“You used to be a party boy, though, I remember.” I say sheepishly and he chuckles. “Of course. I didn’t take my role seriously when I was younger. Now it’s a different story.” I walk over and climb back onto the bed, marking my book place and setting it on the nightstand.
“I’m sure you can still have fun though.”
Nate places his papers back in his briefcase, setting it on the floor on his side of the bed and then he turns to me, adjusting his position on the bed and crossing his arms, biceps flexing slightly with his movement.
“I never said I still couldn’t party; I just don’t get a lot of time for it these days. It’s part of the reason why I decided to come to the retreat this year. I become King in the winter, and I know that I won’t have much time to myself so might as well get some fun in before then.”
“You sure you want to spend your time for fun with me? I’m not the most interesting.”
“Oh Ivy, believe me. You’re the most interesting person I’ve ever met, and I’m glad to be spending this time with you.”
My heart races at his final statement, and I can only hope that these next two weeks will be enjoyable.
Ivy’s POV
It’s been 2 days since we arrived at the retreat, and the sense of relaxation has been refreshing and so welcomed. Tonight, that’s changing, as it’s the first planned outing for the entire retreat group. We’re all apparently going clubbing at the local nightclub here on the island, and I couldn’t be more excited. I used to go out regularly with Kane and Genevieve when I had more freedom and thoroughly loved letting loose and dancing the night away.
Although, I seem to be more excited than ever since it’s with Nate.
I’m currently getting ready while Nate is showering, having finished mine a few moments before. I turn on the blow-dryer and start to dry my copper waves, while thinking about the hairstyle and makeup I want to do. I quickly decide, braiding the sides of my hair back and leaving the rest of it down, with some hair pulled out for bangs to frame my face. I leave it to finish air-drying while I put on a small amount of makeup, grey and black smoky eye-shadow, winged eyeliner, mascara and a small amount of foundation and concealer.
I’m just finishing my makeup when Nate comes out of the bathroom and heads over to the closet. I look over towards him and quickly avert my gaze to hide the blush that creeps into my cheeks since he came out in his casual pants and no shirt on. I look over again and see that his back is facing me, and I take a moment to admire from afar.
I’m drawn to him, there’s no denying that. Hell, we’re drawn to each other, there’s no denying that either, but I feel safe with him. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, but it’s clear I’m crashing headfirst into it, with hardly a care in the world and it’s terrifying and thrilling all at the same time.
I decide right then and there to let things go as they may for the time I’m here.
I stand up from the floor where I was getting ready and walk over to the closet where Nate is still standing, having now put on a black dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up as usual.
“Know what you’re wearing?” He asks and I turn to face him, putting my hand in the pocket of my sweatpants. “Not really, but I’ll figure it out.” He smiles as he goes back into the bathroom with the rest of his clothes and shuts the door. I scan through my clothes, ultimately deciding on my V-neck long sleeved black crop top that is backless with lacing, with black leggings. I quickly change and walk over to my suitcase to grab my black wedge ankle boots and spray some of my favourite perfume on. As I look over myself Evie’s voice echoes in my mind.
You wear too much black. What can I say, I like it.
I hear a light whistle and I turn around to see Nathaniel standing in the bathroom doorway, his dress shirt unbuttoned at the top, giving a slight view of his bare skin. His eyes scan me up and down and I blush as he makes his way over to me. I look down but he pulls my face up to face him, leaning into my ear.
“You look stunning. Love the bare skin.” More heat rises into my cheeks at his statement, and I clear my throat awkwardly.
“Thank you. Likewise. As usual.” I say softly and he chuckles as he steps away from me and grasps my hand. “You ready to go?” I nod and we head out the door together, meeting up with everyone out front. The sun is just starting to set in the sky, giving a gorgeous orange and purple wash over the clouds.
