Chapter 40
CHAPTER FORTY
maddox
Los Angeles is giving it their all tonight. We have won the last three games, and if they lose this one, they’ll be eliminated from the playoffs. We were in the lead until the third quarter of the game, but they caught up to us and we’re currently tied.
The time on shot clock is ticking down, and we need to make some moves to break the tie and send them home.
Kingsley Ross leaps up for a two-pointer, but Darius blocks it clean, sending the ball flying across the court. I sprint after it, snatching the ball before the other team can get to it and racing across the court.
Quickly scanning my surroundings, I spot Elijah positioned near the goal and launch the ball his way. He catches it seamlessly and executes an effortless Euro step, sinking the ball into the net.
A player from LA scrambles toward the ball and attempts to make it to the other side in time, but the buzzer goes off—securing our victory.
“Fuck yeah!” I shout, pumping my fist in the air,
“We’re going to the conference semifinals, baby!” Andrés cheers.
Elijah does a celebratory dance and removes his jersey, twirling it in the air, which elicits excited screams from several women.
My eyes land on Annalise and my stomach does somersaults. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she’s wearing my jersey and a massive smile on her face. It takes all my willpower not to run over and kiss her in front of everyone.
Seeing her in the crowd, cheering me on while I play, gives me strength. I feel invincible.
“You played well tonight,” a deep voice says from behind me.
I turn around and come face-to-face with the legend himself—Kyrie Lyons.
“Mr. Lyons, w-what an honor. Thank you.”
Kyrie has been in attendance at some of the regular-season games and all the games during the playoffs, but this is the first time he’s approached me.
Back when I was in high school, I had the chance to meet him during a meet and greet, and I was a complete nervous wreck—which is exactly how I’m feeling now.
I no longer feel like the confident shooting guard who just won a big game.
“You can call me Kyrie. Calling me mister makes me feel old. I may be retired, but I’m only in my forties.”
He lets out a chuckle and I join him, relaxing a little.
“You made a lot of noise during your rookie year,” he says. “I remember when I saw you on TV. I was like hey, I know that kid!”
My eyes widen in shock. “Wait—you remember meeting me?”
He nods. “Sure do. Your ambitious nature made quite the impression on me.”
“I can’t believe you remember me. That was so long ago.”
“I’ve been rooting for you ever since. Your talent will take you far, and the Dragons are lucky to have someone like you on their team.”
The corners of my mouth lift into a big grin, and prides washes over me.
I can’t believe I received a compliment from Kyrie freaking Lyons.
“Wow. That means a lot coming from you.”
“Keep up the good work and bring home that championship.” He pats me on the back.
“I will, sir.”
We reserved Blackout tonight to celebrate our win. The entire team is here, joined by their closest friends and significant others.
The only person that’s missing is Lucas. I think he knows better and chose to stay away—especially after what happened with Annalise. If only I could have been there to witness her slapping him across the face.
Annalise walks in with Mazikeen following closely behind her. She looks absolutely ravishing in her tight black dress.
“Hey, Rosie.” I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into an embrace while resisting the urge to kiss her. The other guys on our team suspected we were together when they saw her at the first playoff game, but I have neither confirmed nor denied it.
“Hey, Dimples.” She flashes me a smile, causing my heart to skip a beat.
“Hi, Maddox.” Mazikeen gives me a small smile and waves.
I blink twice. “Wait. You’re actually speaking to me without sounding hostile?”
She rolls her eyes. “Look, Kamado. I just want to apologize for being a complete and total bitch to you. I shouldn’t have judged you for who you were before you dated Annalise. I know you care a lot about her, and I can see how happy you make her.”
I never thought I’d see the day where Mazikeen Rivera would be nice to me—let alone apologize to me. I had won over Annalise’s family and wanted her best friend to like me as well, but I had accepted that it might never happen. The fact that she was finally willing to accept me means a lot.
“I appreciate the apology, Mazikeen. Perhaps we can start over.”
I extend my hand to her to call a truce, and she shakes it.
“I would like that.”
“Aw!” Annalise places her hand on her cheek. “Look at my best friend and my boyfriend finally getting along.”
I let out a laugh.
Mazikeen narrows her eyes and points a finger at me. “But if you ever break her heart, I will fucking crush your skull.”
She’s a whole foot shorter than me, but she still terrifies me.
I wrap my arm around Annalise’s waist. “Trust me—that’ll never happen.”
