Chapter 15
chapter fifteen
The bell rings, and the knot in my stomach tightens. Josh and Jess have been bombarding me with texts, demanding explanation. I’ve given the briefest version I can, but without a face to face, it’s hard to give them the information they need. And I’m definitely not sharing everything.
They’re understandably hurt. And pissed.
I've spent the entire day dodging cruel comments and inappropriate questions about Alec and me from random students. Every corner I turn, there's someone with a snide remark or invasive query.
"Hey, Winters, is it true you two fucked in the library?" one guy asks, smirking like he just won the damn gossip lottery.
"How is it, being his newest sugar baby, Salem?" another girl sneers as she flips her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder.
I clench my fists, biting back retorts that would only fuel the fire. It's not worth it. Just keep your head down and get through the day, I tell myself. But it's hard to ignore the weight of their gazes and the sting of their words.
Finally, my last class ends, and I snag my bag immediately, ready to bolt home. As I speed-walk down the hall, my eyes locked on the exit, I almost miss him. Alec leans casually against the wall outside by the exit door, looking every bit the rich, untouchable prince that he is. But the moment his eyes meet mine, something shifts.
"Hey," he says softly, his voice so different from the biting remarks I've been dealing with all day.
"Hey," I reply, feeling my muscles relax just a little.
He grins, and something inside me melts. He pushes away from the wall and strides toward me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a searing kiss. Is it appropriate for school? I kind of don’t give a fuck in this moment.
"Missed you," he murmurs against my lips, and I can't help but smile.
"It’s been three hours," I point out, my heart hammering in my chest. "But I missed you too. Even if everyone else won't shut up about us."
"Let them talk," he says, his eyes darkening with determination. "We're together, and I'm not going to hide it."
His confidence is infectious, and for a moment, I believe him. Maybe we can weather this storm of gossip and judgment. Maybe it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
"Come on," he says, taking my hand. "I’ll give you a ride."
The sun drops low on the horizon since we’re in the depths of winter. It casts a warm glow over Alec's sleek, black car as we approach it. Alec pulls open the passenger door, and I slip inside. I take in a deep breath as he closes my door, the smell of luxurious leather filling my senses.
Alec pulls out of the parking lot, but silence settles between us. A lot happened today. There’s a million things we need to talk about. But we each just sit there in silence as we drive to our destination. Finally, we pull into the parking lot beside Alec’s building. Alec only takes my hand as we step into the elevator. Finally, he’s unlocking the door to his apartment.
I walk straight through the lavish space as soon as the door is open. I cross straight to the blinds in the living room, the ones that look right at the building next door, and lower them till their closed.
Victoria won’t get any footage of what goes on once Alec and I get behind closed doors.
I let out an exasperated sigh. My eyes rise to find Alec walking into the living room and standing beside the couch.
"We need to talk about what happened,” I say, my shoulders relaxing as I finally voice the words.
"Talk about what?" Alec counters, raising an eyebrow. "I meant everything I said, Salem. I’m with you. I don’t want anyone else. I’m damn proud you’re mine."
"Even if it means putting me in the spotlight? And what about your father? Has he called yet?" I ask, my voice shaking slightly.
"No, he hasn’t yet, but fuck my father," he says firmly, his jaw set with determination. "He doesn't get to control my life or who I choose to be with. If he has a problem with it, then it's his issue to deal with." A slow, seductive smile spreads across Alec's face as he walks towards me. "As for the spotlight... I thought you were learning to enjoy it.”
"Enjoy it?" I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Sure," he replies, that wry smile still playing on his lips. "You step in front of a camera, knowing millions of people will have their eyes on you. The mask gives you power. I know you feel it. Why not borrow some of that courage now? Not that being with me should be that scary."
I can feel my cheeks burning at his words. He's right, of course. When I'm behind the mask, I don't have to worry about anyone knowing it's me. I can be bold, daring, and unapologetically myself. But the thought of stepping into the light without that protection terrifies me.
