pointed fingers trailed a path to his mouth and razed his thick lips. She knew how to do some wicked things with those talons. Jared’s tongue swept across her finger and he sucked on it. Macy released a low moan while keeping her eyes directly on me. “For whatever reason, Raven’s really hung up on this one.”
“Shut the fuck up, Macy.” I shook my head and rolled my eyes at her. She was just jealous. Lexi gripped my arm tightly, but she had nothing to worry about. I’d never allow him to touch her.
“Do you want something to drink?” Reece unhooked her arm from Jared’s and stood.
She was nearly my height with her big afro. Her light mocha skin and soft green eyes made her the prettiest black woman I’d ever seen — or been with, for that matter. Too bad she was one of Jared’s groupies. Her love of cocaine made her dangerous, but she hid it well beneath her calm, sweet demeanor. The girl knew all my weak spots and worked them to her advantage. I was smart enough to keep my distance from her.
“Yeah, sure,” Lexi said, slipping her hand from my arm. She gave Reece a quick once over and then tucked her hair behind her ear. By the way she was fidgeting, she was obviously uncomfortable around these people. I wanted to punch myself for being selfish and bringing her here. I was so stupid.
“I’m Reece.” She smiled at Lexi, but kept her gaze on me, studying me purposefully.
Lexi straightened, and said, “I’m Lexi Thompson, nice to meet you.”
Reece might have made Lexi feel out of place, but Lexi didn’t back down. That’s what I loved about her. She wasn’t afraid to give someone a challenge. Reece strutted to the kitchen in her four-inch fuck me heels and we followed her.
“What do you want to drink?” Reece pointed to several different bottles of liquor. When her finger landed on Malibu Rum, Lexi’s eyes widened.
“How about Rum and Coke?” She pointed to the white bottle standing out against the clear and dark liquors.
“Sure.” Reece pulled the bottle from the selection. “What about you, Raven?”
“I’ll just get a beer,” I said, not trusting her to make me a drink. I opened the fridge and took out a bottle. She’d spiked my drink before, causing me to do things I vowed never to do again.
Lexi kept a watchful eye and so did I as she made her drink. “Thanks.” Lexi took the glass and stirred the dark liquid with a red straw.
I sat at the table, knowing Jared expected me to play cards with him. I wanted to hurry up, play a round or two, and leave. It was rude not to ask Lexi to sit next to me, but I honestly didn’t want her around Macy or Reece. And she didn’t want to be around Jared. She stood behind me, keeping one hand on my shoulder, staying close to me.
“Let’s play some poker.” Jared shuffled a stack of playing cards. His fingers flipped through the cardstock with precision and speed, similar to the way dealers did in Las Vegas. “Come on, Lexi, don’t be shy.” Jared winked at her. “Sit down and play with us.”
“I’ll play.” Macy took the opportunity to shift from Jared’s lap to the empty chair next to me. Her seductive voice and sensual shifts in her body told me what she really wanted to play. I prayed to God this game didn’t end up being a game of strip poker. If so, I’d have to make up some excuse and leave with Lexi. The last time we played stripped poker, it ended up being one big orgy party. I was done with that.
A huge smile formed on Jared’s face. “Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.” He placed the cards in the center of the table. “Well, what’s it going to be, Lexi?” He took another puff from his pipe and motioned toward the cards. “Are you going to cut them?”
“Jared, leave her alone,” I warned before turning around to look at Lexi. “You don’t have to play if you don’t want to.” I slid my hand around her waist, pulling her close.
“Um, I guess...” She cast me a doubtful look but before she could sit down in the other empty chair, Reece grabbed her hand.
“Let’s have a dance off.” It was an innocent suggestion, but Reece’s scheme could not be trusted. I was certain she was doing this for Macy’s benefit and not to make Lexi feel comfortable. Then again, I’d seen Reece get it on with a few girls before. With the way she was checking out Lexi, she probably wanted to see what she had to offer.
“What?” Lexi looked at me for an answer. The look in her eyes told me she didn’t want to leave me behind with Macy and I really didn’t want her and Reece becoming besties. Since she’d be in the next room, I could keep an eye on her. It was probably safer for her to hang out with Reece then having her at the table. I gave her a slight nod, telling her it was okay.
