“Do you want another one?” my bong buddy asks.
Nodding, I lean over and place my lips around the mouthpiece.
“Damn,” some guy wearing a football jersey says as I inhale. “You sure look like you’re enjoying that.”
Coughing, I reply, “It’s pretty good. Not that I’m a professional or anything.”
He exchanges an impish smile with his friend. “That’s a shame. Such a pretty mouth shouldn’t go to waste.”
I’m not so far gone I can’t understand his crude attempt at a joke.
Paying them no mind, I go back to dancing like no one’s watching.
Just like my mom used to tell me to do.
Although I don’t think she had this particular scenario in mind.
A sharp pain infiltrates my chest. If she didn’t want her daughter dancing on tables for her eighteenth birthday, she shouldn’t have died.
I shake the terrible thought out of my head. I rarely feel such resentment and bitterness about her death, but given this birthday is one of the big ones—combined with the alcohol currently flowing through my system—I guess it’s starting to bring out an angry side of me.
I close my eyes. Keep it together, Dylan.
Forcing myself to take a few deep breaths, I stuff the pain down as far as it will go.
I’m gonna need more alcohol. Enough to drown it out.
I’m about to get off the table and find Oakley, but a hand skates up my leg.
“So, I was thinking,” the jersey-guy begins. “How about me and my buddy take you upstairs for a little while?” His hand travels higher, coasting up my thigh. “We’ll take real good care of you, gorgeous. Promise.”
Deep down, I know it’s not a good idea, but it’s better than thinking about my mom and how much I hate that she’s not here. Or how my dad’s in prison for my birthday and…
Tears prickle my throat and I have to clear it before I speak. “I—”
Don’t get a chance to finish that statement because Jace grabs the guy’s hand and bends one of his fingers backward. “Touch her again and I’ll break the other nine.”
The dude in the jersey screams in agony as he lunges for Jace, but Cole and Oakley grab him.
While Jace grabs me.
“What the hell are you doing?” I scream as he picks me up and tosses me over his shoulder like a rag doll.
Oh, boy. The ground looks way too far down from up here.
“Have fun,” Oakley says as Jace turns us around. “We’ll take care of the dogs for you.”
I have no idea what that means, and I don’t have time to wonder because Jace charges out of the living room like a man on a mission.
I slap at his back as he walks out the front door. “Can you put me down?”
“No.”
That’s it. That’s all I get.
“Oakley has my purse.”
“Oh well.”
“It’s my birthday,” I remind him, hoping he’ll concede.
He checks his watch. “Not anymore.”
Bastard.
“Can I at least have another shot before we leave?”
I’m gonna need it to survive another car ride with him.
“You’ve had more than enough already.”
“Then you should probably put me down before I puke on you.”
He chuckles darkly. “Knock yourself out.”
“I’d much rather knock you out,” I mumble as he opens the passenger door of his car and drops me into the seat.
A vulgar smile curves his mouth. “I bet you would.”
Then he slams the door.
I’m grumpy, a little dizzy, and very confused as Jace reverses into his driveway.
“I thought you said I wasn’t allowed in your house?” I chirp in a taunting voice.
His expression is impassive. “You’re not.”
I’m perplexed when he gets out of the car and comes around to my side.
I mock gasp when he opens my door. “Wow, who said chivalry was de—”
I yelp when his hands fasten around my waist, and over his shoulder I go for the second time tonight.
“I can walk, you know,” I tell his lower back.
He grunts.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask when his movements come to a halt and I hear the click of a latch.
Silence.
However, the opening and closing of his gate, along with the grass below us, tells me we’re in his backyard.
“What, did you dig a grave for me or something? Planning on burying me next to Bianca’s rabbit?”
Nerves crawl in my belly, mingling with the alcohol. Oh, shit.
Why else would he be carrying me against my will into his backyard? In the middle of the night no less.
“Holy shit, you freaking psycho. Do not kill me and bury me in your yard.”
