โTry again. Slowly,โ Jace instructs, bringing the joint back to my lips. This time, I inhale gently, feeling the smoke trail down into my lungs before exhaling a thick haze. โYes, good. Again,โ he murmurs, guiding the joint to my lips once more. I take another puff, and then Jace takes a hit himself. After one more inhale, he presses the joint into the ashtray on the table, extinguishing it. โThatโs it?โ I ask, a bit puzzled. Jace smirks as he dumps the remainder of the joint with the ash. โThatโs enough for now. Weโll have more after dessert.โ He gives me a knowing look. Iโm not quite sure what heโs hinting at, but I do know that my brain feels foggy immediately. The weed is definitely working. Dessert seems like a fantasy right now. โDessert?โ I ask, intrigued but distracted by the haze settling over me. "I have to pee," I suddenly blurt outas I jump up from the lounge with a burst of excitement. I hurry upstairs, my steps dreamy and unsteady. Inside the bathroom, I sit down
I lay back down the moment Jace steps into the house, leaving the sliding doors open behind him. My back sinks into the soft cushions, heart pounding in my chest. Heโs told me to lie on my back and lift my shirt, exposing my stomach. My eyes are shut, and my hands cling to the top of the wooden lounge set above my head. Iโve followed his instructions without question. The cold wind brushes across my bare skin, and with my eyes closed, I become hyper-aware of every sound around me. I hear Jaceโs soft footsteps approaching. Though he remains silent, I can feel his gaze roaming over my body. The urge to peek is almost unbearableโI want to see what heโs planning. The first sound I hear is the click of a lighter. Then, he inhales deeply. I swallow hard, knowing heโs watching me as he smokes. The sensation is thrilling. Exhilarating. And utterly terrifying. I can hardly breathe. โOpen,โ Jace commands softly. My lips part immediately, and he places the tip of the joint between them.
I barely have a second to breathe before I feel his teeth sink into my skin, right where the chocolate had been poured. A sharp moan escapes my lips as Jace bites down harder, the pain blooming through me in a delicious, addictive wave. Shit. Is this punishment? Because it feels better than anything Iโve ever experienced. HHis fingers pinch the soft skin of my waist, and he bites again, harder this time. Another moan tears out of me before I can stop it, and I feel his gaze flick up to my face. Heat rushes up my neck. I throw my head back, desperately trying to hide the pleasure that's so obviously written on my face. I bite my lip, hard, struggling to hold in a scream. โYou like that?โ Jace's voice is low, a mix of surprise and something darker. I nod, unable to form words. Like it? Jesus. Iโm sure he can even smell my arousal. And since Iโm not wearing underwear, I can feel it on my legs. โReally?โ he presses, his voice dripping with intrigue. โYes,โ I manage to whisper, my vo
I hear Jace leap from the couch with a sharp curse, and I sprint into the house like my life depends on it. My feet barely skim the floor as I slam the glass sliding doors shut with a shuddering crash. My eyes dart to the lock just above my head, and without hesitation, I jump, fingers fumbling but finding it. I twist the lock, securing it as my bare feet touch the cool wood again. But Jace is already there. Heโs in front of me before I even catch my breath, his presence looming. The glass panes separating us feel paper-thin. His chest heaves, his jaw tight. He knows Iโve locked the door. โOpen it,โ he snaps, his voice like a lash, the sheer force of it making him seem largerโmore dangerousโthan Iโve ever seen him before. My pulse spikes, but I refuse to flinch. Instead, I slowly place the joint between my lips, locking my gaze with his furious eyes, and flick the lighter. The flame bursts to life between us, and in its glow, I see the fire mirrored in his eyesโrage and something d
A hundred thoughts race through my mind, tangling in the fear that grips my chest. โThe lights,โ 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. โI control them with my phone. Must admit, it was entertaining watching you run around like a little mouse,โ 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 wonโt shoot me, every instinct screams otherwise. โThrow the joint and the lighter,โ 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 doesnโt smile, doesnโt soften. Heโs in complete control, and I can feel it like a noose tightening around my throat. โNow, take off your sweats,โ he orders. For a moment, I think I misheard him. My heart stumbles. โWhat?โ My voice is bare
โWill you do it again?โ 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. โNo,โ I whisper, my head falling to the side, trying to hide from the flood of emotions crashing over me. โPromise me, bean,โ he murmurs, pulling his fingers back only to plunge them deeper with more force. I gasp, the word slipping out almost too softly, โI promise.โ His touch sends sparks of pleasure through my body, and I hiss as his thumb circles my clitoris, slow and deliberate. โYou like that?โ he asks, his voice dangerously close to a growl. I nod, biting my lip, my body betraying me as my mind tries to comprehend whatโs happening. Itโs as if my brain is finally accepting that Iโm naked in a field, completely at Jaceโs mercy. โDo you want me to tell you youโre a good girl?โ he breathes, his fingers teasing me mercilessly. โThat you deserve this?โ The sudden pinch of my clitor
