Masked Encounters (Intoxicating Passion #1) Read Free

suggestive hand movements for good
measure. He was the biggest asshat I knew.
    “He left with someone last night,” Cale reasoned, throwing the ball at my chest.
    I caught it, carelessly dropping the bottle
on my pack then dribbling a few times, before passing it to Jack. “So, can I,
or not?” Jack and I didn’t get along. He was a ladies man wannabe, and I, well,
I wasn’t a wannabe. Several times a girl Jack was interested in, ended up leaving with me. He held it against me or something.
    Jack threw it back my way with more force
than necessary, nodding grimly. We spread out, dividing into teams, and began
the game. Jack wasn’t overly aggressive, but it was obvious he was
intentionally trying to press his luck with the fouls. We didn’t play
basketball by the regular rules, we played Alpha Kappa
Pi style. We were men, strong men, and a few fouls here and there weren’t a
problem. Jack took advantage.
    I was happy to oblige.
    By the time the score was 15-14, my body felt
bruised and beaten. Jack had gotten in a few good elbows, landing hits to my
back and head, though I managed to dodge a cheap shot at my groin. My anger
rose with each unnecessary assault until my blood was near boiling. I was done,
but I wasn’t leaving before giving Jack a nice taste of his own medicine.
    I dribbled the ball lazily, appearing tired.
Jack watched me closely. I waited, continuing to casually dribble even though
others were calling for me to pass and finish the game. I ignored the confusion
and frustration they threw at me, patient. Finally, Jack looked away. I threw
all my strength into the ball, passing it harshly and quickly.
    The ball made a satisfying crunch as it
impacted with his face. I was unable to hide the smirk as blood began to pour
from his nose. I didn’t think it was broken, but I was sure it wouldn’t look
pretty tomorrow for the Halloween bash our frat house was throwing.
    “Dammit, Dane!” he screamed, using his palms in
a desperate attempt to catch the pooling blood.
    “I thought we were playing. Why did you turn
away?” I questioned innocently. His pride wouldn’t allow him to call me out in
front of all the guys. He’d look like a wimp.
    Jack’s eyes narrowed. “We’re done,” he
growled. He turned and grabbed his shirt, using it to cover his nose, before
stomping off.
    I shrugged, allowing the snicker I’d been
holding to escape. He deserved that and more. I was glad I had been the one to
put him in his place. Bending to get my shirt, I used it to wipe the sweat from
my face then threw it over my shoulder. Resting my backpack on top of the
sweaty garmet , I turned and ran right into Cale . “You scared me, Buddy.”
    “We need you to help decorate tomorrow
morning,” he grinned, knowingly. Cale was sure the
throw was intentional; I could see it in his eyes.
    “Ok. I need to get a costume. What are you
going to be?” I asked, starting my walk back to the house.
    “I dunno yet. You going now? I’ll go with.”
    “Sounds good,” I stated. I walked at a steady
pace, returning back to the house in record time. Jack was nowhere to be seen,
which wasn’t surprising, but I guessed he’d already been through and told
everyone. I got a few stares, a few high fives, and a few glares. Most of the
dudes wouldn’t mess with me; I was older, I’d been here longer, and I could
make their life hell if I needed to. Turning to Cale ,
I said, “I’m gonna shower, be back down in ten.”
    ###
    Going shopping was a pain in the ass.
Especially this close to the holiday, but I’d forgotten about our party. I
needed a costume with a mask. We searched several stores, but I couldn’t find one
I wanted. I’d gotten two phone numbers, however. The last one, a feisty
brunette with amazingly tight pants, would probably be getting a call from me
tonight. Last night’s release was only temporary. I wanted to sink myself deep
into every nook and cranny she possessed.
    I leaned against the counter,