“Don’t get lost, princess,” Mia teases, but I’m already walking away, trying to ignore the fact that I can still feel Lucas’s eyes on me. I spot Vanessa and her plastic posse as soon as I walk into the refreshment area. They’re in their obnoxious cheerleading outfits, acting like they own the plac
Aria "Who would’ve thought a cruise ship had a whole-ass salon?" Lily’s jaw is practically on the floor as she gawks at the sparkly sign of the salon. "I swear, it’s magnificent." I nod, pretending not to feel my bank account screaming. But then reality hits. "But, uh, guys... this salon looks hel
Aria For a moment, I froze. My brain short-circuits as I process what’s happening. Lucas? Here? What the actual hell. Jay’s still busy trailing kisses along my neck like a horny bee, but all I can think about is the storm brewing in Lucas’s eyes as he marches toward us. “What’s this?” His vo
Aria “Alpha!” I gasp, but he silences me with a finger sliding between my wet folds. My body betrays me, a moan escaping as he pumps slowly, torturously. I'm on cloud nine. “Fuck…. don't stop.” “What was that you said?” His voice is a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. “That your body
Aria Lucas studies me for a moment, his frown deepening. “I’ll give you some time to think about it.” Time? What for? I’ve already made up my mind, apparently in record-breaking poor judgment. "I don't need to think about it. Let’s do it," I say confidently, crossing my arms. "And no, you don’t
Lucas We step into the rink, and I’ve got my hockey stick in one hand and a head full of thoughts about Aria. Yeah, her. The girl who just told me she’s fine with being my fuck mate. Like, does she really mean that? Because if she does, damn, I’m in trouble. I can still feel her wetness on my fing
Aria As I approach Vanessa and her crew, I feel Mia practically vibrating beside me, like she’s gearing up for a battle. Her forced smile is so fake it could qualify as plastic, but hey, we all play the game differently. Vanessa and her pack of mean girls are laughing, probably over some dumbass j
Aria Christmas is just two days away, and the hall already smells like the season itself—peppermint, pine, and that cloyingly sweet sugar-cookie air freshener someone thought was a brilliant idea to pump through the vents. The air is crisp, carrying a slight chill, but the soft glow of Christmas li
Mia “You’re finally here,” Lily says the second Theo and Damon step into Joy Park. She’s all grins like we didn’t just spend hours waiting. “And are you sure you weren’t followed?” “We were, actually.” Theo wipes his forehead like a dramatic diva. “But we lost ’em. Shit was wild.” “You both look
…. I step out of the shower, a towel snug around my waist, water dripping from my hair. Great. Lucas has already showered, thrown on one of Sarita's mate’s clothes, and is probably waiting for me to figure out my next move. And here I am, with zero clothes of my own. Ugh. I glance at the closet are
Aria Before I know it, Lucas is on top of me, his lips crashing against mine, leaving me breathless. My hands instinctively slide up his back, nails grazing his skin as I pull him closer. His weight presses me into the mattress, and all I can think is how much I fucking missed this. “Lucas…” I ma
Aria The taxi ride is long as hell…like, long enough for me to question my entire life. But exhaustion wins, and we both end up passing out. I wake up drooling on his shoulder just as we pull up to this apartment building that looks like a bougie-ass getaway spot. It’s all glitzy and modern, with
Aria I pull up at Joy Park, practically sprinting out of the car like I’m running for a meet-and-greet with Beyoncé. The place is crawling with people, kids screaming, couples taking selfies, some dude trying to juggle flaming torches. Classic Saturday chaos. I’m on a mission, though. Mia and Lily
She shakes her head. “I can’t. Alpha Marcus will kill me!” “Maria, please,” Theo pleads, turning up the charm to 11. He grabs her hands, and I swear she melts on the spot. “We just wanna see him. Nothing else.” “Fine,” she sighs, her cheeks still red. “But you owe me.” “Anything you want,” Theo w
“Yeah, but—” “No buts. Get in. Wait for his car to go inside, then floor it. Head to Joy’s Park. Mia and Lily are waiting for you.” “What about you?” I ask, my voice shaky as hell. She slams the car door, her eyes fierce. “I’ll distract them. Now go.” I duck my head as her dad’s car pulls up. My
Aria I’m in the room, mentally spiraling, when Vanessa busts in like she’s in an action movie. She slams the door shut and glances around like she’s expecting an ambush. Then she full-on shudders. “Fuck me,” she groans, waving her hand in front of her face like she just walked into a swamp. “This
“Thanks, Dad,” I mutter, already heading for the stairs. I climb up, my stomach knotting tighter with every step. I don’t even know if they’re keeping Aria in the mansion. What if she’s in the dungeon? But no, Ethan’s gross obsession with her makes it more likely she’s stashed away in one of these