My heart is thundering, the beat hammering in my chest like an alarm. It's warning meโwarning 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 thatโs when I knowโIโm 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 canโt. He doesnโt want to be kissed. He doesnโt want to be touched. And this man isnโt mine. He's my goddamn teacher. So I press my forehead to his chest, swallowing the tears that threaten to fall. For now, Iโll enjoy this moment, because I know it wonโt 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 isnโt fairโthe 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?!" Noraliโs voice cuts through the air, sharp and tense. Sheโs 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? Iโd be pissed too if I was about to lose my virginity and someone barged in, ruining the moment. Hell, Iโm 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 Noraliโs 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 meโsteady, unlike the chaos in my head. But sheโs not having it. She pushes my shoulder firmly. "Get rid of her, Jace. She canโt know Iโm h
โYou are so perfect,โ he whispers. I turn my head slightly, letting my wavy hair cascade over my shoulder. โAre you going to use me?โ His hand smacks my assโhard. A sharp gasp escapes me as he grips my hips, holding me firmly in place. His eyes darken, filled with complete control. โIโm going to do so much to you.โ He falls down on his knees, his face instantly on level with my- He licks me without any warning. My back arches on instinct, and his hands grip my thighs to keep me in place. His tongue softly strokes over me, pressing down with delicious pressure. I moan softly, but my attention spikes when Jace suddenly stands up, cutting this moment way too short. I frown. Normally he doesn't do this. Normally he makes sure I'm.. Taken care of. A shiver runs through me as he unzips himself, the sound sending my heartbeat into overdrive. No matter how many times we do this, my body always reacts to him like itโs the first time. Then, without warning, he spits down. The wet heat o
My eyes widen. Surely, he canโt meanโright here? There are students, parents, and teachers everywhere. Some are still gaping at us, their eyes locked on our close proximity. โBecause of obvious reasons,โ I reply, my heart pounding. Anxiety skitters down my spine. โThose obvious reasons are in the past, arenโt they?โ Jace counters smoothly, a powerful glint in his eyes. He stands tall, confident, like he owns the entire worldโand right now, I feel like a part of it belongs to him. โPeople are staring,โ I say with a shaky chuckle. โDonโt you thinkโโ โLetโs not think for now,โ he cuts me off, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument. Iโm about to fucking die. โBut, Jaโโ His lips crash onto mine, his hands cradling my face with a possessive intensity that steals the breath from my lungs. One hand slides to the back of my neck, holding me in place as if heโs afraid I might disappear. Every thought I had scatters. Gasps echo around us. I know people are watching, snapping pictu
Lina and Charlotte sit a few rows ahead of us, practically bouncing with excitement when their names are called. They stride up to the stage confidently, shaking Masonโs hand with bright smiles. Lina falters slightly when she reaches Jaceโjust as everyone before her hasโbut he surprises her with a rare, warm smile. Heโs unusually cheerful today. And why wouldnโt he be? After years of secrecy, of stolen touches and hidden glances, we can finally be together. No more sneaking around, no more careful distance. We can go on dates in our own town, drive somewhere without fear of being seen, even post pictures if we want to. That, and if our plan works, the man Jace hates most in this worldโmy bossโis going to jail. Suddenly, Hannah stands next to me. Dazed, I quickly rise to my feet, realizing I was lost in a daydream again. The stage looms closer as I step forward. My gaze finds Jace, the light of my life, and I see him watching me as I approach. Grace is first. Sheโs as icy as eve
I twirl in front of the mirror, admiring the way my dark green dress clings to my body. Itโs elegant, timeless, and fits me like a dream. Jace picked it. Of course, he did. Behind me, Hannah grins in her own soft silver dress. Itโs similar to mine in cut, except mine dips low at the back, while hers teases just enough cleavage to turn heads. Ryker bought it for her with his first paycheck, and sheโs been saving it for this moment. โI canโt believe itโs over,โ Lina sighs, staring off into space from where she sits on the bed. โFour years of hard work. Just like that, itโs done.โ Her red dress, red lipstick, and perfectly manicured red nails make her look sharper, more confident than the Lina I met years ago. Back then, she was shy, insecureโnothing like the woman she is now. Sheโs still single, but only because she chooses to be. With a new date every other night, sheโs thriving. โTell me about it,โ Charlotte murmurs, rubbing a hand over her stomach. โItโs insane how much can chan
