✦ ❦ ✦Quicky At The Book Signing Event✦ ❦ ✦

❈ ❈Riley Pov❈ ❈

I was curled up on my couch, scrolling through comments on my latest book chapter. People were feeling so bad for the female lead, calling her a victim, having no clue she was slowly turning into something darker. We’re all the main characters in our own stories… nobody wants to be the villain. But what if I decided to be both?

My phone started ringing, snapping me out of my thoughts. Jayson.

*Holy shit, can this dude chill?* We’re not even dating. It was supposed to be a one-night thing. Why was he acting like this was something serious?

It rang again. I rolled my eyes and finally picked up.

“Hey,” I answered, keeping my voice casual.

“Hey… uh, it’s Jayson,” he said, sounding a little nervous. “I just wanted to apologize for last night. I woke up and you were gone. I didn’t even know you left.”

“Yeah, that was on purpose,” I replied. “I didn’t want any drama with your girl. You feel me? So we’re good.”

There was a short pause. “Look… I don’t know if you’re free anytime soon, but I’d really like to see you again. Maybe grab coffee or something?”

I leaned back on the couch, twirling a strand of my hair. “I’m pretty busy right now. Maybe some other time. Take care.”

I hung up before he could say anything else. I wasn’t about to play the “talking stage” game. Not with him.

Later that evening, I was deep in TikTok when an email from my editor, Valentino, popped up. *Book signing tomorrow.* Shit. The dick from last night had completely fried my brain. I jumped up and rushed to my closet, digging through dresses, trying to find something that would make me stand out.

I needed to look hot. Spicy. Unforgettable.

I grabbed my phone and called Mila.

“Hey bitch, you better get your ass over here right now. It’s an emergency.”

Mila’s voice shot up, worried. “Oh my God, are you okay? What happened? You know what — don’t even say anything, I’m on my way.”

Fifteen minutes later she burst through my door. I pulled her into a hug. She hugged me back tight, then suddenly pulled away and started chasing me around the living room.

“I thought something actually happened to you! Why would you scare me like that?!” she yelled, laughing. “Don’t ever pull that shit again or I’m ending this friendship for real.”

I dodged her and laughed. “You’re not going anywhere. Last time I checked, I’m your only bestie. We locked in till we die, babe.”

She smiled, pretending to wipe fake tears. “You’re so annoying. So what’s the real emergency?”

I grinned. “My editor just reminded me I have a book signing tomorrow. Lots of big authors are coming, plus my readers and the media. I need to look hot as hell. Help me pick something sexy but classy.”

Mila stared at me for a second, then shook her head. “Girl… you called me over here like somebody died just because you need outfit help? You’re actually unbelievable.”

I shrugged, smiling. “And that’s why you love me.”

We spent the next hour trying on dresses until she finally picked the perfect one — a sleek black dress that hugged my curves just right. She even offered to drive me.

“I’m being your personal chauffeur tomorrow. Let’s go shine, baby!”

We both screamed “Woooo!” like idiots.

I grabbed a bottle of wine and poured us glasses. As we sipped, Mila looked at me sideways.

“So… what’s really going on with you and Jayson? I heard some stuff. Apparently his relationship with Cassie is fake. Their families are forcing it for business reasons.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And why are you telling me this?”

“Because maybe you should give love a real chance again. He’s hot, he’s clearly into you… who knows what could happen?”

I shook my head. “I’m done with love, Mila. I’m not trying to date him. I just like how he looks… and how good he fucks. That’s it. Let’s not talk about him anymore. How are you doing?”

She rolled her eyes. “There’s nothing to talk about. I don’t even know if I’m in a relationship or just stuck. It sucks.”

“Damn… that does suck,” I said, squeezing her hand. “But we’re gonna be okay. Both of us.”

The next day, Mila pulled up in her Lamborghini like we were celebrities. I stepped out looking like a whole snack — shades on, wig laid, waist snatched, makeup flawless. Heads turned as we walked into the hall. My fans called my name and I waved, feeling myself.

After greeting my editor, I sat down and gave a quick summary of my book, *The Origami Killer*. Then the signing started.

The last person in line slid his book toward me. I signed it without looking up.

“Your books are amazing. I’m a big fan,” a deep voice said.

That voice.

I slowly looked up. Jayson was standing there, smirking. My stomach flipped. He leaned down and whispered, “You look beautiful, by the way.”

Before I could respond, he smiled and walked away.

Mila found me a few minutes later. “Girl, I saw Jayson outside. Your face is red as hell. Don’t tell me you’re already tripping.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile. “He’s not worth it.”

We were heading to the car when Jayson appeared out of nowhere.

“Riley, can I talk to you for a second?”

We stepped to a quiet corner. He looked at me with pure lust in his eyes.

“I got your number from one of the hostesses. That’s how I knew your name.”

“Yeah… I never told you,” I said, heart racing.

"So I wanted us to set boundaries, it's so uncomfortable anytime you speaking, and you bring up cassy's name. It's just a complicated relationship and I want you to respect that."

I laughed out so loud I almost cried. "Man, I don't have a problem or business with your girl. But then you can fuck me, but I’m not allowed to even mention her name? That’s crazy.”

"Yeah, I would appreciate that.”

I cut him off. “You want the fun part of me but none of the complications. You want me to stay in my lane like a good little secret. That’s fucked up. I don't even mind fucking you and your girl."

He stepped closer, lifted my chin, and kissed me hard. I kissed him back, hungry. Within seconds, his hand was under my dress, fingers sliding into my wet pussy. I moaned softly into his mouth as he fingered me fast.

“Fuck, you’re so wet,” he growled.

I unzipped him, pulled his hard cock out, and stroked it. He pushed me against the wall, lifted one of my legs, and slid deep inside me. He fucked me hard and fast — deep strokes while covering my mouth so I wouldn’t moan too loud. A few minutes later, he groaned and came inside me.

Breathing heavy, he kissed me again. “I’ll call you later.”

“Don’t,” I whispered, looking at him seductively. “I’ll call you when I want you.”

I kissed him one more time, fixed my dress, and walked back to Mila like nothing happened.

As we drove off with the music blasting, Mila glanced at me. “What did y’all talk about?”

I just smiled. “Nothing important.”

She shook her head. “Whatever you do, don’t let Cassie catch you. That girl is dangerous.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” I said, laughing. “I just want her man’s dick. Nothing else.”

We turned the music louder and laughed the whole ride home.

I wasn’t ready for what was coming next… or maybe I was.