"Oh yeah, I really like that," Alex exclaims as I show him my idea for our graphic design project.

I breathe a sigh of relief, a smile creeping onto my face. "Yeah, me too. I'm so glad you're on board. I was kind of nervous about it." Working with Alex has been a breeze; we've hit our stride, ideas flowing back and forth like a well-rehearsed duet. He's the perfect partner for this project, blending creativity with an easygoing attitude that makes even the toughest challenges seem surmountable.

As I'm explaining the details of the project to Alex, I'm interrupted by a text message.

Ares: Hey, baby girl. How's your day going?

My heart flutters at the sight of his name on my phone screen. I type out a quick reply, careful not to draw too much attention from Alex.

Emma: It's going well. Just working on a project with Alex.

Ares: I miss you.

Emma: I miss you too.

"Who's got you smiling like that? Is it a guy?" Alex asks, peeking over my shoulder.

My cheeks flame with color, and I quickly shut off my phone screen. "No one. It's nothing." I stammer, hoping my sudden interest in the floor isn't too obvious.

But Alex, being Alex, just chuckles, his teasing tone light. "Oh, come on. It's obvious. You were practically glowing. It's okay. You can tell me."

I finally had the talk with Alex, before we started this project together. The one where I told him I wasn't interested in him as more than a friend. I finally laid it all out, confessing that while I treasured our friendship, that's all there was to it. His reaction? Laughter, followed by a knowing nod. He said he knew I didn't think of him like that, even if he had a crush. He just enjoys being around me. He then dubbed us 'platonic soulmates,' a title that, oddly enough, fit perfectly.

Now that we have the awkwardness out of the way, it feels even easier to confide in him.

My voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper. "Alright, fine. Yes, there is a guy. But I can't tell you who."

"Oh, come on! You can't keep me in the dark!" he whines, nudging my arm.

"I can and I will. It's just... complicated. And new. Very new. I'm not ready to share yet."

He's pouting now, and it's kind of adorable. "Okay, fine. But can you at least tell me if I know him? Does he go here? What's his major? Give me something."

"He doesn't go here," I confess. "But that's all I'm telling you."

Alex shakes his head, his smile widening. "Well, hopefully, your uncle likes him better than he likes me."

"Ares likes you," I protest, even if I'm not so sure about the statement. I mean, Ares did dislike him when he thought we were sleeping together, but he now knows that isn't the case.

"Yeah, okay. You could have fooled me."

"He's just protective of me."

"That's an understatement," Alex mutters, rolling his eyes.

We spend another two hours working on our project, but the rumble of my stomach reminds me that we need to take a break for food.

"Do you want to go get some lunch? My treat," Alex offers.

"Sure, I'm starving."

Instead of eating on campus, I suggest that we drive down to a café I like. It just so happens to be the cafe Skylar works at.

The bell jingles as we enter the cafe. My eyes immediately find Skylar, who's effortlessly charming a customer at a nearby table.

"Hey, Sky!" I call out, waving.

She glances up, and her reaction is instantaneous—a bright smile that seems to make the room a bit warmer. "Hey! What brings you here?" she asks, bounding over to us.

I gesture to Alex. "Just came to grab some lunch."

She nods, a knowing smirk on her face. "Cool, cool. Give me a sec to go put this order in and I'll be right with you guys."

We settle at a corner booth and I immediately pick up the menu only to have Alex shove the menu back down with an eagerness that borders on impatience.

"Who the fuck was that? She's hot as hell," he blurts out.

"Skylar?"

"Yes, Skylar. Holy shit, is she single?"

It dawns on me that Alex and Skylar have never actually met. Skylar only knows of Alex through social media stalking when we became friends.

"Yeah, she's single," I confirm, the gears already turning in my head. "Want me to introduce you?"

The look on Alex's face is priceless—a mix of surprise and excitement, as if he's just been offered a golden ticket. "Seriously? You'd do that for me?"

I can't help but laugh, amused by his reaction. "Of course. What are friends for, if not to play matchmaker once in a while?"

"I would owe you big time," he breathes, the awe evident in his voice.

Skylar breezes back to our table, notepad poised and a mischievous glint in her eye. She winks at me as if we're sharing a secret before turning her full attention to Alex, who bless his heart, suddenly looks like he's been thrust under a spotlight without any warning.

"Hey, guys! Ready to order, or are you still deciding?" Skylar's voice is light, her eyes are all on Alex, who's doing a terrible impression of a deer caught in headlights.

"Skylar, this is Alex. Alex, Skylar."

"Hi Alex, you know what you want?"

"Uh, yeah, I – we, uh..." he stammers, cheeks flaming. It's a side of him I've rarely seen, and I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

I can't help but hide my smile behind the menu—poor Alex, undone by a pair of sparkling blue eyes and a friendly smile.