My fingers slide through the stack of papers frantically. I know exactly what Iโm looking for. I also know I donโt have much time. The words blur as I skim the first line of each page, my heartbeat hammering against my ribs. It always does when I do this. But I force myself to push past the panic and focus. My knees burn against the rough carpet, and my ankles are twisted awkwardlyโpositioned so I can spring up at a momentโs notice. The second I hear the door creak open, my eyes land on the document I need. In one swift motion, I yank it from the drawerโjust as I rip a button from my shirt. The tiny black button pops off, almost vanishing somewhere on the floor, at the same time I shove the stolen paper beneath the desk. โNora?โ Shit. I jump up too fast, smacking my head against the mahogany desk with a painful thud. โDaโOUCH!โ โNora, are you okay?โ Daveโs voice is too close. A second later, heโs hauling me up, concern in his expression. I quickly clutch the missing button
Iโm nervous. And I have every right to be. Slowly, I step out of my car, careful not to make a sound as my shoes touch the gravel. My coat feels like a layer of protection Iโm peeling away, leaving me vulnerable. My shoes feel like lead as I take them off by the door. I really considered just going home. Spending the evening with Mason. Pushing the inevitable drama to another day. But I canโt. I move cautiously through the house, my steps almost hesitant as I make my way to the kitchen. Fuck. Jace is going to be soโ "You stole my fucking client?!" I flinch. Jace storms toward me, and instinct takes overโI dart behind the kitchen island, putting it between us like a shield. "You didnโt call them back yesterday! And I had a better deal!" I yell, my voice high with genuine fear. "I didnโt call them back because I was too busy fucking you!" Jace snaps, his anger raw, sharp, and directed at me. Not a pretty sight. "You made that decision!" I shoot back, though my voice cracks. M
I stare at him in disbelief as the class filters out. Hannah nudges me from behind, snorting loudly before the door clicks shut behind her. Silence settles between us. I remain standing in the middle of the room, gripping my bag tightly. Heโs still seated at his desk, his gaze raking over me, but for once, his expression gives nothing away. โCome here,โ he orders finally, his voice low, commanding. The one that demands obedience. I hesitate for two seconds before slowly walking toward him. My bag slides from my shoulder, landing on the desk beside his with a dull thud. His eyes scan me with deliberate slowness, like a predator devouring prey, before he rolls back in his chair. โBend over my desk.โ My stomach clenches. I glance at the door. Someone mightโ โNow.โ I listen. Turning away from him, I lean forward, my palms pressing into the cold, hard wood of his desk. My short skirt barely covers my ass, which he now has full sight iff.. My grip tightens on the deskโs edge as my
โI donโt know yet, Sir,โ I answer instead. His eyes narrow, clearly displeased with my response. โCome up here,โ he orders. I plead mentally. I donโt want to do this. I donโt want to stand in front of the class with everyoneโs eyes on me. I want to stay in my seat, in my safe space. My eyes go wide, silently begging for mercy. โDid your ears stop working?โ Jace asks, completely unfazed. I let out a deep sigh, forcing myself to stand. My jaw clenches as I make my way to the old-fashioned board, picking up a tiny piece of chalk. From the corner of my eye, I already see Jace moving closer. He stops beside me, too close, and reads out the long, mind-numbing problem. By the time he reaches the last word, Iโve already forgotten the second to last. He doesnโt repeat himself. He just watches me, waiting. The tension is suffocating, horrible. I'm about to choke. He knows exactly what heโs doing. โRemembered that?โ he taunts, his voice low. Slowly, I turn to face him. His dark eyes gl
โShut the fuck up.โ I almost roll my eyes. Jace stands at the front of the room, looking grumpy and too hot for his own good. He tosses his laptop, phone, and keys onto his desk like they donโt mean a thing. They land on the battered math book. Battered because of me. I accidentally spilled my caramel coffee over it this morningโright after our fight about my internship. Which was great timing. It made us late and pissed Jace off even more than he already was. โWhy do you always swear at us?โ Brent asks, his voice too loud. I barely hold in a snort. Not that it matters. I donโt make a sound, but Jace knows exactly whatโs going on in my head. He doesnโt look at me, though. He doesnโt have to. Heโs going to break first. My internship is still a sore point in our relationship. That got worse when I found out that Jace cancelled my internship at Blackwood. It got even worse when I cancelled my internship at his company. I called Blackwood, and they told me they still have a spot f