One Step Ahead

Gabriella’s POV

It was late afternoon when I wrote my last exam of the third year. I waited outside for my friend Chloe and her boyfriend, Alex, feeling lighter than I had in months.

Next year would be my last year.

For someone like me, I had to give it my all. I didn’t have enough money to pay for my education, so I made sure my grades stayed high enough to qualify for a scholarship.

Chloe had been studying on a scholarship since she started university, but she failed several classes, and the scholarship stopped providing financial assistance. Alex had been paying her tuition ever since.

Alex appealed to me. He had money, and he took care of Chloe. They’d been together since their second year, and they adored each other. Alex’s parents adored Chloe too—honestly, sometimes it felt like they adored her more than their own son. When those two argued, his parents always sided with Chloe.

I hoped I could find someone like Alex someday.

He was kind. And, God, he was sexy. Like very sexy!

Chloe and I grew up together at the orphanage. We were both booted out when we turned eighteen. We stuck together after that, but when Chloe turned nineteen, Alex moved in with her. Now I had the place to myself while I studied and worked part-time.

Chloe called out, “Hey, Gaby!” She walked up with Alex beside her.

Before I could even say hello properly, she said, “We’re going out tonight for cocktails. We need to celebrate. Next year is our last year, and I’m not taking no for an answer. I’ll pick you up at six.”

She didn’t even let me speak.

I took a taxi to the garage, worked for four hours, and then went home. I showered, did my makeup, and kept it simple. I always tried to look natural. Then I put on the dress and high heels Chloe demanded.

At 5:45 p.m., she texted me.

Chloe: Are you ready, bitch?

Me: I’ll be down in five minutes.

When I walked toward Alex’s car, both Chloe and Alex looked completely taken aback.

Alex’s eyebrows lifted. “Can you tell me where you’ve been hiding that ass?”

Alex was more like an older brother to me, and Chloe was more like a sister. He was a part-time student and worked for his father’s firm. He was five years older than us, but somehow we still ended up in the same classes. As protective as they were of me, they also pushed me to find a boyfriend of my own.

Chloe leaned closer and smirked. “I think you’re going to get laid tonight.”

“Oh, please shut up.”

I grinned anyway, poor, pathetic me. I’d never seen a man naked. I’d never even kissed one. Sex? Not even close.

Alex drove us to a club that was massive, all lights and noise and bodies. He escorted us into the VIP section he’d reserved. Chloe ordered several drinks, and whatever she picked was sweet and dangerously delicious. I could barely taste the alcohol.

She grabbed my hand. “Come on, Gaby. Let’s get this party started on the dance floor.”

We made our way through the crowd. The DJ was playing Sia’s “Unstoppable.” I could feel people looking at me, and it made my skin prickle.

I glanced around and immediately got irritated.

Chloe and Alex were already kissing.

I backed away and headed to the bar. I felt stiff and out of place. The dance floor seemed reserved for couples, and I didn’t have one.

I drank quickly, staring at the bartender as the sweetness hit my tongue. It tasted amazing, but I wanted something stronger.

“I want something strong,” I muttered, setting my glass on the bar.

“I can give you a tequila shot,” the bartender offered.

“Sure. Give it to me.”

I leaned forward as he shoved a lemon at me. “How do you take this?” I asked, grinning.

“Gulp it down.” I did, and the tequila burned all the way down.

“One more.” I set the tiny glass down again, and he poured another. I drank that one too, then scanned the room like I was hunting for something.

I wanted to twerk. I’d always been a twerking monster, and tequila had just unlocked that part of my brain like it owned the place.

I went back to the dance floor, not caring anymore whether it was “for couples.” I started moving, wobbling my ass to the beat, and I could feel eyes on me again.

For some reason, being watched only made me go harder.

Is this what they mean by sexual desire?

I laughed out loud.

A body pressed against mine as I swayed. I almost turned around to tell whoever it was to fuck off until a hand grabbed my ass.

And instead of getting angry… I wanted more.

I wanted him to grab the other butt cheek too.

My pussy throbbed in the crotch of my thong from that one touch. I froze for half a second, stunned by my own reaction. No one had ever grabbed my ass before. I didn’t know what to do with the feeling.

Our bodies moved together in the music. I followed his lead without thinking. He took my hand, and a shiver ran up my spine.

Then he whirled me around.

My back hit his chest. He pulled me close, then shoved my ass against his crotch. I rolled my hips to the beat, grinding lightly against him.

What am I doing?

I shook the thought off because I didn’t want to stop.

He spun me again, still holding my hand, and this time I faced him.

He was tall, with dirty-blond hair and ocean-blue eyes. The way he looked at me like he could see straight through me made my stomach flip. I couldn’t pull my gaze away.

He was a stunning man.

Broad shoulders. Solid muscle. The kind that didn’t look exaggerated, just powerful, like it belonged there. A tattoo curled over his shoulder, disappearing where I couldn’t see it. I couldn’t even tell where it started.

He looked older. Nine, ten… maybe even eleven years older than me.

I didn’t mind.

He said something, but my brain lagged behind his voice.

“Mind getting some more drinks, baby girl?”

I blinked, still trying to process him. He swallowed and cleared his throat, and I realized I’d been staring too long.

“Huh?”

He smirked. “Come on. Let’s go have some drinks.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

Then Chloe’s voice cut through the moment.

“You have to get laid tonight and lose your virginity!”

She sounded drunk. Heat rushed to my face. I glanced at him, mortified. “I’m so sorry about my friend. Please ignore her.”

“It’s okay.” He leaned closer, still smiling. “Let’s go get drinks… or do you want to get out of here?”