"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
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
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
The closer I get to the table, the more impressed I am. There is just so much food. The whole table looks incredible. “Do you come here often?” I ask, genuinely curious. “No, this is my first time here,” Jace replies softly. “A friend of mine owns the restaurant, and every woman I know wants to eat here. So, I called him and made sure the place is all ours today.” I glance at Jace with scanning eyes. “It’s amazing,” I say sincerely. I notice that Mason is in high spirits, and so is Esme. Even Hannah is laughing loudly with the two of them, catching the attention of one of the waiters. "Well, you haven’t tasted the food yet. I’ll have your judgment after. Sit next to me and keep your hands above the table, bean," Jace instructs, right before tapping my ass softly. Did he just touch my ass? He walks off before I can give any reaction. “Hans, I’ll take over,” Jace announces, grabbing the bottle of white wine from Hans and pouring glasses for everyone. “Wow, Jace, it’s almost like y
“Speak,” Hannah demands, pulling off her sneakers. “About what?” I ask, feigning innocence as I bend down to unclasp my sandals. “Oh my god, Nora! You sitting on your teacher’s lap, and him holding you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear,” Esme says, giving me a shove that nearly sends me sprawling into the sand. “You hate him, and he hates you!”Hannah throws her hands in the air. I bite my lip, looking down. “We... we’ve been texting,” I admit slowly. Both of them gasp. I finally get my sandals off and glance at the inviting water. “You’ve been texting again? When?” Hannah asks, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the water. It’s cold and crystal clear, and the soft sand feels good as I dig my toes in. “Last night... and the night before.” "Oh my GOD! Nora!" Hannah practically screams. "Wasn't he with strippers last night?" Esme asks, noting something every important.Hannah’s excitement falters as she turns to Esme in shock. “He was, yeah,” I say carefully. “But he went home.
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