Pool Champion

MILES

The house was on the nicer side of town, so it took me three bus rides, much to my wallet's dismay. It would have been two, but I had to stop and patch up my knees first. They busted open when I fell and I couldn't go to a party with bloody knees. Having gauze patches on them wasn't pretty either, but it was better than the alternative.

I had to walk at least two miles from the bus stop to get to the house from the given address. It gave me an uneasy feeling. The damn thing was a mansion. It could have been a fucking castle with how long I walked along the brick wall protecting it. How had Kenzie managed to get into a party like this? I couldn't imagine hanging out with a bunch of rich pricks in an ancient home from the 1800s was fun. I pulled out my phone to text Kenzie that there was absolutely no way I was going to attend this party.

'Maybe I could make it to the diner and work a shift.'

They were open 24 hours a day, so I could let Sandra go home to her babies.

Just as I was typing the words, I heard Kenzie in the distance.

"There's my girl!"

My head snapped up, and Kenzie was running towards me, her short red hair bobbing and her round lips stretching into a smile. When she reached me, she pulled me into an embrace. I tried not to wince as she squeezed me but must have failed since she let go of me quickly and searched my eyes. I think I gave her something between a smile and a grimace.

"What the hell was that?" She demanded. Kenzie was more of a mother to me than my own. She'd been my best friend since third grade ever since she punched Chance Porter in the face for pulling my hair.

She was the most beautiful person I knew, inside and out. Her eyes were a beautiful pale green that complimented her almond brown skin perfectly.

"Nothing," I answered innocently.

She crossed her arms and squinted at me suspiciously. "That bitch did it again, didn't she?"

I didn't answer her. Instead, I looked over at the mansion behind her. "How did you get into a party like this, and why did you think I'd wanna come?" I asked disinterested. "I should have grabbed a book."

She rolled her pretty green eyes at me. "Nice try. I know something happened, but fine, we can deflect. For now. But you will tell me by the end of the night!" She pointed her finger at me for good measure.

I nodded my head once and gave her a firm, "Yes, ma'am!" Before smiling. Kenzie put her arm over my shoulder (which I did a much better job at not wincing) and led me inside.

Guilt settled deep in my chest. Kenzie always wanted to help. She cared about me more than anyone. Honestly, she was probably the only one who cared about me, and she was my favorite person.

"Conner, the college guy, invited me. There's also a few people from school here. I'm honestly surprised you didn't hear about it."

"You're the only person I talk to Kenzie."

She opened her mouth to protest but closed it back up. "That's true." She squeezed me, which hurt and added, "but I don't like sharing anyways!"

I gave her a once over. "You look great." She wore a black leather skirt and a lacy black corset. Compared to my very casual, very plain outfit.

"Thanks boo! I like your sexy cowgirl fit, too."

Is that what she thought I was going for? I mentally sighed, wanting to turn around and go home.

We walked through the big double doors in front of the mansion, and it was bustling with people. Laughter and loud music were heard throughout the place as we walked into the large foyer. It had marble flooring, so shiny I could see our reflection.

To my right, I saw what looked to be a parlor room where some people sat and drank, and others were in a heated make-out session. To the left was a large hall, and as we made our way through, it led to a living room where people were dancing, moving their bodies to the upbeat music.

"Pretty nice, right? Now come on! Let's get lit bitch!"

I laughed as I let her lead me around room after room, handing me shots and mixed drinks. It only took about three shots to get me on a good buzz, then adding the mixed drinks, I was almost drunk.

The feeling was preferred over the numbness. I felt less... like nothing and more... drunk. Even though Kenzie dragged me from room to room, it was like nothing really registered to me. Not the laughter that came from my mouth or the sway of my hips to the music. Not even the conversation I was having with Kenzie about the college guy who invited her. What was his name? It didn't matter. After a while, we found our way to a game room.

"Alright! Who wants to challenge the pool champion for a chance to win some money?!"

Did he say pool? I stumbled my way through the crowd of people, swaying towards the voice with the challenge. There, next to a beautiful pool table, was a man with shaggy brown hair and a shit eating grin on his face as he waved several hundred dollar bills around.

Before thinking, I raised my hand. "Me! I'll do it!"

The man raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Well, well, well, little lady, we don't discriminate, so come on up!" He drawled.

I giggled, the alcohol in my system making my head fuzzy.

The man looked me up and down questionably. "You sure you're still game, little lady?" He asked. He was asking if I was sober enough for the challenge.

I ran my finger along the top rail. It really was beautiful. It was made of slate, and by the looks of the corners, it was old, most likely vintage. I smirked and tilted my head to the side, letting the man know I was definitely still game. I could play pool in my sleep.

"It's a hundred to enter."

I gaped. That much? Did he think we were made of money? I almost smacked my head. Of course he did. We were in a mansion. Rolling my eyes, I pulled out my old, worn leather wallet. I only had 40 bucks, so I slapped it on the table.

"It's all I got, but I can guarantee I'll win." I said with a challenge. The man laughed and raised a brow, seemingly looking somewhere behind me. I didn't miss the whispers about how the hell I got into such a party.

He finally met my eyes and said, "Challenge accepted."

I smiled wide and held out my hand. "The name's Miles, and you are?"

He took my hand. "Marcus," he greeted, placing a kiss atop my fingers, looking up at me with gorgeous hazel eyes. They could have been almost green.

"I look forward to beating you." I said confidently. Marcus only chuckled and said, "Oh, I'm not the one you're playing."

I tilted my head, confused. "What? Then who -"

"That'll be me," said a deep voice from behind me. I suppressed the shiver that threatened to go up my spine as I turned around. Standing at the end of the pool table stood the most handsome man I'd ever seen.

Everything seemed to stop. There was an unfamiliar feeling erupting in my chest that felt like anxiety and terror, but the intensity was what made it different. I was immediately drawn to him. He was the hook. I was the fish.

His eyes were golden like honey with lashes and brows so dark his irises seemed luminescent. Thick, dark hair was combed back, a few strands flowing over his forehead. There was a five o'clock shadow over his defined, angular jawline. And those lips... those luscious lips were to die for.

Kenzie was at my side as fast as lightning as if I had summoned her.

"Oh no." She said, gripping my arm. "That's Dominic Black, the owner of this house."

I didn't know who Dominic Black was, but I faced the man and held out my hand. "Miles."

His sunset eyes bore into my hand, and then they rolled back up to my face.

Fuck me.

Why did I find that sexy?