Chapter 17

I suddenly found myself being propelled backward, my back hitting the brick of the wall directly behind me. Alex's lips crashed down on mine. Hungry and possessive. "You're too fucking young for me, but God you make me burn," he murmured against my skin, his teeth grazing my ear.

My body responded despite the anger, my heart racing as his hand traveled up my side, his thumb brushing the side of my breast. The smell of whiskey and sweat clung to him like a second skin.

He pulled away, his eyes searching my face for something, but I couldn't tell what. "Why do you make me want to lose control?" he whispered, his breath hot on my cheek.

I looked up at him, my eyes filled with confusion and hurt. "Why do you keep pushing me away?"

"Because if I don't, I'll fuck everything up," he said, his voice strained. "You're a part of this now, whether you like it or not. And Hartwell won't stop until he has you."

"But why me?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"Because you're the only one who's ever made m