Skylar leans in, resting an elbow on our table, her teasing tone cutting through Alex's nervous fog. "It's just food, not a marriage proposal. Though, if you're proposing, I do like diamonds," she quips, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

That seems to do the trick. Alex chuckles, the ice around him melting. "In that case, I'll start saving up. But for now, I'll just take a coffee and the club sandwich, thanks."

"Great choice."

The air lightens considerably, and I watch as Skylar jots down our orders, her banter with Alex bouncing back and forth like a tennis match. It's not long before he's fully recovered, dishing out jokes and flirtatious comments with the ease of someone who's done this a thousand times.

As they wrap up the order, Alex, now completely in his element, leans in. "So, Skylar, would you maybe want to go out sometime? Like, not here at your work, but somewhere else?"

Skylar doesn't miss a beat, her smile softening into something genuine and sweet. "I'd like that. Let's exchange numbers."

They do just that, their phones clicking as they tap away. "I'll text you later, okay?" Skylar promises, her voice carrying a hint of something that sounds a lot like excitement.

Alex nods, a goofy grin plastered on his face as if he's just won the lottery. "Looking forward to it."

As Skylar heads back to the kitchen, I catch Alex's eye, his look saying a thousand words. He's smitten, and honestly, it's kind of adorable.

I lean in, my voice lowered to a hushed whisper. "You like her, don't you? You really like her, like her."

He nods, a faint flush tinting his cheeks. "I mean, I don't even know her, but yeah, I think I do. There's something about her, I can't quite put my finger on it. And she's fucking gorgeous."

I remember how Skylar said she wasn't Alex's type, but now look at them.

"She is. And she's an amazing person. She's loyal, funny, and she's the kind of friend you can always count on," I gush, the love and admiration for my best friend bubbling to the surface. "She's been my best friend for forever. Our parents were close, so we grew up practically sisters. If things work out between you two, I would love it."

"I would, too," Alex admits. His eyes are glazed over, lost in a daydream that I have no doubts is about Skylar.

And as if the universe is giving us a sign, Skylar appears with our food.

Skylar smiles at Alex, her cheeks tinged with a rosy blush. "Here's your food, guys."

Alex's face lights up. "Thanks, Skylar."

Skylar bites her lip. "You can call me Sky."

"Sky. I like that," Alex says.

As I look over the two of them, a sense of rightness settles over me. They're so good together, and I have a feeling they're going to be really happy together.

"Alright, I'll leave you guys to it. I have to get back to work," Skylar says. She leans down and gives me a quick hug. "See you later," she whispers in my ear.

"See you later, Sky."

The rest of lunch goes by smoothly. We finish our food and drive back to campus. I drop Alex off at his jeep and head home.

As I pull up to the house, I see Ares's car is already in the driveway. My heart races at the thought of seeing him. I quickly park my car and make my way inside.

The moment I step inside, I'm greeted by a strong pair of arms wrapping around my waist. "There you are," Ares's voice rumbles next to my ear, the warmth of his body enveloping me.

I sink into his embrace, savoring the feel of his muscular frame pressed against mine. "Miss me?" I tease, a smile tugging at my lips.

"More than you know," he murmurs, his lips grazing my neck.

My pulse quickens, desire pooling low in my belly. His hand snakes its way under my shirt, tracing the curve of my spine. A soft moan escapes my lips as his fingers skim the sensitive skin of my lower back, sending a shiver down my spine.

"I've been thinking about you all day," he confesses, his voice husky with lust. "I couldn't focus on work."

"Really?" I breathe, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," he says, his breath hot against my ear. "And now that you're here, I'm going to make sure you're all mine."

His hands slide down to cup my ass, pulling me closer until I can feel his hard length pressing against my belly. My breath hitches, my body responding to his touch, my nipples tightening against the fabric of my bra.

Ares's lips trail along my jaw, the scruff of his stubble leaving a delicious friction in its wake. He nips at the delicate skin of my throat, eliciting a moan from deep within my chest.

"Fuck, baby. You're so responsive," he growls, his hand moving between us, his fingers brushing against the front of my panties.

My body arches into his touch, seeking more.

Ares slips a finger beneath the lacy fabric, tracing the wetness gathering there. "Is this all for me?" he asks, his voice rough with desire.

I can't answer, my voice caught in my throat as his skilled fingers find my clit, circling it with just the right amount of pressure. My hips rock against his hand, chasing the pleasure building inside me. I think this is my new favorite hobby.

"Such a needy girl," he murmurs, his teeth grazing the shell of my ear. "So responsive, so eager. You're going to be the death of me."

Ares picks me up, carrying me to the bedroom. His hands caress my curves as he sets me down on the bed, his gaze hungry and predatory. He wastes no time, pulling off my clothes and leaving me bare before him.

"Fuck. I will never get tired of this view," he breathes, his eyes drinking in the sight of my naked body.

He reaches out, running his hands over my skin, his touch igniting a fire inside me. I arch into his touch, a soft moan escaping my lips as his fingers ghost over the hardened peaks of my breasts.

