CHAPTER 267: CHAPTER 267 BURNING FOR HER

Joseph’s POV

I couldn’t believe my luck when Ava agreed to coffee. I’d seized that opportunity, making sure I saw her every day since. Each time, I found myself more captivated by her quiet strength and the way she didn’t fall for my usual charm.

When I was flirting with her at the coffee shop, I didn’t know if she was turned on, but I definitely was. I had to make her wait 15 minutes so my erection would go down before I could leave the coffee shop.

That night, I couldn’t stop thinking about her, so I called her on video. I planned to tease her a little by wearing just my boxers after my shower. But when she showed up on screen in that barely-there nightgown, my plan completely backfired.

That transparent fabric barely covering her curves had driven me wild. When she’d responded to my teasing with such passion, watching her pleasure herself had been the most erotic experience of my life. I’d never been so turned on by a woman through a damn phone screen.

After we hung up, I’d needed another round of self-pleasure and a cold shower just to calm down. I could have talked to her all night, but I didn’t want to come on too strong. She already seemed wary of my intentions.

"I’m the Alpha of Nightbane Pack, CEO of Puma Global, and I’m acting like a teenager with his first crush," I muttered , adjusting my shirt and posture to look my best as I waited outside for her.

When she walked out and saw me leaning against my car, her face brightened before she quickly tried to hide it. That tiny glimpse of excitement was worth everything.

I knew giving her that dress was risky. She might get uncomfortable when I gave her gifts. But I really wanted to see her in that gold dress. Our "friends with benefits" conversation had stung more than I cared to admit. When she kissed my cheek before going inside her apartment, it took every ounce of self-control not to pull her into a real kiss.

Now, parked outside her place on Saturday night, I sent a quick text letting her know I was here. As I leaned against my car waiting, the anticipation was killing me.

When she stepped through her gate, my breath caught. The golden sequined dress hugged her curves perfectly, making her skin glow. Her legs seemed endless in those heels, and her hair cascaded in perfect curls down her back.

"Wow! You’re absolutely breathtaking!" I managed, greeting her with two kisses on the cheeks that nearly burned my lips.

"Thank you, Joseph," she smiled, eyes scanning my tailored suit. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

"I try," I winked, but noticed her smile suddenly vanish as she stared across the street.

Following her gaze, I spotted a car parked in the shadows.I immediately felt protective when I saw her tense up.

"What’s wrong? Do you know who that is?" I asked, subtly positioning myself between her and the vehicle.

"Joseph, let’s just go," she said quietly, sliding into my car.

Once inside, she immediately started typing on her phone.

"Everything okay?" I asked, starting the engine while keeping an eye on the mysterious car.

"Yes, fine. Just letting my mom know there’s a suspicious car outside. She’ll call the police."

"We can stay if you want," I offered. "Make sure everything’s okay."

"No need. My mom is tough, and she’ll handle it."

I nodded, pulling away from the curb. "Call her later if you’re worried."

At the bar, the atmosphere was electric—stylish décor, great music, perfect lighting. After introductions were made, Eleanor quickly dragged the girls to the dance floor while I remained with the guys, unable to tear my eyes away from Ava’s hypnotic movements.

When Draven and Ryan arrived, I noticed Ryan’s immediate interest in Ruby. The band switched to a slower song, and I seized my chance.

"Dance with me?" I asked, extending my hand to Ava.

On the dance floor, I pulled her close, savoring the feeling of her body against mine.

"You look absolutely stunning," I whispered against her ear. "This dress was made for you."

"Thank you for the dress and shoes. I love them," she replied, her breath warm against my neck.

"I can tell," I sighed contentedly.

"If you want, I can lend them to you sometime," she teased with a mischievous giggle that sent heat straight through me.

"Oh please do. Let’s go to my place right now so you can take them off," I suggested, delighting in her laughter. "What? Didn’t you offer to lend them?"

"Yes, but I never said you’d see me naked again."

"That’s just cruel," I groaned, tightening my grip on her waist. "Do you have any idea how hard it is not to drag you out of here right now? I might not be able to resist kissing you though."

"I already told you you’re not taking off my dress tonight."

"We’ll see about that," I smirked, then leaned closer. "Please tell me you’re wearing decent underwear. This dress is dangerously short."

She looked up at me, confusion in her eyes. "Why wouldn’t I be wearing underwear?"

"Because after our video call night, I got the impression you’re not big on panties," I teased, enjoying the flush that spread across her cheeks.

"The shorts from that nightie count as underwear," she whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"They didn’t cover a damn thing and you know it," I growled softly. "You were trying to torture me, weren’t you?"

"Oh, you didn’t like it?" She feigned innocence. "Next time I’ll wear one of those animal onesie pajamas with the hood. Would you prefer that?"

"I’d prefer you wearing nothing at all."

"You’re terrible," she giggled.

"Baby, you have no idea."

When the song ended, we returned to the table to find Caroline and Draven getting cozy in the corner. The night continued perfectly, and I used every slow song as an excuse to hold her close. By the time we left, I was desperate for more.

Outside the bar, I pulled her close before she could escape to the car.

"Are you absolutely sure I can’t help you out of this dress tonight?" I asked, tracing the thin strap with my finger.

"Positive. Be a good Alpha and take me home."

"How will I know if you’re actually wearing underwear then?"

"You won’t," she laughed, slipping into the passenger seat.

"Evil woman!" I complained, sliding behind the wheel. "Last chance to change your mind?"

"To my house, Joseph. I have an early shift tomorrow."

"You need a better job," I muttered.

When I parked outside her building, Ava turned to me with a look that made my blood run hot. She took my hand and placed it on her thigh, her eyes never leaving mine.

"You wanted to know if I’m wearing panties..." she said seductively, guiding my hand under her dress.

I let her direct me, feeling the thin fabric of her underwear as my fingers reached their destination. The material was already damp, and I couldn’t help but press my palm against her, groaning at the heat I found there.

"Fuck, Ava," I growled, "How am I supposed to walk away now?"

She answered by pulling me into a kiss that nearly stopped my heart. I stroked her through the delicate fabric, my fingers exploring her wetness as she moaned against my lips. My cock strained painfully against my pants, desperate for release.

While kissing me, she boldly placed her hand on my erection, massaging me through my pants. The dual sensation of touching her while she touched me was maddening.

When she finally broke the kiss, she moved my hand from between her legs to her ass, and I realized with a jolt that she was wearing a thong. Using my free hand, I lifted her dress slightly and caught sight of the barely-there, transparent black fabric.

"That’s hardly underwear at all," I groaned appreciatively, drinking in the sight of her. "It doesn’t cover a damn thing."

"No?" She put on an innocent expression. "I should ask for a refund." Then, with a wicked smile, she pushed my hand away. "But since it doesn’t cover anything..." She quickly removed the thong and tossed it in my lap. "I guess I didn’t need it anyway."

"Holy shit, Ava." I was completely speechless as she leaned across me, gave me a quick kiss, and slipped out of the car.

"Sweet dreams, Joseph. I had a wonderful time," she called over her shoulder before disappearing inside, leaving me holding her thong and sporting the most painful erection of my life.

Dean howled with frustration in my head."Go after her!"

"Not tonight," I muttered, adjusting myself uncomfortably. "But soon."

She left something behind for me again. Next time I definitely need to teach her not to leave things behind.