A hundred thoughts race through my mind, tangling in the fear that grips my chest. “The lights,” I manage to whisper, the only thing I can say as the night feels alive with danger. Jace tilts his head, eyes gleaming with a predatory calm. “I control them with my phone. Must admit, it was entertaining watching you run around like a little mouse,” he says, voice low and sharp. The gun is still pointed at me, a small, deadly thing that makes my pulse thunder in my ears. His finger rests too comfortably on the trigger, and though logic tells me he won’t shoot me, every instinct screams otherwise. “Throw the joint and the lighter,” he sneers, voice cold as steel. My hands act before I can think, letting both drop into the grass as if they burn me. He doesn’t smile, doesn’t soften. He’s in complete control, and I can feel it like a noose tightening around my throat. “Now, take off your sweats,” he orders. For a moment, I think I misheard him. My heart stumbles. “What?” My voice is bare
“Will you do it again?” Jace's voice is dark and low as his fingers curl inside me. A spark of shame runs through me as I instinctively open my legs wider, a small, embarrassing moan escaping my lips. “No,” I whisper, my head falling to the side, trying to hide from the flood of emotions crashing over me. “Promise me, bean,” he murmurs, pulling his fingers back only to plunge them deeper with more force. I gasp, the word slipping out almost too softly, “I promise.” His touch sends sparks of pleasure through my body, and I hiss as his thumb circles my clitoris, slow and deliberate. “You like that?” he asks, his voice dangerously close to a growl. I nod, biting my lip, my body betraying me as my mind tries to comprehend what’s happening. It’s as if my brain is finally accepting that I’m naked in a field, completely at Jace’s mercy. “Do you want me to tell you you’re a good girl?” he breathes, his fingers teasing me mercilessly. “That you deserve this?” The sudden pinch of my clitor
My heart is thundering, the beat hammering in my chest like an alarm. It's warning me—warning me to shield my heart, to build a wall around it before someone tears it apart. But when his arm tightens around me, pulling me close, my heart leaps with excitement. And that’s when I know—I’m in deep, deep trouble. A tear almost excapes my eye. My heart desires to kiss the man in front of me. To touch him. To have him all for myself. But I can’t. He doesn’t want to be kissed. He doesn’t want to be touched. And this man isn’t mine. He's my goddamn teacher. So I press my forehead to his chest, swallowing the tears that threaten to fall. For now, I’ll enjoy this moment, because I know it won’t last. As if he senses me, Jace tilts his head and presses a soft kiss to my temple, still guiding me around his living room. His touch isn’t fair—the way it roots itself inside me, sinking deeper with every brush of his lips, every graze of his fingers. "So, were you nervous about tonight?" he asks
My head snaps up in shock. WHAT. THE. FUCK? "Who is that?!" Norali’s voice cuts through the air, sharp and tense. She’s heard the woman in my house. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. "That's Arabella." I say to my girl, my focus fixed on the door. My pulse quickens as I feel Norali tense beneath me. "What is she doing here?" Her voice is tight, angry. And who could blame her? I’d be pissed too if I was about to lose my virginity and someone barged in, ruining the moment. Hell, I’m more furious than she is. I was about to finally have her, my student. Finally. "JACE!" "For fuck's sake," I whisper in pure desperation. My jaw clenches as I sag back down against Norali’s warm, naked body. My head dips into the crook of her neck, desperate for the comfort of her scent, the softness of her skin. The ache inside me grows. I can feel her heartbeat against me—steady, unlike the chaos in my head. But she’s not having it. She pushes my shoulder firmly. "Get rid of her, Jace. She can’t know I’m h
I won’t lose her. There’s no way I’m letting that happen. I just need to be more careful. What the hell was I thinking, parading her around the office? At least I’ve got dirt on everyone there. Not a single one of them would dare breathe a word about me... or her.They don't care anyway, that I'm fucking a student. I push the door to my bedroom open, my hands gripping a stack of papers, and the sight of her naked on my bed nearly knocks the wind out of me. Fuck. Slowly, I walk over, my blood heating just knowing she’s here, wrapped in my sheets. I hate being touched, always have. But her touch... God, her touch. It’s like she knows every secret inch of me. My hand finds her hip, her skin warm and soft beneath the covers, and I exhale, letting the warmth calm me for a second. "Norali." My voice barely a whisper. Wake up. No, she needs to sleep. She has had a big day. "Norali." I whisper again. No, let her sleep. But please wake up. I run my hand down her stomach, savoring the s
I wake up to the smell of coffee. What a perfect way to start the day. Stretching out, I feel the softness of the sheets against my bare skin and then the realization hits. Oh god. I almost had sex with Jace Adkins. But where is he? Still wrapped in the cover, I make my way downstairs, drawn by the familiar smell. The morning sun filters through the trees outside, painting the kitchen in soft light. It feels oddly peaceful, unlike the whirlwind of emotions from last night. An empty mug waits for me by the coffee machine, already prepped with two scoops of sugar. The detail is unsettling—he knows me too well. While the coffee brews, I glance around his house. In the daylight, it’s inviting, almost charming. Nothing like the darkness and fear I felt last night. "Jace?" I call out carefully. “Up here!” His voice carries from upstairs. I hesitate, then grab my coffee and make my way to his office. I must have walked right past it before. “No bugs in the sugar?” he asks before I even
