Chapter Text
When they returned from the spa, Rhaenys decided to stay so she could help Dany get things ready for the party. They sent her fiancé to run some errands while the two of them worked on the finger foods. Neither she nor Jon had talked much on the drive back and she was grateful Aegon and his girlfriend decided to stay a bit longer at the spa so she didn’t have to sit on his lap for the duration of the ride home.
“Where’d Jon run off to?” Rhaenys asked as she worked on putting together a charcuterie tray.
“I saw him head upstairs. Probably to bury his nose in work for a few hours.”
“He went to your room? Or his? Oh, wait...I forgot they’re the same now.”
Ignoring her snickering, Dany shot a dirty look at Rhaenys and grabbed a plastic pitcher to fill with ice. “Will you quit it? I told you it was only a one-time thing because we fell asleep watching a movie. Nothing is going on between us.”
The memory of Jon licking her quivering cunt caused it to clench involuntarily with a spasm. She quickly grabbed the edge of the counter, sucking in a deep breath to keep upright as one knee buckled.
Down, girl! Who would've thought Jon's tongue would have her chastising her pussy to behave hours later? It shouldn't have come as a surprise. It was totally in character for him to aggravate her, even when he wasn't in the same room.
One-time thing, she repeated like a mantra. One time...and it can’t happen again.
Even as she thought it, she wondered what would happen after dark. They still hadn’t resolved the issue of who would sleep in the master bedroom. If they found themselves in the same bed again and Jon was interested.... Unable to finish that sentence, she abandoned the pitcher of ice and instead busied herself with opening up cabinets, one after another.
Rhaenys watched her flit about the space. "What's with you? Why are you all flushed and skittish?"
"We need platters." She located them on a top shelf and thrust them out like she found a prize.
Rhaenys took the dishes out of her hands. “I'm only teasing you about Jon. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
“Thank you! About time you believe me.”
“You won’t have to deal with it anymore because after tonight, the only bed Jon will find himself in is Ari’s.”
She swiveled around, her arm knocking the pitcher off the counter. It crashed to the floor and ice cubes scattered everywhere. “Shit!”
“Sorry, did I say something wrong?”
Kneeling on the floor, she started scooping up the cubes and paused to wipe her cold hands on her shirt to try and warm them up, to no avail. “No—I don’t—why should I care who Jon dates?” Giving up, she grabbed another handful of ice and tossed it into the pitcher with a loud clatter.
“Dating? It’s sweet you call it that.” Rhaenys shook her head. “Ari won't tie herself down to one guy. She's only interested in a fling.”
“Well, she picked the wrong guy to do it with. Jon has a lot of work to get done. I doubt he’ll have any time for her.”
“Men always make time for women they’re interested in,” she said with a knowing look. “You saw the way she was checking him out. I’m sure Jon will be no different unless he has a reason to turn her down.”
Arianne was beautiful, charming and the aura of hot sex clung to her thicker than the humidity in Dorne. Dany couldn’t think of one reason why Jon would turn her down. “She’s only using him for sex,” she muttered. “Jon has a lot more to offer than just a good fuck.”
As soon as she said it, she made a face. Who was she to come down on Arianne when she was no different? Sex was what she wanted and it was what she got. If he hopped into another bed not even twelve hours after what they did, he had every right to. Yet, a sting of hurt wormed its way under her skin.
From her seat on the floor, she handed the pitcher of ice to Rhaenys and was given a roll of paper towels. Ripping off a fistful she set her jaw and started trying to clean up the awful mess she’d made.
“Maybe while Jon’s off having fun with Ari, you can have some fun of your own with Quentyn.”
“Not funny.”
Rhaenys leaned against the counter and seemed thoroughly amused at the glower on her face. “What's wrong with Quentyn?”
“Look, he seems like a sweet guy,” Dany said, remembering the shy, awkward boy who used to sit and stare at her from the corner but would get spooked anytime they made eye contact. “He’s...not my type.”
“And who is your type?”
“I don’t know,” she said and flicked a strand of hair out of her face. “Someone different. More confident...smart...with a quick wit and can make me laugh. Someone who’s not afraid of me in any sense.”
“If that’s what you want then why do you keep dating assholes?”
“Hey, I don’t only go for assholes.”
Rhaenys ticked them off. “Drogo, Daario, Hizdhar—”
“Ok, stop!” She got off the floor and wrung the wet towels in the sink. “You made your point. No need to bring up a list of my mistakes.”
“Sorry.” As a gesture of contrition, Rhaenys squeezed her arm. “You know I only want you to be happy.”
“Yes, and I’m sure giving my heart to some guy will guarantee that,” she said with a sigh.
Their gazes met and held. “You can, for the right guy," Rhaenys said softly. "You don't have to be afraid of letting go. Not everyone ends up like your parents.”
Dany stared at her niece. It was jarring to have it stated so matter-of-factly like that. If her parent’s volatile marriage had taught her anything, it was that she would never be that weak. The endless cycle of abuse she’d witnessed her mother suffer because she loved her father too much to leave proved it wasn't worth it.
She made a vow never to fall the way her mother had. Love fucked everything up, but sex, that she could always control.
“We’re back!”
The front door slammed closed and a second later Rhaenys’ fiancee came into the kitchen carrying some drinks. To her surprise, a step behind him was Jon, his arms full as well. He set his cases down on the counter and turned to find her gaping at him.
“Why are you giving me that look?” he asked. “You better not tell us we got the wrong drinks.”
“No.” Dany quickly cleared her throat, eyes darting from his face to the drinks and back. “You kept saying how much work you had. I just—I thought you were upstairs doing it.”
