Skylar's enthusiasm is the spark that ignites the night further. "Let's dance!" she declares, her hand clasping mine with a contagious excitement.

I'm swept up in her energy, laughter bubbling from my lips as we navigate through the crowd to the heart of the dance floor. A glance back at Alex captures a snapshot of happiness and pride, a silent cheerleader for our fun.

The music envelops us, a pulsing rhythm that seems to sync with the collective heartbeat of the club. It's a world of sound and movement, each beat a command we're all too happy to follow. Skylar and I move together, lost in the music, our spirits lifted by the sheer joy of the moment.

Eventually Alex comes up and joins us, his hands finding their way to Skylar's hips. I step back, giving them a moment.

I close my eyes, losing myself in the moment. The music is loud, the bass vibrating in my chest. The room is packed, the energy palpable.

"You're beautiful," I hear a deep voice murmur, the words close to my ear.

I open my eyes, surprised to see one of Alex's teammates standing in front of me. He's handsome, with dark hair and hazel eyes.

"Thank you," I say, feeling a rush of heat.

"I'm Luke," he says, a playful smile on his face.

Luke looks familiar, I think he is one of the teammates Alex introduced us to earlier.

"Emma," I reply, a smile tugging at my lips.

"Seems like Parson stole your dance partner," he says, his eyes flicking to Alex and Skylar.

I look over, seeing them wrapped up in each other. Alex's hands are on Skylar's ass, and her arms are wrapped around his neck. They are lost in their own world, oblivious to everything else.

"Yeah, it seems like it," I say, laughing.

"Do you want to dance with me instead?" Luke asks, his tone playful.

I pause for a moment, thinking of Ares. I want to say yes since I'm just out having fun, but will Ares be mad? I shake my head, stopping that train of thought. I'm here to have fun. Dancing with someone isn't something that I need permission for.

"Sure," I say, my smile growing.

"Great," Luke replies, his grin matching mine.

He grabs my hand and pulls me back onto the dance floor, his movements confident and easy. He moves with a grace that matches his athleticism.

As we dance, the crowd shifts around us, the air thick with sweat and alcohol. We laugh, the alcohol and the energy around us making it easy. I can't remember the last time I've felt this carefree.

"So, Emma, do you have a boyfriend?" Luke asks, his body close to mine.

"No, I don't," I reply, my voice quiet. "But I am kind of seeing someone."

Luke smiles, his eyes bright. "Well, he's a lucky guy," he says, his tone playful.

I feel a warmth in my chest at his words. It's nice to have someone notice me. To think I'm pretty or sexy.

"Thanks," I say, a shy smile on my face.

"How did you meet Alex?" Luke asks, his hands resting on my hips.

"We met in college," I explain, enjoying the conversation. "We have the same major, so we've pretty much been in the same classes since we started."

Before he can respond, there is a commotion behind us, drawing our attention. One of Alex's teammates, a stocky, muscular guy, is being hauled out of the bar, his movements unsteady and uncoordinated.

"Looks like someone's had a little too much to drink," Luke comments, his voice laced with amusement. He turns back to me. "As much as I want to resume this dance, duty calls."

"No worries, go take care of your teammate," I say, smiling.

He returns the smile, and I watch him walk away, joining the small group of people escorting the intoxicated teammate outside.

I return to Alex and Skylar, who are still entwined, oblivious to the chaos surrounding them.

"Your teammate is being escorted out," I inform Alex, nudging him.

"Really?" Alex's eyes widen in surprise. He looks around, but they are already outside.

"Yeah, he was pretty drunk," I say, amused by the situation.

"Damn," Alex sighs, shaking his head. "I probably need to go check on him."

"Yeah, maybe we should call it a night," Skylar suggests, her eyes full of concern.

Alex nods, his expression a mix of disappointment and understanding.

The three of us make our way out, the fresh air a welcome relief from the stuffy, overheated interior of the club. As we step outside, I feel the buzz of the alcohol wear off a bit. I typically overdo it when I'm drinking, but tonight I didn't.

"Toss me your keys, Alex," I say, holding my hand out. "I'm driving."