I narrow my eyes at him, though my mind flashes back to last night, when I threw my panties around like confetti. They’re probably still near the sink. I should've put them in my bag, Mentally scolding myself, I grab a piece of bacon and toss it into my mouth with precision. "So... this client. Why are they so important that you have to go to the office on a Saturday?" I ask, genuinely curious as the salty, crunchy bacon melts on my tongue. "I'm at the office almost every Saturday, sugar," Jace replies, his eyes focused on my lips. "But this client? They’re one of our biggest. Think millions, if this meeting goes well." I nod, taking in the significance. "And did you prepare? Do you feel ready?" I ask, poking at the runny yolk on my plate. "Of course," Jace says, his tone sharp and confident. It makes me frown slightly. "You don’t have to do that," he says, making me glance up, confused. "Do what?" I ask, still frowning. "Pretend that you're interested in my work. I know it's b
"How was Arabella last night? Did she stay?" I ask, trying to sound casual. "She was annoying, as usual. She left," Jace replies, speeding down the forest path. "Did you ever have sex with her?" My hands instinctively slip under my legs to stop them from fidgeting. I bite my nails when I’m nervous, and right now, I feel that anxious energy creeping in. "Uh... yes," Jace admits, his tone steady but reluctant. "How many times?" I ask, studying his features. Jace keeps his gaze on the road, appearing calm, though I know this is the last thing he wants to talk about. "I didn’t keep count. A few times," he says, still calm. "Is a few times... more than ten?" I push, watching him closely. Jace turns to look at me for a second before facing forward again. "No, not more than ten. Five at most, I'd say. Mostly at office parties." His hand lands on my leg, his thumb brushing over it lightly. "Mostly, but not every time?" I tilt my head as I ask, unable to shake the discomfort of how ca
Jace. He gave me this. I stare at the beautiful necklace in my hand, my mind racing. There's a second package on the seat next to me, and I tear it open with trembling fingers. Cat treats. He got treats for Humphrey. Warmth floods my chest, and I can’t stop the tears from welling up. Why does he have to be my teacher? Why couldn’t we have met in a coffee shop like normal people, instead of this twisted situation? I quickly start the car, eager to get home. But as I pull my seatbelt on, my foot hits something hard under the seat. Frowning, I reach down—and my fingers brush cold metal. I lift the gun slowly and turn it around in my lap. A gun. I have a gun in my car. Is he expecting me to shoot Mitch? Is this just for my safety? The weight of the gun in my hand is nothing compared to the heaviness settling in my chest. I shove it back under the seat, almost frantic, and drive home with a thousand thoughts running through my head. When I finally step inside, the comforting sme
A loud slap from Jace’s desk cuts through the quiet, startling everyone, including Mitch. His hand jerks away from my leg, as if burned. I bite my lip to stifle the grin threatening to spread across my face. "Get to studying," Jace orders, his voice low and dangerous. "I don’t want to hear another word from anyone." The tension in the room shifts. A few moments of silence follow as students begin to focus on their work, scribbling notes, flipping through textbooks. Even Mitch is reading. I have no clue what his grades are like, but something tells me he wants to perform. "Hey," Hannah whispers from beside me, her tone light. "We’re still going out tonight, right?" She glances at me, then shifts her gaze to Mitch, her expression casual. "You’re coming too, Mitch? You should join. It’d be good for you to hang with Nora's friends, get in our good graces." "Where?" Mitch asks. His voice is tense. "Amsterdam," Hannah says with a cheery tone, "the quiet part. We always have a few drin
"We need to get to class," Mitch says, breaking the tension. Everybody turns to him. Charlotte narrows her eyes at him. She dislikes him. Severely. But she doesn't speak, and doesn't even comment about his hand on my lower back. "Come," Mitch orders me next. I follow, much to the shock of the rest of the group, and we walk in without speaking. Some students stare at me, but I remain unresponsive. I’ve felt detached from myself ever since Mitch entered the classroom yesterday. He sticks by me all day, like a newborn baby unable to stray from his mother. Even during lunch, he doesn’t allow Hannah to come near me. We sit together, but he won’t let me be alone with her. He makes small talk with everyone and keeps his hand somewhere on me at all times. "I need to pee," I say when lunch is over. "Hold it, love. Classes are almost over," Mitch replies. The sudden urge to throw something hard at his face is almost too big of a temptation to ignore, and I grab my bag tight. "I can't hold