“Come on, it’ll be fun.” Reece pulled her to the living room. Cage was dancing with two girls, humping one of them from behind while the other one twerked against him. He was having a damn good time.
“I guess.” Lexi followed her, downing half her drink on the way.
“Cage! Get your ass over here,” Jared yelled.
“Shit.” Cage’s party was over. His smile quickly turned into a frown. “I guess.”
Cage trudged to the kitchen, his oversized arms nearly dragging on the floor. Lexi sat on a white leather chaise and looked around for a minute. Tony and Deandre had slipped away, probably to one of the bedrooms with some of the girls.
Lexi watched Reece get down with the two girls Cage had been dancing with. I felt certain she’d be okay.
“So you ready to get this game started?” Jared locked his fingers together and cracked his knuckles.
I set my beer down. “How about we play Black Jack instead?” I thought that might be better than poker, just in case Macy decided to start stripping. Though, it took much less than a game of cards to get her naked.
Jared glanced at Cage and then back at me. “Yeah, that’s fine.”
“Whatever,” Cage said with indifference.
“I’ll play dealer.” Macy reached for the stack of cards.
Jared pushed them in her direction. “Be my guest.”
Macy shuffled the deck a few more times, cut them, and then waited for us to place our bets. Each of us tossed five dollars into the pot. Macy dealt each of us two cards, including herself. She flipped over her first card — a ten. I had a soft nineteen, Cage a queen and king, and Jared a three and five. Cage and I decided to stand while Jared tapped the table, taking one hit after another until he busted.
“Damn it!” Jared flicked the cards and took a gulp of his beer.
Cage and I waited for her to turn over her other card. Using her long black nails, she revealed a seven. She had seventeen and had to stand.
“Yeah, baabby.” Cage wiggled in his seat.
“Pay up.” I motioned for Macy to hand over the money from the house. Since it was Jared’s, I figured she wouldn’t have a problem doing that.
“Fuck!” Jared pounded his fist on the table and I shot him a big smile.
Cage and I split the winnings and I kept a five in place. The door to the loft opened and Shawn walked in, carrying a paper bag. The girls stopped dancing for a moment and focused on him. He shot one of them a crooked smile, and she did a little hip and shoulder action.
“Shawn, my man,” Jared yelled him from the table.
“What’s up?” Shawn shut the door behind him. He walked to the kitchen and put his beer in the fridge.
“Have a seat.” I motioned for him to play a game for us. “We’re just getting started.”
“That’s okay.” Shawn patted me on the back. “I’m gonna chill and drink my beer.”
“Alright.” I tipped the neck of my beer to his. “I get ya.”
Macy dealt another hand and I focused on what I should do. Stand or hit. I had a fifteen.
“Hi, I’m Shawn.” I overheard him and realized he hadn’t officially met Lexi in person, only seen me point to her at the frat party.
I glanced over to the living room and Lexi shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Lexi.”
“I’ve never seen you around before,” Shawn said bluntly. I wanted to get up and slap him on the head. What the hell was wrong with him?
“That’s because you haven’t,” I yelled from the kitchen. Didn’t he know who she was? What the fuck?
Shawn looked over his shoulder at me. “Oh, okay.” His brows lifted and I think it finally dawned on him who was with me.
Idiot!
“And she’s a really good girl,” Jared mocked.
I rolled my eyes and gripped the bottle tightly between my fingers. Jared was pissing me off.
Just a few more games and we’re out of here.
Jared let out a loud burp. “Want another beer?” He scooted his chair back and got up.
I finished off my bottle and handed him the empty bottle, before I hit him over the head with it.
“How do you know Raven?” Shawn asked Lexi. I turned wondering why he was asking her such dumb questions. He knew how we met.
“I used to tutor him,” Lexi said proudly.
“No shit.” He let out a slight laugh. “This is the girl you were talking about?”
I shot a quick glance in his direction. “Yeah.”
Dumbass.
I wasn’t sure if he was disappointed, impressed, or already drunk. No wonder he had problems getting a girl in bed. He didn’t know how to charm them for shit. I had a lot of work to do with him. I heard him whisper, “Keep him in line, okay?”
“Don’t worry, I will,” Lexi responded enthusiastically.
