Chapter 8
ERYX
She never showed up to my fight. I knew she wouldn’t but that didn’t stop my eyes from scanning the crowd for her.
It’s been three weeks of her ignoring me, only speaking to me when she needs to in class but even then her words are clipped.
They always have a bite behind them. I’m trying to do the right thing and give her time to adjust, and lucky for her I’ve been busy enough with Caine which allowed me to leave her alone.
That stops now though. Its Friday so Caine wants to head to town and hit up the bar.
We’re walking to our rooms when I hear her laugh, small and breathy.
She’s walking with that girl she’s always with, who also happens to be the girl my brother has become obsessed with.
“She didn’t show to your fight, maybe she’ll get a drink?” Caine smirks at me, “Maybe she’ll bring her friend too, the sister.”
“You know, you’re very optimistic these days.” I give him a semi-annoyed look.
Then we run into the girls as they round the corner. Her eyes land on mine and I watch them roll and she huffs. Fuck I love the attitude on this girl.
“You seem to be following me around lately, miss me?” I tell her and there goes that furrow of the brow. My favorite.
She takes a step closer, her eyes narrowing, and I can feel the heat building between us.
“Miss you? Whats there to miss? And I don’t follow anyone, especially not you.
I’m just trying to get from point A to point B without your”—she looks me up and down— “face blocking my path,” her arms are crossed over her chest.
“Oh, I’m blocking your path now?” I take a slow step forward, matching her energy.
“You sure about that? Seems like you’re always trying to find a way back into my orbit.
Last I recall, it was you who came up to me at breakfast on your first day, and wasn’t it also you,” I pause, “in the men’s showers last week?
Maybe you came looking for me, hoping I’d catch you, naked”—I look down at her, now we stand toe to toe—“and wet.”
She tries taking a step back, extending her hand to my chest, her cheeks red, “I’d rather burn out, than orbit your ass,” she snaps back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Did you know that in space, no one can hear you scream?” she quips, her eyes daring me to respond.
“But don’t let me stop you from living your delusional little fantasy. ”
I love a girl who can hold her own. “Delusional, huh?” I lean in slightly, dropping my voice low, just enough to make her lean in too. “Tell me, what exactly about this situation is delusional? You think I’m the one chasing you?”
Her lips twitch, like she’s fighting the urge to smile or slap me. Either way, I’m winning this little game. Eryx 2—Nastasya 0, but who’s keeping score?
Both her friend and Caine are standing back watching our face off, trying to hold back their laughter. Then, Caine pipes up, his voice louder than it needs to be, he’s been watching this whole thing with way too much enjoyment—asshole. “So, are we going for drinks or what?”
I’m waiting for her response. Ro’s expression hardens a little at the suggestion, and I watch as she subtly steps back.
“I’ve got plans,” she says quickly, the words coming out like she’s trying to avoid something.
Mmhmm, that look has my brother written all over it.
Safe to say he won’t be joining us tonight.
“But Stassi would love to join you, she’s been telling me how much she needs a drink after,” she pauses and smiles, “well, I’ll go let Shina know, she’s been wanting to hit the bar scene too. ”
Caines’s eyes light up. Oh boy, here we go.
“How about it, princess?” Caine says to Anastasia, leaning in with that irresistible charm of his. “You got plans tonight too? What could possibly be more fun than drinks with us? I’ll even make sure they have your favorite drink, what’s your poison I’m buying.”
She hesitates, clearly weighing her options. But then, her gaze flicks over to me. Her eyes narrowing with that usual fire and I can tell she’s trying to figure out what angle I’m working this from. She looks at Caine, then back at me, the silence stretching for just a moment too long.
“Well,... I’ll check with Shina, see if she’ll come with. No way am I going alone with you two,” She mutters back, and the sass is back, as if the idea of being around me for a drink somehow complicates her evening.
“Hell yeah,” Caine says, practically bouncing on his heels now, a grin lighting up his face. “Oh we’re about to have the best night, princess. Drinks, good company, and I promise I won’t let Eryx ruin the night.”
Anastasia looks at Caine, an eyebrow raised, “Noted. But don’t expect me to go easy on either one of you.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “If you want to make it interesting, you can try to keep up with me. I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching me drink you under the table.”
She narrows her eyes at me again, but I can see it, just a crack in the armor, a flicker of curiosity despite herself. “Fine,” she says, still sounding a little too guarded, “Lets see who can keep up the longest.”
“Princess, we’re Russian, let’s see if you can.”
“Alright, Mr. Confident, you’re on,” she tells him.
Caine grins like he’s already won, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he takes the reins. “Alright, it’s settled. We’ll meet you in thirty minutes. Make sure Shina knows that her night’s about to get a whole lot more interesting.”
As Anastasia walks off, still trying to look unaffected, I catch her eyes for a second, and this time, I see it, something like a challenge. It’s game on now.
“See you soon,” I tell her as we take off in different directions.
I’m back in my room getting ready. Roman and Caine are here too, because apparently, privacy is a foreign concept to them. They’re always in my space, like its theirs.
I’m going with all black tonight—ripped jeans, my docs, and my Sum41 tee.
A few rings and some silver chains. I’m more comfortable like this than in the stuffy uniforms we have to wear during the week.
Really wish they’d get rid of them, although I quite like seeing my girl in that school girl uniform, looking like a damn wet dream.
I grab my keys. It’s the perfect night for a ride.
