Intoxicated

RAINEY

Ansel’s gaze is locked on me as he strums his guitar, each note creating a soothing melody that fills the club.

His legs are spread wide, the guitar resting comfortably on his thigh. His fingers dance over the strings as he grins at me.

Emma is belting out a song, stealing glances at Ansel every now and then. I don’t think she realizes where his attention is.

“Ansel is so gifted,” Riley says, swaying slightly to the music as we sit in one of the booths.

Alex has his arm around her, playfully nipping at her ear and toying with her earring. She’s trying to push him away, her face flushed.

“Ansel is just perfect!” A body flops down next to me, a hint of coconut scent wafting over as Tim turns to grin at me.

I return his smile, surprised. “What brings you here?”

He leans back against the seat, rubbing his thigh. “Emma’s my sister, and this club belongs to my brother.”

“Really?” I tilt my head, and he smirks. “Yeah, really. What’s up?”

“Nothing. It’s just a small world.”

I notice Alex is now nuzzling into Riley’s neck, the two getting a bit cozy in the corner of the booth. I decide to give them some privacy, and I turn back to Tim.

“So, do you perform here too?”

“Nah, I’m not into the arts. I’m more of a coffee and drinks guy.”

“I figured as much,” I tease.

“So, you’re all hanging out here tonight.”

“Yeah, we came here straight from the mall.”

“Oh. A date. I see.” He smirks, a mischievous glint in his eye, and I feel my cheeks heat up.

“I’ll let you in on a secret.” He shifts in his seat, motioning for me to lean in closer.

I lean towards him, and he lowers his voice. “If you guys are drinking tonight, make sure Ansel doesn’t get drunk.”

He leans back, looking proud as if he just shared some valuable insider information, and I squint at him, confused. “What?”

He leans in again. “Okay, don’t tell him I told you, but when Ansel gets drunk, he’s a handful. He gets a bit…wild.”

He whispers the last part with a dramatic expression, and my confusion deepens as I blink at him.

“I’m sorry… I don’t think I—I’m not following.”

“You’re not getting it. Okay, you two are dating now, right?”

I nod.

“Then just don’t be alone in a room with him. He’s not himself when he’s drunk. He’ll probably talk a lot or be more sexual than usual, and—”

“Tim, you’re here.”

Tim clamps his mouth shut at the sound of Ansel’s voice. Ansel has set his guitar on the booth table and is gesturing behind him. “Emma’s out back. She was looking for you.”

“Yeah, I have some stuff to give her.” Tim smiles and gives me a knowing look as he slides out of the booth.

~What was he talking about?~

“Hey.” Ansel takes Tim’s vacated spot, planting a kiss on my cheek. “You okay?”

I smile, my cheeks turning pink from his unexpected affection. “Yeah. Um, I was thinking that I’d do the poem piece…if the spot is still open.”

Ansel’s face lights up, and he feigns shock, making me laugh. “Yeah, yeah, of course. It’s always open. Just let me go announce it, if you’re ready. Are you ready?”

“Yeah. I’d like to get it over with, before the nerves kick in.”

He chuckles. “All right. Did you bring a paper, or…?”

“No, I have a lot of them memorized.”

“Wow, impressive. All right.”

He flashes me a charming smile, then gets up from his seat and heads to the front of the room.

I rub my palms on my thighs, feeling a bit nervous, then fiddle with the ring on my finger as I take a deep breath.

I’ve never thought about performing my poems in front of people before, and it’s been a while since I’ve used that talent of mine, with everything that’s been happening lately.

I hope I don’t stumble over my words. That would be so embarrassing.

“Okay, everyone. We have a special performance tonight!” Ansel’s voice rings out over the microphone, and my heart skips a beat. “By a special person in my life. My one and only, Rainey.

“She’s going to share one of her original poems with us. Please give her a round of applause.”

The club erupts in applause while Riley and Alex turn to me in surprise. I smile at their shocked faces as I slide out of the booth. “Wish me luck, guys.”

“Wooooo! Go, Rainey!” Alex shouts, his voice echoing above the clapping as a few people turn to look at him.

Riley giggles, nudging his shoulder. “You’re not cheering loud enough, Alex. WOOOOO! GO, RAINEY!”

I laugh as I glance back at her. I’m sure her voice will be hoarse after this.

I walk up to Ansel, who’s chuckling and shaking his head at the couple in the back who are screaming their lungs out.

“I’m cheering for you, okay?” he says, and I smile, nodding. He hands me the mic, then goes to stand at the corner behind me.

I take a deep breath, gripping the microphone as I scan the room full of people. I puff out my cheeks and shift my weight, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.

I part my lips, but no words come out.

Damn. I can’t do this.