“I started to, but then it looked like you could use some help.” At her confusion, he scratched his beard and averted his gaze. “Anyway, this day is already shot to hell so I might as well make myself useful.”
Looking between the two of them, Rhaenys tapped Jon on the arm. “Can you help us set up the tables and extra chairs outside? Dany can handle the stuff in here.”
The three of them walked out together and she went back to her prep work, mulling over her discussion with Rhaenys.
So maybe she did date a certain type. Men who were cocky and self-assured, too hot for their own good, and knew it. But underneath the sexy exterior, she found them severely lacking the depth she was hoping for. None of them ever made her happy and maybe that’s the way it was supposed to be. Her parents were never happy either.
She finished putting together the meat and cheese tray Rhaenys was working on. As she was filling some small bowls with snacks, she heard a splash from outside, followed by laughter.
Walking to the back door that led to the yard, she peeked out and saw that Rhaenys’ fiancé had fallen into the pool. She and Jon stood on the deck laughing at him before Jon reached a hand down and helped the poor guy climb out.
Jon looked happy, his bright smile lighting up his beautiful face. She stared at him for a couple of seconds longer before turning around. On her way back to the sink, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in a pane of glass in the cabinet.
She had been smiling too.
The party was in full swing by the time Jon came down the stairs. Loud music was blaring through the outdoor surround sound speakers and the stringed lights in the trees and overhead illuminated the entire yard.
Revelers were frolicking in the pool or huddled in small groups drinking. Some of the faces in the crowd he recognized as neighbors he grew up with. Others were most likely friends Dany made in the subsequent years after he stopped coming to the family vacation house. Jon stopped to greet old friends and catch up on life stories before moving to the bar area.
He grabbed a bottle of ale and wandered the yard, trying to appear like he wasn’t searching for her when Dany came out of the house with a bowl of snacks. Moving to stand beneath the shadow of the mango tree, he leaned back against it and watched her.
She had changed into a short pink dress covered in beaded fringe. The low-cut neckline revealed the slopes of her breasts and left her arms and back exposed. His hands tingled with need to have them on her again. One tug of the strings tied behind her neck and Jon could have the entire dress pooled at her feet.
He’d barely whet his appetite. Rather than satiate, his hunger gnawed like a beast and Jon couldn’t even blame her for it. He’d always known what the outcome would be if he gave in to his desire and yet, he hadn’t resisted.
As hostess, Dany was in her element. She laughed easily, mingled with the crowd, and was even pulled into a quick dance with some older guy who lived a few houses down. Seeing her without a care in the world proved to him she’d moved on from what they’d done. For his own sanity, he would need to embrace that same mindset.
He took a swallow of ale and willed himself to relax, but found it impossible. Because he desperately needed it, Jon pulled out the old pack of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one. He took a drag, then switched off to sip from his drink. As expected, it didn’t take long before she made her way over.
“Gods, Snow, how did I know I’d find you lurking in the shadows? You’re at a party; the least you can do is pretend to have a good time.”
“Who says I’m not?” He blew out a puff of smoke and was rewarded with an irritated frown from her.
“If you were, you wouldn’t be smoking and brooding.”
“Is that why you're here, Dany? To make sure I have a good time?”
She smiled, slow as sin, and damn if his dick didn't jump up to do her bidding. "I know how to ensure you have a good time.”
He took a deliberate scan of her and lifted his lip in a half smile. “I highly doubt you’re thinking what I am.”
Even in the low lighting, he could see a flash of heat in her eyes and it drew him, making him push away from the tree and take a step toward her.
"Maybe we can start off with you on your knees..."
He took another step closer. "Go on."
"...and maybe I can take something off for you..."
Fuck yes. He liked where this was going.
"Then, I'll take your hands...and slip my feet into them."
Her burst of laughter had him smiling wryly and he scratched his beard, careful not to burn himself with his cigarette. "Funny."
"You must be slow today because you walked right into that one."
Seeing her laughing face had a warmth spreading through his chest, which he figured was probably heartburn. It was odd to see they were capable of this other type of teasing.
“Oh, there she is!” Aegon’s voice rang out amidst the crowd and they turned to see him walking toward them with a guy Jon didn’t recognize. When he reached them, he gestured to the man. “Do you two remember my cousin Quentyn?”
“Quentyn?” Dany’s eyes rounded in surprise.
Quentyn smiled brightly at her, his lips peeled back to reveal blindingly white teeth. Jon vaguely remembered from his mother's wedding a quiet, awkward boy who hovered in the background. The man standing before him was neither awkward nor plain, wearing a watch that cost at least three times Jon's rent. No longer content to stand on the sidelines, his eyes roamed blatantly over Dany. Jon scowled.
“Hello, gorgeous.” He opened up his arms and Dany stepped in for a hug.
Jon tried to rein in his impatience as the guy rubbed Dany’s bare back and held on for far longer than he thought was appropriate.
When she pulled back, she was smiling. “Don’t gorgeous me. Look at you! I haven’t seen you since graduation—you look amazing!”
“What can I say except that Meereen really agreed with me.”
“You were in Meereen? I studied there for a time. Funny we never ran into each other.” They shared a laugh before Dany glanced over at Jon. “Hey, you remember Jon, right?”
They shook hands and he was satisfied to find Quentyn's hand soft, his grip weak. It was exactly what he expected.
“Jon, you look vaguely familiar," Quentyn said. "Were you the one who got drunk and passed out in the bathtub at Aeg’s New Year’s party last year?”