“I heard that,” I said, taking the beer from Jared. With Shawn sitting over there, I had nothing to worry about when it came to Reece. Other than sticking his foot in his mouth, he would keep an eye on her for me.
We played several more hands, and I won five of the six. I guess it was my lucky night. By my third beer, the room began to tilt from one side to the other and the numbers on the cards blurred. I stared at my beer, knowing three beers wouldn’t get me drunk. Jared shot me wicked grin and Macy reached over and rubbed my arm.
“Want another one?” She wet her lips with her tongue and for a moment, I swore it looked like a damn lizard tongue. Long, slender, and v’ed in the middle.
What the fuck?
I shook my head, but it didn’t help clear the fog consuming my thoughts. It was rolling in thick and heavy, taking over me with a mission. A mission to get me so fucked up, I wouldn’t remember tonight or tomorrow.
What the hell did he give me?
I looked at Cage, but he seemed oblivious to what was going on. Had they drugged him too?
I started to protest, and then a second wave hit me, relaxing all my muscles. My lips tingled and my face went numb. A weird taste hit my tongue, but I ignored it. I hadn’t felt this good in a long time. In fact, I felt so damn good, I didn’t give a shit whether I won or lost. I also didn’t care that Macy had her foot all over my crouch, rubbing it like she was ready to get under the table and go down on me.
I glanced to the living room and saw Lexi dancing with Reece. She was laughing and having a good time. I just hoped they hadn’t drugged her too. I turned my attention back to the toes stroking me like fingers. With a raised brow and cocked gun, I winked at Macy.
“Oh, Raven, the night’s just getting started.” She laughed and then got up. Leaning over, she whispered in my ear. “My mouth works better.”
Shit.
I set my beer on the table and Jared gave me an approving nod. Macy walked to the back and I waited a few minutes before following her. I had no idea what I was doing or why I was doing it. All I knew was my dick was hard and I needed some relief. Macy could do that for me, no questions asked. I hoped Lexi wouldn’t mind.
I made a pit stop at the bathroom and took a piss. Turning the water on, I stared in the mirror. Everything was blurry and walls seemed to be closing in on me. I splashed water on my face, but it didn’t help. Whatever they slipped me was some good shit. Really good shit.
I heard a knock at the door and shut off the water. I opened the door and saw Macy and Lexi standing in front of me. Damn, this was a dream come true! I started to smile and then heard a voice telling me to wake the hell up.
Oh shit!
“What do you want, Macy?” I shouldered past her.
She bit her lower lip and gave me a thorough look over. “You know what I want.”
Lexi lunged forward. “You bi—”
“She’s not worth it. Trust me, baby.” I quickly wrapped my arms around her and pulled her away. Macy rolled her eyes and walked back to the kitchen. Lexi was pissed and I couldn’t blame her. My head was still spinning and I had no idea what had gotten into me. Lexi continued to try to break away from me and I knew there was only one thing that could tame her. I planted my lips on hers, giving her a deep sloppy kiss. At first she protested, then threw her arms around me, kissing me hard. It was great.
“Damn, you taste good, baby.” Feeling the spit around my lips, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
“I was thinking the same thing.” She eyed me hungrily. I started to pull her into one of the rooms when I heard Jared.
“Raven, c’mon, man. This shit is good.” He coughed and sniffed a few times and like a dog, hearing his long lost master, I forgot about everything. The enticing kiss, Lexi, Macy...my surroundings faded away. Nothing mattered but the craving deep inside me, dying to be satisfied. I hadn’t snorted cocaine in a long time. Knowing it was just on the other side of the apartment was too tempting. “We’ll leave in a little while.” I gave her a quick kiss and headed straight for the table.
Lexi’s hand slipped from mine as I made a path to Jared. The white power on the table called to me and my mind concentrated on one thing. Euphoria. The pill they gave me had me feeling good and a few lines would send me over the edge.
Shawn stepped in front of me. “Raven, I think you need to leave.”
“Nah, I’m good.” Toe to toe, we entered a stare down. But I wasn’t backing away. Nothing was coming between my conquest and me. If being with Lexi already had me feeling like I was ten feet tall, a few hits would make me even grander. Invincible. Strong and capable of doing anything I wanted.
“Don’t do it, man. Just walk away.” Shawn insisted, keeping his head directly in my view and away from the coke.
