Page 45 of Collide
Alex’s eyes are on me, unwavering. “You’re going to love it.”
Something about the way he says it makes my breath hitch.
Nick returns with two flashing guns and vests with light panels and padding. Alex grabs one of the vests and gently pulls it over my head, his hands brushing my arms as he clips me in.
Nick holds the gun and explains how the contraption works. We listen intently; however, I’m distracted by the god-like man standing beside me.
“Too easy,” Alex nods, clipping himself into his vest.
“Okay, so if you die, you can’t shoot for five seconds. The person with the most points wins.” Nick sighs, explaining the rules, never once taking his eyes off Alex.
Strange. Maybe he’s gay?
“You’re going down,” I tease, poking Alex’s shoulder.
He feigns a dramatic wince, but his fingers tighten around his gun, muscles flexing beneath his shirt.
My eyes catch the movement—the sharp tension in his forearm, the way his bicep bunches enough to make my breath stutter.
A wicked hunger curls low inside, hot and unexpected.
I shove it down. Locking it away before it can take root.
Nick hands me my gun and gestures toward a dimly lit hallway lined with heavy doors.
“You guys are in Battle Zone Three,” Nick adds, his tone flat with disinterest. “Once you’re in, you have a few minutes to get into position before the timer starts.”
“Thanks,” Alex says, barely paying attention.
Nick musters a nod. “Good luck.”
Alex rests his hand on the doorknob, turning it slowly. My pulse kicks up a notch as I start hatching a plan.
Before I can strategize further, Alex glances over, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.
“If I win,” he murmurs, “I want something from you.”
The way he says it sends a prickle of heat down my spine.
“What is it?” I draw in a shaky breath.
He nudges me with his elbow, laughing. “You’ll find out after the game. I wouldn’t want you throwing it just to find out early.”
His brows wag playfully, but my brain short-circuits, anyway.
Oh, my god.
What if he wants sex?
Surely not.
I mean, he wouldn’t expect that on the first date. Would he?
Touching myself to him, fine. That’s just thoughts.
But actual sex? Too fast.
Riley sleeps with guys all the time, like it’s no big deal.