The two guys took a quick measure of one another, their dislike instantaneous, and Jon flashed his own fuck you smile in return. “Sorry, mate. Must have some other guy.”
Dany winked and bumped his shoulder with hers. “Jon is my nephew.”
It was a long-running taunt between them, one that she used to throw in his face whenever she wanted to annoy him. She bragged that according to Essosi custom, regardless of her age, she was his aunt and therefore considered an elder so he needed to do as she ordered.
“You’re hilarious,” he grumbled.
Smirking at him, she turned back to Quentyn. “You two met when Rhaegar married his mother. At the wedding, remember?”
Jon could tell Quentyn didn’t, but he gave his false, mega-watt, too white teeth smile and nodded. “Of course. Forgive me for my lapse in memory. Ever since I became a partner at my father’s company, I’ve been too preoccupied with work. Being the youngest executive is a burden I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Dany congratulated him for his achievement and he preened under her praise, running a hand through his dark, curly hair.
What a douchebag, Jon thought and ran a hand through his own curls. Quentyn was obviously trying to win over Dany, as if she would be impressed by some pretentious title that he received at the company his father ran. But apparently, she was because she offered Quentyn a drink and he followed her to the bar while Jon hung back.
“I haven’t seen you all day," Aegon said. "How’s it going?”
Jon watched the way Quentyn sized her up from a step behind, the dip of his chin as he kept his gaze lowered to Dany’s ass and his hand tightened around the bottle of ale. “Can’t complain. You?”
“I’m glad to be back. If I have to do one more breathing exercise where I get in touch with my inner spirit animal while some Dornish man chants ancient love poems over me, I’m gonna lose my shit. Consider yourself lucky that you only got stuck with the lovers' package.”
Unable to help it, Jon smiled as memories of what he and Dany did together came surging back. Aegon was staring at him and he quickly took a drag on his cigarette to cover up his shit-eating grin. “I guess I owe Rhaen.”
“I told her not to book you two for the couples massage, but you know she can’t help trying to play matchmaker. Is that why she invited Quentyn tonight? Trying to hook him and Dany up?”
Was it? Now that Jon thought about it, he was just the type Dany would go for. Looks, money; all flash and no substance. Watching the way Quentyn was talking to her and the big smile on her face, Jon curbed the need to go over there, slide his hands around her waist and pull her close so every horny asshole who was eyeing her would know exactly who she belonged to.
Calm the fuck down. She’s not yours either, you fool. A fact she’d made very clear.
He thought about how often he’d seen her rebuff the advances of guys over the years. The ones who managed to catch her attention never lasted and Jon rolled his shoulders like it didn’t matter that he was now one of them. “He can try, but he’s wasting his time. It takes more than a pretty boy to turn her head.”
From across the yard, Aegon’s girlfriend came out of the house holding two drinks in her hand as she scanned the crowd.
“Glad you’re ok with it,” Aegon said as he spotted her. “You’re my little brother and he’s my cousin. I didn’t want there to be any issues between you two.”
“Why would I care?” Remembering what she told him at lunch regarding Arianne, he repeated it now. “Dany’s free to do whatever she wants.”
Aegon didn’t say anything more, only gave him a little placating smile and nod before sauntering away.
Jon slid back under the shadow of the tree and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. He’d purposely avoided taking a shower after the spa. The humidity in the air opened up his pores and with it, he was hit with the scent of Dany that still clung to his skin.
Closing his eyes, he took another deep breath, savoring the aroma that was uniquely her.
He didn’t know why Aegon implied he’d be bothered by the idea of Dany with Quentyn. Her dating other guys was something he learned to deal with a long time ago. Not that Jon would ever admit to feeling jealous. He didn’t admit it when he was younger and he sure as hell wouldn’t do so now.
The first time he got a taste of it was the summer she spent with them when he was sixteen. He hadn’t seen her since Christmas and when he walked into the kitchen to find her helping his mum with dinner, he’d almost tripped over his tongue. She’d done a lot of growing up during their months apart. Suddenly, she was no longer the skinny kid he always bickered with. Standing before him was a stunning fifteen-year-old girl that he couldn't take his eyes off of.
And hadn’t his mum been shocked when he volunteered to peel the potatoes, all the while sneaking peeks at the way Dany’s thin tank top molded to her tits and the seam of her denim shorts sliding up the crease of her round ass.
He wasn’t the only one who noticed as the neighborhood boys all clamored to talk to her at every turn that summer. She reveled in her newfound attention and he had no choice but to stand back and watch it all unfold.
One day in particular, Dany invited one of the boys who’d been drooling over her to watch a movie at the house. Jon was in the kitchen, trying to finish up his lunch but every time her date told a dumb joke that made her laugh, he had to fight the urge to chuck up his food. His gut was churning and it was pissing him right off.
He shoved in the last bite of his sandwich and stood up to escape to his room when he heard her voice in the hallway.
“I’m going to get us some snacks and I’ll be right back.”
Jon spotted a tray set out on the island counter with two plates, a bag of chips and two of the remaining cupcakes from the bakery that his mum liked to stop by for desserts. He couldn’t even say why he did it, but he strode over and grabbed one of the cupcakes right as Dany walked into the room. She took out two drinks from the refrigerator before coming over to place them on the tray, then halted.
She eyed the cupcake he was holding. “What are you doing? These are for me and my date.”
He hopped up on the barstool behind him and held up the dessert, turning it in his hand. “I don’t see your name anywhere.”
“Come on, Jon,” she said with a glance over her shoulder. “You know I was saving these.”
“I didn’t know that. All I know is I finished lunch and I’m ready for my dessert. This looks like it’ll hit the spot.”
