Chapter 3

~LEXI~

I practically ran to the nearest bathroom, locking the door behind me with shaking fingers.

My back pressed against the wall as I tried to catch my breath. The counter gleamed under the soft lights, and I forced myself to look at my reflection in the massive mirror.

Flushed cheeks. Wide eyes. Hard nipples poking through my thin tank top. I looked exactly like what I was, a girl completely undone by the man who could never be mine.

The tension in the kitchen had been electric. For a second, I'd thought Enzo might actually touch me. But I knew better. He would never cross that line. Not with my brothers—Jax, Kai, Maddox, and Zane, being his ride or die best friends since freshman year at Kingsford University. They were closer than blood. Enzo risking that friendship for me? Impossible.

If I told him the truth, that I'd been hopelessly in love with him for five years, he'd shut me down gently, ruffle my hair like I was still that fifteen year old kid, and go back to fucking random girls by the pool or in his room. I couldn't bear that rejection.

I bit my lip hard, staring at my desperate reflection.

But I wasn't completely helpless.

Enzo knew I was a virgin. Everyone did. My strict parents and overprotective brothers had built a fortress around me. No dates. No parties. No boys. Especially not athletes like him.

I gasped. That was my way in.

I could pretend I had a crush on one of his teammates. Someone safe to use as an excuse.

Tyler Brooks, the cocky star wide receiver on the Kingsford Kings football team. Big, popular, and always flirting with me at games. Enzo would believe it if I sold it right. And then. . .I could ask for lessons. Private. Filthy. Up close.

My thighs clenched at the thought. It was risky. It was insane.

But it might be the only way to finally get close to the man I wanted more than anything.

I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm the storm inside me. I had to wait until later. Let the heat of tonight settle. Then I'd make my move.

Much later into the night, the mansion felt quieter. My brothers still weren't back, and Enzo had been working out in the home since the girl he'd fucked left. I'd spent hours pacing my guest room, rehearsing what I would say.

Before I could chicken out, I walked down the hall and knocked on his bedroom door.

It opened a moment later.

Enzo stood there shirtless, wearing only gray sweatpants that hung dangerously low on his hips.

His curly dark hair was slightly damp from a recent shower, and those tattoos on his chest and arms looked even more tempting up close.

At twenty-two and a senior, he already carried himself like a man who knew exactly what he wanted, and usually got it.

"Lexi?" He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest, looking curious. "What's up?"

I licked my lips, my mouth suddenly dry again. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it.

"I. . .I need your help with something," I said, my voice softer than I intended.

His dark eyes narrowed slightly, that intense gaze locking onto mine. "Help with what?"

I took a small step closer, forcing myself to hold his stare even as heat rushed to my face. This was it. No turning back.

"I want sex lessons from you, Enzo.”

His eyebrows shot up, and for a split second, I saw something flash in his eyes—surprise, heat, maybe even a hint of danger.

"Sex lessons," he repeated slowly, like he was testing the words or even tasting it on his tongue. His jaw flexed. "You're serious?"

I nodded, trying to keep my expression as innocent as possible while my body screamed with need.

There was nothing innocent about this. I was making up this entire lie just so that I could get into Enzo’s bed. . .and under him.

"Yes. I. . .I like Tyler Brooks. You know, your teammate? But I have zero experience. My brothers have kept me locked away like some fragile doll. I don't want to look stupid or inexperienced with him. So. . .I thought you could teach me. Please?"

He didn't say anything.

So, I continued, “you have the experience. You sleep around. It will be lessons. Nothing more. No strings attached. Definitely no feelings.”

It was a lie. All of it. A big, fat lie. But it was worth a try. I had to do something to get him to touch me. . .willingly.

“Please?” I ask again.

Damn it. I was pathetic, wasn't I?

I held my breath, waiting for his response.