He looks a little shocked and taken aback, but I feel a surge of confidence. If he wants to see my bra, he’s going to have to beg for it. Would he actually beg for this? He never says please, and I get the feeling he’s never begged anyone before. I hold his gaze, letting him process the challenge. Though he gives nothing away, when his eyes drop to my shirt, a smirk starts forming on his face. "You want me to beg you to get undressed?" he clarifies, raising an eyebrow. "Yes. And beg properly. Otherwise, you’ll never find out what my favorite color is," I say with an arrogant nod. He studies me, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "You really are something else, my sweet Norali," he whispers. I can feel his resolve in his gaze. Time seems to slow as his head moves closer, and I feel his lips graze my ear. He wraps his arm around me, his hand resting flat on my lower back, while the other, which was on my chin, slides to the back of my neck, holding me securely. "Consider this a one-
He’s right in my face, but I refuse to step back. “I’m going, Mason. I’m an adult and can make my own choices,” I say firmly, snatching his hand and forcing it down. That sets him off. Mason’s anger morphs into raw rage. I see him shaking, his fury palpable. “I said NO, LI!” he roars, stepping closer and hitting the fridge behind me with a force that makes me flinch. “Mason,” Jace snaps, appearing in the kitchen and glaring at Mason. Mason whirls around to face him before turning his gaze back to me. “If you’re that adamant about going, don’t go alone. Go with Jace,” Mason insists, his tone a bit calmer but still intense. “What? No! I don’t need a babysitter,” I snap back. Sometimes, Mason treats me like I’m five years old. “You will only go with Jace,” Mason says firmly, his mind made up. “I’m going alone,” I retort, just as resolute. Mason’s rage flares up again. His hand again slams against the fridge, and I'm half a second away of fearing him a little bit. Jace steps in, g
I haven't slept well. Mason cooked an amazing soup after seeing the work on my laptop, and he even got dessert from our favorite place. But all I thought about was Jace. It’s suffocating. He’s everywhere. And now he’s even going to meet my father tomorrow. As I sip my coffee on the grass outside, he drives into the parking lot in his black Porsche. The windows are too tinted for me to see him, but I still want to see him. I want to see his face when I confront him about Antonio. And Carter. And Dylan. What if he ends up beating up my father? Mason would be thrilled. "I think Ryker had sex with someone else," Hannah snaps me out of my daydream. "What?!" Lina jumps up from her spot against the tree, her eyes wide. Charlotte follows suit, looking at Hannah in shock. "He asked me to be his girlfriend three days ago..." Hannah says, her eyes on the grass beneath her. "I said I needed some time. You know, we have fun and all... But getting into a relationship is a big step." Hannah sig
I turn around and meet Jace's stare, which is full of interest. Suddenly feeling a bit shy, I quickly look away and walk past him without saying anything. He turns around with us and starts walking next to me and Hannah. My book is clutched to my chest, providing me with a false sense of safety. Jace has slept around a lot, and I'm a virgin. How in the world would we ever match? He would probably see me as dumb, inadequate, slow—just not good enough. Where are these insecurities coming from? What's going on with me? "Miss Raven. A word," Jace says in his teacher's voice, making me close my eyes in defeat. The last thing I want right now is to talk to him. I would probably stumble over my words and feet and embarrass myself further. “I have class,” I respond, continuing to walk, making Hannah glance at me from the side. Lina and Charlotte keep heading to our class. Suddenly, Jace grabs my arm. I almost flinch. “Class can wait. Hannah, can you tell whatever teacher you have that Nora
The first thing I notice when I get home is a pile of boxes in the hallway. “Hey, baby sis. These all came for you,” Mason calls from the living room, opening the door to the hallway. “For me?” I ask, frowning. Mason frowns back at me. “Yes. You didn’t order anything?” He reaches for one of the boxes. "No! Don't!" I swat his hand away quickly and pull the box away from underneath his hands before he can think of opening it. "I want to know what's inside," Mason protests, bending down again. "They're mine! I suddenly remembered I ordered underwear when I was drunk!" I manage to lie. Mason jumps back. “Ew, Li!” he shouts, backing away quickly. “Oh, shut it. You see my underwear in the washing machine,” I retort, grabbing the first box and stacking it on top of another. “Not by choice.” He scans the boxes again before retreating into the living room. I quickly dash back and forth, carrying two boxes at a time. I have a feeling I know who sent these. They’re addressed to me but lack
My night was terrible. All I could think about Jace beating up my dad or the other way around. This situation has only a few outcomes, and each one is worse than the last. My head itches, and the high ponytail feels like a beacon as I wait for Jace to arrive for class. He’s late. And he’s never late. Before I can worry about whether he might have ditched me, I feel his eyes on me. I turn my head and find him watching me intently. His gaze first lands on my hair, and I think I see a flicker of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. But maybe I’m imagining it. His eyes drop to mine, darkening as they meet my gaze. Grace is next to him, talking animatedly about something, but he seems to be completely focused on me. The awareness of being alone with him today makes me reconsider. Maybe I should cancel my meeting with Dad and not mention it to Jace. Maybe I should just... Fuck him after class. "And the instructor asked for my number! Can you believe that?!" Grace says as they app
