by DoctorKowalski
Eight months earlier...
Alyssa stepped into the crowded Sigma Chi house. Pulsing music reverberated through the walls, and plastic cups littered every surface. Everywhere she looked, guys were eyeing her hungrily.
Her sparkly crop top clung to her curves, and her tight skirt barely grazed her mid-thigh, revealing an expanse of tanned, toned legs. As she danced, Alyssa's hand drifted across her bare midriff, fingertips grazing the glittering piercing that adorned her navel.
Alyssa sauntered through the crowd, drinking in the stares and double-takes. Guys elbowed their buddies and not-so-subtly gestured in her direction. A few bold ones approached to flirt, plying her with atrocious pickup lines and offers of drinks. She returned playful banter, but didn't let them get too close. She knew she was on a different level and didn't intend to make herself too accessible. Not tonight anyway.
In high school, Alyssa had cycled through endless boyfriends and hookups, relishing both the thrill of conquest and the satisfying ache of a good, hard fuck. But she was just getting started here. There would be time to enjoy these boys. Tonight, she had decided just to marinate in this new atmosphere.
She felt radiant, glowing with possibility and power. Already, this new world was reorienting into orbit around her - the bass booming in time with her heartbeats, the swirling kaleidoscope of giddy, drunk faces all blurring together as they gazed at her with adoration and envy.
***
It was nearly 3 AM when Alyssa finally stumbled drunk into her dark apartment, still riding the high of the party. She flicked on the light and kicked off her heels haphazardly, not caring where they landed.
In her bedroom, she shimmied out of her skirt and crop top, leaving them in a pile on the floor. Her lacy bra and panties quickly followed, flung in the general direction of her overflowing laundry basket. Wearing nothing but a tipsy smile, she sauntered to the kitchen and threw open the fridge. She was already second-guessing her decision to come home without a hookup; without one, she would definitely need some other treat.
There, on the top shelf, was her prize - a box of gourmet cupcakes, left over from her roommate's birthday the day before. "Wendy won't even notice a few missing," Alyssa thought mischievously as she snatched the box.
Back in her room, she flopped onto the unmade bed, box in hand. Alyssa selected a chocolate one and bit in, eyes fluttering shut as the rich flavor hit her tongue.
One by one, the cupcakes disappeared. Crumbs scattered across her chest, frosting smearing her fingers. She lounged euphoric, bare and content, lost in sugary bliss.
When she realized with surprise that the last cupcake was gone, Alyssa let the box tumble to the floor and stretched happily across the rumpled sheets, hands skimming over her bare curves. Her fingers trailed across the smooth planes of her stomach, fingertips circling her bellybutton. They drifted upwards, skimming the curves of her breasts, the touch feather-light and teasing.
Her hand slid between her legs, and she shivered at the sensation, back arching off the mattress as sparks radiated outwards. Warm pleasure filled her body, building easily. When she came, a contented sigh escaped her parted lips.
Thoughts drifted hazily to the new world opening itself up in front of her - the VIP invites soon to come, the hot boys that would fall over themselves for a chance with her, how the other girls would envy her. This was only the beginning.
That night, her dreams were a blur of flashing lights, pounding music, and adoring faces, with Alyssa at the center of it all.
***
Morning light filtering through the blinds and the distant sound of chanting intruded on Alyssa's reverie, dragging her reluctantly back to wakefulness. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before the distinctive cadence of the cheer squad's cries registered from the field behind her dorm. Tryouts.
After her late night, she'd overslept. Dammit.
A pang of nostalgia rippled through her as memories of high school came rushing back. The thrill of Friday night, the satisfaction after nailing a new routine, the camaraderie of the squad. She'd been their captain, their leader, the one who set the standard.
But what was college if not a chance to reinvent herself? Life had already gotten so busy here, and there was still so much new territory to explore. Cheerleading was a remnant of her past anyway, a quaint relic of her small pond days. Let the try-hards have their stunts and cutesy rhymes. She was a grown-up now.
Alyssa rolled over with a grunt, burying her face in the pillow to drown out the persistent chanting. She drifted back to sleep, content to spend a few more hours sleeping off last night. The cheerleaders' cries faded into nothingness, forgotten in the haze of hungover half-sleep.
***
"Did you see the turnout for rush?"
"Insane. Are there actually more freshmen this year?"
