Page 34 of Hate That Blooms

Chapter21

Joaquín

The Halloween party is an overwhelming spectacle of bodies grinding and hands wandering, fueled by excessive alcohol and the pungent aroma of weed, and all I do is sit and wait for Gabriela to show up. Adjusting the mask on my face, I sit at the back of the room with Nate and Thiago. We’re all wearing the same outfit, all black clothing. The only thing that differs is our masks. I have on a half-skull balaclava, Nate wears one with a clown smile, and Thiago’s is completely black.

I feel a shoulder nudge me, drawing my attention to the steps that lead to the big room we’re all partying in. Cora, Nat, and Gabriela make their way down the steps, and I am awestruck by my girl. Gabriela has on a sexy little witch’s costume, skintight and showing off her tits. It’s so short that if she bends over, her ass and pussy are just on display for everyone to see. That pisses me off; nobody but me should get to see her like this.

“I think it’s time I taught mybrujitaa lesson on what's appropriate to wear out in public.” I shout over the pulsing music.

“Oh, fuck yeah. What’s the plan?” Nate rubs his hands together. His interest in Gabriela hasn’t gone unnoticed by me, but I hope it’s just in solidarity because he’s my friend. I would beat the shit out of him in a heartbeat if he ever touched her.

Cora and Nat give Gabriela a hug and make their way towards the bathrooms. She’s left standing there by herself, and I can feel all the eyes that are on her. “We’re gonna chase her and scare her a little bit. Same rules as always. Only I touch her. Got it.”

“You know I won’t.” Thiago lets out a breath of frustration. “I’m down for the chase though.”

“Come on, man.” Nate whines. “Every fucking time!”

“You can fuck off then.” I snap back at Nate. “She’s mine.”

“Alright, Alright. I won’t touch her. Fuck. How are we doing this?” He adjusts his mask on his face.

“We’ll chase her around the main floor and outside, but I want to get her upstairs.” I look at them, then back to her. “Spread out and we’ll box her in, so she has to run upstairs.”

“Got it.” They say it in unison.

Let the game begin. Tu rey viene por ti, Reina. (Your king is coming for you, my queen)

Bodies push into me as I cross the crowded dance floor, walking toward Gabriela, who hasn’t moved from her spot on the stairs. Mi Reina is smiling, enjoying herself even, and is the prettiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen. I pan the room and see that the guys are already in place when I break through the crowd and make my way up the steps before her. Her eyes shift to the sides, taking in the three of us closing in on her. “No,” she mouths before turning around and running.

We follow her out, splitting up, chasing her through the kitchen and dining room and into the backyard. Gabriela’s screams fill the night air as she darts between trees and dodges obstacles. She is scared, and I’m eating it up.

I pursue her relentlessly, my heart pounding with each stride I make. The burning feeling of excitement and possessiveness coursing through me. Each step brings me closer to her, fueling my need to catch her. Nate and Thiago flank me, their presence a reminder that Gabriela is mine, and mine alone.

Somehow we approach the back entrance again, and we’re back to where we started. I see Gabriela’s figure disappearing into the darkness of the house. We quicken our pace, eager to corner her. The pulsing music and muffled chatter from the party fade into the background as the adrenaline takes over.

Inside the house, the atmosphere is electric. Costumed figures dance and mingle, oblivious to the chase taking place. We navigate through the throng, my eyes fixed on the tantalizing glimpse of Gabriela’s witch costume ahead of me.

As we reach the staircase, Gabriela glances behind her at us, knowing we’re closing in on her. The game is in full swing, and the stakes are rising. With a burst of energy, Gabriela sprints up the stairs, her voice booming as she tells partygoers to get out of her way. We follow closely behind, our footsteps echoing hers. The anticipation inside me builds as we corner her, our masks concealing our identities.

Gabriela’s eyes widen with fear as we close in on her. She tries to evade us, but our synchronized movements cut off her escape routes. The thrill of the chase intensifies as we trap her, boxing her into a corner.

Breathing heavily, Gabriela looks at us, her gaze filled with fright. She wants to escape. I step forward, my voice low and husky. “Gotcha, Gabriela,” I whisper, my words laced with the desire that is flowing through me. The game has reached its climax, and now it’s time to play a different game.

“Finally, it’s time to tag team the school slut.” Nate moves closer to her, and his hand raises, reaching out to cup her tit. I grab his wrist before he touches her.

“Back the fuck off.” I growl, pulling him away from her.

“I’m out. I’ll catch you guys later.” Thiago throws up his hand and backs off. “I was cool with a chase, but nothing else.”

“You’re good.” I pat him on the shoulder as he walks past, heading for the stairs. I turn back to Nate. “Go.”

“Fuck this, dude. I’ll bet she’s a shitty lay.” He takes off after Thiago, pissed off and cursing up a storm.

I turn back to Gabriela, and she levels her gaze with mine. “Joaquín.” I give her a raised eyebrow, and Gabriela’s lips curl into a playful smile as she surrenders to me, her eyes shining with the same lust I have. The overwhelming chaos of the party fades away, leaving only the two of us locked in a staring contest. Not wanting to wait any longer, I grab her by the hand and start checking bedrooms. Finding an empty one and pulling her inside, locking the door behind us.

“Joaquín, we can’t.” She mumbles as I push her down onto the comforter, but she doesn’t try to get up.

I flick the light off and pull my mask off, tossing it on the end of the bed. “I’m not going to fuck you, Gabriela. Not right now, but soon.” I climb onto the bed, settling myself in between her spread thighs. “Feels like you want me to, though.” My hands run up her tight, covered thighs to her center, making her moan. “You want me to fuck you, don’t you?”

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