The whole house vibrated with loud music and colored lights - it was the party after the last game of the season, and obviously the team had won. Nate had been the hero of the night, marking the decisive point. It was supposed to be celebrating, showing off, receiving attention.

And it was even... until the middle of the party.

Until the exact second you entered.

Beautiful. Confident. Illuminating any place I stepped on.

And - to his complete misfortune - accompanied.

You had been ignoring Nate Jacobs for weeks. And not without reason: he had crossed the line. He was an asshole in the worst possible way. He yelled at you, lost his mind during a stupid argument, and then he still had the audacity to keep acting as if you were his, even if he refused to assume anything.

He knew he was wrong. I knew I had gone too far.

But pride to admit? Zero.

Then he appealed to what always worked with other girls: flowers, tickets, grandiose gestures. Only with you?

It didn't work.

He saw with his own eyes you throw the bouquet in the trash and slam the door in his face.

Perfect. Sensational.

But nothing - absolutely nothing - moved him as much as seeing you now, entering that party to celebrate his victory... with another guy.

The drink was already circulating in Nate's body, but nothing made him more dizzy than the sight of you smiling at another.

His eyes stuck to yours like magnets.

And when you passed by, he didn't even think: he just grabbed your waist and pulled you back to his shaft.

"Aren't you going to say hi to me? - the low, dangerous, warm voice against your ear."

You turned your face coldly.

"Why should I?"

His laugh was short, ironic.

"Because I won. I took the team. And won't you at least congratulate me?"

"Congratulations. - You crossed your arms. - Satisfied?"

"No."— he growled, getting closer, as if he was about to touch his forehead to yours.

The hand slowly went up to his chin, forcing his gaze to meet his. The difference in height made everything even more inevitable.

"Are you going to be mad at me forever? - his voice came out almost in a hoarse whisper. - I've already apologized."

His jaw locked when he noticed your impassive look. He bent slightly over you, invading your space, surrounding you completely.

"Shall we go?"— he murmured, the tone serious, almost vulnerable.—I miss you. Even your angry version. Especially hers."

His fingers still held her chin.

His eyes begged for a loophole.

What about Nate Jacobs? Proud, impulsive, possessive?

I was melting for you.