"Any standouts?"
"A few. There's this one girl—"
"Blonde? Crop top?"
"That's the one. Alyssa something."
"Hastings. Alyssa Hastings."
"How do you know already?"
"Please. Everyone knows."
"That good?"
"That hot."
"Damn. Potential?"
"Top-tier for sure. If she's not completely—"
"Stuck up?"
"I was gonna say 'boring', but yeah."
"Speaking of boring, did you see Sarah's rush outfit?"
"The one with the—"
"Yep."
"Yikes."
"Be nice. She's sweet."
"Sweet doesn't cut it here."
"True. Back to Alyssa. Where's she from?"
"Some small town. Cheer captain, homecoming queen—"
"Of course she was."
"The usual story."
"No doubt the sharks are circling."
"Already. Saw her talking to Mike from Sigma Chi."
"Mike? Seriously?"
"I know. Talk about aiming high."
"Or low, depending on your standards."
"Ha! True. Oh, did you hear about the mixer next week?"
"Yeah, but I don't know if I should—"
"You're going. We're all going."
"Fine. What should I wear?"
"Not what Sarah wore to rush."
"Obviously. Hey, pass me that flyer?"
"This one? For the... dance marathon?"
"Yeah. Thinking of signing up."
"Cute boys, good cause. I'm in."
"Speaking of. Three o'clock."
"Wow. She really is—"
"Told you."
"Those jeans should be illegal."
"Pretty sure they are in some states."
"Bitch."
"Think she'll accept our bid?"
"She'd be crazy not to."
"True, but you never know with those types."
"Guess we'll find out soon enough."
"Can't wait. This year's gonna be interesting."
"You can say that again."
"Hey, wanna grab coffee before the next event?"
"God, yes. I'm dying."
***
The sprawling backyard of the Sigma Chi house pulsed with life. String lights cast a warm glow over the crowd, the air electric with the promise of the young semester.
Alyssa stood by the makeshift bar, a vision of freshman perfection. Her white crop top clung to her chest, revealing a tantalizing strip of toned midriff. High-waisted jeans hugged her narrow waist before flaring over her peachy curves. Her long blonde hair cascaded in waves, framing eyes that sparkled with mischief and fun.
As always, Alyssa noticed all of the eyes on her. But more than that, she was aware of the heat building inside her, a familiar, insistent ache that had been her constant companion since puberty. Here at college, away from the constraints of home and surrounded everywhere by sexy and willing men, Alyssa's libido was in high gear.
"Another drink, Lyss?" asked Mike, the Sigma Chi president, already reaching for the vodka.
Alyssa, several drinks in already, flashed him a coy smile, letting her gaze linger on his muscled forearms. "Are you trying to get me drunk, Michael?"
He grinned back, a hint of challenge in his eyes. "Would I need to?"
She just rolled her eyes at him and smiled again. Mike's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. She let him refill her cup.
Alyssa felt a rush of power, coupled with a surge of arousal that made her thighs clench. Mike was a handsome senior, an athlete, a fraternity president - the top of the pyramid - and she could have him if she wanted, right now. It was a sexy thought. In truth, though, while their hookup last week had been fun, it hadn't really scratched the itch. A high-status conquest was a thrill, but her body craved something more than what he delivered.
Samantha caught her looking at Mike and smiled, "He's so sexy, right?" she whispered.
Alyssa made a face.
"What?" said Samantha.
Alyssa shook her head.
"Spit it out!" Samantha demanded.
Alyssa laughed. "I mean...? How about a cute sophomore for you? An ultimate frisbee guy?"
Her tone was light enough to maintain plausible deniability, but the sentiment underneath was just a little too on the nose. Samantha was pretty - even hot in the right outfit - but as Alpha Phi pledges went, she was pretty standard issue.
Samantha's expression looked wounded enough that Alyssa felt compelled to add, "Girl, I'm totally joking...you go get it!" before excusing herself to go mingle.
As she scanned the crowd, weighing her options, her gaze alighted on other prospects. There was Tyler, a lanky junior, who played guitar in a band. Sadly, their romp after his show at the Owl last weekend had left her frustrated and wanting. Over by the bar, Nate was easy on the eyes, but she'd heard an unflattering rumor and ruled him out already.