“What am I supposed to do? I told him I was getting snacks. I can’t go back in with just chips.”
It was her first time inviting a boy over and he’d heard her prattling on for two days about how excited she was for her movie date. It was childish of him, but Jon couldn't help it and gave a lazy shrug. “Then tell him to go home and eat his own food. Stop trying to take what’s mine.”
She crossed her arms and shot a look of contempt at him. “You don’t even want that cupcake. You’re only pretending you want it because someone else does.”
“That’s not true.” He was used to her wanting to throttle him, but never noticed before how the flush of her skin brought a glow about her. Or how when her eyes flashed with fury, her irises darkened to a deep indigo color. Standing before him, she looked wild and beautiful, unpredictable in her anger, a storm just like her namesake. He found himself fascinated, hoarsely whispering, “You have no idea what I want.”
The back door opened and they both glanced over when his mum walked inside from gardening. With a triumphant look that was shown only to him, Dany quickly fixed a pout in place and turned around to face his mother.
“Lyanna, Jon took one of the cupcakes I was saving for my date. I asked him nicely but he won’t give it back.”
He stood up from the stool and leaned into her from behind. She smelled delicious and he ground his teeth. “Snitch,” he hissed.
Lyanna wiped her sweaty hair from her face and eyed him. “Give it back, love. Have some fruit instead.”
“I don’t want fruit. I want the cupcake,” Jon insisted stubbornly.
She walked by him and mussed his hair, which he quickly fixed back into place. “Dany is our guest. Be a dear and let her have it. I’ll get you some more tomorrow.” She grabbed a bottle of water and her pruners from the counter before heading back out to deal with her roses.
When the door closed, Dany held out her hand. “You heard her; now give it back.”
She tapped her foot and waited, which only made him want to take his sweet time in doing her bidding. She looked pleased with herself and he knew she wouldn’t hesitate to rat him out if he didn’t obey his mum so he decided to comply, but under his own terms.
“Fine, you can have it back, but I’ll have you know there are rules.”
“What rules?”
He reached over to pat her head like a child and she ducked away from his hand. “Poor Dany. Grew up with only Viserys and have yet to learn.” He ignored the roll of her eyes. “You don’t know what it’s like to have to hide food. Or worry that someone will take something you want. But with five cousins around, I know better.”
He held the cupcake out and when she tried to take it he quickly wrenched it away.
“Give it back!”
“I will.” With their eyes locked, he stepped right into her personal space and brought the cupcake up, holding it between their faces. “But…you should know there’s a way to keep what you want. The rule is, once I do this”—he stuck his tongue out and licked the frosting—“it’s mine now.”
Dany’s face scrunched up, her eyes blazing. “Jon, you ass! That’s disgusting!”
With his mouth covered in pink frosting, he offered it to her and did his best to hold in his laughter, though it was damn hard on his part.
“Give it to your date,” he said and licked the cream off his lips with a smack. “I want him to know it’s mine.”
She shoved his shoulders, but he stood firm, which infuriated her. With a muffled scream, she swiped the cupcake from his hand, threw it to the floor and stomped on it. Pink frosting flew in every direction.
Dany snatched up her tray and huffed out of the kitchen with his laughter ringing out in the empty room.
That moment wasn’t his finest, but he eventually learned how to better handle his conflicting emotions. Keeping her at arm’s length had been his best move and it had been easy once he left home and didn’t see her as often anymore. But now, Jon worried he’d made an even bigger mess of everything.
With his bottle empty, he made his way back to the bar. If he was going to get through the evening, he needed something stronger than ale.
He'd almost reached Dany and Quentyn when the crowd parted and walking toward them was Arianne. She had changed out of her work clothes and wore a see-through, shimmering gold tunic dress. Underneath it was a skimpy matching gold bikini that left very little to the imagination.
He halted momentarily, his attention shifting toward Dany. She had also noticed Arianne through the throng of people. Quentyn was still talking to her, but she wasn’t even focused on their conversation.
Arianne stopped right in front of him, blocking his view of Dany. The way she smiled and trailed her eyes over him brought a sudden itch between his shoulder blades, putting him on edge. To soothe it, he shoved his cigarette in his mouth and took a puff.
“May I?” Without waiting, she took the cigarette from him, wrapping her red lips around the tip, and slowly sucked on it. Keeping her eyes on him, she placed it back in his mouth and blew out a steady stream. “Hello, Jon.”
“Hey.” His throat felt dry and he quickly swallowed. “Glad to see you made it.”
He wasn’t ignorant to the fact that Arianne had been flirting with him. She was as beautiful as he remembered from his youth, admittedly even more so now. She seemed like a woman who knew exactly what she wanted and for whatever reason, had chosen him. Jon couldn’t say he wasn’t interested, but he hesitated.
Dany was the one who invited both him and Arianne to her party. Maybe it was her way of telling him he needed to get over what happened between them because clearly, she wasn’t sitting around reliving their moment like he was. Yet, he couldn’t stop the voice of doubt telling him to tread carefully.
He returned her smile. “Can I get you something to drink?”
They walked a few steps to the bar area to join her brother and Dany.
“Hey, I was wondering when you would show up,” Dany said with a laugh.
Jon’s brow furrowed at the abnormally high pitch of her voice. It didn’t sound like anything he’d heard before.
“I love your dress,” Arianne said and fingered one of the beads. “But where is your bathing suit? Aren't you going to join us in the pool?”
“No, I think I’ll stay on dry land,” Dany said. “In case I have to run and refill some snack bowls or something.”