He doesn’t say a damn thing to ease my anxiety.
A moment later, the grass turns to cobblestone.
“Jace! I swear to God!” I pound on his back as the pretty teal glow from his inground pool comes into view. “Put me down, asshole—”
I scream when he lets go of me and I plummet into a chasm of cold water.
I sputter and cough as I come up to the surface. “What the fuck?”
Hands in the pockets of his jeans, he shrugs innocently. “You told me to put you down.”
Narrowing my eyes, I prepare to tell him off, but then a horrifying realization hits me.
My heart sinks when I see the black heels with red-soles floating on the other side of the pool.
“You asshole.” I swim over to them. “These are Louboutins!”
“Lou—what?” His face twists. “Who even are you right now?”
One by one, I throw them at him. “These are my aunt’s, you idiot. She lent them to me tonight and now they’re ruined.”
He doesn’t look at all concerned. “They’re shoes. If she’s upset, buy her another pair.”
I want to scream because he doesn’t get it. “They’re eight-hundred-dollar shoes. It will take me at least six weeks to earn the money at Top of the Muffin. I was trying to save for a car.” Frustration jams in my throat and I slap the water. “Not everyone is rich like you.”
Hell, even before my dad landed in the slammer we didn’t come close to having the kind of money Jace’s family does.
For the briefest of moments, sympathy flickers in his eyes, before they harden. “I’ll be in the guest house.” He starts walking down the short pathway leading to the stone and brick cottage. “Feel free to continue your late-night swim.”
“Jace?” I bat my eyelashes as he turns. “Would you mind helping me out?”
He smirks. “So you can pull me in? No thanks.”
Dammit. That’s exactly what I was gonna do.
With a sigh, I swim to the deep end and climb up the ladder.
A glimmer of satisfaction runs through me when his eyelids lower and I see his Adam’s apple bob.
It’s the first week of November so it’s chilly at night. Considering I didn’t wear a bra with my dress, I’m sure he’s getting quite a show.
Straightening my spine, I stick out my chest and walk past him. “Enjoying the view?”
The muscles in his back ripple before he blows out a breath and meets me at the guest house.
He avoids eye contact as he unlocks the door and walks inside.
It still looks the same as I remember, with a few minor upgrades.
“I’ll get you a towel,” Jace mumbles before he disappears into the one and only bedroom.
I wander through the tiny living room until I end up in the kitchen which shares the same open space.
Given Jace ended my party early, he owes me a good time.
Unfortunately, the only thing I find is a half empty bottle of wine and a few beers.
“The beers are Cole’s,” Jace says behind me. “And they suck.”
I opt for the wine bottle instead. “Is this safe?”
“No idea. Some girl brought it over the other night.”
My stomach coils. It hadn’t even occurred to me that he might be hooking up with someone else after Britney.
After me.
“So are the rumors true?” I open the cabinet and fish out a wine glass. “Is Britney really dating Cole?”
He walks over to the couch and sits. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”
I ponder this as I take a long sip. “It doesn’t bother you? He’s your brother and she’s your…whatever.”
“Are you fucking with me right now?”
I have no idea what just transpired, but judging by the death glare he’s aiming my way, clearly Britney is a trigger for him.
“Sorry, I won’t bring her up again.” I take another sip of my wine and I realize how heartless that was. He might not want her, but there’s no way it doesn’t sting. “For what it’s worth, you can do so much better than her.”
He stares at me for what feels like forever before he speaks. “I can’t decide if you’re actually being serious, or if you’re just a really good actress who’s nailed her role.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
I’m honestly offended he thinks I’d ever fake anything around him.
“Nothing.” He reaches for the television remote. “Forget it.”
I finish what’s in my glass and refill it. I’m starting to get that relaxed and buzzy feeling again which is exactly what I wanted.
“Why did you bring me here, Jace?”
He doesn’t answer. Shocker.
I’m almost positive I know, but I want the confirmation.
No. More than want. I need it.
And something tells me there’s only one way to get it.