Mitch's hand tightens on my leg, his fingers pinching my skin painfully. A warning. What can I do, anyway? She might not even believe me. What can I say? "He’s got a video of me fucking my teacher, and now he’s blackmailing me"? I nod. "You kids need to get out. Before I arrest you," the officer orders, turning her attention back to Mitch. He nods and starts the car immediately. As we drive back to the main road, I stare out the window, my body shaking. "My brother will come looking for me if I’m not home soon," I say. "Of course," Mitch replies smoothly. "I’ll drive you home. I’m good like that. I’ll pick you up tomorrow for class," he adds with a smile. "Okay," I respond in defeat. Until that video is removed forever, it’s best to keep Mitch happy. My mind is a whirlwind when we reach my house. The green Aston Martin parked in front reminds me of Jace. Where is he? "Your phone," Mitch says, extending his hand. "What?" I frown. "Your phone. Give it to me," he demands, his to
He looks at my shocked face, a smirk playing on his lips. "Yes, I know he’s your brother. It’s not hard to pick up on those things." “Come on. This is the last time I’m saying it. We’re going on a date,” Mitch insists, his voice now impatient, the smirk gone. “Now,” he snaps loudly, making me wince. I glance down at his phone and realize I have no choice. I have to go with him. Slowly, I walk toward him, but Jace steps in front of me, blocking my path. “Li,” he whispers, reaching for my arm. “No!” Mitch snaps, stopping Jace in his tracks. “No. You’re never touching her again. That was the last time. I hope you enjoyed it.” His teeth are bared, his expression wild and threatening. He looks like a rabid animal. Jace’s gaze locks onto mine, an intense fury radiating from him. I feel tears well up in my eyes, my body aching to go to him, to feel his arms around me, to hear him tell me everything will be alright. I crave the safety that only he can give. He sees it in my eyes, and I ca
Crossing a big, fat line. "What’s yours is mine, sugar," Jace says, his arrogance palpable in the air. "I don't fucking think so," I retort, my voice firm as I press the knife against his skin. A line of crimson appears, and for a moment, I’m entranced by the sight, my hold slackening in shock. Jace seizes the opportunity with both hands. He grabs my wrists and yanks me from his lap, twisting me around. My chest collides with the hard surface of his desk, the unforgiving wood forcing the breath from my lungs. He pushes his hips against my ass, my skirt riding up. "Jace, stop!" I gasp, trying to rise, but he pushes me down with a firm hand, pinning my wrists behind my back. "But it is, my sweet Norali," he whispers in my ear, his voice low and dangerous. "Everything you own, everything that you are... it's all mine. All of it." "In your dreams," I reply defiantly, the fire in my chest flaring. But then—whap! A ruler strikes my ass hard. "No, Jace, I don't like you right now!"
"You have a date today?!" Hannah asks in a whisper shout. "Apparently," I whisper back, "he texted me this morning about escaping for a while." "This thing is getting quite serious," Hannah remarks. I bite my lip. I look over her shoulder outside, to the car park. I forget what we're speaking about. "Is Connor cleaning your car?!" I yell out loudly. The lesson comes to an abrupt halt as everyone turns to the window. Connor is indeed washing the back of the Porsche with a wet cloth, and disbelief washes over me. My eyes must be betraying me. "Yes. He's my personal assistant. I won the race, remember?" Jace replies casually. "That's fucking brutal," Hannah states, her voice kind of impressed. "That's what you get for provoking me," Jace answers to that. The respect for him in the classroom rises. Another side of Jace has been revealed, one that demands respect. Jace is someone who will always gets his way. Whether with force or not, he will get it. That thought scares me a little,
I drive to school in the Volkswagen, letting Mason take the Aston Martin—much to his delight. The students around us gasp in shock as Mason pulls into the parking lot, stepping out of the car with his sunglasses on, looking like a proper jerk. It’s a fitting match with the Porsche parked next to it. As soon as Mason exits, Jace hops out of his car and joins him. They walk through the school grounds like supermodels, turning heads everywhere. Jace, also wearing sunglasses, strides confidently beside my brother, ignoring the stares from everyone. “Fucking hell,” Hannah comments, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “They’re like gods around here.” I lean against a nearby tree. “Annoying gods,” I mutter, but I can’t tear my eyes away from Jace. He should have a cool soundtrack playing in the background as he walks like that. My heart flutters when I follow him, and I mentally shake my head at the terrifying realization I have. I’m in love with my teacher. Deeply. Way too deeply, and proba
Jace answers for Mason, who shakes his head in disbelief. "Well, that's good to know." He steps closer to the car, eyeing it. "Shall we go out this weekend?" Jace nods and grins, and Mason mirrors his smile, glancing back at the car. "I should bring the fair maiden home." I roll my eyes. "Yes, you should; she got very little sleep," Jace replies, turning around. I look down, shaking my head while biting my lip. "She also skipped breakfast and lunch," Jace adds. I whip my head up and look at him through the mirror. Prick. He doesn't look at me, but I know he can feel my stare. Mason shakes his head and sighs tiredly. "I'm not surprised. Thank you for looking out for her." If only he knew. "And thanks for taking care of Connor, man." Mason says over the hood of the car. He throws the door open and Jace appears on the other side of me, the door safely closed between us. "And let me know when you want the car back. My car is collecting dust," Mason laughs happily. "Yup," Jace dis