“That’s a shame.” Turning to him, Arianne placed a hand over his t-shirt and ran her fingers over his abs. “You’ll come in with me, won't you? Maybe we can get in the hot tub too.”
He hadn’t planned on getting in the pool. That would require him to take a shower afterward and wash Dany’s scent off.
“You know what?" Dany said before he could reply. "I think I will get in the water after all.” She placed her cup down on the bar. “Excuse me for a second while I go and change.”
He watched her march inside the house before Arianne’s touch drew his attention back. Giving her a small smile, he crossed around the bar to find her a drink while images of Dany’s dress falling to her feet upstairs flitted through his mind.
Upstairs, she hung up her dress, then moved to the dresser and pulled out her bikini. The drawer beside hers was ajar and she reached to shut it, but stopped. Peering closer, she slid it open.
It was empty.
Quickly pulling out the other ones, she saw they were the same. All of Jon’s clothes were gone.
Dany took a moment and let the reality of the situation sink in. Her eyes flitted toward the wall. Last night, there were two suitcases leaning against each other and now, all that was left was hers, alone. It seemed he was so eager to leave with Arianne after the party, he hadn’t wasted any time packing up his clothes as soon as he got home. She thought they shared a silly moment outside by the mango tree, but she now realized he was only biding his time until he could leave.
She swallowed back the tears that threatened, furious at herself for even caring. She was the one who told him it was over. She was the one who didn’t want emotions involved. She had taken the reins like always and held everything at a distance. Just the way she liked it.
So why did it hurt so much more this time? She’d treated Jon like everyone else, but somehow, it didn’t work.
Because he wasn’t like anyone else. And deep down, she knew it.
Dany balled her bathing suit in her hands and wiped her eyes, letting out a humorless laugh at the wetness on her fingers. She’d never had that reaction before either.
Squaring her shoulders, she stood a moment longer before taking a breath to gather herself. She may have screwed up everything with Jon, but that didn't mean she had to let it show. It was still her party and she was determined to put on a brave face.
After changing into her bathing suit, she walked back out to join the party. Over by the steps of the pool, Quentyn was laughing with a leggy brunette. She was relieved. She’d been worried he’d try to hit on her all night, but it seemed like she was just one of many women he was interested in.
Moving on from him, she zeroed in on Jon and Arianne huddled on a single lounge chair together. It looked like she was doing most of the talking while he nodded along every few seconds. She’d taken off her tunic dress and sat in her bikini while Jon was shirtless. They looked cozy and in their own little world.
Determined to keep true to her words, Dany made the rounds, stopping every few feet to laugh and chat with friends. Someone had brought jello shots and handed one to her. She downed it and then happily took two more.
Some of the guests were dancing and pulled her to join in. She and Rhaenys drank from plastic cups and sang along to the songs thumping through the speakers. She was starting to actually enjoy herself and have fun. Who needed Jon when she had great friends, the warm Dornish night and music and alcohol pumping through her veins?
Quentyn found her and he showed off his dance moves, making her and Rhaenys laugh. He grabbed her by the hand and twirled her around before doing the same to his cousin. Through the throng of dancers, the hair on the back of her neck rose and all of a sudden she felt like she was being watched. Turning her head, she searched until she caught Jon’s eyes from across the way.
The music dimmed and she stopped moving as they held steady. Though she was sweaty from dancing and feeling slightly buzzed from her drinks, a shiver ran through her body, the remembrance of his touch finding its way across the dance floor. She felt a magnetic pull drawing her to him and took two steps forward before Arianne broke into her field of view, having returned with two jello shots.
Rhaenys was bumping into her from behind as she swayed, but Dany froze. She watched as Arianne tipped her cup to her mouth and swallow, then used her fingers to pull out the blue gelatin and hold it up to Jon’s lips.
Unable to watch, Dany turned away and broke free from the dancers. Rhaenys called her name, but ignoring her, she instead made her way to the pool. Her stomach was twisted up in knots, the burn of her jealousy too much to bear.
Without hesitation, she jumped into the deep end. The water doused the flames and soothed so she swam, keeping her body under the surface. She made it all the way to the shallow side and when her lungs were unable to take a second longer without air, she burst up to the surface, flipping her hair back with a flourish.
Blinking water from her eyes, she peered up to see Jon crouched on the edge a foot away, his brows knitted in concern.
“Are you ok?”
She smoothed both hands over her hair. “What makes you think I’m not?”
“Nothing—I just—I thought…” His eyes roamed her face, searching. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright,” he finished.
Arianne walked up behind Jon with a few people in tow. “Let's play the chicken game! I’ve rounded up a group that wants to play.”
“I don’t think so—” Dany began.
“Oh, you have to! You’re already all wet and you're the hostess.” She pulled Quentyn forward. “I’ve already got your partner right here.”
He wagged his brows at her before jumping into the pool. On cue, the other couples started jumping in as well and the next thing she knew, she was hoisted up to sit on Quentyn’s shoulders, her legs dangling around the front of his chest as teams were divided.
"Ok, listen up," Aegon shouted. "The rules of chicken are simple. Only the girls are allowed to knock off as many of their opponents as possible. If you fall into the water, you're out. Guys, you're only the vessel so you can't help knock anyone down. Last duo standing wins!"
She found herself across from Arianne, who was sitting on Jon’s shoulder. He didn’t look happy, his face dark as he stared at Quentyn. Dany knew Jon was competitive, but she didn’t think it warranted the death glare he was shooting over, though she didn’t have time to think on it long before someone in the crowd blew a whistle.