"Being in view isn't a bad thing, Salem," Alec continues, his voice dropping an octave as he steps closer. He reaches a hand up, placing it against the side of my neck. He brushes his thumb over my skin and my body ignites instantly. "You deserve to be seen. You're fucking incredible, and everyone should know it."
His words ignite a fire within me, and I can't help but glance down at his lips, suddenly aware of the way he's looking at me – like I'm the most desirable thing he's ever seen. My body responds to his heated gaze, and I shiver with anticipation.
"Show me," I whisper, almost surprised by the boldness of my own request.
Alec doesn't hesitate, pulling me close and crushing his lips to mine in a searing kiss. His hands roam from my waist, up my sides, expertly unbuttoning my shirt. My own greedy hands claw at his shirt and I yank it up and over his head.
Fuck. He has such perfect skin. Clear and smooth. And his body is sculpted to perfection. I run my hands up over his chest as he pulls my own shirt off. He bites at my nipple through my bra, a low growl coming from his chest.
"Tell me what you want, Salem," Alec demands in a low, sultry voice. My heart races as he looks up at me, his blue eyes dark with desire.
I know exactly what I want. I had a dirty dream about it last night. But the thought of actually asking for it… I blush hard and my tongue just won’t move.
“Salem,” Alec says in a low warning. “Don’t you dare try to hold back.”
“I—” The words are trapped in my throat by embarrassment.
“Salem,” Alec says again as he brings both of his hands to either side of my neck, tipping my head back to look him in the eyes. “There is nothing that I don’t want to do to you. There isn’t one inch of you that I don’t want to worship. So, stop being self-conscious, and tell me exactly what you want. Right now.”
"I want you to taste me," I blurt, my breath hitching with anticipation. I've never been with someone who's wanted to give me oral sex before, and the idea of Alec – this wealthy, powerful man – kneeling before me, eager to please, sends shivers down my spine. “I’ve never…”
"Good girl,” he murmurs as a wicked grin spreads across his face. “Your wish is my command."
His hands wrap around my waist as he guides me back toward the couch. My face is red hot, my breath coming just a little too quickly. But Alec leans in, kissing the slope of my neck. “You don’t know how much I’ve fantasized about doing exactly this. Thank you for finally granting my wish, Salem.”
I feel slightly terrified as he hooks his fingers into the waistband of my pants. And he lowers himself, lowering my pants and my underwear as he goes. Once he’s on his knees, he pushes me back onto the couch. Keeping eye contact the entire time, he lifts my right leg, setting my heel on the edge of the couch, and then he does the same with my left. And I’m sitting here, completely bared to him.
“Do you have any idea how fucking perfect this pussy is?” he growls as his eyes slide to the center of me. He leans forward, pressing gentle kisses along my inner thighs, alternating between left and right, each one inching closer to where I ache for him most.
And finally, he slips a finger into my core.
"You're so wet for me, baby." His words are filthy yet somehow sweet, and I can't help but moan in response. He slips another finger in me, and the stretch is bliss. "I'm going to make you feel so good, you won't even remember your own fucking name."
A gasp escapes my throat as his lips suddenly press into my center. My body trembles as Alec's tongue makes contact with my clit, swirling around it with precision and skill. I moan, gripping the couch cushions tightly as my body reacts to the incredible sensations. The fact that he's doing this just for me – that he wants to make me feel amazing – makes it all the more intoxicating.
"Fuck, Alec, don't stop," I urge, my voice breathy and desperate. He chuckles against my heat, the vibrations sending a jolt of pleasure through me. He teases me with his tongue, dipping it inside me before returning to my clit, building a rhythm that has me writhing on the couch.
It’s as good as everyone says it is. Better. His mouth on me, down there, working me over with such vigor and tenderness. It’s wild. His tongue makes a wide, flat pass from back to front before his mouth locks around my clit and he gives a hard, pulling suck.
The curses and praises pour from me mindlessly.
