Chapter 54 Lust To Love

Chapter 54 Lust To Love


James’s P.O.V.

I lean against the yacht’s railing, my eyes fixed on the direction Selena walked away. The cool breeze brushes against my face, but it’s nothing compared to the warmth that spreads through me whenever I look at her.

"She's not coming anytime soon, trust me," Sky says with a smirk, sipping his drink as he stands beside me.

“How much more time are they going to take? It’s already been thirty minutes.” I glance at the time on my wristwatch. 

I’m growing impatient now. 

“Dude, get used to it. His trouble loves to give trouble. She loves stealing my girl and yours too,” Alex interjects, throwing his head back in mock frustration.

“Hey, don’t call her trouble! She’s mine to call that.” Sky lightly punches Alex in the stomach. He groans dramatically, rubbing the spot.

I chuckle, shaking my head.

"Fine, then I’ll call her a girl stealer. Yeah... that’s a perfect name. Or should I say girls’ stealer, right, James?" Alex adds, throwing a playful look at me.

I burst out laughing. “I’m not commenting on that because one thing I know for sure—my girl will murder me if I say anything like that about her besties.”

“Well, such a scared little guy you are,” Alex snorts, sipping his drink.

“She’s the only person I’m scared of, and I don’t regret it a bit,” I reply, smiling as I glance toward where she’s taking photos. 

God, she’s glowing. Every time I look at her, I lose myself in her. 

“You’re completely whipped! Welcome to the group, though.” Alex grins, and we all share a laugh.

“Anyway, Alex, you were saying, like, you’re not scared of your Flower?” Sky raises an eyebrow at him.

“Why would I be scared of her? My girl doesn’t get mad at me. I can say whatever I want,” Alex says confidently, taking another sip.

“You sure about that? Because if I remember correctly, you almost ended up sleeping on the couch when Zoe complained about you to Stella,” Sky replies, smirking.

“Yeah, even I heard about that. Selena told me Stella was pissed because you called Zoe a troublemaker,” I add with a smug smile.

For the first time, I’m having a long conversation with both of these guys and actually enjoying it. I’ve never really had time to make friends.

Except for Denver, I’ve had no one.

And now, here I am—laughing with Alex and Sky, teasing each other about our girls. It feels like we’ve known each other forever… It feels good. Easy.

I glance at them again, both mid-banter, and realise I wouldn’t mind doing this more often.

“That’s fake news,” Alex defends himself, downing his whiskey. “His trouble loves spreading fake news. She probably told Selena that too—”

“Such a big ass liar you are, Alex.” Zoe’s voice cuts his words, and we all turn in her direction.

She walks over with her arms folded across her chest, the other girls following close behind.

Alex instantly glances at Stella—who’s glaring at him.

Oh no. He’s screwed.

“Flower, this is not what it looks like!” he stands up quickly.

“Tell someone to clean the guest room,” Stella says coolly.

“What? No, Stella. You can’t sleep—”

“You’re sleeping there for a week. No discussion!” she declares, crossing her arms.

Alex looks horrified. “Flower? Are you serious?”

“Yes, I am. I told you not to make fun of my besties.” Stella wraps her arms around both Selena and Zoe, and I see them all smirking like mischievous little devils.

“Flower—”

“Oh wow, Stella, that means we’re having girls’ night for a week!” Zoe sings, jumping with joy.

“Yes, it’ll be fun.” My girl laughs, and Stella giggles too.

Alex glares at all three of them while Sky and I just chuckle.

“Guys, are you finding this funny?” Alex turns to us with a frown. We just nod innocently. “Well, if Zoe says girls’ night for a week, that means even if you two aren’t kicked out like me, we’re still in the same situation!” 

As soon as his words hit, Sky and I look at each other—faces pale.

What? No... A week of nights without her in my arms? I don’t even want to think about it.

Then Alex leans closer to Stella. “Will you be able to sleep without me for a week, Flower?” He caresses her arm.

“Obviously she will,” Zoe answers with a grin. “Besties over boys, always.”

Stella nods, slightly pushing away Alex. “Yup. Besties over boys.”

Alex grabs Sky’s arm. “Bro, take your trouble away. Please.”

“You’re right. Trouble, we need to talk.” Before Zoe can react, Sky literally scoops her up and carries her to a corner.

“Hey… We can talk later.” Zoe laughs, lightly hitting his chest.

He leans in and whispers something in her ear, and she instantly blushes.

“Time to talk to you, Flower. But before that—I’m pissed as fuck, so let me just kiss you.” Alex grabs Stella’s waist and pulls her closer before capturing her lips. 

I glance at Selena who’s watching them with a giggle—and, I smack her playfully on the butt and lift her over my shoulder.

“James…” she squeals, laughing.

“We need to talk too, love.” I carry her off as she giggles nonstop.

As we reach a quieter spot at the back deck, I put her down.

She laughs, swaying slightly as she adjusts to standing again. “You’re crazy.”

“And you’re in love with this crazy man.” I brush a strand of hair behind her ear. 

“Without any doubt.” She grasps my collar and sucks my lips hard, driving me crazy. 

I kiss her back with the same need, and when we pull apart, I tighten my grip on her waist and tilt her chin up with two fingers.

“Don’t you dare think I’ll let you spend the night without me for a week with your girlies. Understand?” I warn her in a dark tone. 

She bites her bottom lip. “Don’t worry. Stella just said that to tease Alex. They can’t stay away from each other for even a night.”

I let out a relieved sigh, resting my forehead against hers. “So they’re like us.”

Selena grins. “You know, in the beginning when they met, they couldn’t stop fighting. They used to hate each other.”

“You’re kidding.” I stare at her in disbelief. “I can’t even imagine them hating each other.”

“Nope. They did. We were all shocked when we found out they’d fallen in love.”

“So it’s like... hate to love, huh?”

“Yeah!” she giggles. “And ours is lust to love.”

I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her body against me. “It was never only lust from the beginning,” I whisper against her lips, fixing my eyes on her. “I knew from the moment I tasted your lips... that you were mine.”

Her breath becomes heavy. “I know.” She encircles her arms around my neck.

We kiss again—this time deeper, exploring each other’s mouths with our tongues. She tugs my hair just enough to make me groan into her mouth. I grip her butt, pressing her firmly against me as I grind into her, losing myself completely in the heat.