“Leave me alone, Shawn.” I tried to sidestep my friend, but he moved in sync with me. I rammed my chest against him, determined to push him out of the way.
Shawn didn’t fight back. “Fine. It’s your life. If you want to fuck it up again, be my guest.” He stepped aside and then stormed out of the kitchen. “You’re a dick, Jared!” His voice echoed loudly over the music. He was pissed, but he’d get over it.
“Shawn, don’t go.” One of the girls called for him as he slammed the apartment door.
I shook my head, blowing him off. He didn’t get it. No one got it. Except maybe Jared, Macy, and Reece. Lexi would eventually understand. Besides, I wasn’t an addict, just a social user, and tonight, I felt like getting high.
Jared looked at me with a devious smile as he chopped and cut the powder. Back and forth, the blade sliced through the substance, making it smooth and fine. The more I watched him, the more I wanted it.
My phone chimed and I pulled it from my back pocket. The words blurred across the screen and I narrowed my eyes, trying to focus. It was a text from Lexi. Was she still here or did she get pissed and leave with Shawn?
Lexi: Hey, sexy, you look damn hot in those jeans. Care to show me what’s underneath them?
I grinned. She wasn’t pissed. She still wanted a piece of me. After a few hits, I’d give her the ride of her life. I couldn’t wait to show her what I was really capable of in bed. I quickly tapped out a message.
Me: Baby, I’ll show you anytime. Just say the word.
I tucked my phone back in my pocket and caught sight of Lexi in the living room. She looked so pretty sitting on the white chaise. So angelic and peaceful. Best part, she was my angel. I shot her a quick wink.
“Are you going to snort or what?” Jared sliced the powder into perfect, thin lines.
I sat down, ready to get my fill. “Yeah, cut me two.”
Jared continued prepping my lines, making them ultra-thin and supremely fine. I’d be able to snort them with one inhalation. My phone chimed again and I retrieved it. Reclining in my chair, I read the message.
Lexi: Talk dirty to me.
Oh yeah, baby. Now she was talking my language. We hadn’t done that yet, and the thought of it had me already hard. I pinned her with the hungry desire to strip off her clothes and show her the creative things we could do on that chaise. I took another swig of my beer and set it back on the table. My fingers dragged across the phone as I thought of what I could say that would send Lexi’s head in a whirlwind. She hadn’t seen this side of The Raven and I was ready to tease her until she couldn’t take it anymore.
Jared moved the mirror in front of me. “What the fuck, man? Are you going to text all night or what?”
I waved him off. “Go ahead, man. I’ll do the next one.” I wanted to have some fun with Lexi.
Me: So, you want me to tell you nasty, dirty things I’d love to do to you?
Just thinking of my mouth exploring her fully had me grinning from ear to ear.
Lexi: Yes. Tell me, baby. Tell me how much you want to kiss and lick me.
I let out a low chuckle and then licked my lips. I could already taste her. Sweet honey and peaches. So fucking good. I rolled my shoulders, trying to stay calm. I hadn’t gone down on Lexi, but if she wanted me to, I’d do it. In fact, I was dying to do it. One lick and flick of my tongue would make her scream at the top of her lungs.
Me: You like what I do to you with my tongue?
Lexi: Hell yeah. It’s freakin’ awesome. But tell me how you like it. Tell me what you want me to do to you. How you want me to touch you...
Oh hell fucking yeah.
The little blood that was in my head rushed to my dick and I was rock hard. I shifted in my chair and adjusted my jeans. But it didn’t help. This hard on wasn’t going down without some action. I needed Lexi now. The coke could wait until later. I needed her to show me what she wanted to do to me. And I was dying to show her what I could do.
Me: Shit, baby. Why don’t I just show you?
I stood up and kept my eyes focused on my new conquest: Lexi. “I gotta go, man.”
“What?” Jared snorted. “This party’s just gettin’ started.”
Shoving my phone in my pocket, I rushed into the living room. I hoped Lexi was ready for me, ]because I was more than ready for her. I wanted her so fucking bad. There wouldn’t be any foreplay this time around.
“That’s okay. I’ve got my own party that’s waiting for me.” I picked up Lexi and tossed her over my shoulder, darting out the door. I had my winnings for the night.
∑