Alec pumps those two fingers in and out of me, curling in just the right way to hit that spot deep within me. With his free hand, he hooks my leg over his shoulder and pulls me closer to the edge of the couch, dragging me like I weigh nothing.
The breath rips in and out of me. My fingers lace into my hair. My back arches off the couch.
"Let go, Salem," Alec coaxes, even as he spreads his fingers into a wide V shape, stretching me farther.
The combination of his skilled tongue and his fingers pushes me over the edge. The orgasm crashes through me like a tidal wave. My vision blurs, and I can't help but scream Alec's name as pleasure washes over me. Alec drags his tongue over my clit once more before locking his lips around it, sucking with a pulsing rhythm.
I’m panting, nearly sobbing by the time I come down from my climax. I can hardly see straight when I open my eyes to see stars on the ceiling.
"Fuck, that was amazing," I gasp as I try to catch my breath, my body still trembling from the aftershocks of my climax.
Alec looks up at me from between my legs with a satisfied smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief and smug satisfaction. “You did fucking amazing,” he praises. And he climbs my body before pressing a hot kiss to my lips. I blush as I taste myself on his lips, and somehow that is so damn hot.
"Stay with me tonight," he says, his voice low and husky as he backs away, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. I don't even hesitate as I nod my agreement, the idea of leaving this place – and him – absolutely unthinkable right now.
"Let's make another video," he suggests, his eyes sparking with mirth. "I feel inspired, after what I just did to you."
My stomach does a little flip at the thought. I still feel nervous. I still feel self-conscious. But if I could let my boyfriend, someone I used to despite and throw harsh words with, put his face right front and center of my pussy, I can handle putting on a mask and posing in front of a camera. A wicked surge of excitement builds up inside me.
“Yeah,” I agree with a smile. “Let’s do it.”
We waste no time in getting set up. Alec retrieves our masks. He gets the lights positioned. He sets up the cameras.
"Ready?" he asks, his hand resting on my hip, fingers inching towards where I'm still sensitive from his earlier attentions.
"More than ready," I shoot back, feeling bolder than ever. I reach up, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him down for a heated kiss.
The camera rolls, capturing every moment as Alec and I move in time with his chosen music. His touch is light at first, drawling a perfectly straight line from my hip, up my side, up the underside of my arm. And then the beat drops, the lights switch, and we both lose our shirts, me in just a bra. Alec’s hand slides around my throat, his other pinning my wrists above my head, held against the wall. He leans in close, his mask brushing mine. Those blue eyes of his burn as he stares into mine.
As the camera continues to record, I realize just how much I've grown since meeting Alec. My confidence has blossomed, and I'm finally embracing my own desires without fear or shame. And I’m suddenly so damn thankful for that unexpected day in the library where I made that confession to Alec, about wanting to explore.
And I realize now that I won’t finish filling out that application my advisor gave me. If they don’t want me having a social media presence, it’s not the right place for me. Mariposa and Vice are important to me.
When we’re done with the shots, I lay on the couch in Alec’s office while he edits the footage. I love watching him work. He’s so focused. And I can tell just how much he loves it. The smirks on his face as he taps away. The spark in his eyes. He really is incredible at what he does.
“How is the testing going with your app?” I ask.
“It got another ten thousand downloads in the last week,” he says as his eyes flick over to me. “This next week looks like it’s going to double that.”
“Alec, that’s amazing,” I praise, shaking my head with a grin.
He nods with a smile. “And the money is starting to roll in as users get more familiar with the integration. If things keep going like they are…”
He doesn’t finish the thought, but the impending success is implied.
“You’re incredible,” I tell him. And I mean every word. He’s becoming his own man, doing the things he loves, instead of just taking the expected path set before him at birth.
He reaches over and lays a hand on my calf, brushing his thumb over my skin. And I see it in his eyes, what my words mean to him.
Sometimes we all need a cheerleader.
“You want to see it before I post?” he asks as he glances back at his screen.
I shake my head. “I know it’ll be beautiful. Do your thing, then come to bed with me.”
