Saving the Beast, page 19
He flexes his fingers. “Not any more than I can handle.”
“Was it hockey? You didn’t have a game today, and I can’t imagine you beating one of your teammates up this bad,” I ramble, trying to talk my way to the answer. “The only person I could think of who you’d do this to is Grant.”
He stays quiet.
“Oh my God, it was him, wasn’t it?” I look up at him, seeing the truth all over his face.
“I won’t apologize for hurting him. He deserved it. But I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it first. I just didn’t want you to risk you talking me out of it,” he admits, and I can’t think straight.
Grant has always been clingy, different, and obsessive. For what he did, I wish I could have been there to hit him myself. But I’m more worried now about whether he’s going to retaliate. Griffin can’t always be by my side, and what happens if Grant corners me when I’m all alone?
“Are you mad at me?” Griffin whispers, each word laced with worry and despair.
Lifting his hand up, I gently press my lips against each one of his knuckles, kissing them tenderly before meeting his eyes. “No, I’m not mad. Of course I’m not mad at you. You did that for me.”
He flips his hand over and brushes my cheek with his thumb. “You still look upset.”
I answer him honestly, “More like concerned. You don’t know Grant. Sometimes, losing only makes him want to win that much more. I’m just scared of what else he might do.”
My eyes burn, and I bite back the tears that are forming.
Griffin tilts my head up, forcing me to look at him. “He won’t. I made him promise not to fuck with you anymore.”
“And did he?” I ask, desperately wanting to hear the word yes.
“He did. Repeatedly.” His thumb swipes against my bottom lip.
I would say that’s reassuring, but I’m not sure Grant’s word holds any weight.
“Come on. Forget about him for right now. Let’s enjoy the rest of the night.”
Taking a deep breath, I sigh, “You’re right. He’s had enough of our time.”
“That’s my girl,” he coos and holds his hand out, gesturing toward the dining room. “After you.”
I step forward and lead the way back to the group. Everyone is lost in conversation, including Malik with Mrs. Potts. I can’t imagine what they are possibly discussing.
Something grabs my attention, and I look down to where Malik’s hands are clasped on the table. They look exactly like Griffin’s. Did he help? Why would he do that?
“Dinner is ready, if you are?” Mrs. Potts addresses the group, and we answer her with a unanimous, “Yes.”
Griffin pulls a chair out for me, and Lumi flashes me a smile as I sit down.
Lumi gives me a look that I interpret as, Where were you two?
Squinting at him, I roll my eyes, dismissing him.
Griffin sits next to me, and I suddenly realize that this kind of feels like a date. Well, perhaps if it wasn’t shared with five other people—Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumi, Paul, and Malik.
Mrs. Potts serves all of us our food and drinks before sitting down and joining us. She made New York strips, asparagus, and mashed potatoes.
As I start to devour my plate, I am suddenly so upset I haven’t asked her to cook dinner before because this is the best meal I have ever had in my entire life. Seriously, it’s so good.
“Mrs. Potts, this is incredible,” I praise her between bites, and she grins from ear to ear.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” She beams. “Save a little room for dessert.”
“Can I marry you?” I ask her, and Griffin coughs, choking on his food next to me. I look at him, fighting back a smile. “Are you okay?”
“Yep,” he responds, taking a sip of his water.
We finish enjoying Mrs. Potts’s excellent cooking, including the most decadent crème brûlée for dessert. I am absolutely stuffed by the time I set my fork down next to my empty plate.
After a few minutes of listening to Malik and Griffin talk about hockey and my food baby has rested, I decide I can help clean up. I gather my and Griffin’s plates and carry them to the kitchen. I set them down next to the sink before going to get more.
Turning back into the dining room, I come face-to-face with Griffin, who’s holding two more plates in his hands.
I smile up at him, and he nods his head at me and continues into the kitchen. I gather the last of the dishes and help Griffin load them into the dishwasher.
“Thank you for helping me,” I tell him as I load the final plate.
“Thank you for cleaning,” he says, closing the door and starting it.
“Of course. It’s the least I could do,” I admit truthfully.
“Blair?” Lumi calls out and walks into the kitchen, immediately turning red as he sees Griffin and me talking. “Oh my God, I have the worst timing.”
“You sure do,” Griffin agrees, and I chuckle.
“Sorry about that.” He pauses. “Paul and I are going to head out for the night.”
“Okay, I’ll walk you out.” I can feel Griffin’s gaze on me as I turn the corner and head toward the door. “Thank you guys for coming tonight.”
“Are you kidding? This was the best. We had way better food than we could ever get in town, and it’s in a mansion, for God’s sake,” Paul babbles, and I can’t help but think of how perfect of a match he and Lumi are. “Thank you for having me.”
Lumi hugs me as we hit the front door. “I love you. Have a good night. Can’t wait to hear all about it.”
Pulling away, I glare at him. “I love you too. And nothing is going to happen.”
“Uh-huh. You should have seen the way he was looking at you all night. I bet it would take one word from you for him to be on his knees,” he whispers, and I shoo him out the door.
“Yeah, yeah. Good night, guys!” I tell them as they walk outside.