“Well don’t you both look like a couple. All matching black.” Sara says and she eyes us up and down. I look around at everyone else in various dresses and dress clothing in various colours. Sara’s hot pink dress is clearly too small for her, as almost her entire chest is on display. One wrong move and she’s having an episode of indecent exposure.
Nate says nothing, but I feel his grip on my hand tighten before he tugs lightly for me to follow him into the waiting limo. We get in, followed by everyone else and before we know it, we’re on our way. It’s only a few short moments before we arrive to the club. Everyone is in their own worlds and conversations which continue as we get out of the limo and head inside.
The music hits me immediately and I’m a bit taken aback as the club is so dark. It takes some time for my eyes to adjust even in the slightest, so I’m thankful for Nathaniel leading the way. We head into a back booth that has a small, dimmed light above it and finally sit down. I cross my legs and take in our surroundings now that it’s a bit lighter and I see the large crowds of bodies moving around, drinking, and clearly enjoying themselves.
“You want a drink?” Nathaniel asks and I turn to face him and nod. “Dry martini.”
“Not wasting time, are you?” He chuckles and I shrug. “We’re here to have fun, aren’t we?”
“That we are. Be right back.” He stands and disappears in a mere second in the direction of the bar.
As I wait, I start to sway to beat of the music, and before I know it, Nate is back and hands me my martini. I mouth a ‘thank you’ and he nods, sitting next to me with his whiskey. I take a sip and savour the taste of the alcohol since it’s been a while since I’ve had a social drink. Nate leans in close to my ear.
“You wanna dance with me?” I turn and look at him. “Sure.”
I place my drink down and stand up as Nate does the same, his arm wrapping around my waist and his hand gripping my hip. We walk to the dance floor, and he places himself in front of me, eyes burning into mine. We start to move to the music, and he leans into my ear again.
“I really like the outfit you chose.”
“Do I want to know why?” I say as I roll my eyes playfully.
“Cause of this.” I inhale quickly as I feel his hand run up my thigh, over my ass and stops on the small of my back that’s exposed from my crop top. I bite my lip and he smirks at me, pulling me closer to him, his left leg in between mine, allowing little space between us.
Two of us can play at this game, Alpha.
I step away and turn my back to him, and he comes up behind me, hands resting on my hips as I grind back into him, feeling the music and letting the feeling take over me. He grinds into me artfully, clearly knowing what he’s doing and God damn. He keeps pace with me for a few songs and then we go back to the booth to chill again. I sit down and grab my martini, finishing it off quickly to calm the nerves from feeling him so close against me. Nate then sits beside me again, and I cross my legs over top one of his as we’re sitting, and he adjusts me so that he can rest one of his hands right on my ass, pulling me even closer.
I look at him and before I can say anything he leans in and kisses my neck and then squeezes my ass playfully. Fire shoots through me, and I stifle a moan.
“You are something else.” He says before he rests his head back on the cushioned booth seat and closes his eyes, clearly trying to keep himself together. I feel a burst of pride that I’m affecting him the way he does me, and it’s hard to not smirk.
A shooter girl comes over to the booth a moment later and asks us if we want shots and we both nod. She places them down on the table as I adjust my position, removing myself from our closeness and eyeing the shot glass on the table. I go to grab it and Nate stops me.
“I want to give it to you.” My mouth opens in shock, and I blush like mad and nod. He grabs the shot and stands up and moves himself in front of me, leaning down close. The scent of his cologne mixed with his own scent invades my nostrils making my mouth water. I tilt my head back slightly as he puts the shot glass to my lips and pours it into my open mouth. I swallow and the raw liquor burns but my god it feels good. This man is torturing me. He’s not holding back, and my body is alive with awareness. I’m loving every single moment of it.
We sit and chat for some time, casually drinking and laughing with each other. More dancing and groping too, which I mean I can’t complain. After awhile I excuse myself to the bathroom, and after a few minutes Sara and one of the other girls also comes in. They see me and stand beside me, freshening up like I am. I’m feeling the effects of the alcohol, my head swimming.