"A date? I thought you were kinda dating Miss Walker?" Brent asks out loud. Jace turns around with disgust on his face. "Grace? Where is this rumour coming from? I'd rather slit my wrists," he says, disgust dripping from his voice. The entire class starts laughing, but I'm still in shock from his date comment. "So, I have no time for detention, Norali," Jace says, drawing my attention. "You can misbehave all you want," he states with a tiny smirk. "Can I?" I ask with suspicion, trying to erase the shock from my face as a few heads turn towards me. Jace clicks his teeth for a moment before tilting his head. "Yes... I’m sure I can find a way to get you back for any misbehavior later." I will the redness in my cheeks to stay hidden because I suddenly feel really hot. As if Jace notices my reddening cheeks, he clears his throat and taps the board. "Eyes here. Books open. Phones gone," he barks. Everybody who was looking at me instantly turns around. "What's going on?" Hannah immediat
As soon as I throw my bag into the backseat, Jace grabs my ponytail roughly. "Hey!" I shout as my head is yanked back and Jace puts his entire body weight into me. His other hand snakes around my neck, and he pulls my hair harder, making me tilt my head back almost too far. I can't even swallow anymore and stare at the ceiling of the car helplessly. "What did you call me earlier?" Jace suddenly asks, his body half on top of mine, both of us crammed into the passenger seat. "What?" I ask helplessly, my mind reeling. I have no idea what he’s talking about. My world is abruptly turned around, and my body freezes with the sudden assault. I had not expected this when I got into his car. I should have, though. "Your text," he warns, his breath hot against my neck. Is he serious? His grip on my hair tightens, and he pushes his knee between my legs, forcing them open. Thank goodness I’m wearing jeans today. I try to swallow but can’t. I want to punch him, but my arms are pinned behind
When the doors finally open, I practically run out whilst I hear a grin from Jace. The men outside are still smoking, and I can’t help but sigh in annoyance. Jace’s car, parked at the far end of the lot, feels like a beacon of escape. This would be a perfect time to invent teleportation. “Hey,” Jace calls from behind. I slow down but keep my eyes fixed on the group of men. He grabs my arm, gently turning me to face him. “I’ve got you, bean,” he promises softly. “They’re staring because they want you, and they can’t have you. I’m here. You’re safe.” His hand lands on my cheek, and I can feel the weight of all those watchful eyes outside. Jace chuckles, his tone lighter, “They’ll probably fantasize about you later, but that’s fine. Let them. It’s all they’ll ever have.” That is the last thing I want to hear, and I shoot him a look like he’s lost his mind. But then something happens I had never, ever expected. My entire world seems to close down on me when I see Jace lean down to me,
I walk around Jace and notice him tense up. But I walk straight to Richard. Reaching out, I grasp the lapel of his jacket, straightening it as I look up into his eyes. He watches me, waiting for whatever I’m about to say. “How’s your wife, Richard?” I ask in an innocent tone. His wife. His wife who’s very sick and being cheated on. She's probably waiting for him to come home right now. Richard’s sneer deepens as he throws a thunderous glance at Jace before briskly storming out. The door slams so hard the plant next to it shudders. I turn back to Jace, who’s now grinning with pride and amusement. “What? Did I not ask nicely enough?” I ask with mock confusion. Jace grins wide, walking toward me. “I thought you were very nice. I’m not sure what his problem is,” he replies, finishing his whiskey. "You fucked his sister?" I just ask in return with raised eyebrows. My eyes go to the black leather couches again. How many women have been on those couches? Richard did say they could hear
"Your colleagues?" I whisper to him as Jace pulls me along with him to the elevator. "Yeah... The men in this office have a tendency to... Uhm... Hunt for the women who enter here," Jace explains with a bit of doubt in his voice. I snap my head to him. "Hunt?" I question with raised eyebrows. The elevator opens and Jace pushes me in. I swear he looks at my ass as he walks in behind me. "Well... It's more like a competition. It's a man's world and females are scarce. So when a woman does enter, and a beautiful one at that, their hormones go batshit crazy. They all want the same thing," Jace calmly clarifies. I look outside, through the glass, at the world that is slowly shrinking. "But you don't have to worry. Just stay with me," Jace says when the elevator pings and the doors slide open. Multiple pairs of eyes shoot to us. I so wish I was downstairs in his car. Jace points to the open doors and I hesitantly walk out. His hand falls on my lower back and he steers me left along a lo