Leaning against the far fence was a face she'd seen around but never really noticed before. Tall, curly dark hair, nerdy cute. He wasn't paying attention to her; he was engaged in what looked like an intense conversation with a couple of other guys. Evan, she thought, was his name. A sophomore, psych major, if she remembered correctly.
Different from her typical type, but compelling on some level.
Her musings were interrupted as she caught sight of her roommate Wendy, brown-haired and mousey, hovering awkwardly at the edge of a group. Alyssa felt a twinge of... something. Pity? Annoyance?
With a sigh, Alyssa excused herself from Mike.
"Having fun?" she asked Wendy, slinging an arm around her roommate's shoulders.
Wendy startled slightly at the contact. "Oh, um, yeah. It's a great party."
Alyssa resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Come on, let's get you mingling properly. Can't have my roomie being a wallflower, can I?"
She steered Wendy towards a group of Sigma Chis, feeling a rush of satisfaction at how easily the crowd parted for her. "Boys, this is my roommate Wendy. Be nice to her, okay?"
As the guys turned their attention to a blushing Wendy, Alyssa stepped back, basking in her generosity. She'd done her good deed for the night. Now, to take care of her own needs...
Her gaze drifted to the snack table. Surely she deserved a little something? Alyssa meandered over and plucked a cookie from a platter. As she bit into it, she caught sight of her reflection in a decorative mirror and got a little thrill.
As she turned back to her friends, Alyssa found her gaze drawn once more to Evan. Maybe, she thought, it was time to try something a little different...
***
3 hours later, 2 AM Saturday morning.
Wendy awoke with a start, groggily registering a repetitive thumping sound punctuated by feminine moans. As sleep's fog lifted, the realization dawned - Alyssa was having extremely loud sex with some guy in the next room. It definitely wasn't the first guy she'd brought home, but this was a whole different kind of noise.
"Oh god! Oooooooooh god. Oooooh god, yes!" Alyssa's muffled voice carried through the too-thin walls, followed by the squeaking protest of bedsprings. Wendy groaned and yanked her pillow over her head.
But the pillow was a poor buffer against the cries building on the other side of the drywall. Sweet lord, from the sounds of it, this one was quite a talent. Wendy tried to focus on anything else, but her imagination betrayed her, conjuring vivid mental images to accompany the X-rated audio.
The missing cupcakes, the constant "borrowing" of her cell phone charger, and now this assault - two weeks in, and Alyssa was already pushing the boundaries of roommate etiquette. Irritation simmered in Wendy's sleep-deprived brain, competing with her curiosity.
Another moan rattled the walls, followed by the frenetic rhythm of the headboard banging against the wall. Wendy stared at the ceiling as a flush of warmth crept down her body. It was going to be a long night.
***
The next morning, Wendy sat curled up on the couch, nursing a cup of coffee and trying to blink away her sleepless night. She was absorbed in her chem textbook when she heard Alyssa's bedroom door creak open.
She looked up and nearly choked on her coffee. Stepping tentatively out of Alyssa's room, clad only in snug black boxer briefs, was none other than Evan. Evan, the cute, quiet guy from her Psych class. Evan, who always sat two rows ahead of her, whose dark curls she may have once or twice imagined running her fingers through during a particularly boring lecture.
Evan, who was now padding across their living room in his underwear, looking like a snack and offering evidence of certain generous physical attributes Wendy had never planned to learn about.
"Oh, uh, hey," Evan mumbled, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "You must be Alyssa's roommate."
Wendy's face flushed crimson as she dragged her eyes back up to meet his. "Y-yeah. I'm Wendy. From Psych," she managed, her voice coming out strained. Of course, Alyssa hadn't mentioned her. "I'm just...studying." She gestured lamely to the book in her lap.
"Right, right. I thought you looked familiar." Evan shuffled his feet. "Well, uh, I gotta run. Early class. Nice to officially meet you, though."
"Yep, same. I mean, nice to meet you too," Wendy stammered. Her mind kept replaying snippets of overheard dirty talk, making it impossible to meet Evan's eyes.
With a final nod and a half-smile, Evan gathered his clothes from where they lay strewn by the couch and ducked back into Alyssa's room. He emerged seconds later, hastily dressed, and with a mumbled goodbye, he was out the door.
Wendy slumped back against the cushions, her textbook forgotten. She could have any guy on campus; why did Alyssa have to pick the one Wendy had been crushing on?