I shoot a desperate look at Ansel behind me. He’s grinning, nodding at me, his eyes full of encouragement. I manage a weak smile and turn my attention back to the task at hand, squeezing my eyes shut.

I can do this.

“~Heart crumbling in despair as mocking voices creep up to my door. Gasping for breath, my spirit fades and flares, my ashes scattering in the foggy air.~

“~The walls of my shell crack and crumble, sorrow seeping through the broken pieces. Shackled feet, a chained soul, dragging me into the desolate abyss.~

“~Life is a lonely road, strewn with dried leaves and shattered souls. If I die tomorrow, I pray my heart will live on, inspiring those destined to grow old.~”

I hesitantly open my eyes, and everyone is staring at me, their faces full of awe.

Then, applause erupts throughout the club, with Alex and Riley’s cheers rising above the rest as they jump to their feet.

A smile spreads across my face, and I grip the mic tighter, spinning around to face Ansel. His smile is bright as he pulls me into his arms.

I close my eyes as he runs his hand through my hair, planting a kiss on my head. Over the loud cheers, he speaks, his voice sincere and soft.

“I’m proud of you, Rain. That was amazing. You’re amazing.”

My smile widens. He has no idea how much those words mean to me. Sometimes, that’s all I need—someone to say they’re proud of me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this moment.

***

“Cheers to the poet!” Alex grins broadly as we clink our glasses together. I laugh as I bring the drink to my lips, taking a small sip.

~Wow. It’s strong. I need to be careful. The last time I got drunk, I made a complete fool of myself.~

Riley grins as she quickly wipes her lips. “Seriously, that was the best poem I’ve ever heard! I was shocked. My mouth was like this the whole time.”

She drops her jaw for emphasis, and Alex playfully pretends to stick his finger in, but she slaps his hand away, making me and Ansel laugh.

“You’re awesome, Rain. I’m so glad you’re my best friend.” She gives me a side hug, and I smile. “I’m glad you’re my best friend too, Riley.”

Ansel takes a sip of his drink, smiling at us, his arm draped over the back of the seat behind me.

“An, isn’t that your fifth shot of vodka?” Alex glances between his brother and the half-empty glass he’s holding.

“Yeah. I’m in a good mood tonight, so why not?”

He smiles at me, then leans in to plant a kiss on my jaw. I smile at the affection, leaning back against the booth and finding his arm now around me.

Alex smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes, as he throws an arm around Riley. “Mm. Someone’s about to get a little wild soon.”

I look at him, confused, but a wet sensation on my neck distracts me as Ansel starts kissing my neck, nuzzling his face against me.

“You smell so good, Rain.”

I stiffen, my face flushing, and Alex laughs, throwing his head back.

Riley looks at her boyfriend, confused about what he finds so funny, but maybe Alex knows something we don’t.

I grip the edge of my seat, anxiety creeping in as I feel his lips trailing down my neck.

~Why is Ansel kissing my neck right now?~

“You know, I think it’s time we go home.” Alex is chuckling as he stands up. “Ansel’s not himself when he’s drunk. You girls want to stay the night at our place?”

Riley looks at me for an answer, but I can’t form one, Ansel’s lips on my skin clouding my thoughts. She smiles and decides to answer for me.

“Yeah, I guess we could.”

Alex looks back at his brother, suppressing a grin, and nods. “Okay. Let’s go, then.”

***

Ansel is drunk, and it’s the most entertaining thing I’ve ever seen. Apart from him dozing off every few seconds, he’s unusually affectionate.

Their house is quiet. Their parents are asleep, and Alaric and the twins seem to be out. Alex tells Riley to hang out with him on the couch while I help Ansel get to his room.

I flip on the light, then take his hand and guide him to his bed. He flops down onto the mattress, and I sit next to him, amused by this unfamiliar side of him.

~It’s cute.~

He brushes his hair out of his eyes, and they look dazed and squinty as he runs his hand through his hair.

“Are you okay?” I ask, trying to hide my amusement.

“Just hot,” he replies, bringing his hand up to unbutton his dress shirt. He fumbles with the first button, as if he’s forgotten how to undo it.

I giggle, moving closer to him.

“It’s okay. I’ll help you.”

He removes his hand, and I take over. I unbutton the first button, and my eyes are immediately drawn to his bare chest. I freeze, swallowing hard.

~Okay. Maybe helping him wasn’t such a good idea.~

I look up, and he’s watching me. The look in his eyes makes my stomach flip.

I clear my throat and look back down at his shirt, but suddenly I’m also unsure of how to unbutton a shirt. I fumble with the button for a few seconds before his hand covers mine.

I stiffen, my heart pounding as he starts tracing small circles on my knuckle with his thumb. The gesture feels intimate, and I watch his finger, my mind racing.

