“Can you please eat today?” Mason asks. I skillfully flip a pancake and put another pan on for more. “Can I make my own decisions?” I respond with a sigh, irritation creeping in at everybody around me. “Not when those decisions involve drinking too much, hanging out with people who sniff coke, and not eating,” Mason replies calmly. “You're not Dad, you know,” I mutter, flipping the other pancake. As soon as I say it, I turn to him with a sigh. “Don’t compare me to Dad,” Mason warns. “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’ll eat,” I quickly apologize. My eyes flick to my phone, and I bite my lip, guilt creeping in. Mason doesn’t notice and instead ruffles my hair in his annoying way just as my phone rings with an incoming call. “Love you, sis,” Mason says with a smile before walking away to the living room. I grab my phone and hesitate for a moment before answering. “Hey,” I say to Ryker. “Nooooooraaaaaaaaallliiiii!!” he responds cheerfully. “We’re picking you
Mason stays silent for a while, and I bite my bottom lip in anticipation. "Fine, yes. I'm sorry for being so controlling. Just let me know if you need a ride. Please don’t do anything stupid, baby sis. And if Ryker offers you cocaine, don’t accept it," Mason says, his voice tinged with sadness. "Okay, brother. Got it. I’ll see you tonight. Love you!" I hang up and let out a deep sigh, my heart still pounding. "We're here!" Ryker shouts, jumping out of the car and stretching his arms. "God, almost dying makes you thirsty," he adds, eyeing the bottle of gin. Rolling my eyes, I exit the car and take in the lush greenery around us. Perfect. Connor wraps his arm around me and leads me toward the park where the lake is. He’s carrying a big bag filled with food, drinks, and badminton gear in one hand. Ryker runs ahead, unfurling a picnic blanket and testing various spots until he finds the perfect one beneath a tree. He then drops to one knee and offers to take off Hannah’s shoes. She gr
“Yeah… I’ll call him back later,” I say, hitting decline and tossing my phone into the grass. The last thing I need is more anger from Mason if I pick up that call. “Anyway, what are you doing here?” Ryker asks, completely unbothered by Lina’s antics. To be fair, most people know he deals in cocaine. There's even a teacher who occasionally gets it from him. “Just going for a walk. Taking in the views,” Jace replies, his voice relaxed and calm. Hannah frowns and signals something to me. I grab her hands and lean forward, stretching our arms above our heads in the grass. Hannah giggles, forced to arch her back, making us lie chest to chest. We intertwine our fingers, our noses nearly touching, my hair framing our faces. “I don’t think you should come to class on Monday,” she whispers softly, careful not to let Connor hear. “Why?” I whisper back. “I don’t know what you did, but I think a certain teacher might kill you,” she warns. I grin. “What’s new?” “Okay, see you at school! Do
"I'm home!" Connor shouts as soon as we step inside his house. Before anyone can respond, he grabs my hand, pulling me up the stairs. His house is large, bright, and immaculately clean—not a thing out of place. The upstairs is just as pristine, with a wide hallway lined by closed doors. Connor leads me to the last door, pulling me inside and slamming it shut behind us. His room is just as spotless as the rest of the house. "Your room is neater than mine," I remark, my eyes landing on his perfectly made bed. My blanket is probably still half on the floor back home, and Humphrey is likely curled up on it. "Yeah, my mom’s a clean freak. She gets nervous when things are messy," Connor explains. I take in the details of his room—big bed by the window, a desk with a gaming computer, a TV facing a couch, a PlayStation, a big stereo, and several dressers. "Thanks for saving my ass earlier," Connor says, grabbing two beers from a mini fridge. He offers me one, but I shake my head. Drinkin
"Mason, you need to stay out of my business a little bit. Connor drank too much and couldn’t drive. I was the only sober one, so I took everyone home. I was at his house for just a few minutes before I called you," I explain with a sigh. Mason turns to me, surprised. "Are you serious?" His tone softens immediately. I nod, closing my eyes. Then I feel his hand on my shoulder. "Well, look at that—responsible Norali Raven," he says with a smirk. I can’t help but smile. "I have my moments." "Alright, I just don’t want you to end up as one of the many notches on his bedpost. The stuff I hear about him in class makes me want to vomit. Listening to girls talk about his kissing for hours… blech." He fake gags, making my smile widen. "His kisses are mediocre," I tease. Mason’s head whips toward me. "Li!" he shouts, sounding both panicked and shocked. I laugh. "Relax, it was just a kiss. Nothing else happened." Mason nods, thoughtful, obviously still not happy with my comment. "How abo
"What was going on there?" Connor asks, raising an eyebrow as I reach them. "Absolute torture. I hate him so much," I groan, my voice dripping with frustration. "You're not the only one, darling," Connor says, throwing an arm around my shoulders. I shrug it off and pretend to be engrossed in my phone. "Really? I actually like the guy. He's... cool," Ryker chimes in cheerfully as we walk into the building. "Cool? You think he’s cool? Blergh. Anyway, doesn’t really matter. I’ll catch you guys later!" I say before turning in the other direction to my class. "Morning, girl," Hannah greets me as I walk into class, just in time before the teacher arrives. "I'm glad you left the 'good' out," I reply with a tired voice. Lina and Charlotte glance at me, then go back to chatting animatedly about their weekend. "I still can't believe we saw them. In the park, right by our houses! Maybe they live close!" Lina exclaims excitedly. I share a knowing look with Hannah, who suppresses a grin and