I take one more sip of wine for courage, then saunter over to the couch stopping when I’m in front of him.
He’s watching some boring video game thing, but I pluck the remote from his hand and turn it off.
He glowers. “Do you mind?”
“I do actually.” I sharpen my gaze. “Why did you bring me here?”
“Because you’re drunk.”
“I was at a party…on my birthday.”
Oakley was watching out for me. Cole too, for that matter.
There was no reason for Jace to interfere…and definitely not a good enough one for him to drag me out and bring me here.
Unless he was jealous.
And he wouldn’t be jealous if he didn’t have feelings for me.
Feelings he refuses to acknowledge.
“You never brought me a towel,” I remind him coyly.
He starts to get up, but I straddle his lap and press my body to his, saturating his clothes. “Guess I don’t need one anymore.”
His hands find my hips. “What are you doing?”
“They wanted to take me upstairs.” Easing back slightly, I look at him. “Both of them.”
His eyes darken. “They wanted to run a train on you.”
“I thought it took four or more guys to run a train?” I give him a sultry smile. “Then again, maybe they were planning on inviting their friends…that could have been fun.”
“Dylan,” he growls, his fingers digging into my hips.
I lick my bottom lip suggestively. “They promised they’d take good care of me.”
He snorts. “If you believed them, I have a bridge to sell you.”
I trail my lips along the shell of his ear. “I wonder if they would have eaten my pussy as good as you did that night?”
I feel him thicken in his jeans and his eyes become tiny slits.
I kiss a path along his jawline before going in for the kill. “I dare you to make me forget all about them.”
He makes a rough growly noise in the back of his throat as he closes the distance between us. His kiss is half desperate, half ravenous—like he’ll never get enough.
And then he’s pulling away. “I don’t fuck drunk girls.”
“I’m buzzed. Big difference.”
He holds my stare. “Not to me.”
“I can walk a straight line if you want.”
“Whatever gets you the fuck off my lap.”
Narrowing my eyes, I rock against his dick. If the heavy outline pulsing under his jeans is anything to go by, I’d say he wants me just as much as I want him.
Our breaths mingle as we stare at one another.
“I’m pretty sure you like me on your lap.”
Nerves prickle along my skin when he pivots his hips, grinding against a spot that has my heart racing.
Closing his eyes, he whispers, “I told you, I don’t mess around with drunk chicks.”
I hate the way he’s sticking me in a generalized box. As if I’m just another girl looking to screw that he has to turn down.
“And I told you, I’m not drunk.”
When he looks unconvinced, I say, “Fine. Don’t touch me.” Dipping my head, I kiss down his neck, breathing in his familiar clean scent. “I’ll just touch you.”
He makes a gruff, almost painful sound as I drop to my knees. I can’t tell if it’s pleasure from my touch, or annoyance because I’m pushing his buttons. Knowing Jace, probably both.
My hands slip under his shirt and I’m treated to golden buttery skin and rippling muscles. “You never had abs like these when we were kids.”
That gets a laugh out of him. “That’s because I didn’t hit the gym five days a week.”
Yeah, his hard work definitely shows.
I smirk as I kiss down his chest. “I’d tell you how sexy you are, but I’m pretty sure you’re aware.”
I run my tongue over one of his abs and he sucks in a breath. “Someone’s full of compliments tonight.”
My mouth waters as I zero in on those deep V-lines. “Want to fill me with something else?”
His nostrils flare. “You’re killing me.”
I look up at him. “I haven’t even started yet.”
His thumb strokes the edge of my jaw. “Maybe you shouldn’t.”
“Fine. If that’s what you really want.” I trail my nail down his zipper, unfastening it. “Mind if I take a peek at what’s under the hood first? See what I’ll be missing out on because you’re too stubborn?”
He opens his mouth and closes it before grinding out, “Go for it.”
Anticipation sparks through me as I pop open the button on his jeans and tug them down. I stare, impressed if I’m being honest, at the massive erection tenting his black boxers, begging to be free.