He fishes the keys out of his pocket and hands them over without protest, his arm slung around Skylar's shoulders.

"Good idea, Em," Skylar says, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol and dancing. "I'm pretty tipsy."

"Me too," Alex adds, a crooked smile on his face. "I definitely shouldn't drive."

I unlock the car, and we all pile in. As I turn the key, the engine roars to life, a steady rumble beneath our feet.

The drive back to the hotel is quick. Once we arrive, I walk them up to their room. I opted to have a seperate room, even though it cost me more. I didn't want to impead on their weekend getaway, and it gave me space if I needed it.

"Do you have the room key?" I ask, my voice soft.

"Yes," Skylar answers, fishing it out of her clutch.

I take the key card and slide it into the reader, waiting for the light to turn green. With a satisfying click, the door unlocks, and I push it open, stepping aside to let them enter.

"Thanks, Em," Alex says, his smile warm and genuine.

"Of course," I reply, returning the smile. "I'm going to head down to my room."

"Okay," Skylar responds, her eyes bright and glassy. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Sky," I say, giving her a hug.

I pull back and give Alex a hug too.

"You did great today," I say, squeezing him.

"Thanks," he replies, returning the hug. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," I say, giving him one more squeeze.

"See you in the morning," he replies, a boyish grin on his face.

They walk into the hotel room, and I make my way down to my room. I'm tired, and all I want is to crash, but I need a shower first.

The water is hot and refreshing, washing away the remnants of the club. As I dry off, I hear my phone buzz. It's Ares.

Ares: Are you up?

Me: Yes, I just got out of the shower.

Ares: Can I call? I miss you.

My heart leaps. How could I ever say no to him?

Me: Of course.

Within moments, my phone is ringing.

"Hello?" I answer, a smile spreading across my face.

"Hi, baby," his deep, masculine voice rumbles in my ear. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," I admit, my voice soft.

"How was the game?"

"It was great," I tell him, excitement creeping into my voice. "Alex was amazing. His team won."

"That's great," he says, sounding genuinely happy.

"What have you been up to?" I ask, wanting to know more about his day.

"Just working," he replies, a hint of frustration in his tone. "But lets not talk about that. Lets talk about how sexy you looked in that dress and where you went tonight."

"You liked it?" I ask, pleased by his reaction.

"Fuck, yeah, I liked it," he growls, his voice husky. "You looked incredible. And that body... Those curves... Fuck, baby."

A warm tingle runs through me at his words, and I can't help but smile. "I'm glad you liked it," I murmur, biting my lip. "We went out to a club to celebrate the win."

"And did you have fun?" he asks, his tone suggestive.

"Yes, we did," I reply, trying not to blush. "Everyone was so friendly."

"I'm sure," he drawls, his voice dripping with amusement. "I bet all the guys wanted a piece of you."

"Maybe," I tease, playing along. "I did dance with one of Alex's teammates."

"Is that so?" he asks, a dangerous edge to his tone. "Tell me more."

"There's not much to tell," I say, a smile tugging at my lips. "I told him I was seeing someone."

"And did you enjoy dancing with him?"

"It was fun," I admit, a rush of heat coursing through me. "But he wasn't you."

His laugh is low and sexy, the sound sending a shiver down my spine.

"I'd be jealous, but you're mine, baby. There's no need for me to worry."

His words are possessive and territorial, but the confidence and certainty in his voice make it clear that he has nothing to worry about.

"There's no need," I confirm, my voice soft and reassuring. "I'm yours, Ares."

"Good girl," he purrs, approval evident in his tone. "I'm glad you're having fun, but I can't wait for you to be back home."

"Neither can I," I murmur, a sense of longing washing over me.

"I'm glad you called," I say, the distance between us suddenly feeling like too much.

"So am I," he replies, his voice laced with emotion. "Sleep well, babygirl. I'll see you soon."

"Goodnight," I say, hanging up for I add onto the end of it.

I finish drying off and change into pajamas. As I settle into bed, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. The weekend is just getting started, and it's already been a wild ride. But, as I drift off to sleep, the only thing on my mind is Ares.