“Good night!” Paul says and waves, dragging Lumi along with him.
Shutting the door behind them, I hear Griffin and Malik talking, but can’t really make anything out. Walking on the balls of my feet, I quietly stalk back toward the dining room until I can hear what they are saying.
“He got what was coming to him. Thank you again, man. Seriously,” Griffin says.
“I’d do anything for you, Griff. You know that. I’m glad she’s doing better after what that prick pulled.” He hesitates. “But I’d better get going. Are you sure you’re good with me taking your truck tonight?”
“Yeah. Just pick me up for practice in the morning,” Griffin says, his voice suddenly sounding much closer.
Quickly, I tiptoe back toward the door and put my hand on the handle like I am just closing it as they walk into the hallway.
“My favorite bookworm,” Malik calls out and walks toward me.
“Hey, Malik. Thanks for coming tonight.” I genuinely thank him. My dislike of him is slowly fading away, especially after tonight.
“No problem. Have a good night, you two. I’ll see you in the morning,” he tells Griffin before letting himself out.
My feet ache as I rock back and forth on my heels. “I am dying to put on some PJs and cozy socks right now. I’ll be right back.”
“I think I’ll join you,” Griffin says, and his eyes widen. “Join as in also change into cozy clothes. Not watch you change. Although I wouldn’t mind—” He cuts himself off and huffs. “I’m going to change as well.”
Pressing my lips together, I chuckle. “Got it. Real smooth.”
He laughs and follows me to the stairs, once again offering me his hand to take, and even though I don’t need his help, I slide my hand into his.
He helps me up the stairs and into the east wing, and we part ways at our rooms. The second I’m inside and shut the door behind me, I kick the shoes off and slide down to the floor.
What is he doing to me?
I think I’m losing my mind, or perhaps he’s stealing it because he seems to be occupying it more and more every day.
After picking myself up off of the floor, I quickly change into one of my favorite sets—lacy red shorts and a camisole—before heading to see if Mrs. Potts needs help with anything else. But when I get downstairs, the kitchen is empty and spotless.
Opening the fridge, I grab a bottle of water and can’t help but notice a container full of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Grabbing two, I take my water and hop onto the kitchen counter to enjoy my little treat.
I bite into the strawberry and practically moan from how good it is. I don’t care what anyone says; this is the best dessert. Juicy, fresh strawberries covered in silky chocolate? Unbeatable.
“Can I have one too?” Griffin’s deep voice cuts through the silence, making me jump. He’s leaning against the entrance into the kitchen, wearing gray sweats and no goddamn shirt.
How long has he been standing there?
Is he not wearing a shirt just to torture me? Because it’s working.
“You can have one out of the fridge.” I gesture to the one next to me and grin before pointing at the one on the counter beside me. “That one’s mine.”
He saunters over to me and grabs my other strawberry, the one I just told him he couldn’t have. “This one?”
He steps between my legs, forcing them apart, and I sharply inhale. I nod, answering his question, unable to form a single word.
“Open your mouth,” he orders me, placing his hand flat on my upper thigh while pressing the berry to my lips.
Holding his stare, I challenge that sexy gleam in his eyes, but he doesn’t back down, so I do as he asked.
He pushes the berry into my mouth, and I bite down, chocolate falling right onto my lap. Without hesitation, Griffin sets the strawberry down and grabs the pieces of chocolate from my thighs, tossing them into his mouth with a heated stare.
I’m too shocked to chew my bite, but I force myself to focus and swallow it before I end up choking on it.
“Mmm. That’s good,” he rasps, and my lips part at the sultriness in his voice. “The chocolate—it’s good.”
The chocolate, of course.
He leans further into me, forcing my hips to open to him completely. I do the only thing I can and secure my legs around his waist.
He places his arms on the counter next to my hips and leans forward, rolling his forehead against mine.
“Blair …” He draws my name out, and the need in his voice draws me closer to him. “What are you doing to me?”
A breathy scoff leaves my lips as I ponder the very same thing about him.
“Someone’s coming,” he states and pulls away from me before storming out of the room, leaving me a hot and confused puddle on the counter.
A second later, Chip walks into the kitchen with a water bottle in hand. He looks up and smiles at me, and I do my best to act normal and wave back.
I hop off of the counter, grab my now two-half-eaten berries and water, and walk away, trying to sort out what the hell just happened in there. I make my way to my room, just as hot and bothered as I started.
I set my stuff on my nightstand and jump into bed, grabbing my vibrator from the nightstand drawer. I need to get rid of this pent-up energy before I lose my mind. At least then, I’ll be able to think a bit clearer.
Sliding under the covers, I slip my shorts off and turn the toy on.
I should have grabbed his face the second he pulled away and kissed him. God, his hand on my thigh has me soaking through my panties.
I’ve never been this turned on in my life, and it’s driving me insane. Pressing the toy against my center, I gasp as the sensation lifts my back off of the bed.
“Ahh,” I whimper as I imagine him grabbing my jaw and kissing me.
His hands slide up my sides, lifting my top off and leaving me bare.
Oh God, I can’t imagine what his mouth would feel like, sucking on my nipples.
