Traction - Dani Rene Page 0,16

her into the darkened hallway, which leads to the offices.

She doesn’t realize my friend owns this club, but that’s okay. She doesn’t need to know anything. I’m going to have her thrown out of here tonight if she’s not careful.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I bite out, my jaw flexing with frustration.

“I’m here with my friends. What are you doing here?” The fire in her eyes burns me to fucking ash as I lean into her. “Kayden.” She whispers my name, and the sound sends a jolt of pleasure straight to my dick.

“I’m here because I can be. You should be at home resting up because tomorrow you’re training again.” The warning in my tone is clear, and I know I shouldn’t be such an asshole, but the thought of her dancing with any other man sets my gut alight with jealousy.

“I’m old enough to be here. I’m not drinking, and I’m not staying late,” Haelee bites back angrily. The venom in her tone is enough to make me want to kiss her, to steal her lips, and make her whimper as I bite her tongue for being a brat.

“Don’t fucking push me.”

Her eyes widen as she takes me in. I can tell she wants so badly to fight me. I doubt she’s ever had someone like me in her life, but if she wants to make this career work, then she’s going to have to listen to me. And if she doesn’t, this isn’t going to work.

But what is it that I want to work?

To be her trainer?

Or be her fuck buddy?

Something tells me she doesn’t do fuck buddies.

“I don’t belong to you. I don’t belong to anyone,” Haelee informs me with those dark eyes shimmering at me in the dimly lit hallway. People pass us but don’t take notice. We look just like any other couple doing the same thing, practically kissing.

7

Haelee

His eyes look luminous in the darkness, and I can’t help the shiver of awareness trickling through me. I don’t know what he wants from me. Surely, he can see that I’m my own person, independent.

And he doesn’t own me. He can’t because I’m not his to own. The thought makes heat trickle down my spine. The pulse in my panties thrums, and I wonder what it would feel like if he were to touch me right now.

“I don’t like repeating myself,” Kayden tells me. “I’m your coach, and what I say goes.” His voice is dark, demanding, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin. I shouldn’t be here, he’s right, but just because he’s telling me to leave doesn’t mean I’m going to obey.

“And I don’t take orders from you. I have an agreement with Colton, not you.” Even though my words hold fire in them, when Kayden reaches for my face, I can’t stop the shiver that takes hold of me. I want him to touch me, but I don’t want him to know I crave it like I do my next breath. His fingers trail heat over my cheek, leaving chill bumps in their wake.

“Dressing like this, taunting me,” he speaks, but he doesn’t meet my eyes. His gaze is slowly drinking me in just like his touch is. “You’re going to be the end of me. Aren’t you?”

“No, because the woman that was planted on your lap says otherwise.” I don’t know why I’m poking the bear. Teasing him and pushing him is probably not the best idea, but I can’t stop myself because I want to see just how far he’ll take it.

Will he kiss me?

His tongue darts out, and he slowly licks his lips as if he’s tasting something delicious on his tongue. The movement sends another wave of pleasure shooting straight between my legs, and when he hums approval, the vibration causes my own chest to shake.

“I think you like being a tease,” Kayden says. “Acting like you’re the tomboy of your friends, like one of the guys, but you’re far from it. Just remember something, Haelee—I always get what I want.” The warning is clear. The bear is awake, and he looks like he’s ready to devour anything in his path. And that anything is me.

“What is it you want?” I ask, but I have a feeling I know the answer. There’s no doubt about it because the way he’s looking at me is clear. I tip my head back, and his fingers reach for my chin. He holds me steady, so I can’t turn away.

The corner