The pool lights shimmered like temptation, flickering over wet skin and heavy breath. Zeke had Sally pinned against the wall, kissing her like they were alone. Luna giggled from her inflatable lounger, her legs tangled around her boyfriend's waist. Everyone was already flushed from heat and alcohol—even though it wasn't summer.
Maya leaned against the pool's edge in a red bikini that barely qualified as clothing. Her skin glistened, drops sliding down her thighs, her chest rising slowly as she sipped her drink with glossed lips. She was dangerous—untouchable. And she knew it. Every guy there looked once. Then twice.
Except Eddie.
He looked like he wanted to punch someone.
Tucked into the corner, glasses fogging, shirt still clinging to his chest, arms crossed like armor. The rest of the guys had stripped down. Not him. He stayed stiff, silent, jaw tight like he was holding back a storm.
Maya didn't just notice. She lived for that look.
She swam over, her legs slicing through the water like sin. "You good, Professor?"
Eddie didn't answer right away. His eyes moved over her body—slow, like he was memorizing every curve—and when he finally spoke, his voice was low. Dark.
"You think you're cute?"
Her lips curved. "I know I am."
"You're not cute." He leaned in, eyes locked on hers. "You're fucking dangerous."
The words hit like heat between her thighs.
She raised a brow. "And you're still fully dressed at a pool party. You hiding something, Eddie?"
He didn't move.
She stepped closer, water rippling. "You shy?"
His mouth twitched. "You think I'm shy?"
"Little bit. Maybe you're scared I'll like what I see."
That did it.
Eddie reached behind his neck and yanked the shirt off in one smooth motion. Her jaw dropped.
Broad shoulders. Sculpted chest. Deep V-line that disappeared into black swim trunks. He looked like he was carved out of a fantasy, not textbooks.
"Holy—" she muttered, unable to stop the words. "You were hiding that under hoodies?"
He stalked toward her, slow, confident. "Didn't feel like giving you something to drool over."
Too late.
She backed up as he approached, until her spine hit the pool wall.
His voice dropped. "You've been parading around in that little red bikini, acting like you're in control."
She swallowed. "Maybe I am."
"No," he whispered, inches from her mouth. "You just like being chased."
"Do I?"
"You like to tease. You like attention." He leaned in, lips grazing her ear. "But what you need is someone who can shut you up."
Her whole body trembled.
"Eddie—"
"Turn around."
"What?"
"Face the wall. Now."
She hesitated—but something in his eyes made her obey. His hand found her waist, spinning her. Her front pressed against the tile. His chest pressed to her back.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this," he murmured, lips against her neck.
"Do what?"
"Put my hands on you. Make you stop pretending you're not obsessed with me."
"I'm not—"
He dragged a hand down her spine, slow and firm. "Don't lie to me, Maya."
She whimpered. His hand slid around her stomach, holding her still. Her breath hitched.
"I'm not soft," he said. "Not tonight. You keep poking the wolf, you get the fangs."
She turned her head just enough to see his face. "Then bite me."
His mouth was on hers in seconds. Rough, hungry. The kiss stole every breath, every thought. Her fingers tangled in his wet hair, pulling him closer, closer—like her body needed his more than air.
"You like when I take control?" he murmured, teeth grazing her lip.
She nodded, breathless.
"Say it."
"I—I like it."
"You want more?"
"Yes."
"Then say please."
She swallowed her pride. "Please, Eddie."
He spun her again, lifted her with both hands and sat her on the pool edge. His hands spread her thighs. She gasped.
"I could ruin you right here," he whispered.
Her voice shook. "Then do it."
But instead, he kissed her again—harder. One hand fisted in her hair, the other gripping her thigh, holding her in place as he devoured her. Every inch of him pressed between her legs. Every roll of his hips made her gasp.
They broke apart only long enough to stumble into the pool house, dripping and dizzy with want. The second the door shut, she was against it, her back hitting wood, his mouth on her throat.
He growled into her skin. "You drive me insane."
"Good."
"You think you're dangerous in that bikini?" His fingers slid down her ribs, teasing the edge. "I'm dangerous out of this suit."
She tugged at his waistband. "Then take it off."
"Bossy little brat." He nipped her jaw. "You don't get to give orders tonight."
She moaned.
He carried her to the bed and dropped her down, hovering above her like a shadow.
"I'm gonna ruin every guy who ever touches you after this."
"Eddie—"
He cut her off with another kiss—deeper this time. Slow and filthy. His hand slid under her top, pulling it off. His eyes darkened.
"Perfect."
He kissed her collarbone, her chest, every inch of skin he uncovered like a man worshipping. She arched into him, helpless.
"You still want to act in control?" he whispered.
She shook her head.
"Say it."
"I'm not."
He smiled. "That's right. You're mine tonight. And you're gonna scream it when I'm done with you."
Her heart slammed in her chest. Her body was on fire. Her brain had checked out completely. All that remained was the sound of his voice, the weight of his body, and the way he looked at her like she was the only thing in existence.
And maybe she was.
Because when he touched her—really touched her—there was no room for anything else.
Only him.
Only this.
Only them.
"You okay?" he whispered, voice rough and laced with control, but there was a hint of softness too—just enough to make her feel safe in the storm.
She nodded. "More than okay."
He smiled—dark, satisfied—and leaned back just enough to drag his eyes over her again. "Look at you," he murmured. "Flushed. Breathless. You don't even know what you do to me."
She pulled him down by the neck, kissing him hard, needy. "Then show me."
He chuckled against her mouth, deep and low. "You sure? 'Cause once I start, I don't stop until I'm finished. And baby, I'm nowhere near done."
Her stomach flipped.
Eddie's hands roamed her body with purpose now—no hesitation, no nerves. He worshiped her, touched her like she was something rare and holy. Maya had never felt this seen. This wanted. Every time he whispered her name, it was like a spell being cast, something ancient and raw pulling her deeper under.
She arched into him, a whimper caught in her throat. "Eddie—"
He kissed her again, hard. "Say it louder."
"Eddie," she gasped, and he grinned like she was his entire world.
"You're mine tonight," he growled, dragging his lips down her chest, his voice like silk over broken glass. "And I'm not letting you forget it."
And for the next hour, she didn't.
She couldn't.
Because Eddie wasn't just the shy nerd anymore.