"It was a good weekend," Ryker says with an easy smile. "It was," Hannah agrees with a nod. "Yeah, especially when we got stopped. That was hilarious," Connor grins. Just then, Jace walks in with a cup of coffee, heading straight to his desk without saying a word. The class, realizing he isn't going to call them to order, continues chatting but at a lower volume. Ryker and Connor, with their backs to Jace, don’t even notice him walking in, or the way Jace's eyes harden when he sees them. When Jace locks eyes with me, his expression shifts from annoyance to contemplation. He sits down, sips his coffee, and just... stares. Connor remains focused on me, his elbows resting on my desk. Adam remains perched on Lina’s desk, chatting with her and Charlotte. "Yeah, what an idiot!" Ryker laughs. "Hey, Connor!" Brent suddenly shouts from across the room. "Is it true you got arrested for drunk driving this weekend?" Brent loves stirring the pot. "Nope. Nora jumped behind the wheel and swa
Mr. Adkins leaves us in silence for about half an hour before announcing a short break to get another coffee. "If anyone enters this classroom who doesn’t belong here, you have my permission to fight them," he says sternly, walking out. "Even a teacher?!" Brent yells after him, laughing. No response. The door remains open. Lina and Charlotte immediately make their way over to us, eyes on me. Lina sits on the table between us, while Charlotte plops herself on my lap, wrapping her arms around me. "Did you say yes?" she whispers in my ear. "I didn’t say anything," I reply. "Girl! What are you gonna do? Are you going on a date with him?" Lina asks excitedly. "She doesn’t know yet. Connor’s had half the school in his bed," Hannah cuts in, sounding more serious than I expected. "That’s true. Didn’t he hook up with Stacey a few weeks ago?" Charlotte adds. "Ugh, he’s just as bad as Miss Walker," I say thoughtfully, earning a grin from the three of them. Lina suddenly changes the subje
Miraculously, Mason slows down immediately. The three of us let out deep sighs of relief. Adrenaline still courses through me, making my heart race. “Go left here,” Jace directs Mason, who obeys. I can feel the slight shift in the car as Mason finds a perfectly straight road. Mason's happiness at the straight road is palpable. The gas is pressed again, but this time, it’s smoother. He raises the volume of the music and starts bopping along to the beat, headbanging slightly. As the car settles into a steady pace, my body relaxes, and Jace seems to notice. But I get the sense that he’s aware of the lingering adrenaline. His grip on me loosens, but instead of letting go, his hand lands on the side of my bare leg, caging it between his leg and mine. It’s hidden from Mason’s view, but his touch is fully on my skin. My white dress has ridden up, barely covering my hips. “I didn’t think you’d want to slow down,” I say, trying to make conversation with the man behind me. “It scared you. O
I walk to the car like a robot, hearing the front door slam shut behind me. Jace’s comment about the backseat only fitting two people wasn’t a joke. The doors are still open, and I see Esme and Hannah looking at me with wide, questioning eyes. Did they see what just happened? Mason is busy fiddling with the radio, completely oblivious. "I don't fit," I say, raising my eyebrows. Jace steps up beside me, dressed more casually than usual—just a t-shirt and jeans instead of his usual office attire. "The biggest seat is at the front. Honestly, you could just sit on my—" Jace starts to say, but I move before he can finish. I crawl onto Hannah’s lap, sticking my ass out a little more than necessary. My dress rides up dangerously high, and I feel like my underwear is on the verge of showing. I turn to face Hannah, straddling her legs. We’re nose to nose, and she gives me a look that says she knows exactly what I’m doing. Her eyes flicker to Jace and then back to me, widening slightly. Jac
"So... someone is coming over this morning," I say casually to Hannah as I switch on the coffee machine. She’s lounging on the couch and immediately pauses The Office. "You’re joking," she gasps. Of course, she immediately knows who I’m talking about. I turn around as I hear her get up from the couch. "What do you mean 'coming over'?" she asks, full of intrigue. I sigh, pressing the cappuccino button. "Well... he’s got a day planned with Mason," I reply, trying to figure out how to tell her that he wants us to join. Hannah’s face narrows in suspicion. "Okay... what are you not telling me?" Before I can answer, Mason walks down the stairs with Esme, who showed up early this morning and immediately went to him. I’ve been downstairs avoiding them. "But I thought it was just a day with Jace," Mason complains. "Come on," Esme chimes in, opening the door to the living room. "It’ll be fun!" "Good morning, Hannah," Mason greets, though his eyes are still on Esme. "I wanted a bro day,"
