LOGINRae’s POVThe pool-house door clicked shut behind me, sealing out the world.Killian was there in an instant—hands on my waist, pulling me against him, mouth crashing into mine like he’d been holding his breath all day.The kiss was sweet at first—soft, desperate presses of his lips to mine, like he was making sure I was real. His tongue brushed mine gently, tasting me, savoring me. I sighed into his mouth, hands sliding up his chest, fingers curling into his shirt. He groaned softly, the sound vibrating against my lips, and the kiss deepened—slow, deep, tongue stroking mine in long, languid sweeps. The piercing dragged cool and perfect, making me shiver.He kissed me like he was memorizing me—lips parting mine again and again, tongue thrusting deeper, then pulling back to brush soft, teasing presses before diving in once more. His hands cupped my face, thumbs stroking my cheeks, tilting my head exactly where he wanted it. I moaned quietly, pressing closer, feeling him hard agains
Rae’s POVThe car hummed along the quiet evening road, the city lights beginning to flicker on in the distance like stars waking up. Mom was driving, her hands steady on the wheel, the radio playing soft classical music in the background—something soothing with violins and piano that she always loved for long drives. I sat in the passenger seat, phone in my lap, scrolling absentmindedly through social media to distract myself from the butterflies in my stomach. The gala was just a few miles away now, and while I was excited to spend the evening with Mom, the dress felt a little too tight, a little too revealing under the weight of Killian’s hungry stare from earlier. Every time I shifted, the slit in the fabric brushed my thigh, reminding me of how his eyes had devoured me.Mom cleared her throat, pulling me from my thoughts. “Rae, sweetheart… I’d like to ask you something important.”My heart slammed against my ribs. The way she said it—her voice soft but serious, like she’d been
Rae’s POVWe finally pulled into the driveway just as the sun was dipping low, painting the sky in soft oranges and pinks. The house looked peaceful from the outside—lights on in the kitchen, Mom’s car parked neatly beside Victor’s. Everything normal. Everything fine.Except my heart was still racing from the car, from the way Killian had looked at me when I’d teased him, from the taste of him still lingering on my tongue.He parked, turned off the engine, and glanced at me—eyes dark, lips curved in that wicked little smile.“Come here,” he whispered.I leaned over the console, and he kissed me—quick but deep, tongue brushing mine in one hot stroke before pulling back. His hand slid to my ass, delivering a sharp, playful spank that made me gasp.“Bad girl,” he murmured against my lips. “Teasing me like that.”I laughed softly, kissing him once more—soft, lingering. “You loved it.”He spanked me again—lighter this time, hand lingering to squeeze. “Behave when we get inside.”We grabb
Rae’s POVThe store was bustling with the usual midday crowd—mothers pushing carts filled with groceries, kids whining for candy at the checkout, the beep of scanners a constant backdrop. Killian and I wandered the aisles, his hand warm in mine, fingers laced tightly as if he didn't want to let go even for a second. It was one of those rare moments where we could pretend to be normal, just a couple shopping together, no secrets hanging over us. Mom's list was simple—fresh milk, bread, a few vegetables—but we took our time, lingering in each section like we had all day.He grabbed a carton of eggs from the shelf, glancing at me with that small, private smile. "What do you want for dinner tonight? Your pick."I leaned into his side, our shoulders brushing. "Pasta. With that garlic sauce you make."He kissed my temple—quick, soft, lips lingering just long enough to make my skin tingle. "Done."We filled the basket with what we needed, plus a few extras—chocolate bars because I craved
Rae’s POVThe drive home from Zara’s felt like it took forever, even though her apartment was only twenty minutes away. My heart pounded the whole way, a mix of worry for Zara and panic about Mom being back early. I’d texted Killian from the car: “On my way. Mom home? Everything okay?”His reply came fast: “Yes. Told her about Zara’s breakup. She’s fine. Miss you.”I exhaled, relief washing over me, but the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen completely. Mom was home. The bubble had burst. No more carefree days, no more waking up tangled in Killian’s arms without fear of footsteps in the hall.I pulled into the driveway, the house lights glowing warm against the morning sun. Mom’s car was there, and Victor’s black SUV was parked beside it—surprise. He must have come back with her. The front door opened before I even turned off the engine.Mom stepped out first, smiling wide, arms open. “There she is! My girl!”Victor was right behind her—tall, broad-shouldered like Killian, but with sal
Rae’s POVThe elevator ride up to her floor felt like forever—my heart aching for her, but also a little guilty for the way I’d been glowing these past days with Killian.She opened the door in oversized pajamas, eyes puffy and red, hair in a messy bun. “Rae,” she choked out, pulling me into a hug before I could even set the bags down.I hugged her back tight, kicking the door shut behind me. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”We collapsed onto her couch, the familiar clutter of her living room wrapping around us like a blanket—throw pillows everywhere, half-burned candles on the coffee table, her favorite fleece blanket already pulled out. She curled up against me, head on my shoulder, and I handed her the ice cream first.“Tell me everything,” I said softly, rubbing her back.She took a shaky breath, spoon in hand. “It was so sudden. We were fine—or I thought we were. He came home from work and said he needed to talk. Said he’d been feeling ‘distant’ for weeks, like we were growing apart. B