Right away, Jon surged forward, coming straight for them. Quentyn held onto her legs and she screamed as he quickly backed up. Luckily for them, another couple intercepted and Jon and Arianne had to go on the defensive. Twice she almost fell off when Quentyn lost his footing trying to maneuver in the water, which would take them out of the game, but managed to hold on. All around them, couples were screaming and laughing as one by one they started getting eliminated.
From the corner of her eyes, she saw Rhaenys fall as Aegon’s girlfriend knocked her into the water. Their victory was short lived when another couple snuck up behind and the other girl managed to push her off Aeg’s shoulders.
It seemed Quentyn’s strategy was to evade as they darted past others and she hadn’t had to defend herself yet. She heard a splash behind her and glanced over. Jon and Arianne had taken out the only remaining couple and now he made his way through the water for them. He looked absolutely crazed and her heart skipped a beat.
“Watch out,” Dany screamed down to Quentyn.
He tried to run but wasn’t fast enough and Arianne managed to grab her from behind.
“Turn around,” Dany shouted and Quentyn quickly did her bidding so everyone was now facing each other.
“You two are going down.” Arianne leaned forward and grabbed her in a headlock.
Dany could feel herself slipping a bit and it didn’t help when Jon quickly side-stepped and tried to go around them. Like she was riding a horse, she kicked her foot, using it to tell Quentyn to spin in a circle. He obeyed and she was barely able to break out of the grasp she was in.
“You might as well give up, Daenerys.” Arianne laughed as she grabbed Dany's wrist and locked on tight. “You can’t beat me. I always win!”
For some reason, her words set off a roar in Dany’s belly and the fire ignited her fury. Who the fuck did this bitch think she was, that she could swoop in and take what was hers? “Like hell you will," she shouted. "This is mine. Mine!”
With a growl, she launched off Quentyn’s shoulders and had just enough time to see Arianne’s shocked face before she tackled her. She heard Jon cry, “Fuck—my eye!”, as the two of them tumbled into the water with a splash.
Sputtering to the surface, they broke apart and Dany shoved her long hair out of her face.
“And we have a winner,” Rhaenys exclaimed. “By TKO, I declare Daenerys ‘Dragon Queen’ Targaryen and her partner Quentyn, the chicken champions!”
Around them, the guests cheered and in his enthusiasm, Quentyn scooped her into his arms and kissed her cheeks, whooping out his joy at their win.
Dany smiled at the crowd and pushed out of his arms, congratulating him on a job well done. As the crowd laughed around her, she spotted Jon and Arianne at the stairs and made her way toward them.
He had one eye squinted and Arianne was examining it. “I think you’re ok. You won’t have a shiner.”
Watching them, she felt shame color her cheeks. She hadn't planned on getting carried away, but it looked like she did. “Hey, guys"—she cleared her throat—“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me, but tackling you that way was totally uncalled for.”
“No apologies necessary,” Arianne said. “I respect a woman who’s not afraid to go after what she wants.”
“Still…” She chewed on her lip guiltily. “Sorry, Jon. How’s your eye?”
He blinked a few times, then nodded slowly. “Hell of a foot you got there, Targaryen. I know you’ve been dying to drop-kick me in the face for years.”
“No—I swear it was an accident!”
“You poor thing," Arianne cooed at him. "Maybe it's time to call it a night. What do you think?”
Dany’s throat closed up and she started backing up. “I should go check on the guests. You know…refill some snacks…and stuff.”
Turning around, scrambled up the steps of the pool. She walked out and didn’t stop until she reached the kitchen. There, she busied herself with cleaning up and refilling ice for the drinks. A few people popped in and she distracted herself with conversation, putting on a bright smile to prove to everyone, but especially herself, that she was fine.
She was fine. Perfectly one-hundred percent fine. And she would not cry and she would not care.
But she did care as her feet kept moving despite her heart protesting every step of the way and she slowly made her way back outside.
She watched as Jon and Arianne stood talking by the pool before he stepped away and headed toward the side of the house. Not wanting to seem like she was keeping tabs on them, Dany blindly grabbed a few empty cups and discarded napkins and tossed them into the trash can.
“Daenerys, have you seen my brother?”
She turned to find Arianne standing behind her and shook her head. “Not for a while. Last I saw him, he was inside talking to some blonde.”
Arianne laughed. “Of course he was. I just need to tell him I’m leaving and he can stay or find another ride home.”
“Oh, you’re heading out already?” Dany tried and failed to keep the tremor from her voice, but Arianne didn't seem to notice.
“You throw a fabulous party, but the night is still young and there are too many people here.” She ran a hand through her dark mane and twisted the wet strands. “I think I'd like to end it more privately.”
Dany glanced over Arianne’s shoulder. That explained where Jon went.
“Excuse me, but I need to check something.” Without waiting for a response, she made her way across the yard. She followed the path around the side of the house. It was dark and deserted, but she could still hear the music as she zeroed in on the warm glow of light coming from behind the panel of wood.
It was irrational, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself as she rounded the partition. She grabbed the curtain to the outdoor shower and ripped it open.
If Jon was startled, he didn’t show it. Slowly, he turned around and stared at her with water running over his shoulders, down his torso and over his shorts.
“You here to peep on me, Dany? Should’ve given it another minute and I could have given you a real show.”
There was an edge to his voice that resided right beneath the snarky tone, but she ignored it. “Before you take off for the night, I just wanted to let you know you’re an asshole.”
“I’m the asshole?" He laughed, his amusement serving to further propel her anger. "You’re the one who went crazy out there and knocked me in the eye and now you've barged in on my shower. In case you weren't aware, a closed curtain means this shower is occupied. Unlike you, I know how to keep prying eyes away.”