I’m so desperate for release. My orgasm is building fast. I won’t last another thirty seconds if I’m lucky.
He picks me up off of the counter and carries me upstairs, sucking on my neck and biting my lip before plunging his tongue into my mouth.
That’s all it takes to send me over the cliff with my arms spread wide, welcoming the descent into euphoria.
“Fuck, Griffin.” I moan louder than I intended. I slam my mouth closed and ride out my orgasm against the toy as unbelievable pulses of pleasure rock through every cell of my body.
Knock, knock.
“Oh shit.” I sit up and turn the vibrator over, frantically searching for the power button. “One second!”
I find it, shut it off, and chuck it into my nightstand before sliding my shorts back on.
“Come in!” I call out, patting my hair down and trying to slow my breathing.
Griffin opens the door, and my eyes widen.
Oh my God, what if he heard me?
“Are you okay?” He looks at me with a furrowed brow.
Shaking my head, I dismiss his concerns. “I’m perfectly fine. Why?”
“You’re a bit, uhh … flushed.” He emphasizes the last word with a smirk on his full lips.
“Nope. Not at all.” I try to change the subject. “Did you need something?”
He grins. “Yes, actually. Here, this is for you.”
He walks over to the bed but remains standing and hands me a credit card.
But I just stare at him without taking it.
“What is that?” I ask, wondering why he wants me to do his shopping.
“I’m going to be gone for games this weekend, so I want you to have it in case you need anything.”
He holds it closer to me, and this time, I hesitantly take it.
“I don’t need this, Griffin,” I tell him, knowing I’m not going to use it even if I do need something.
If he insists, I would feel bad, using his money like that.
“It would make me feel better, knowing you have it. I mean it though. Use it for anything. I don’t care,” he says, holding my gaze.
“Okay,” I say, knowing he’s not going to let it go until I agree. I set it down beside my water. “Thank you.”
“Got to make sure my gir—tutor is taken care of.” He smirks, and my stomach erupts with butterflies from what he almost said. “Try not to miss me too much.”
He backs up to the door as I say, “I won’t.”
He fake stabs his heart and looks pained as he steps into the hallway. “Ouch. Good night.”
“Good night, Griffin.” I smile at him as he pulls my door closed.
We had an off week last week for games, but I have been itching to get back on the ice. Especially after this last week with Blair. I need something to help me get some energy out.
When I had her legs around me in the kitchen, I was so close to kissing her and never stopping. Part of me is thankful that Chip interrupted because I was ready to show her exactly how she’s been making me feel.
It’s been so long since I let anyone get close to me, and it’s fucking terrifying. What if something happens to her? That thought alone makes me want to curl into a ball. I hate knowing that I’m opening myself up for pain, but I can’t resist my feelings for her any longer. I’d be lying to myself if I said that she isn’t already completely intertwined with my heart. It’s been hers since the day we met.
When I return home after this weekend, I will officially ask her out. I don’t want there to be any doubt about my intentions. I want to make her mine, and it’s as simple as that.
I also got word that the baseball player, Josh, has been released from the team for accusations of sexual assault and that the survivors are pursuing criminal charges. The school is also reviewing his enrollment and should be expelling him any day now for violating the university’s policies.
Apparently, someone put a word in with the dean that these accusations were being brushed under the rug, someone whose word carries a lot of weight due to donations to the campus. Someone like me. It won’t solve the root of the problem, but it’s a start.
“Hawthorne,” Coach calls out, and I look up at him from the bench in our locker room. “Are you with us?”
I shake out my nerves and the lingering thoughts of Blair and focus on the game ahead. “I’m here, Coach.”
He nods. “Good,” and directs his attention back to the group. “We’ve got a big weekend ahead of us—doubleheader games against our rival school. I know how hungry you guys are for the win.”
“Damn straight!” Finn shouts, and cheers echo around us in response.
“Play your game out there. You guys are the best team when you work together and push each other. Leave everything on the ice, be smart, and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Let’s get out there, boys.” He smacks his hand against the clipboard. “Walt, count us down,” he says to one of the assistant coaches.
“Legends on three. One. Two. Three,” he roars.
We all answer his call, shouting, “Legends!”
We rush down the hallway and line up outside of the board door onto the ice. One of the Knights staff opens the door, and Finn, our starting goalie, leads us out. The second my skates hit the ice, I inhale deeply, feeling excitement radiate across my body.
I grab a puck as I skate by the pile of them on the ice and glide toward the net, dumping it in as I fly past. The team and I continue to get a few shots in for the next minute before setting up our first drill.
We work through our regular warm-up routines, including passing and shooting drills, before heading back to the locker room.
As we skate toward the tunnel, I scan the crowd. I know she’s not here, but I can’t resist the urge to search for her anyway. I know I’m only going to be gone for the weekend, but I already miss her.
We beat the Knights last night in overtime, four to three. Tonight’s game has the potential of being just as close, which means I’m going to need to be on my best behavior so I don’t end up in the penalty box, which will put the other team on a power play.
Last night, number ninety-two laid a dirty fucking hit on Asher, and if the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to repay the favor. But I have to play smart and try not to draw attention from the officials.