“From the moment I first laid eyes on you,” he starts, and I finally look into his eyes, “I knew you were going to be important to me. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t stop looking at you. You gave me a feeling no one else could.”

My cheeks flush, and he lifts his hand to the spot between my cheek and neck, gently drawing my face closer to his.

“Kiss me,” he murmurs.

I study his face, wondering if he’s serious or if it’s just the alcohol talking.

“I want you to kiss me, Rain,” he repeats, his gaze now fixed on my lips.

Nervousness bubbles up in my stomach as I lean in and press my lips to his in a gentle kiss. He takes over, molding our mouths together as he strokes my face.

His kisses always seem to transport me to another world. Everything else fades away when our lips meet.

He pulls back for a moment, and his eyes search mine as I look back at him. Then, quick as a flash, he gently pushes me onto the bed and hovers over me.

My eyes widen in surprise as I look up at him. His necklace has slipped out from under his shirt, and his dark hair brushes against my forehead.

I swallow hard. “Ansel?”

His face is serious but gentle and focused as he starts to unbutton his shirt. I watch his fingers, my cheeks growing even redder.

He doesn’t look away from me as he pulls the shirt off, revealing his muscular torso, now only adorned with his thin necklace.

My breathing quickens as I tear my gaze from his chest and look up at him, my nervous eyes meeting his mesmerizing ones.

He lowers his head and our lips meet again in a tender kiss, his hands bracing against the bed to support his weight above me.

He parts my lips with his and slides his warm tongue inside, my head tilting back from the intensity of his passionate kiss.

I can barely feel my body, now filled with anticipation as he deepens the kiss, one hand supporting his weight while the other traces my jawline, gently stroking the skin.

I can feel the arousal building between my legs, and I know I’m not the only one, as I feel Ansel’s hardness press against my inner thigh.

He breaks the kiss but stays close, his lips brushing against mine.

“Can I touch you, Rain?”

I nod, my breath catching in my throat. Ansel kisses me again as his hand slips under my shirt.

I shiver slightly as he strokes my bare waist, my eyes closing and my chest rising in a deep breath.

He moves his hand up to my chest, and my eyelashes flutter nervously as his hand slips under my bra.

He looks up to meet my dazed gaze, and I let out a short breath as he touches one of the sensitive peaks on my chest.

He starts to gently stroke the hard nub on my breast, and it stiffens even more under his thumb.

I close my eyes, tilting my head back as he plants soft, slow kisses along my neck.

How is it that he’s only touching my chest, yet it’s enough to turn me into a puddle beneath him?

My hand grips his duvet, and I tug at the covers, my legs moving restlessly as I bite my lower lip.

~This feels so good, so unreal, and I really don’t want him to stop.~

He switches to the other peak, giving it the same attention as he teases it mercilessly. I feel a moan building up inside me, but I bite my lip again to hold it back.

His lips find my ear. “You’re so turned on…just from me touching you like this, Rain.”

His voice is incredibly erotic and soft as he flicks his finger over my hard peak.

A soft moan finally escapes my lips, one I couldn’t hold back, and Ansel pulls his hand from my bra and tugs my shirt up to my chest.

His eyes roam over my bare stomach in pure admiration, and my face turns red as I watch him.

“Your body is so beautiful,” he says, and I can’t help but smile. He presses his lips to my stomach, and I gasp, closing my eyes and tilting my head back.

His kisses feel incredibly good as he explores my skin, his hands stroking my thighs. I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.

He sits up on his knees, my body trapped between his legs as he holds my gaze.

He starts to unbutton my jeans, and I watch him with nervous eyes and parted lips.

He pulls down my zipper, slowly, the sound filling the room and heightening the sexual tension.

My red lace underwear with a small bow at the front is now visible, and my face turns the same color as I lay my head back on the pillows and close my eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, I open my eyes to find him looking at me, his eyes filled with love and care.

He zips up my jeans and buttons them, looking up at me as he strokes my jaw.

“I want you so much, Rain, but I’m not thinking clearly, and I don’t want to touch you when I’m drunk,” he says softly, pressing his forehead against mine.

“I want to be clear-headed and sober, so I can remember what it feels like to touch you for the first time.”

I smile and nod, admiring his respect for me. He kisses my lips again, then lies down next to me, pulling me into his arms from behind.

He wraps his arms around me and snuggles up to my back. I can feel his hardness pressing against my lower back, and I stiffen slightly.

He chuckles softly. “You’re the one who did that to me.”

He kisses my cheek, and I smile to myself as I close my eyes. My heart is truly content and at peace as he buries his face in my hair.

I’ve seen many sides of Ansel, and his drunk side is just as fascinating. I guess Tim knew what he was talking about.