I’m not going to send him a nude, especially since his picture is foggy anyway. Instead, I open the camera and stand in front of the living room mirror. I made sure my phone is in front of my face. It's just my op half on the screen, with maybe my shirt pulled down just a tad to reveal more of my shoulders and collarbones. It's not particularly sexy or anything like that. I could’ve probably done a way better job. -Norali: Picture I hit send and wait for his response, heart pounding. -Mr. Grumpy: Yes, mirror kink added. -Mr. Grumpy: You're stunning. And the nerves come back again. Did he really just call me stunning? My cheeks flush, and I clear my throat, which suddenly feels tight. Does he really mean that? Jace isn’t the type to throw out compliments. How can he even call me stunning when my face isn’t in the picture? -Mr. Grumpy: Your turn. Pressing my lips together, I stand frozen in the living room for a few seconds. What else could be a kink? I glance around the room, t
My heart races as I stare at the messages from Jace, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. He’s online, probably noticing that I am too. Another text pops up. -Mr. Grumpy: Sugar Baby. My belly flutters. -Mr.Grumpy: I want you to tell me one thing. -Mr. Grumpy: If you answer, I won't punish you for ignoring my request in the supermarket. I told you to keep your phone on, you brat. I start typing, then delete it. Type again, delete. A flood of responses rush through my mind. My phone was on all night; I just didn’t have it with me. But I doubt he’d appreciate that answer right now. Also, “brat” sounds... kind of sexy, coming from him. Okay. -Norali: Shoot. -Mr. Grumpy: Tell me what happened last night. Was there someone with you? Aaah. So he is still wondering about last night. Interesting. Well, that is exactly the same for me. I want to know what happened with Charlene. But he isn't going to get my answer that easily. -Norali: What an inappropriate question to ask, Mr. Ad
"Yeah... apparently the clients did. These parties tend to get a bit wild." Mason’s phone lights up, and I lean over to see the chat with Jace.-Jace: Help me.-Jace: [picture]I stare at the picture, scanning it thoroughly. It’s his office, and sure enough, there are multiple women in lingerie—asses and breasts on full display—touching the men. "Ask him if he has a favorite stripper," I say to Mason. He smirks and immediately types.-Mason: Got a favorite girl?My heart pounds out of my chest. What office party has strippers present??-Jace: They're dirty and already sucked more cock tonight than I had drinks. Their speed is immaculate, though. They're in and out with the boys in minutes.Mason laughs out loud and continues the conversation.-Mason: You didn't answer the question. Is it the blonde one in red?He zooms in on a stripper in red, her back to the camera, her face turned just enough for her profile to show.-Jace: If you want a list of my top ten, I can make you one. Why a
Mason tosses the keys in the air, catches them effortlessly, and strolls over. "Let’s go, baby sis. Jace, thanks for your help. Li, also thank him, too," Mason says, using his teacher voice. Arabella watches us closely, and I can’t help but turn to Jace. "Jace... thank you SO much," I say with exaggerated enthusiasm as I throw my arms around his neck. Once again, he freezes, and I learn something new about him. He’s had sex—probably a lot of it—but physical contact, true intimacy? He seems to shy away from it. He seems to hate it. He's got no problem with using his hands and his dick, but a simple hug? Imagine the horror. And so, of course, I press my body against his, feeling my breasts flatten against his chest. With a slight shift, I position us so I’m facing Arabella. I give her a small, cruel smile as I slide my hand up to the back of Jace’s neck. He’s still frozen, his breath warm against my cheek. With my other hand, I grab his blazer, pulling him even closer. I turn my hea
The door beside me flings open. "What the fuck?!" I hear Jace shout. My hands are yanked from the steering wheel, and I see Jace bending over to remove the key from the ignition. He turns, gripping my chin. "Are you okay? I'll call an ambulance," he says, panic widening his eyes. "I'm fine," I manage to croak, closing my eyes against the wave of dizziness. "Bullshit. Open your eyes," he demands. I sigh and comply. "I'm fine. Just a little shaken." "Mason, call an ambulance," Jace orders, tossing his phone to him. "Jace, she’s fine. The airbags didn’t even deploy. She swerved right, hit the brakes—her head didn’t touch the wheel," Mason argues, glancing at me for confirmation. Jace's grip on my chin softens but his face remains inches from mine. His hand slides from my chin to my cheek. "Are you dizzy? Lightheaded? Nauseous? Do you have any pain?" Jace asks, looking down my body as if assessing the situation. "I'm really fine," I insist, though my head still spins a little. "Wh
Jace walks out with Arabella by his side, and she shoots me a scowl over her shoulder. I wink at her before turning back to pay. When we step outside, Jace and Arabella are still loading groceries into his flashy car. Multiple people around admire it. "It's a beauty," Mason says dreamily. "Why don't you just marry the damn car?" I huff, but Mason barely notices and heads straight for Jace’s car. I have zero interest in joining them—especially with Arabella clinging to Jace, eyeing him like he's prime steak. Instead, I push the trolley to our car and start loading up. "Apple girl," a voice calls from behind me. I turn to see the guy who saved me from a broken nose earlier. He’s leaning against a massive motorcycle, wearing a leather jacket and all. "Wow," I say, eyeing the beast behind him. He smiles and pats his motorcycle. "Thanks," he says. He gives me a casual look. "Was that your boyfriend?" he asks, motioning toward Mason. "My brother," I reply, closing the trunk. "No boy