Dylan bolted upright, his muscles still buzzing from the fevered exchange that had just happened. He barely had time to catch his breath before the knock on the door sent him into motion. A quick scan ensured Anastasia looked composed—though the heat still lingered between them—before he swung the door open.
Nothing.
The hallway was empty. Not a soul in sight.
"Huh. No one's there. Rosie probably thought we were still sleeping and left," Dylan muttered, scratching the back of his head. Then, with a dramatic groan, "She totally ruined our moment, though. The sneaky hag."
Anastasia rose from the bed, her expression unreadable. "What moment?"
Dylan turned to her, lips parting slightly in disbelief before he smirked. "Ouch. That stings."
She feigned innocence, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I'm taking a shower. Where are my clothes?"
"Uh, I think Rose threw them in the wash. I'll check. Right after my... situation is under control and I can put on some damn pants." Dylan groaned, adjusting the towel precariously clinging to his hips.
Anastasia's lips quirked as she stepped toward the bathroom. "You do that."
Dylan narrowed his eyes. "Baby girl, you are really looking for trouble."
Anastasia simply made a 'W' with her fingers and whispered, "Whatever."
"Oh, that's it!" Dylan lunged toward her, but she was faster. She darted inside, slamming the door just before he could reach her. Her laughter echoed through the wood as he banged his forehead lightly against it. "You can't stay in there forever, sweetheart. You'll answer for that when you come out."
Shaking his head, he threw on some shorts and headed downstairs, grabbing Anastasia's now-dry clothes from the laundry room before dropping them onto the bed. His next stop was the kitchen, where Rose and Billy were already seated, mid-bite.
Rose arched a brow as soon as she saw his face. "What's with that stupid grin?"
"What? Can't a guy smile?" Dylan leaned against the counter, far too smug for someone who'd just been locked out of his own bathroom.
Billy sighed, dropping his fork. "You only smile like that when—"
Rose's eyes widened. "Dylan. Robbie. Fischer!" She shot up from her seat and smacked him hard on the arm.
"Ow! What the hell was that for?"
Billy grimaced. "Dude, seriously?"
"I didn't sleep with her!" Dylan said, but his guilty grin betrayed him.
Rose crossed her arms. "Mmhmm. But you did something."
Dylan exhaled, hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. We kissed. Kinda. Sorta. Maybe a little more."
Rose groaned, shoving him aside. "I don't want details. I want my breakfast to stay where it is."
Dylan chuckled, making himself a turkey sandwich. Just as he sat down, Anastasia emerged, looking fresh, a little flustered, and completely oblivious to the interrogation she was about to walk into.
"Here." Dylan slid the sandwich toward her.
"Oh my god, thank you. I'm starving." She took a huge bite—only to notice the way Billy and Rose were staring at her.
She froze. "What?"
Billy smirked. "Anything you wanna tell us?"
Anastasia's eyes darted between them. Then she turned to Dylan—who, like an absolute coward, was suddenly very interested in the ceiling. She smacked his arm.
"Ow! What is it with you girls today?"
"What did you say?!"
Dylan laughed. "Nothing!"
Rose snorted. "We got it out of him that you kissed. Maybe more..."
Anastasia turned beet red. She finished her sandwich in record time and stood abruptly. "I should go."
"I'll drive you," Dylan offered instantly.
"I'll walk."
Dylan frowned. "It's an hour walk. Don't be ridiculous."
"I'm fine."
His jaw tightened. "Woman, don't make me carry you over my shoulder."
Anastasia glanced at Rose. They exchanged an almost telepathic smirk.
Billy sighed, rubbing his temples. "Oh no."
Dylan eyed them warily. "What?"
But before the word even finished leaving his mouth, Anastasia bolted.
Dylan blinked. "Does she not realize I am the fastest player on my team?"
Billy simply raised his hands. "Hey man, your funeral."
Dylan sighed, took a leisurely sip of his juice, then strolled out the door. Rose howled with laughter.
Moments later, Anastasia's shriek echoed through the yard. "DYLAN, PUT ME DOWN!"
He walked back inside like he had all the time in the world, Anastasia slung effortlessly over his shoulder. He barely acknowledged Billy and Rose's hysterics as he carried her upstairs, kicking the bedroom door shut behind him.
Anastasia barely had time to protest before she was sprawled on his bed, panting, glaring, and very much at his mercy.
"Told you not to test me, sweetheart." Dylan's voice was all gravel, all heat.
She sucked in a breath as he leaned in, hands bracing on either side of her head. His lips ghosted over hers, teasing, taunting.
"Be mine," he murmured.
Her pulse thundered. "Dylan, I—"
"Be mine, baby girl. I swear, I'll treat you like the queen you are. I'll ruin you for anyone else."
She shivered beneath him. "But we just—"
"You were with someone else when I first saw you. I knew I had to wait. But now? You feel this, don't you?"
Her breath hitched as his fingers traced her jaw. His body pressed into hers, scorching, demanding.
She wanted to deny it. Wanted to resist. But the way he was looking at her, like she was something sacred, something his...
"Yes," she whispered. "Fine. Just don't hurt me."
Dylan's pupils darkened with triumph. "Never."
Then his lips crashed onto hers, raw and consuming. His hands explored, claiming every inch of her, setting her skin aflame. She arched into him as his mouth left a trail of destruction down her neck, her collarbone. His touch was possessive, his control barely hanging by a thread. His hand slowly drifted down her stomach and slid under the rim of her underwear. He smirked when his fingers touched her already wet folds and slowly pushed his finger inside her, making her gasp.
"I'm gonna worship every inch of you," he rasped against her skin.
And he did.
By the time they finally emerged, Anastasia felt dazed, unsteady. The ride home was quiet, his hand resting on her thigh as she stared out the window, lost in thought.
They didnt have sleep together but they came close a few times and one question wouldn't stop repeating in her mind.
What have I done?