Closing his eyes, Jon tipped his head back and started rinsing his hair under the stream of water.
Her blood surged in response to his brush-off. “Who are you to throw that back at me?” Without thought, Dany stepped forward and pushed on his chest. Jon’s eyes popped open and he glared at her. “Did I ask you to look?” Again, she stepped closer and pushed him back, not caring that she was getting as wet as he was under the spray of the shower. “I wasn’t putting on a show for you!”
One more push had him against the shower wall. With nowhere to go and nothing holding her back, she let loose. “And how classy of you to come use this shower where you spied on me to get yourself all cleaned up so you can go fuck Arianne, hours after what you and I did."
Tears sprang to her eyes but she was too fired up to care. "I know you've just been dying to hop into her bed so go right ahead. I hope the two of you have a fucking fantastic time!”
Swiveling on her heels, she took one step away when Jon snagged her wrist. She whirled around to tell him off, but he caught her other wrist and pushed her back until she hit the wall opposite of him.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
His eyes were dark as coals, his face shoved right up to hers and dripping with water. He was breathing hard with lips pressed tightly together but she refused to back down.
“Don’t give me that act. I know you’re planning on leaving with her.”
“Why do you suddenly give a shit what I do or who I do it with?” Jon vibrated in his anger and held his ground, their two tempers dancing together like flames. “You’re the one who said you only wanted a moment. You had an itch and I scratched it so why should you care if I do the same for Arianne? Isn't that all I'm good for?”
His words resonated and she could hear the hurt in his voice. She’d treated him like shit and suddenly, she couldn’t breathe. “Let me go.” She tried to pull free but he held her arms against the shower wall and pinned them.
Jon wasn’t so willing to comply with her orders and tightened his hold. “You sound jealous, Dany. Is that why you’re acting like a raging bitch right now?”
Her chest rose and fell with her rapid breaths and she held on to that anger. Anger was good. Anger was better than the regret that plucked at her heart and twisted. “Fuck you, Jon.”
“Ask me nicer and maybe I will.”
“Don't you ever touch me again,” she spit out. "You're nothing but the arrogant asshole I've known all my life."
He chuckled lowly. “You flirting with me, Dany?”
She struggled to free herself but stiffened as soon as he closed the distance and pressed his body to hers. They were both wet, but he was warm and hard against her. Very hard.
His hands slid up her wrists until they intertwined with her fingers. Putting his mouth close to her ear, his hot breath whispered over her. “Why do you suddenly want me? Is it only because someone else does?”
“I don’t want you,” she said with a defiant lift of her chin. “You’re aggravating and irritating and I can barely tolerate you any more now than when we were kids.”
“And you’re still spoiled and bratty and I don't want you any more now than when we were kids.” His lips brushed against her ear and Dany shivered. “The question is, which one of us is the liar?”
Jon let go of her hands and she didn't stop him when he skimmed down to undo the knots of her bikini top and tore it off of her. She bit off a moan when his thumbs brushed against her hard nipples, his touch tightening them into painful points that were begging for his mouth. He squeezed and pinched them for a second before moving his hands lower. He held her hips, teasing the strings of her bottoms.
“Should I out you first, Dany?” She couldn’t hold back and whimpered as he slipped between her thighs. She was on fire and he rubbed her with his fingers. “You can lie all you want, but your drenched pussy tells me the truth.”
She reached down and shoved his shorts down his legs, exposing his thick cock into her hand. “And what about this?” His eyes rolled back when she gave him a firm squeeze and pump. “What are you trying to say, Jon?”
He yanked her bottoms down her hips and lifted her up so she was able to slide them down her legs. Once she kicked them off, he let her down, but held one of her legs open and slung it over his arm.
He wrapped his hand around hers and together, they slid his cock through her folds. The noise of the revelers disappeared and she wasn’t even aware of the hiss from the shower that was still on.
“Dany, do you remember the rule?”
Rule? What rule? She couldn’t think beyond how much she ached for him and how he was pressed right where she wanted. She rubbed against his cock, waiting for him to slide in, but he held off.
She needed him buried inside and couldn't wait anymore. “Fuck me, Jon,” she begged and tried to pull him in.
He let go of her hand and cupped her face, holding her steady so she couldn't look away. “You know the rule. I licked you”—he hovered above her lips—“so you’re mine.”
Her cry cut off as Jon’s mouth claimed her a second before his cock did. She dug her fingers into his shoulders, holding tight as he pulled out and fucked back in, shoving her up the shower wall. She never thought anything would feel better than his mouth on her, but she was wrong. He was thick and hard, her walls doing their best to stretch and accommodate him.
She forgot to breathe but it was fine because her lips were sealed to his and he was all she needed. While his cock plunged within her, he stroked her in the most obscene of kisses and they met each other with open mouths and wet tongues. She matched him lick for lick, devouring him. Wanted to feed on every square inch of him so she’d never get his taste out of her mouth.
Just when she thought she would pass out, either from lack of oxygen or the force of his thrusts, he ceased movement. Breaking from her lips, he buried his face into her neck, the two of them gasping for breath. Dany’s heart knocked against her chest and she clung to him, counting on him to keep her upright as she could no longer feel the ground beneath her feet.
“Don’t let me go, Jon. I don’t want to fall.”
He lifted his face and looked into her eyes. The two of them stared and in that moment, the gravity of her words wrapped around her heart and squeezed.
“I'll never let go, darling.” He backed them up and then he was falling, but they did it together. He held onto her as promised until they were seated on the bench.
