The Beautiful Monster

"One more!"

"No!" Alyssa laughed out as she dragged Zoe away from the bar. She had already had a vodka cranberry and a shot of tequila.

She was trying to slow down before things got out of control, but Zoe kept pushing the line, as expected. "No more shots."

"Boo! Boring," Zoe grumbled as she let Alyssa lead her back to their table in the lounge area of the club and bar.

She sat on the high chair next to Elias, who was steadily sipping on a Jack and Coke as he watched the situation with an amused look.

"You're killing the party mood," Elias teased Alyssa once she sat back down.

Alyssa smirked as she reached out to take Elias' arm.

"I'm saving you from having to carry her back home," she pointed out. It was nice seeing everyone have a good time, though. They deserved it after a long, hard semester.

The drinks she had so far gave her a nice buzz, but she was fine staying at that level. She didn't feel the need to push it any farther because she was feeling good already.

"True," Elias chuckled. "Will I have to carry you too?"

"We'll see," Alyssa murmured as she playfully wiggled her eyebrows at him, making him laugh.

She wouldn't mind being carried to his bedroom, but that was for later. They had to be patient for just a little while longer, but that was asking a lot after this long week.

"Should I invite Cole?" Zoe suddenly asked as she peered at them from behind her phone. "He said he's free tonight."

Alyssa shared a small smile with Elias before nodding. Zoe didn't even have to ask, but she felt like Zoe needed a little push of courage that Alyssa was happy to give her.

"Why not?" she asked. She wanted Zoe to spend time with her crush. Plus, there was plenty of room for more people and more fun.

Zoe broke out into a wide smile before grabbing her phone and excusing herself to call Cole from outside of the loud club.

Alyssa turned to Elias.

"I hope they end up together. She never acts like this," she told him. They could even go on double dates if things worked out. It would be nice to do more group activities.

She wasn't used to hanging out with more than one person, but she wanted to get comfortable with it.

Elias nodded his agreement.

"Me too. It's weird seeing her shy," he chuckled as they leaned close to one another to hear each other above the club music.

"It's hard not being shy around someone who makes your heart skip," Alyssa pointed out as her eyes shifted up to his. It was a sensation that she was quite familiar with.

"Do I make your heart skip?" Elias murmured as he smiled at her.

"You make it skip… flutter… glow," Alyssa replied as she reached up to gently trail her fingers along his cheek.

She felt everything when she was with him. There was no shortage of feelings or sensations. It was a type of overwhelming that she didn't mind experiencing.

"I can make you feel that elsewhere too," Elias murmured near her ear. His hand moved to rest on her thigh under the table.

Alyssa bit into her bottom lip as she felt heat pulse between her thighs. Just his touch and his whisper already made her feel hot all over. The fire was instant, and she welcomed the burn.

"I have no doubt about that," she replied as she slowly blinked at him. She wished they weren't in this busy, loud club. She wanted to be somewhere quieter and more private with him.

Elias let his lips brush the shell of her ear teasingly as he spoke.

"Once Cole whisks Zoe away, I'm taking you back to my apartment," he told her.

Alyssa felt her heart jolt a little in excitement. She liked the sound of that. She liked spending time with all three of them, but she couldn't wait for Cole to show up so that her and Elias could sneak away.

"You better hope he hurries and shows up," she replied as she turned her head to brush her nose against his.

"Oh, I do," Elias chuckled as his lips grazed hers.

Alyssa laughed softly before pulling back slightly, not letting him kiss her just yet. In fact, she had a good idea to tease him even more.

She usually wouldn't do this, but she felt bolder than usual. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was her desire for him.

"Let's dance," she told him before taking his hand and leading him to the packed dance floor.

She didn't really know how to dance to an upbeat club song, but she just knew she wanted to feel his body against hers. She also just had to feel the music.

Elias grabbed her hips and pulled her close.

"I know what you're up to," he said over the music. He leaned close to her. "Don't act innocent."

"I wouldn't bother," Alyssa smirked at him as she ran her hands up his arms. Her fingertips traced the grooves of his biceps through his thin button down.

She wanted his shirt off, but that would come later. For now, this was a tease, a taste of later.

Elias ran his hands up her sides, grabbing her curves as they moved to the music together. They adopted a simple rhythm, letting the music lead them as they indulged in each other's bodies.

"You're driving me crazy already," he murmured lowly.

Alyssa leaned close to his ear.

"Good," she purred before turning around and pressing back against him. She grinded against him as he guided her hips with his strong hands.

She leaned her head back against his shoulder, watching the strobe lights flicker above her. She couldn't describe the feelings overtaking her. They were so chaotic, so intense. She felt on edge in a good way.

Elias turned his head to kiss her neck, drawing a soft moan from her. He smiled against her skin as his hands settled on her waist.

He didn't stop his teasing, though. His lips trailed along her neck, teasing behind her ear.