CHAPTER 268: CHAPTER 268 FROM SEXTING TO SCHEMING

Ava’s POV

I rushed into my house, heart still racing from the encounter with Joseph. My whole body was on fire with desire for him. He wasn’t just handsome; everything about him was intoxicating: his charm, his scent, the way he looked at me. But despite how much I wanted to spend the night with him, I couldn’t. Mom would worry.

When I’d left earlier that evening, she’d caught me by the door, eyebrows raised at my gold dress.

"Where are you going looking so gorgeous?" she’d asked, leaning against the doorframe with that knowing look mothers have.

"Just out with some friends," I’d replied casually.

"Friends? Or a particular friend?" Her eyes narrowed slightly. "You don’t dress like this for just anyone."

"Mom, please. It’s just a night out."

She’d hesitated, then smiled. "Have fun, sweetheart. Don’t stay out too late."

Now, I tiptoed through the dark house, relieved to see her bedroom door closed, soft snores coming from within. I headed straight for the shower; I needed to cool down this burning sensation consuming me. The cold water did little to calm my thoughts of Joseph’s hands on me.

I had just settled into bed when my phone lit up with a message. Joseph, of course.

Joseph: "Your little souvenir is still in my car. Absolutely intoxicating."

A smile spread across my face as I stared at the screen. Sleep was impossible now, so why not keep the game going?

Ava: "Souvenir?"

Joseph: "The barely-there piece of fabric you tossed in my lap before escaping my car."

Ava: "Oh, that thing you said wasn’t real underwear..."

Joseph: "Exactly that. Do you have any idea what state you left me in, Ava?"

Ava: "Satisfied?"

Joseph: "Hardly. Try again."

Ava: "Breathless?"

Joseph: "Close. I want you in my bed, Ava. And I know you want it too. When will you stop running away from this?"

Ava: "I wasn’t running. I have an early shift tomorrow, remember? Some of us have to work for a living."

Joseph: "You could have slept at my place."

Ava: "Would you have actually let me sleep? Be honest."

Joseph: "Haha, fair point. I wouldn’t have let you rest for a minute. Which brings me back to my point - you need a better job. I can help with that."

Ava: "I already told you I’m not mixing business with... whatever this is."

Joseph: "But I very much want to mix with you."

I bit my lip, feeling heat pool in my stomach again.

Ava: "For now, you’ll have to settle for your imagination."

Joseph: "And you think I’ll be able to sleep in my current condition?"

Ava: "What condition is that?"

Joseph: "Rock hard and thinking of you. Even a cold shower didn’t help."

Ava: "Try an ice pack."

Joseph: "Funny. I’d rather have your mouth instead."

My breath caught. I glanced nervously at my bedroom door, aware my mother was just down the hall.

Ava: "I’d love to taste you like my favorite dessert."

Joseph: "Ava! You’re making this situation much worse."

Ava: "If it’s that bad, just imagine it’s my hand instead of yours."

Joseph: "Goddess help me, you’re going to kill me. I feel like a teenager."

Ava: "I’d love to see that."

My phone immediately vibrated with an incoming video call. I quickly turned the volume down and answered, my finger hovering over the end call button in case I heard my mother stirring.

Joseph appeared on screen, but he didn’t speak. The camera shifted downward, giving me a perfect view of his impressive erection wrapped in my black thong, his hand moving rhythmically. The sight made my mouth water with desire.

Two could play this game. I positioned my phone and pulled my nightgown up, letting him see I was touching myself while watching him. When he noticed, he groaned softly, his movements becoming more urgent.

I had to bite my pillow to muffle my moans, the danger of being caught by my mother oddly intensifying every sensation. I whispered that I was close, watching his face contort with pleasure as he approached his own climax. The orgasm hit me in waves, and I struggled to stay quiet as I watched Joseph find his release moments later.

He was breathing heavily, chest rising and falling rapidly as he brought the camera back to his face.

"Ava, you have no idea how much I need you," he said, voice husky. "It’s going to be incredible when I finally get you in my bed."

"I want you too," I admitted, smiling softly. "We’ll make it happen soon. But right now, I need sleep."

"Let me help you find a better job," he insisted. "You don’t belong in that mall."

"I’m looking for something else, but until then, I need this job."

"Come work for me."

"I already said no. Don’t push it."

He sighed but nodded. "Can I see you tomorrow?"

"Call me after three. That’s when my shift ends."

"It’s a date. Sweet dreams, beautiful."

"You too, handsome."

I knew his reputation as a womanizer. Caroline and Eleanor had warned me repeatedly about him. My mother had also reminded me not to get involved with werewolves. But maybe a no-strings arrangement could work. I drifted off to sleep contemplating the possibilities.

The next day at work dragged endlessly. I got a message from Eleanor saying Caroline needed us urgently. The meeting spot was an exclusive social club not far from the mall, which worked perfectly with my schedule. I texted my mom that I’d be with the girls and headed there after my shift.

Ruby and Kyle were already waiting when I arrived at The Social Club, an upscale venue with crystal chandeliers and plush leather seating. Soon, Eleanor and Caroline joined us. Over drinks, Caroline finally admitted she was ready to forgive Draven. She was completely in love with him, despite his mistakes.

"Let’s check out the game room," Eleanor suggested, pulling us all along. "I heard they have the best pool tables in town."

As we entered the room, I immediately spotted a group of men at a back table, surrounded by women. My stomach dropped when I recognized Joseph with a bleach-blonde bombshell shoving her breasts in his face.

"You’ve got to be kidding me," I muttered, anger rising in my chest. Less than 24 hours ago he’d been begging for me, and now this?

My heart ached. Just when I thought he was serious about me, now he was flirting with other women?

"Let’s go over there," I suggested, already planning my revenge.

Ruby touched my arm, pointing to another spot in the room. "Actually, I have a better idea." She nodded toward a table where her brother Jax sat with his friends. "Let’s pretend we don’t even see those idiots."It was brilliant. Ruby led us to her brother’s table, where we were warmly welcomed. Jax and his friends were all handsome, well-dressed men who immediately made space for us, offering drinks and compliments.

Jax seemed particularly interested in Caroline, which was perfect for our plan. They were charming, funny, and clearly wealthy. Exactly the type of men to make our "friends" jealous.

"So, what brings beautiful women like you to our humble table?" asked one of Jax’s friends, leaning close to me.

I laughed, touching his arm. "Just looking for some quality company."

From the corner of my eye, I could see Joseph watching us, his jaw clenched tight. Just as I’d hoped, it didn’t take long before our table was surrounded by five very annoyed men.