He fisted a hand in her hair, the other holding the middle of her back and he began thrusting up into her, slowly and deeply. “You’re mine,” Jon whispered against her lips. “I wanted you before, but now, I need you. Tell me you need me too, Dany.”
She looked at him, this man who she had called a coward when he wouldn’t admit how he felt. Now, he was the one calling her out and she let go of her fear and kissed him. Everything fell into place and he welcomed her inside.
Wrapping her hands around his neck she nodded. “I need you, Jon.”
That was all they needed from each other before their hunger took over. She placed her feet flat on the bench on either side of him and started bouncing up and down on his cock. Jon helped, scooping his hands under her ass to help support some of her weight and guide her faster.
With a combination of grinding and bouncing, she could feel her blood quickly shooting up, her moans and pants getting more erratic. When she threw her head back, he kissed a line from her throat down until he latched on her breast, sucking her nipple into his wet mouth.
His cock was splitting her, his teeth tugging on her tits and his hands squeezing her ass harder. Dany climbed higher with every stroke he made deep inside until she burst apart, shouting his name out in between sobs. He followed right behind and grabbed her by the back of the neck, pulling her forward to capture her mouth.
He kept thrusting up into her, their loud cries slipping out between kisses. She felt a surge of warmth as Jon’s release slipped down her thighs. She wanted all of him, every last drop and clenched tighter around him.
When his thrust slowed and finally ceased altogether, Jon slumped back against the shower wall, taking her with him. They held each other and he stroked her back with gentle fingers.
Slowly, Dany started to become aware of other noises around them, or more specifically, the lack of them. The shower was still on, wetting Jon’s feet. She heard the buzzing cicadas, but what she didn't hear was music.
She sat up with a start and stared at him. “What happened to the party?”
Jon’s half-closed eyes widened and he leaned forward, holding her back to keep her in place as he reached to turn off the shower. He tilted his head to the side, listening, before shaking it. “I don’t hear anything either.”
Before they could theorize what happened, the sound of footsteps approached. They didn't have a chance to move when a loud knock came pounding from the other side of the wall. Instantly, Jon pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her to hide her naked body from prying eyes.
“Uh…guys…I’m going to assume you’re done since it’s been silent for five minutes.”
“Rhaen?” Dany asked.
“Don’t come back here,” Jon exclaimed.
A loud laugh came from the other side of the wall. “Hell no! I’m not coming back there,” she answered back. “I wanted to let you know people started scrambling to leave when they heard you guys going at it and Aeg and I ushered the rest of the nosy ones out. We’ll lock up when we leave so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“Seven hells.” He groaned when they locked eyes.
Dany wanted to die of embarrassment that their whole party heard the two of them having sex, but one look at his face and Dany started giggling.
“It’s not funny.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his grumpy pout. “It’s a little funny.”
He shook his head but she didn’t stop laughing and finally, he pressed their foreheads together and he gave a low chuckle of his own. “Aeg and Rhaen will never let us live this down.”
“You got that right,” came Rhaenys’ voice.
“Are you still here?” Jon asked with a grimace. “Leave, unless you want to be traumatized some more.”
“Ok, ok, I’m going,” she said. They heard a few footsteps before she paused. “Oh, I almost forgot. Ari wanted me to ask if either of you are into sharing.”
“Fuck, no,” they shouted in unison before they both broke into laughter again.
With Rhaenys’ footsteps gone, Dany snuggled back into his arms and he kissed her temple.
“You know she’s going to tell Rhaegar, right?” she asked. “So you better be prepared to get a call from your mum tomorrow morning.”
“I suppose we can’t be too upset at her. She did work her ass off to make this happen.” She nodded in agreement against his chest. “I guess all it takes is you getting jealous to admit you want me, Dany.”
She pulled back in indignation. “I was not jealous!”
“Admit it, you were jealous. That’s why you gave Arianne that beat down in the pool.”
“That was an accident,” she insisted. Thinking about Arianne, she crossed her arms. “Don’t think I forgot that you were going to leave with her tonight if I hadn’t confronted you.”
“So that’s what started all this,” he murmured. Leaning in, he tried to kiss her but she pouted and turned her cheek. “Don’t be mad. I was never going to leave with her.”
She turned back to him. He tried to look serious, but his lips were twitching. “If you weren’t going with her, then how come all your clothes are gone?”
Jon faltered and then he was laughing.
“It’s not funny! And don't you dare try and deny it because I saw the proof.”
"You're so cute when you're jealous." Reining his laughter in, he leaned in and kissed her forehead, then her nose and by the time he got to her mouth, she had stopped pouting. “My clothes are gone because I moved back into my old room.”
“You did what?”
Jon nipped her bottom lip with his teeth and nodded. “There's no fucking way I could share a bed with you and not touch you. I'd rather lose our standoff than suffer through blue balls straight from the deepest pit of the seven hells. You won,” he said with a chuckle.
As the truth dawned, she felt like an idiot for not realizing sooner. He would rather stay with her, even sleeping in a horribly cramped little bed rather than be with anyone else. The thought made her smile and her heart fell just a bit more.
“I won,” she said slowly and pumped her fist in victory. “I won!”
“Don’t get cocky. Technically, I conceded so it’s a hollow victory.”
“Doesn’t matter. I still won.” Dany stood up and did a little victory dance. He tried to grab her and she danced just out of reach. She wasn’t prepared when he sprang up and she let out a squeal when he scooped her up into his arms.
Laughing, they made their way back to the house. As they came into the kitchen, Dany reached out and swiped a cupcake off the counter. She dabbed a finger into the frosting and smeared it onto his lush lips before she licked it off.
“What was that for?”
“Now you’re mine, too.”