Page 51 of The Pursuit of Happiness

He continues his thrusts as he stimulates my clit again and in moments, as our bodies and souls connect and become one, I feel his thrusts growing slower, more labored, and I know his orgasm is coming. “Come with me, baby,” he demands, his voice dripping honey. And I obey. As his orgasm comes and he groans in pleasure, I cry out with pleasure of my own, my entire body convulsing in ecstasy.

Sly stops his thrusts as he spills inside of me and the shocks of my orgasm settle. We’re a panting mess of limbs as he slowly pulls out of me and flips me so that I lay belly up to him.He drops onto the bed beside me and pulls me into his side, wrapping an arm around me. I turn on my side to rest my head against his chest as he pulls the comforter and sheets over us.

We lay there silently for a few minutes and I use the opportunity to let what we just did sink in. I expected to feel lingering remnants of my previous insecurities that caused me to push him away, but they don’t come for me. They don’t make me hate myself and everything I’ve ever done.

I make circles on his chest, which is slick with sweat, with my fingertips and wonder why I’m so fucking stubborn. Why is it so hard for me to accept what I want? Why am I so hellbent on being miserable? I realize it’s because I’ve been rejected by my parents and by the man I used to think was my forever. The only people who have never rejected me are my friends and Sly. Well, Kiko and Taz too, but Taz I’m kinda iffy about because he only loves me when food is involved.

I make a promise to myself right in this room with my head on Sly’s chest and our bodies pressed together. I promise myself that I’m done letting others dictate how I see myself and that I need to stop living for what other people want and start living for whatIwant. And what I want is Slater Nicks.

He presses a kiss to my head and plays with the blue strands of my hair as he whispers, “What was on your phone before?”

I freeze. I’d almost forgotten that Duncan had texted me again. Duncan has ruined so much of my life, I won’t let him ruin this moment with Sly. “Not now. Ask me anything else, but that is not on the table for tonight. I don’t want to ruin this.”

He sighs and I worry that he may get angry at me for denying him answers, but he changes the subject, “I wasn’t joking when I said there’s no going back now, Aria. I don’t know if you said it in the haste of the moment, but I mean it. I want you and I won’t give you up.”

I smile even though he can’t see my face, “I wasn’t jokingeither, Sly.”

“So we’re doing this?”

I nod, a swirl of anxiousness swimming in my gut. It isn’t a bad kind of anxiety, it’s a good kind if that even exists. “But I have a few requests.”

“Let’s hear them.”

I move my face so that I look directly into his eyes, “I don’t want to tell the girls yet. Let them think for a little longer that this is fake. I want us to enjoy it before everyone else has an opinion.”

He frowns, “You realize everyone already thinks we’re together, right?”

I roll my eyes, “Not Brody, Ivory, and Selene.” I almost forget but quickly add, “Harvey and Dallas, too.”

He takes a deep breath and nods, “Okay, fine. We won’t tell them right away. Any other requests?”

“We need to have strong communication,” I demand.

Sly nods, “Done. Anything else?”

I think for a moment and don’t come up with any otherseriousrules I want to set in place. I smirk, “One more thing. That thing you do with your tongue on my clit? I need that again.”

He grins like a viper that’s trying to seduce a mouse and growls, “Done.” Pleased, I rest my head on his chest and relax, but he has other plans for me as he disappears under the sheets until his breath is on my pussy and my thighs are wrapped around his head.

Chapter 12

Slater

I don’t hear herwhen she comes in but I’ve developed a sixth sense for her presence. I almost lost myself completely in the beat I was creating on the drums, but Aria Kane has this ability to recenter all of my thoughts around herself.

I got to the studio earlier than the girls, my mind needing the release that only the drums can provide me. Well, the drums and Aria, but I thought it was best to give her a little space after last night. Last night was amazing. Aria gave herself to me and I’m not willing to let her goever.I did want to give her some time to let what we did sink in without me there. I left after breakfast and texted her, but essentially I just wanted her to come to terms with the fact that there’s no going back.

By the way she smiles at me from across the room, I’d say she came to terms with it and none of the regret she usually shows on her face after we slip is present. A win if I’ve ever seen one.

I’m shirtless, sweating from letting my thoughts run wild on the drums and I can tell she’s turned on by the way her eyes linger over my abs. Brody and Ivory are speaking to her, but all she can focus on is me. I smile to myself at the thought.

She looks perfect as she always does. Her hair is straightened and she wears a pair of tight jeans and a black cropped t-shirt, showcasing her perfect waist. She isn’t wearing another one of those damn turtleneck things and I’m happy to see that. She also looks more well rested than she did the last time we were at the studio. Well, as well rested as someone can be after fucking all night.

When the girls finish talking, Aria Saunters over to me and stops before my drum set. “Hey,” she greets, her eyes flickering between my eyes and my lips.

I grin, “Hey.” I gesture towards her outfit, “You look beautiful.”

A gentle blush rushes to her cheeks, “Thank you.” She looks over her shoulder at Brody and Ivory who aren’t paying us any attention. When she realizes we aren’t being watched, she turns to look back at me. “I’ve missed you all day.”

---