As soon as I throw my bag into the backseat, Jace grabs my ponytail roughly. "Hey!" I shout as my head is yanked back and Jace puts his entire body weight into me. His other hand snakes around my neck, and he pulls my hair harder, making me tilt my head back almost too far. I can't even swallow anymore and stare at the ceiling of the car helplessly. "What did you call me earlier?" Jace suddenly asks, his body half on top of mine, both of us crammed into the passenger seat. "What?" I ask helplessly, my mind reeling. I have no idea what he’s talking about. My world is abruptly turned around, and my body freezes with the sudden assault. I had not expected this when I got into his car. I should have, though. "Your text," he warns, his breath hot against my neck. Is he serious? His grip on my hair tightens, and he pushes his knee between my legs, forcing them open. Thank goodness I’m wearing jeans today. I try to swallow but can’t. I want to punch him, but my arms are pinned behind
"A date? I thought you were kinda dating Miss Walker?" Brent asks out loud. Jace turns around with disgust on his face. "Grace? Where is this rumour coming from? I'd rather slit my wrists," he says, disgust dripping from his voice. The entire class starts laughing, but I'm still in shock from his date comment. "So, I have no time for detention, Norali," Jace says, drawing my attention. "You can misbehave all you want," he states with a tiny smirk. "Can I?" I ask with suspicion, trying to erase the shock from my face as a few heads turn towards me. Jace clicks his teeth for a moment before tilting his head. "Yes... I’m sure I can find a way to get you back for any misbehavior later." I will the redness in my cheeks to stay hidden because I suddenly feel really hot. As if Jace notices my reddening cheeks, he clears his throat and taps the board. "Eyes here. Books open. Phones gone," he barks. Everybody who was looking at me instantly turns around. "What's going on?" Hannah immediat
My night was terrible. All I could think about Jace beating up my dad or the other way around. This situation has only a few outcomes, and each one is worse than the last. My head itches, and the high ponytail feels like a beacon as I wait for Jace to arrive for class. He’s late. And he’s never late. Before I can worry about whether he might have ditched me, I feel his eyes on me. I turn my head and find him watching me intently. His gaze first lands on my hair, and I think I see a flicker of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. But maybe I’m imagining it. His eyes drop to mine, darkening as they meet my gaze. Grace is next to him, talking animatedly about something, but he seems to be completely focused on me. The awareness of being alone with him today makes me reconsider. Maybe I should cancel my meeting with Dad and not mention it to Jace. Maybe I should just... Fuck him after class. "And the instructor asked for my number! Can you believe that?!" Grace says as they app
The first thing I notice when I get home is a pile of boxes in the hallway. “Hey, baby sis. These all came for you,” Mason calls from the living room, opening the door to the hallway. “For me?” I ask, frowning. Mason frowns back at me. “Yes. You didn’t order anything?” He reaches for one of the boxes. "No! Don't!" I swat his hand away quickly and pull the box away from underneath his hands before he can think of opening it. "I want to know what's inside," Mason protests, bending down again. "They're mine! I suddenly remembered I ordered underwear when I was drunk!" I manage to lie. Mason jumps back. “Ew, Li!” he shouts, backing away quickly. “Oh, shut it. You see my underwear in the washing machine,” I retort, grabbing the first box and stacking it on top of another. “Not by choice.” He scans the boxes again before retreating into the living room. I quickly dash back and forth, carrying two boxes at a time. I have a feeling I know who sent these. They’re addressed to me but lack
I turn around and meet Jace's stare, which is full of interest. Suddenly feeling a bit shy, I quickly look away and walk past him without saying anything. He turns around with us and starts walking next to me and Hannah. My book is clutched to my chest, providing me with a false sense of safety. Jace has slept around a lot, and I'm a virgin. How in the world would we ever match? He would probably see me as dumb, inadequate, slow—just not good enough. Where are these insecurities coming from? What's going on with me? "Miss Raven. A word," Jace says in his teacher's voice, making me close my eyes in defeat. The last thing I want right now is to talk to him. I would probably stumble over my words and feet and embarrass myself further. “I have class,” I respond, continuing to walk, making Hannah glance at me from the side. Lina and Charlotte keep heading to our class. Suddenly, Jace grabs my arm. I almost flinch. “Class can wait. Hannah, can you tell whatever teacher you have that Nora
I haven't slept well. Mason cooked an amazing soup after seeing the work on my laptop, and he even got dessert from our favorite place. But all I thought about was Jace. It’s suffocating. He’s everywhere. And now he’s even going to meet my father tomorrow. As I sip my coffee on the grass outside, he drives into the parking lot in his black Porsche. The windows are too tinted for me to see him, but I still want to see him. I want to see his face when I confront him about Antonio. And Carter. And Dylan. What if he ends up beating up my father? Mason would be thrilled. "I think Ryker had sex with someone else," Hannah snaps me out of my daydream. "What?!" Lina jumps up from her spot against the tree, her eyes wide. Charlotte follows suit, looking at Hannah in shock. "He asked me to be his girlfriend three days ago..." Hannah says, her eyes on the grass beneath her. "I said I needed some time. You know, we have fun and all... But getting into a relationship is a big step." Hannah sig