Page 41 of Play Dirty
It’s a sickness that’s quickly spreading, and I’m afraid — I'm too far gone. My balls draw tight, my dick slick from my arousal as I continue to frantically chase the warmth coiling within me.
I see stars when I come, my breath ragged as I look at the mess I made on my hand and the floor. “Fuck.” I breathe out when a box sitting on my bed catches my attention. Unlike the ones I usually receive, this one is colorful and small. Wiping my hands with my shirt, I tuck my dick back into my pants. As I inch closer, dread gathers like a storm within me. My hands tremble slightly as I pull open the box and immediately recognize the pink strawberry bear phone case.
June’s phone.
Chapter Sixteen
Shiloh
Once the studio is empty of listening ears and prying eyes, I scoot my seat back and rise to my feet. I walk over to Ms. Medina as she looks at her laptop screen. “How can I help you, Ms. Johnson?” She asks without casting a glance my way. I let out a shaky breath, running my sweaty palms over my skirt.
“Ms. Medina, I was wondering if there’s time to switch partners. With everything that happened with June, I just don’t think Nico and I—” She finally looks up with a warm motherly smile. “And that’s why I paired you two together. What can be more emotional and personal than two people grieving together?”
“But–”
“I know you and Mr. Reyes seem to have some kind of dislike, but I truly think you both will create something marvelous.”
“He left midclass.”
She lets out a soft snort, pushing back on her leather chair. “You slapped him, if I recall. That was uncalled for. However, I can imagine it’s due to the mention of June’s name. Have you ever sat down and thought that maybe he’s grieving? Despite what you think of Mr. Reyes, there’s a person beneath his exterior.”
We don’t break eye contact, but I feel the sting in my eyes and quickly blink. Diverting my gaze, I almost choke on my words. “You’re right, Ms. Medina. I’m sorry, I won’t ask again.”
I try notto feel defeated as I turn away and grab my things. Maybe what I need to do is talk to Nicolas, really talk to him— but it’s the last thing I want to do. After a few seconds of self-doubt, I find myself walking towards his dorm and not mine, when my phone buzzes in my hand.
I look down at the screen, trying to piece together the message
Anonymous
Can you trust him?
The question echoes in my brain, scratching beneath the surface, trying to piece together anything that could be useful. I know he’s a liar, that much I’m sure of; we both are. We both share a secret— one that I’m ashamed to speak. The picture of Nico and June arguing is clear as day; he pinned her arms to the side, jaws clenching as June cowered. I swallow hard as I get closer to the dorm. I don’t care that Nicolas Reyes is Villalargos' star player, my father’s fucking sponsorship recipient, and boot licker.
I don’t care who he is. He will pay if he’s responsible.
That’s a promise, I won’t stop until I find out what happened to June. Starting with the last person to see her alive.
Nicolas Reyes.
My knuckles brush lightly over dull grey doors before softly knocking. Placing my ear on the door, I hear the sounds of footsteps and then his deep, gravelly voice. “Who is it?”
“Shiloh.”
“Go away.”
I roll my eyes. What a fucking child. However, two can play this game. My knocking grows louder, more insistent. After a couple of curses, he gives in. The footsteps grow closer, and the door unlocks. Then it finally opens. “To what do I owe this great honor, Ms. Johnson?” he asks sarcastically.
Raising my hands up in mock surrender, “I want peace and answers.”
He leans onto the doorframe, his arms folding over his chest – causing the white t-shirt to cling to his taut muscles. Still, he won’t look my way, won’t look me in the eyes; instead, he focuses on the tree that stands behind me. I want to slap him across the face, make him focus on me. What does that say about me?
Is it arrogance?
Is it that I’m a spoiled rich girl who always has her way and can’t fathom someone not giving it to her? But again, if that was the case. I wouldn—
I shake off the invasive thoughts and focus on what I’m here for.
“Shiloh, why are you here?”