“Oh, shit. It’s like a high school reunion.” Elijah approaches us, wearing a goofy grin on his face.
“What’s up, Rivera? Long time, no see.” He throws his arm around Mazikeen’s shoulders.
She makes a face and shrugs him off.
“Dang. Are you still only into women?” he asks.
“No, I still like men too. You’re just not my type,” she says, smoothing her hand down the front of her dress.
Elijah blows air out of his cheeks. “Oh, whatever. I’m everyone’s type.”
“If that were the case, then why are you the only player here without a date?” Mazikeen gestures around us. Every single player, besides Elijah, has a woman in their arms tonight.
“It is odd that you didn’t show up with anyone. Does this mean you’re done fucking around and ready to get into a committed relationship?” I ask, cocking a brow.
Elijah lets out a snort. “You’re not even drunk yet, and you’re already spewing bullshit. Don’t count on me going on double dates with you anytime soon.”
He refocuses his attention to Mazikeen. “And for your information, I had several options tonight. I couldn’t make a decision.”
She lets out a disgusted groan. “I’m gonna need some alcohol in me to survive a night being around this idiot.”
He rolls his eyes and motions for the server to come to us.
The server pours us a round of shots and we all raise our glasses. “To success! And to friendships!” Elijah cheers.
We clink our glasses together in unison and down the shots.
“Let’s take a photo together to remember this moment!” Annalise smiles and takes her phone out of her purse.
Since I’m the tallest one out of the group, I’m in charge of capturing the photo. We all crowd together and I snap the pic.
“Aw, it’s just like old times,” Elijah says.
“We were never friends in high school.” Mazikeen groans.
“We can become friends…” A devilish grin slides across his face. “With benefits.”
“Not gonna happen, Callahan,” she mutters, rolling her eyes.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Bro, can you go the rest of the night without hitting on someone?”
He lets out a laugh. “I just love annoying her.”
I shake my head and wave at the server to order more drinks.
After sharing a few more drinks and laughter with our friends, Annalise and I move to the dance floor. My hands are on her hips as we move in sync with the beat.
The way she’s moving her body has me growing hard against her.
Amused by the effect she has on me, she presses her ass farther back, causing a curse to leave my lips.
Brushing her hair to the side, I bring my lips near her ear. “Are you trying to make me fuck you in the middle of the dance floor?”
“Maybe,” she whispers in a low, seductive tone while continuing to rub her ass against my straining cock.
The club is dark, and everyone else is too preoccupied to pay us any mind.
Moving my hands up, I cup her breasts, and she lets out a gasp. She moans quietly as I roll her nipples with my fingers.
Then I trail a hand down to her inner thigh, slowly sliding it upward. Her breath hitches when my hand reaches the hem of her dress.
After checking again to make sure no one is watching, I slide my hand farther up, rubbing her over her already soaked panties.
My hands move faster, and she grows wetter with every stroke.
Pushing her panties aside, I trace the heat of her, my fingers quickly slick with her desire.
My fingers rub tight circles over her swollen clit, and she bites down on her bottom lip to suppress her moans.
I slip a finger inside her drenched pussy with ease, moving it in and out slowly. “Do you enjoy this? Being finger-fucked out in the open where anyone can see?”
“Yes,” she moans. I add another finger, pumping them fast. “Oh, Maddox! That feels so good.”
Plunging my fingers deeper, I rub them against her walls and she grips the back of my neck to brace herself.
Using my thumb, I stimulate her clit while my fingers thrust inside her. I can tell she’s getting close by the way her legs tremble and her breathing becomes erratic.
I continue to pleasure her until she comes on my fingers, her arousal dripping down her thighs.
Removing my fingers from her, I readjust her dress. Her eyes darken as she watches me lick them clean.
I take her hand and pull her away from the dance floor, leading her into an empty restroom.
A sly smile spreads across her lips when I lock the door behind us.
Thankfully, the club has individual private restrooms, so I don’t have to worry about anyone walking in and seeing what I’m about to do to her.
“I can’t go another minute without being inside you. I need you now.” Grabbing the back of her head, my hands tangle in her hair as I crush my lips against hers.
She kisses me back with hunger, thrusting her tongue inside my mouth while she fumbles with my belt buckle.
Her hands dip inside my briefs and she strokes my hard length.
“Fuck…” I hiss against her lips.
I pull down the front of her dress and lower my mouth, sucking her hardened nipples.