"Turn around," I order Charlene sharply. -Jace: Tell me now. I'm not playing your stupid game. Charlene turns, placing her elbows on the top of the couch. I stride over and unbutton my shirt with one hand, the lipstick Norali left in my pants pocket burning a hole through the fabric. I slap Charlene’s ass hard but keep my eyes fixed on my phone. I should throw the damn thing away. Norali means nothing to me. She’s just my student. A virgin. She could never handle me. But there is a tiny part inside me that wonders if maybe she actually could handle me. And maybe I would like her to handle me. No. No, I wouldn’t. As hot as she is, that’s it. The way she fucking tries to get on my nerves is enough for me to run my hand down Charlene's back. The blonde hair disappears in my mind, and I imagine Norali spread out in front of me instead. That thought alone gets me instantly hard. Still no message. Answer me. -Little bean: If you’d said “please,” I would've told you. But now you’ve ru
"We need to do groceries after visiting Mom. We can do it together—there won’t be any students there,” Mason says as he drives us out of town. I nod, lost in thought. Jace hasn't texted me back since last night. He hasn't even reacted to the picture I sent. For some reason, it makes me feel bad. It makes me feel bad because I expected a reaction from him. But he probably just rolled his eyes at the picture and decided I was trying too hard. I also feel bad because I shouldn't even have sent a picture like that to my teacher in the first place. I don't even know why I did. But it gives me such a thrill to push his buttons. And I think, deep down, he enjoys it too. He definitely loves pushing mine. But fuck.. He was with another woman last night. He had sex with someone else last night while I spent the night on my own. No one came over, but I knew Jace would find a way to ask Mason—or Mason would somehow let him know—that I had “people over.” The truth is, all I did was steal a gla
"Lasagna sheets," I mumble, pulling the trolley as Mason trails behind me. "Oh, and extra béchamel sauce!" he says excitedly. "Yes... Can't forget the," I turn to Mason, who joins in, "CHEESE!" We both laugh. Mom always used to say that when she made lasagna. I don’t really remember it myself, but Mason always reminds me. "Apples! The green ones!" he yells, darting to the fruit section. He snatches the last few green apples and tosses them to me, one by one. "Mason!" I shout, juggling the apples. "Careful!" Another apple flies at me. "You're going to—" It nearly hits my head. Suddenly, a hand snatches the apple mid-air, just before it collides with my face. I look up, startled, and meet the gaze of a handsome stranger. His light brown hair, slightly older look, and easy smile catch me off guard. "Hi," I say, my cheeks flushing. "Hi back," he replies, offering me the apple. I catch myself staring at him. I clear my throat and glance down at the green apple in his hand. "Uh, thank
An awkward silence settles over us,and I look up at Jace for several moments. For a very brief time, it is as if we are the only two people in the room. As if Mason and Arabella aren't here. As if nobody is here. I feel my heartbeat picking up and a sliver of something runs down my spine. He really does have amazing eyes. At least his looks aren't the issue with him. And maybe, somewhere far away in the depth of my mind, I have a tiny spark of something else. That I admire him for more than his good looks and confidence. That there is actually a reason that I sent that picture to him last night. And that it hurt that he hadn't responded to it at all. But as he looks back at me, there is so much fire in his eyes. It makes me want to look away, but I don't. Is he trying to intimidate me? Or is it something else? Did he really think of me when he was with someone else last night? Or is he just toying with me? Was he even with someone else last night? “So, Norali, how old are you?” A
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
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
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
"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
Jace thrusts into me again, and I gasp, trying to relax, but my muscles are too tense. The pressure is overwhelming. “I’m the only one who’ll ever enter your body,” he growls. Suddenly, he bites down just above my breast as he pushes further inside, and the sharp pain from his teeth dulls the ache between my legs. My body trembles as I try to adjust with him inside me. I’m in pain. I’m on fire. He’s dragging me into hell. He’s the devil himself, devouring me with his hands, teeth, and body. He’s marking me as his, forcing me to surrender with every torturous touch. And so I do. I stop fighting and let my body give in. I let my body drown in pain. The pain becomes part of me, and I push against him, craving more friction. When he pulls back and thrusts again, I meet him halfway, falling into a rhythm. I welcome it. I let my body become the devil with him. The pain is part of me, and I own it. My body is being pleased. These are bites of love, not hate. My brain automatically assu
And just like that, Jace closes the distance. His lips crash onto mine. His kiss is a wildfire—blazing, consuming, and leaving no room for air. I gasp into his mouth, but the sound is swallowed by the intensity of his kiss. His hands grip my waist, pulling me flush against him, and I can feel every inch of his taut body pressed to mine. My fingers automatically tangle in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more. His lips are relentless, moving over mine with such hunger, as if he’s been starved for this, for me. I moan softly into his mouth, and he responds with a low growl that vibrates through his chest. The sound alone makes my knees weak, but Jace’s strong arms are already holding me up, his hands roaming down my back, molding me against him. His lips leave mine only to trail fiery kisses along my jaw, down my neck, sending shivers across my skin. "You drive me fucking insane," he mutters against my throat, his breath hot against my sensitive skin. "I’ve wanted this... wanted
Jace releases me as soon as he notices Lina and Charlotte approaching, his expression hardening into a scowl. "Hannah, watch where your clumsy legs are going," he says, his voice stern but not harsh. "Hi, Mr. Adkins!" Lina slurs, clearly drunk. "You having fun?" "Not really," Jace replies flatly. I see Lina tilt her head, confused by his response. Charlotte bounces up beside her, her face dazed and unfocused. "I wouldn't consider this my definition of fun," he adds, a secret smirk to Hannah. "Gosh, maybe another whiskey will loosen you up, Mr. Adkins! Maybe you'll have fun then!" Charlotte suggests, half slurring her words. "You girls should head to bed. It's late," Jace orders, his tone shifting back to the strict teacher mode. "Ooooh, bed! Nora wants to go to bed!" Hannah squeals, suddenly wrapping her arms around me and pulling me toward the crowd. The dance floor has become packed, the air thick with sweat and excitement. Nearby, Ryker is dancing, jaw clenched as if he's chew
"Go wrap your hand around his dick. That should help," Hannah whispers in my ear, her breath warm against my skin as she lets me go. The suggestion shoots through me like lightning. Heat coils low in my stomach, and I have to press my thighs together to contain the growing ache. The thought of touching Jace... My breath hitches. I glance to my side, where I know he’s standing. His eyes are already on me, filled with raw, untamed desire. The intensity of his gaze makes my knees weak, my stomach flipping as if gravity just shifted. It feels like every coherent thought I had dissolves into that one moment. I release Hannah without a word, my body moving on its own accord toward Jace. The crowd blurs around me as I approach the bar. Jace, sensing me, casually dismisses the person he’s talking to. His gaze sharpens, but he doesn't look directly at me. He turns toward an empty spot at the bar, his posture deceptively relaxed as he scans the dancing crowd. I feel his tension, though.