The image of Evan in his underwear remained seared into her retinas.
***
An hour later, Wendy was on her yoga mat in the living room, mid-downward dog, when Alyssa breezed out of her bedroom looking like ten million dollars.
Her artfully tousled blond waves framed her face, and her makeup was subtle but flawless.
Alyssa's outfit was the perfect blend of casual and sexy - a cropped baby tee that hugged her perky chest and exposed a sliver of toned midriff, paired with painted-on skinny jeans that lovingly cupped her peachy derriere. On her feet were trendy ankle boots with a chunky heel.
In contrast, Wendy felt decidedly frumpy in her sweats. She'd only recently retired from the world of competitive gymnastics, and her body still bore the marks of that grueling lifestyle. Years of intense training had left her with a lean, compact physique - muscular and boyishly straight.
Sure, in the months since hanging up her leotard, Wendy had started to fill out a bit, adding a gentle new swell to her hips. But next to Alyssa's bombshell figure, Wendy felt like a prepubescent kid playing dress-up.
Alyssa, of course, was oblivious to Wendy's self-consciousness. She practically floated through the apartment, triumph and satisfaction rolling off her in waves.
"Bye, Wendy! Don't wait up!" Alyssa trilled as she swept out the front door in a cloud of floral perfume, off to grace the campus with her presence.
***
Alyssa sat at a table in the Alpha Phi house, surrounded by pledge sisters, their chatter washing over her. She nodded along at appropriate intervals, a vague smile plastered on her face, but her mind was elsewhere. Specifically, it was fixed on a certain dark-haired psychology student who seemed to be ignoring her texts.
She glanced down at her phone for the hundredth time, her irritation mounting as the hours passed without a reply.
Beneath the simmering annoyance, however, was a deeper, more insistent need. Alyssa's body hummed with desire, craving Evan's touch, his mouth, his perfect dick. She shifted in her seat.
Waiting for Evan was making her agitated, like an addict jonesing for a fix. The fact that the fix wasn't immediately forthcoming was driving her to distraction.
Almost unconsciously, Alyssa reached for the plate of brownies in the center of the table, sitting mostly ignored by the others. She picked one up and bit into it, barely registering the taste as she chewed mechanically. Anything to distract herself from the growing ache between her thighs.
One brownie became two, then three. The sweet indulgence provided a fleeting comfort.
She was halfway through her fourth brownie when her phone finally buzzed with an incoming message. Alyssa nearly dropped the treat in her haste to grab the device. But it was just Tyler.
With a growl of annoyance, Alyssa tossed her phone back onto the table and reached for another brownie. Fine. If Evan wanted to play hard to get, she'd make him beg for the privilege of touching her again.
If the other girls noticed the agitated way she licked the chocolate from her fingers or the distant look in her eyes, they were kind enough not to mention it.
***
Wendy sat cross-legged on the living room couch, surrounded by binders and notebooks, color-coding her schedule for the upcoming week. Alyssa, fresh out of the shower, chattered away from the other side of her half-open bedroom door.
Not really paying attention, Wendy glanced at the calendar on her phone and found it at 9% power.
"Hey Alyssa, can I come in? I need my charger back..."
Alyssa didn't reply, but a moment later she walked casually into the common area, charger in hand and wearing nothing but a barely-there thong. Her long blonde hair was wet, dripping onto her shoulders and down her back.
Wendy blinked, taken aback by her roommate's casual nudity. She quickly averted her eyes, but not before taking in the sight of Alyssa's body. It was, frankly, incredible. Tanned, toned, and perfectly proportioned, like a girl from a magazine.
"...and then that same guy, Jimmy something, tried to hit on me again at the Sigma Chi party," Alyssa was saying, apparently continuing a conversation Wendy hadn't realized they were having. She moved around the room with complete ease, as if being nearly naked in a shared space was the most natural thing in the world.
Wendy tried to keep her eyes on her planner, but found it impossible not to glance up occasionally. Alyssa's breasts were full and perky, bouncing slightly with each animated gesture she made. Her stomach was flat, with visible ab definition. As she turned to grab something from a shelf, Wendy couldn't help but notice her perfectly rounded backside, the thong doing little to conceal it.