With a small smirk, I brush my fingertips along the elastic waistband, taking my sweet time.
His head falls back, and I watch the tendons in his throat move as I push his boxers down.
My breath leaves me in a rush when his cock bobs free, slapping against his navel.
He’s long, thick, and veiny. Perfect through and through.
The smug smile on his face tells me he knows it.
But I’m not done teasing him yet. I want to make him lose control.
I get as close as I can without making contact. “You have no idea how much I want to put my mouth on it.”
His dick twitches and a little drop of fluid glistens his tip.
Groaning, he wraps his hand around the base and gives it a slow stroke. “That so?”
Nodding, I lick the edge of his thumb. “But someone thinks it’s a bad idea…so I can’t.”
He mutters a curse. “You made your point.”
My, how the tables have turned.
Another drop of fluid forms at his tip, this time leaking onto his stomach.
“Are you sure?”
“You tell me,” he rasps, his voice low and husky.
My pulse skitters as I glide my tongue over the pearly bead on his stomach. “You taste like you’re sure.”
His lips part as he stares down at me. “Dylan.”
There’s so much lust and longing enveloping my name, my skin heats.
I walk my fingers up his thigh. “You never asked me what I wanted for my birthday.”
His eyes blaze. “What do you want for your birthday?”
Lowering my head, I lick a circle around his tip, giving him my answer.
His breathing becomes labored. “Christ.”
Wrapping my hand around his base, I stretch my lips over his wide crown.
He watches me with urgent intensity. “Jesus.”
Tension lines his features when I release him with a wet pop. “Keep going.” His eyes snap with heat and his hand tangles in my hair, keeping me right where he wants me. “I need more of that.”
The carnal tone lacing his words goes straight to my core and my mouth finds him again, taking him deeper this time.
His brow furrows and he releases a low groan. “Yeah, baby. Just like that.”
There’s something so hot about the way he’s directing me, letting me know exactly what he likes.
Feeling bold, I lick and suck him as far down as I can.
His body shudders and the hand in my hair tightens. “Fuck.”
I go to repeat the movement, but he leans over and hauls me back onto his lap.
“What—”
His lips find mine and he cups my nape, holding me steady as he kisses me with such hunger, I melt into him.
“I was having fun,” I tell him as he tilts my head back and licks my throat.
“Me too,” he rasps. “Too much fun.” He tugs on the top of my dress, exposing my breast. “Wanted to see these before it was over.” Lust rushes through me like a live wire when he inclines his head and flicks my nipple with his tongue ring. “So fucking worth it.”
I’m a helpless mess as he sucks with calculated, eager tugs. “Jace.”
Rough hands grab my ass, bringing me closer to his mouth. “I fucking love the way you say my name.” He yanks on the top of my dress again, exposing my other breast. “And your tits.” My body jerks when he does that thing with his tongue again. “Especially these tight little nipples.”
Oh, Jesus. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of his dirty mouth.
I moan when his lips find the hollow of my throat.
He chuckles, knowing full well how sensitive I am there. “I bet you’re so fucking wet for me right now.” His hand slips under my dress. “Let’s see if I’m right.”
I hiss when his fingers trace the lace of my panties.
“You wear these for me tonight?”
“No. I wore them for me.”
“They’re wet,” he notes, snapping them against my skin.
Reaching between us, I give his cock a slow, teasing jerk. “I know. You dropped me in a pool, remember?”
“Smartass,” he mutters before he sinks his teeth into my neck and my eyes flutter closed.
“How about this?” A cocky grin tugs the corners of his mouth as he moves my panties to the side and cups my pussy. “Is this for me?”
“For tonight,” I taunt, and his eyes darken.
My breath hitches as the tip of his finger slowly circles my opening. “Take that dress off. It’s ruining my view.”
I clutch the hem and pull it over my head. “Anything else?”
His free hand wraps around the back of my neck, and he pulls me close, as if he wants to tell me a secret.
