Page 7 of Let's Be Forever

“Trial and error,meu bem.” I nip the pulse on her neck. “This was good, please tell me there’s more.”

“A lot more. Let go.” She gives a weak attempt to climb off me, but I hold on to her.

“I can’t, let’s stay like this forever…” I press my lips to hers.

I stand from my chair and head for Harlow’s door. “Not a fan of sweets. Can’t stand them, actually.”

“Fair enough, but if you ever change your mind, give it a chance.”

4

SYLAS

“It’sabout time you came out with us,” Matias Vargas, our center, loudly states over the boisterous music the DJ at Neptune is playing.

I give Joseph “Joey” Cho, our defense, a nod and he returns it, then drifts his attention to the red head on his lap.

“I’m here out of pity. Don’t get used to it.”

They choked and lost the final a few months ago, and I haven’t let them live it down.

Callan Soren, our other defense, scoffs, taking a drink of whatever’s in his cup. “We made it to the final; youroldteam didn’t even make the playoffs.”

Everyone is saying it’s my fault, along with many other things. I don’t look at the news or social media. I haven’t in years. I have someone running it for me because it became too much, and the temptation to lookherup is always there. Not that I’m able to find her; she blocked me a while ago. But despite knowing that, sometimes my brain itches to scour every inch of the internet in hopes that I’ll come across one picture.

I break the spell before I get caught up in it.

“We’re not here to talk about teams, games, or any of that shit. We’re on break, so let’s fucking enjoy it.” Marc drapes an arm around my shoulder, handing me a cup filled with who knows what. “Drink up, Sy! And don’t worry about anything. You’re in great hands.”

“I’m not trying to get drunk. I’m trying to fix my image, you know that.” If I get drunk, I get easily annoyed and that leads to fights, which is the last thing I need. “I’m not trying to end up in theDaily Mailagain.”

He laughs loudly over the music. “I’m not talking about getting drunk.” He tips his head, eyes landing on someone a few feet away from us. “I’m talking about her. She’ll be great company.”

“Marc,” I groan, but force a smile for the blonde. “Did you tell her?—”

“You’re in a funk.” He drops his arm and picks up his cup from the table. “You’ve been in one for a while. Too busy focusing on the negatives, you forgot there’re a lot of positives too.” He smirks. “Like her. She’s hot, smart, and very much interested. Just give her a chance. She’s cool and she’s not going to try to accidentally get pregnant or force herself on you.” He leans in, whispering, “You’re Sylas fucking Lenoir. Start acting like it.”

“We’re not in college.” I grimace, remembering it’s something he’d say when we were.

“Exactly. Seems like someone needs the reminder.” He stares at me knowingly. “She’s the opposite of everything you don’t want in a girl.”

I hate it when he’s right. I debate whether this is something I want to go through with. I give the girl a once-over. She’s tall, and has tattoos covering her arms. “If she gets weird, I’m fucking you up.”

Marc laughs, waving the girl and her friends over. “Don’t worry, I promise she’s all right.”

“Wait, how do you—” My words are cut short when the girl stands in front of me, her friends dispersing to mingle with the guys. “Hey,” I greet her, making sure my smile stays intact. I don’t know how this will go, but usually it ends up with me having to find an excuse to leave. “Sylas.”

“Hi. Gianna.” Her voice is soft but enthusiastic and sultry like the grin on her face. “It’s about time you showed up.”

“About time?” I cock a brow.

“Wasn’t sure if you actually would, since they’ve been here for almost two hours now,” she says.

I admit I’m impressed by how forward she’s being. “Keeping tabs on me?”

Gianna eyes me patronizingly. “No, but Marc has been talking about you nonstop.” She takes a sip from her cup. “Sylas this…Sylas that…and Sylas blah blah blah. I think he’s more obsessed with you than all the girls in here.”

That draws a real chuckle out of me. “We’ve been best friends since?—”