During Orientation, Wendy had been mortified to overhear a group of boys on the floor having an extended conversation about her new roommate's butt. So this is what the fuss was about.
"He was sweet, I guess," Alyssa continued, her tone attempting diplomacy but not quite hitting the mark. "But you know, not really my type. He's a junior. On the baseball team, I think? Although not exactly athletic-looking, poor guy. Anyway, he kept telling me about his batting average or something."
Wendy nodded, pretending to follow along.
"I mean, I didn't want to be rude, you know?" Alyssa said, stretching languidly. "But sometimes I think guys like that should just know better. It's like, read the room, you know?"
Wendy watched as Alyssa flopped onto the armchair across from her, legs draped over the side. She marveled at how someone could be so utterly self-centered and yet so magnetic at the same time.
"I guess he just shot his shot," Wendy offered, trying to sound neutral.
Alyssa laughed, a tinkling sound that filled the room. "Yeah, I suppose. Gotta admire the confidence, right? Even if it's a bit off the mark."
As Alyssa launched into another story, Wendy resigned herself to getting no organizing done. She closed her planner, settling in to listen, and wondered if this was what the rest of the year would be like - trying to maintain her composure while her stunningly beautiful, boundary-ignoring roommate treated their shared space like her personal stage.
Despite her discomfort, Wendy couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. To have the luxury of dismissing guys so casually...what a world to live in.
And what would it be like to be that beautiful, that comfortable in one's own skin... it must be nice. Even if it came with an apparent inability to read social cues.
***
A week later, Alyssa was again basking in hungry gazes and drunk compliments. Another crop top showed off her taught belly, her jeans again accentuated her perfect ass. It was barely 10 PM, and she was already several cocktails in.
When she spotted Evan, he was chatting happily with a group of relaxed-looking boys. To her surprise and annoyance, he seemed absorbed in his conversation, not even sparing her a glance.
A hot wave of indignation washed over her, tempered by the thrum of desire. Memories of their last encounter flashed through her mind - strong hands gripping her hips, the blissful ache of being filled by him.
Tearing her eyes away from Evan, Alyssa zeroed in on the snack table. She sauntered over, putting an extra sway in her hips, and grabbed a slice of pizza. She took a large bite, chewing slowly as she scanned the room from beneath lowered lashes, pointedly ignoring Evan's corner.
The pizza was greasy and lukewarm, but Alyssa barely noticed. She finished the slice in three bites and reached for another.
She would make him come to her. Alyssa was no one's afterthought. She was the main character, and if Evan couldn't see that, it was his loss.
But even as she told herself that, Alyssa couldn't quite suppress the shiver of anticipation that raced through her at the thought of his hands on her body. It was only a matter of time. She could wait him out.
***
Alyssa was simmering with lust, frustration, and wounded pride when Evan finally acknowledged her. Part of her wanted to make him work for it. Rebalance the scales. Her ego railed against the idea of giving in too easily. But her desire quickly won out.
"Let's get out of here," he said quietly. Alyssa could only nod, not trusting her voice.
By the time they stumbled through her front door, she was practically vibrating out of her skin, every nerve ending alight with need.
She pounced on Evan the moment the door closed behind them, her hands fisting in his hair as she crashed her mouth against his. He backed her up against the wall and hitched her leg over his hip. She ground hard against him, seeking friction.
"Fuck, I need it," she gasped, nipping at his bottom lip.
Evan groaned, his fingers digging into the flesh of her ass.
They stumbled into her room, shedding clothes as they went. By the time they fell onto her bed, they were both naked and panting.
Her pride didn't matter in that moment. All that existed was her desire and the exquisite pleasure of his body.
Later, she would worry about what it meant that she craved this person so desperately. But for now, Alyssa let herself drown in bliss. Tonight, there was only Evan and the sweet satisfaction of getting correctly and thoroughly fucked.
***
Wendy stared at the ceiling as sound of Alyssa's loud orgasms once again intruded through the thin walls. The creaking of bedsprings and Alyssa's throaty moans filled their small apartment.
A flush of heat suffused Wendy's body, pooling low in her belly. She squirmed beneath the covers, suddenly hyperaware of every inch of her sensitive skin.
Wendy's fantasies played out behind closed eyelids. Her hand drifted lower, fingertips skimming over the waistband of her shorts. She slipped her hand beneath the elastic, her fingers finding slick, swollen flesh. She bit her lip to stifle a moan as she began to circle her clit, her hips lifting to meet her touch.