He leans in, his mouth capturing mine in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless. He pulls back, his dark gaze locked on mine as his hands move to cup my ass, pulling me close until I can feel the hard ridge of his erection pressing against me.

I gasp, the sensation of him against me driving me wild. I grind against him, seeking more friction, my body aching for release.

He lets out a low chuckle, pulling me toward the bed. He sits, positioning me to straddle his lap. I grind against him, feeling the hard length of him get wet from my arousal. The friction feels so good.

"You're so wet for me, baby," he groans, his fingers gripping my hips, guiding me against him. "You're soaking my cock, and it's not even inside you yet."

His words send a shiver of desire through me, making me impossibly wetter. I continue to grind against him, desperate for the friction.

"You're so dirty, aren't you? So eager to come. You just want to get off," he teases, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. "I bet you could come like this, couldn't you? Just rubbing yourself all over me, grinding your little pussy against my cock."

My breathing is ragged, my body on the edge of release. I nod, unable to form words as the pressure builds inside me.

Ares's hands tighten on my hips, his voice husky with desire. "That's it, baby. Come for me. Come all over my cock. Show me how much you need this."

His words push me over the edge, a powerful orgasm ripping through me. I cry out, my body shaking with pleasure.

As the waves of pleasure reach their peak, Ares's hand slides between us. He places his erection at my entrance and pushes me down on it, filling me completely.

I gasp, the sensation of him inside me almost too much to bear. I cling to him, my body still trembling from the aftershocks of my orgasm.

Ares doesn't waste any time, his hips rocking against me, driving him deeper inside me.

"Oh god," I whimper, the pleasure building again, threatening to overwhelm me.

Ares grips my hips, his fingers digging into my flesh as he pulls me down onto him. He groans, his face buried in the crook of my neck. "Fuck, you feel so good, baby. So tight and wet."

I can feel him throbbing inside me, his cock swelling even larger. His movements are frantic, his control slipping. He grips my hips tighter, bruising my skin. I don't care. All I can focus on is the pleasure building inside me, the friction of his cock against my inner walls.

"Do you feel what you're doing to me?" he growls, his teeth grazing my ear. "You're driving me crazy, baby. I can't get enough of you."

He thrusts into me, burying himself to the hilt. I cry out, my nails digging into his shoulders. The sensation is overwhelming, his cock hitting just the right spot. I think I need to be on top more often.

He rolls his hips, grinding against me. I gasp, the pleasure almost too much to bear. His pace increases, his hips pistoning against me. He fills me over and over, his cock stretching me. The sound of our bodies slapping together fills the room, along with my breathless moans.

"You feel so fucking good, baby girl. Your pussy is so tight, so wet," he groans, his breathing ragged.

I can feel my release building, the pressure building. I'm teetering on the edge, desperately clinging to the last threads of my control.

"Come for me, baby. I can feel how close you are. Come all over my cock," he demands, his voice strained with his own need.

My body obeys, shattering into a million pieces as the pleasure crashes over me, washing away everything else.

"Oh god. You're gripping me so tight."

He buries his face in my neck, his teeth grazing my skin as he follows me over the edge, his cock pulsing deep inside me. His release fills me, the warm, sticky liquid coating my inner walls. A sharp pain shoots through me as he bites down on the soft flesh of my shoulder, the sudden burst of pain mingling with the pleasure.

I collapse against him, my body limp and spent. I bury my face in his neck, breathing in his intoxicating scent.

Ares holds me close, his fingers trailing up and down my back, tracing patterns on my sweat-slicked skin. He presses a soft kiss to the top of my head, his hand cupping my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze.

"I cannot get enough of you, baby girl," he murmurs, his voice low and husky, his eyes filled with a mixture of lust and tenderness.

"Good, because I can't get enough of you either," I breathe, leaning in to capture his lips in a passionate kiss.

His tongue sweeps into my mouth, exploring, tasting. He swallows my moans, his hands roaming over my body, caressing, teasing.

I melt into him, losing myself in the moment, in the exquisite pleasure of his touch.

He pulls back to ask, "Did you ever make an appointment for birth control?"

"Yeah, it's set up for tomorrow," I breathe.

"Good, because I'm basically buying stock in Plan B at this point."

I giggle, swatting his arm. "It's not my fault you're irresistible."

He chuckles, his gaze darkening. "I could say the same thing about you, baby girl. You're a goddamn siren, and you've got me wrapped around your little finger."

"Mmm, I like the sound of that," I murmur, leaning in for a kiss.

As our lips meet, he pulls me closer, deepening the kiss. The taste of him is intoxicating, the feel of his strong arms around me making my knees weak.

I lose myself in the moment, reveling in the way he makes me feel. Safe. Protected. Loved.

He pulls back, gazing into my eyes. "We need to get ready for dinner," he says, his voice still husky.

I nod, reluctantly pulling away.