Page 67 of King of Hearts

I approached where he sat, a beer in my outstretched hand which he accepted with thanks. The crisp sound as he opened the bottle sliced through the room and I tapped my glass against his own.

“Mum said she has never seen Ando this happy and if he fucks it up, she will divorce him as her son.” I covered my mouth to stop the liquid which threatened to spill from my lips as I snickered.

“It’s called emancipation, Dyl, and that is incredibly dramatic, even by my standards.” I said, feeling a felicitous warmth at the idea of his mum advocating for me.

“I don’t understand women.” He scratched his head and grabbed another drink. “Let’s head to the rooms and enjoy the only perk of being related toil capitano.”

“How rude,” I mocked. “But also, here’s a hint on women, don’t speak Italian with an awful Australian accent anywhere near them.” I giggled, following him out the door.

Seeing Andy without a shirt never failed to take my breath away. I eye-fucked him as he confidently circulated congratulating the team on their win, taking the time to individually comment on each player’s efforts. The room was filled with family and friends hugging and sharing joy amid a post-win bliss. He was the epitome of humility as he accepted congratulatory remarks and high fives from plenty of bystanders. But as soon as he saw me his entire demeanour changed. His gaze turned hungry which sent a sharp thrill all the way to Barbs - and suddenly the man who just led this side to their victory, saw no one other than me. I licked my lips in anticipation of congratulating him myself as a devilish grin split his face.

Christ, was thatmy ovaries screaming at his pure manliness?

Andy bent, picking me up and I threw my arms around his neck.

“Good job tonight, Captain.”

“I think I play better when I know you are here watching. Especially when I get to fuck you ten minutes before I take the field.” He nuzzled my neck, leaving wet kisses in his wake before placing me back on the floor.

“Well then, I better come to every match, but only if I get this after each game and you know what before.” I pressed my lips to his and moaned into his mouth when he dragged his hands down my body and kneaded my backside while deepening the kiss. He was sweaty and warm and salacious thoughts flooded my mind at the things I wanted to do to him.

“Get a room, you two.” Dylan bellowed and Andy unfortunately loosened his hold, turning towards him with a dazzling grin.

“Double fisting already, brother? You sure you will make it out tonight?” Andy pulled me into his side and I used my finger to trace a bead of his sweat up his chest.

“Not all of us are weak like you, old man.” Dyl replied, holding both beers in the air proudly.

“Don’t listen to him, baby.” I said, nuzzling into Andy’s chest further.

He shook with his laughter and I gave him a quick squeeze before he took his arm from around me.

“He’s just upset since Mum still has to cut his steak for him.”

I giggled as Dylan also did his best not to laugh at Andy’s insult.

“Just go shower, dickhead, so we can go out and celebrate.”

“You happy to go out, Arns? The boys were planning on Nexus but if you want to stay in, we can.”

“I think we should definitely go. We must make the most of these nights seeing as you’re soooo old.” I shot Dylan a glance as Andy kissed the tip of my nose.

“I’ll meet you two outside soon.” Turning to me he added, “Don’t let him drag you into any trouble. And keep your coat off. I want everyone to know who you belong to.”

I grinned as Andy moved to leave, slapping Dylan on the side of the head and lunging away before he could retaliate. His laugh danced around the room loudly and Dylan and I both joined him. It was so nice to see him openly enjoying himself.

There were cameras and microphones everywhere, players and coaching staff giving journalists their opinions on the game against what they were saying was atough opposition. But none of them approached Andy as he left. It appeared it was an unwritten rule that he did not engage and the arsehole persona they presented now made sense. With no comments or encounters to substantiate a story, they fabricated them based on what they saw and all that consisted of was a side profile often without a smile. If theywerelucky enough to receive a glance from him, his face was lined with a scowl just like the one I was given the first time I met him. When in this very room, as an editor acting as a journalist while nursing the hangover of all hangovers, my life changed.

When Andy was long gone, I stepped towards Dylan who was gesturing hopefully at the exit, and I felt the warmth of the privilege that came with being one of the few who saw the real Andy. The version who smiled freely and laughed with ease for those who he deemed mattered most.

And I was his girlfriend.

How lucky I was to hold that title.

Snapping a quick picture of the dance floor at Nexus, I sent it to Marlee telling her how amazing this place was and how utterly devastated I was that she wasn’t here to see it with me. I also added a photo Andy took of me just before we left to show her my outfit. I’d paired my leather wet-look black pants with a pair of knee-high black boots and a camisole. My black fur coat was accentuated by a pair of large gold hoops and finished with a bright red lip.

Honestly, I edited for a website but in this get up I could have been on the cover if I did say so myself.

Arna:Black on black on black, bitch. I miss you. Call me before I put out a missing persons ad.

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