In the next room, Alyssa's cries were getting louder again. She matched her roommate's rhythm, imagining Evan's touch in place of her own. Pressure coiled tighter and tighter in her, her thighs trembling with the effort of keeping quiet. When release finally crashed over her, Wendy had to bury her face in her pillow to muffle her own cry.
***
The patio buzzed with activity, but one table stood out - a nucleus of energy and laughter at its center. Alyssa leaned back in her chair, one hand twirling a strand of golden hair as she spoke.
"So there I was, backstage at the concert, and the lead singer just walks up and-"
"No way!" Nate interrupted, leaning in closer. "How did you even get backstage?"
Alyssa's eyes sparkled. "A girl never reveals all her secrets," she teased, reaching for her milkshake.
As she took a long sip, Mike arrived at the table, dropping into an empty seat. "What'd I miss?"
"Alyssa's about to dish on her backstage adventures," Samantha filled him in, pushing a forkful of salad around her plate.
Mike's eyebrows shot up. "This I gotta hear."
Alyssa leaned forward, taking a big bite of her cheeseburger. Ketchup smeared the corner of her mouth, and she licked it away with a playful grin. Her plate was piled high with crispy fries, and a thick chocolate milkshake sat within easy reach.
"God, I was starving," Alyssa said, popping a fry into her mouth. "Nothing beats a good burger, right?"
Mike nodded approvingly. "It's refreshing to see a girl who actually eats," he said, his eyes lingering on Alyssa. "None of that rabbit food nonsense."
Samantha's fork paused halfway to her mouth, her expression flickering for just a moment before she forced a smile.
"Life's too short for boring food," Alyssa declared, taking a long sip of her milkshake.
"Anyway, he invites us to the after-party, right? But here's the kicker-"
She paused dramatically, reaching for her fries. The whole table leaned in, captivated.
Harper cleared her throat. "Aren't you worried about the freshman fifteen, Lyss?" Her tone was light, but her eyes were sharp.
Alyssa laughed, patting her flat stomach. "Please. I've got the metabolism of a hummingbird." She winked at Mike. "Besides, I know how to work it off."
Chuckles rippled around the table. Nate's gaze lingered on Alyssa a beat too long.
"So what happened at the after-party?" he prompted, tearing his eyes away.
Alyssa grinned, popping another fry into her mouth. "Well, let's just say what happens backstage, stays backstage."
A chorus of groans and laughs erupted.
"Come on, you can't leave us hanging like that!" Mike protested.
Alyssa shrugged, her smile mischievous. "Maybe I'll tell you the rest another time. If you're lucky."
***
"Hey, sorry, been super busy with school and stuff. Catch you later though!"
Alyssa's perfectly shaped eyebrows furrowed. Evan's latest reply stared back at her, the cheerful tone and lack of concrete plans making her blood boil.
As she lay in bed, stewing in her wounded pride and simmering arousal, Alyssa's stomach gave a pointed gurgle. Without thinking, she reached for her phone again, this time opening the DoorDash app. Before she really processed what she was doing, Alyssa had placed an order for enough food to feed a small army.
As she waited for the delivery to arrive, Alyssa tried to push thoughts of Evan from her mind. Someone like her didn't need to obsess over a guy, no matter how magic his dick.
By the time the food arrived, Alyssa had worked herself into a state of righteous indignation. She practically snatched the bags from the startled delivery driver, slamming the door in his face without so much as a thank you.
Alyssa settled cross-legged on the couch, a feast spread out on the coffee table. She dug in with gusto. Each spicy, savory bite was a momentary distraction from the confusing jumble of emotions in her chest.
For now, Alyssa let herself get lost in the sensory pleasures of her feast - the burn of ginger on her tongue, the sweet stickiness of mango, the satisfying fullness of her belly. And even when she'd eaten her fill, she just kept eating; if thoughts of Evan still lurked at the edges of her consciousness, she did her best to crowd them out with another spring roll, another decadent spoonful of coconut rice.
One way or another, she'd get what she wanted from him - pleasure, submission, the upper hand. In the meantime, there were other pleasures. Alyssa licked a stray bit of curry from her fingers and forced a smile to her lips.