I press a kiss to his cheek as I walk by, and head into his bedroom.
The rude intrusion of vibration jolts us awake. Alec's cell phone dances across the nightstand, insistent. He groans, reaching for it with a curse. "What the hell?"
"Who is it?" I mumble, disoriented by the sudden return to reality.
"Shit," he mutters as he checks the screen. Just then, the call goes to voicemail. "It was my father." There's a weight to his voice, a resignation that speaks volumes about their relationship.
He listens to the voicemail, and I can hear the venom in his father's words even without the audio. Alec's body tenses beside me, his jaw clenching. I hear reference to several videos being sent to him, of Alec causing a scene. He calls out Alec on participating in “high school drama”. He insists he needs to talk to Alec about his recent life choices. The words are ice cold, leaving a sting.
I see it on Alec’s face, as he angers by the second.
"Hey," I say, my voice soft and worried, "if this is going to be a problem?—"
"Fuck him," Alec cuts me off, fierce and resolute as he tosses the phone aside like it's contaminated. "I'm so sick of his shit."
"Alec, I doubt it’s that simple,” I say, nervous. “You’re a Vanderholt. I… I don’t want to cause some kind of rift between you and your family.”
“That rift was there the day I was born,” he says with a cold edge to his voice. But he turns and puts a hand to my cheek. “If I have to pick, him or you, I’m going to pick you every time, Salem.”
His words make the breath catch in my chest. The rawness there is… shocking. And it’s Alec Vanderholt, saying them about me. “Are you sure?" I ask, heart thundering in my chest. I can't be the reason his world falls apart.
"More than anything," he says, and there's a fire in his eyes that matches the one in my belly. "I want you, Salem. Not the whispers or the bullshit legacy. Just you."
Emotions bite at the backs of my eyes, and I know things have shifted. "Okay," I whisper, daring to hope that we’re worth the risk.
The green numbers on Alec's alarm clock draw my eyes. 8:41 a.m.
“Fuck, Alec, we’ve got twenty minutes until classes start.” I bolt upright, dragging the sheet with me as I search the floor for my clothes.
"Shit." He springs out of bed. All long limbs and urgency, he grabs his jeans from the floor. "Get dressed. I’ll drive us."
"Captain Obvious," I mutter, finding my bra on the floor, but nothing else. In a panic, I go racing out into the living room where I find the rest of my clothes shed by the couch. I tip over once as I jump into my jeans.
"Here." Alec tosses me my shoes, a pair of scuffed-up sneakers that have seen better days. "That everything?"
"Let's go," I say, voice barely steady. This is it—facing reality after our night cocooned away from the world.
We hustle through the apartment, a chaotic dance of grabbing backpacks and slamming doors. Exiting into the crisp air, we dart into his car, and bolt down the road. We slide into the parking lot with only five minutes to spare.
Hand in hand, we race up the sidewalk to the all red-brick building with the sprawling lawns.
I hear the words as we dart to class. There are numerous students headed inside, witnessing our second public display of affection.
“Is that her?”
“You know who she is?”
“The prince and the pauper, right?”
Heat crawls up my neck, but I square my shoulders. Beside me, Alec's presence is a silent vow of solidarity. He's a wall of confidence, untouchable, even as murmurs follow us like shadows.
"Keep walking," I mutter, more to myself than to him.
"Never planned on doing anything else," he replies, a smirk audible in his voice.
We walk inside and reach the hall where we have to go our separate ways. Alec pulls me to a stop. "See you later, Winters," he says, pulling me close without warning. His kiss is a brand, searing and bold. A statement. A promise. I cling to him, matching his fervor, knowing it's more than just a goodbye.
"Later, Vanderholt," I manage, breathless as we part. Whispers swell around us, a crescendo of intrigue. But I push the old habit to overthink them into the back of my brain.
Alec winks, all brazen charm, before turning away. I watch him go, his stride unapologetic, his back to the storm. Then, with a deep breath, I face forward and step into my own tempest, ready to conquer whatever comes next.