“Yo, you coming with?” I ask Roman, Caine and I sharing a look of knowing the answer.
He shakes his head, flopping onto my bed like he owns it. “Nah, I’m staying back. Got plans already”
I raise a brow. “That a sure thing, or just hopeful thinking? This wouldn’t have anything to do with gothic barbie would it?” I tease
He just smirks.
Caine and I head down the hall, boots heavy against the worn floorboards. We’re not even knocking yet and I can already hear the muffled thump of bass and laughter behind the door, a melody I easily recognize. She’s got great taste in music.
I knock three times and the door swings open.
There she is.
Nastasya.
She’s small, the complete opposite of the energy she radiates.
She’s got a black skirt thats barely clinging to her hips, a strappy top that leaves her chest exposed, begging to be marked.
Her boots are platformed and spiked, like she’s daring someone to try her.
I’m playing with fire tonight, hoping I’ll get burned.
Her choker’s straight outta the ‘90s—black weaved together to resemble barbed wire, sending a clear signal, she’s dangerous.
But it’s her eyes that get me first. Lined in sharp black that could cut, and right now, they’re aimed straight at me. Her black hair’s down tonight, loose waves falling over her shoulders like she just wanted to make me lose my mind.
Mission accomplished.
My jaw slackens for half a second before I catch myself. Barely.
She raises an eyebrow. “You just gonna stand there, or…?”
I clear my throat, play it cool, “Didn’t realize homicide was on the menu tonight.”
She smirks, stepping aside and letting Shina walk out so she can close the door. “Dress to kill.”
I think I’m already flatlining.
Shina comes into view just as she steps outside the room, letting Anastasia close up. She’s adjusting her earring, like she didn’t just casually shut down every thought in Caine’s head. He’s in trouble. I’ve never seen him like this for anyone before.
She’s street-slick as always—tight jeans, rips up the thighs, and a black tee slipping off one shoulder like it’s got a mind of its own.
Boots, scuffed and heavy. Her braids are pulled half-up, loose strands framing her face like she didn’t try at all—but somehow landed on perfect.
Caine’s staring like he forgot how blinking works. Like I said, he’s in trouble.
Stassi comes up beside me, already sliding her phone into a tiny crossbody bag that honestly looks like it could barely hold a lighter. She glances between the rest of us, brow arched. “We doing this or what?”
“Yeah,” I say, jerking my chin toward the back exit. “Cars are out back.”
Once we’re outside, I prepare for that smart remark I know is coming, “You’re riding with me.” I hand her my spare helmet.
She stares at me, but doesn’t move. Just gives me that look—the one where I’m not sure if she wants to kill me or set me on fire. “Says who?”
“Says me,” I shoot back, stepping closer. “Don’t tell me you’re scared. You’re already dressed to kill.”
She grins, biting her lip like she’s trying not to laugh. “I don’t know... Caine’s car has doors. And seatbelts. And actual shock absorption.”
“Yeah, but mine’s got better company.”
“Plus did you already forget I’m in a skirt, my whole ass will be out,” she continues.
“Mm definitely did not forget,” I lick my lips. “You can sit in front of me, it’ll cover your ass plus the vibrations are better upfront,” I tell her with a wink.
That earns me a full eye-roll. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet... here you are.” I point at the helmet still in her hand. “You gonna put that on, or keep pretending like you have a choice?”
She shakes her head, muttering something I don’t catch—but she’s already throwing a leg over the bike, her hands planted in front of her, I grab on to her waist with one hand like it’s muscle memory.
Behind us, I hear Caine unlock his car for Shina, and when I glance back, she’s already sliding in, not saying much—but she’s smiling. Caine looks like he just won the lottery and is trying not to jinx it.
I start the engine, the low rumble filling the quiet. Stassi leans in close, her ass rubbing against me. Oh she wants to fucking play.
“Don’t get cocky,” she says through the mic in the helmet.
“Too late.”
And just like that, we’re off.
I can feel the warmth of her thighs against mine, even through the denim and leather.
The engine vibrates beneath us. Halfway through the ride I hear a small gasp come through the speaker in my helmet.
She shifts in her seat, just enough to make me bite down on a curse.
She leans back into me. Is my girl feeling good right now?
“You better not crash,” She says, voice low.
I grip the handles tighter, “Not planning on it,” I grin, “but if I do, at least the view was worth it.”
“Shut up.”
“Make me,” I say back.
“I plan to.”
A challenge I’d gladly take on.
We pull into the back lot of Club Noir. I park next to Caine and kill the engine.
I climb out and help Anastasia off the bike.
She adjusts her skirt that rid up through our ride.
Its the way I want to bend her over, sliding her tiny skirt over her ass and take her right here on my bike.
Fuck. Just the thought has me rearranging myself.
She catches me staring and as if she can read my filthy thoughts, “Eyes up here buddy.” Yup she definitely caught me. Worth it.
Caine gets out and goes over to open Shina’s door and help her out of his car. There’s a smile on their faces, her cheeks flushed.
We head towards the entrance, and walk up to the bouncer. Caine’s dad owns the club so we just get let in and head to our section in the back.
Stacie is working the bar tonight, she comes up to our table to get our drink order.
“Ready to see if you can keep up princess?” Caine asks Anastasia.
“Drinks on you tonight right?” She quips back.
“Let’s start with a round of Beluga Noble,” He tells Stacie.
She turns to me, “The usual for you?” I nod and she takes off.
I look at Anastasia. Let’s see how long she can last.