The warmth of her skin against mine is intoxicating. I giggle when Charlotte bounces excitedly on the barstool, eager to order a drink. She pulls me in front of her, pressing her body into mine, and I have to swallow a moan. The contact is electric. This night is going to be interesting. But Mitch is still hovering nearby, too close. I barely have time to react before his cold fingers slide across my back. The icy touch shocks me, and I instinctively flinch away. He doesn’t back off, though. His eyes widen in surprise, mirroring mine, but he holds his position. "Your hands are freezing," I manage, my voice breathy. He chuckles, low and unapologetic. "Sorry," he says, though it feels more like a lie than an apology. A tray of cocktails is suddenly in front of me, and I don’t hesitate. I grab one, any one, desperate for distraction. Before I can take a sip, Hannah wedges herself between Mitch and me, forcing him away. Her glass clinks against mine, and her knowing eyes tell me she sa
The elevator doors open far too quickly, and instead of feeling calmer, I’m a bundle of frayed nerves. I walk to the hotel room assigned to us and can already hear the excited shouts of Lina and Charlotte. Without knocking, I push the door open. Instantly, my mood lifts. Lina’s dancing on her bed in sexy underwear, Charlotte is playing an imaginary air guitar, and Hannah’s busy filling up glasses of alcohol. “Baby!” Lina yells as soon as she spots me. The three of them turn to look at me, and I can’t help but smile widely. “How are you feeling? A little better?” Charlotte asks, eyeing me closely. Behind her, Hannah smirks but wisely turns back to her task. “Good enough for another glass of wine,” I say, shutting the door behind me with a bang. The girls cheer in response. The room is small, just enough space for two double beds and a tiny bathroom. Our stuff is scattered everywhere, leaving little room to walk, but it feels cozy—exactly what I need after being in a too-large s
He waits for me to respond, but I don’t have an answer. So I stay silent. The pasta looked rancid, and all I wanted was some wine. Mr. Control freak. “What’s wrong with you?” he snaps, his voice sharp. I stand up too quickly, spilling some water onto the carpet. Jace has the decency to step back slightly, but his intimidating gaze remains unchanged. “I can’t stay long—people will notice I’m gone,” I say, my annoyance rising. Jace takes a slow sip of his drink, his calculating gaze never leaving me. It softens briefly when he looks down at me, but I try to ignore it for my own sanity and take a sip of the cold water. “Can you just finish your water, please?” His tone is firm, but the "please" is enough for me to down the entire glass in one go. The cold liquid jolts me awake, dulling some of the alcohol's buzz. He takes the empty glass from me, setting it on the nightstand. Some of his anger seems to fade. “I’m dying to know what you chose,” he says with a hint of desperation, and
I manage to keep my hands somewhat hidden, but they sting. Tiny cuts crisscross my skin, and all I want is for the attention to shift away from me. “How was your afternoon? Can you ski?” I ask, turning toward Mitch, desperate to deflect. It's the first real conversation we’ve ever had, and my discomfort is almost unbearable. I force a smile, trying to mask my unease. He instantly smiles back, a little too easily. “Yeah, I go to the Alps every year. My parents own a house there.” “So, a true professional then,” I laugh lightly, but it sounds hollow even to me. “Not as good as Connor!” Brent shouts from his seat beside Ryker, his voice cutting through the chatter. Connor grins, pointing his knife at Mitch. “Yeah, I could race you too.” He lifts his brow, challenging. The table erupts in laughter, Mitch included, and I realize this is the first time he’s really joined in with the group. “You’ll have to beat Mr. Adkins first," Mitch says smoothly, “then I’ll race the winner.” An imm
The chaos of the situation swells around me as Jace cuts through the crowd, his voice commanding and sharp, sending students scattering out of our way. His arms remain firm around me, his skis gliding effortlessly across the icy ground. Despite the surge of pain and embarrassment swelling within me, I can’t help but notice how focused he is on getting me to the doctor. "Norali!" Lina calls out from the edge of the group, wine glass in hand. "Are you okay?" I glance at her and give a weak nod, relieved I don’t have to explain much. Brian and Michael swoop in, eager to recount the drama, and everyone’s attention shifts to them. Jace takes the opportunity to pull me away, steering me toward the entrance. By the door, Jace sets me down briefly, his hand still gripping my arm as he removes his skis and boots. Connor and Adam appear, their expressions tense with concern. "I fell," I say quickly, cutting off any questions. "I need to see the doctor." "What hap—" Before Connor can finish