“Yeah actually.” He sucks my earlobe between his teeth and dips two fingers inside me. “Ride them.”
Looping my arms around his neck for leverage, I start grinding myself against his hand. I make a choked, jittery sound as he curls them inside me.
“There we go.” He makes a husky sound of approval as he slides them back out, showing me my fluids before he sucks them into his mouth. “So fucking good.”
The sight of him licking my wetness clean off his fingers sends a violent tremor through me. It’s so hot I’m liable to combust. “Oh my God.”
Smirking, he sinks them back in, deeper this time. “Put your hand back on my dick.”
I jack him up and down as his fingers work me, plunging hard and fast into my slickness.
“This isn’t working,” he says.
My body silently protests the loss of his touch. “What? Why?”
He grips my hips before shifting us so we’re lying longways on the couch. “I need you to sit somewhere else.”
“Where?”
Grinning, he taps his chin. “Right here.” Those dark orbs flash as he takes my panties off. “Right fucking now.”
I start to move, but he shakes his head. “Turn around. I want you to finish what you started while I eat this little pussy.” He slaps my ass as I reposition myself. “Trust me, it won’t take long.” Warmth rushes through my veins like a potent drug as he guides me over his mouth. “For either of us.”
Shivers dance over my skin as he laps at me, flicking the metal against my most sensitive spots.
I’m so turned on I can’t see straight. I suck him as deep and fast as I can, gunning for those rough, wild sounds he makes.
My body thrums with tension and my thighs start quaking as he pulls and licks my flesh. Just when I think it can’t possibly feel any better, he adds a finger to the mix, strumming it over my clit like his favorite instrument.
White-hot heat sizzles up my spine as I pick up the pace on my end. His cock pulses in my mouth and he thrusts his hips upward. It’s the only warning I get before he groans and shoots down my throat. Some liquid trickles out in the process and I lick it off his balls, loving the way he shudders underneath me.
Hands kneading my ass, he goes back to working me into a helpless frenzy. A moment later, the tight coil of pleasure inside me snaps and I buck against his mouth, whimpering his name as I come.
Little shivers rake up and down my spine as he plants a soft kiss on my pussy, before easing me onto the couch and standing up.
Neither of us says a word as he tucks himself back into his jeans and picks my wet dress up off the floor.
Dread sinks like a stone in my gut when he places it in my hands without looking at me.
I’d say he’s disconnected—but that’s not it. I can feel his pain digging into my soul as though it were my own.
Jace looks so guilty, so disgusted with himself, I feel sick as I put my dress back on and gather my heels.
I can sense the agitation and repulsion stirring inside him as he types something into his phone. It’s as if he can’t wait for me to leave so he can make plans with someone better.
Someone who doesn’t repel him the way I do.
My throat clogs as I blink back tears I refuse to shed.
I don’t understand why hooking up with me causes him to act like this.
One second he’s worshipping my body, and the next it’s like my presence repulses him and he’d rather claw his eyes out than spend one more second in a room with me.
“Jace,” I whisper, my voice a razor’s edge from cracking.
“Oakley will be here in a few hours,” he informs me. “You can stay here until then.”
He can’t even bring himself to share a car with me for the ten whole minutes it would take to drop me off?
Shoving his phone into the back pocket of his jeans, he heads for the door.
“Jace,” I choke out, my voice shattering like glass.
Talk to me. Tell me what I did.
Why you hate me so much when I’ve never stopped loving you.
He pauses, his breathing staticky. “We can’t do this anymore.”
There are a million things I want to say, and even more, I want to ask.
Instead, I brush past him.
I have too much self-respect to let him reduce me to nothing. I’m the one leaving this time around.
“Tell Oakley I walked home,” I say over my shoulder as I march out the door.
My heart rattles in my ribcage with every step I take.
I want him to run after me, tell me he made a mistake and that he’ll never let me go again…but he’s already made it perfectly clear I’m the only mistake he made tonight.
