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I loved the new nickname. I didn’t normally like people calling me that, but coming from her mouth? It was perfect.

“I know.”

“I’m supposed to be with Dias.”

“I know.”

“I have to do things with him, more than just kissing.”

I closed my eyes. “I know.”

“When this is over, I’m going home and so are you.”

My chin dropped. “I know.”

“I don’t want to hurt you. Any of you.”

I opened my eyes to find hers fixed on me.

“I know.” I kissed her briefly before pulling back. “I still want you.”

“As long as you promise not to fall for me.” She wagged her brows.

“You’ve watched too many romance movies.” I let her joke because there was no way I could make that promise.

“Then what are we doing out here?” She took my hand and led us to the training room.

CHAPTER 17

Emilia

Fucking Javier would complicate things. And I really shouldn’t.

But the way his lips felt on mine . . . his hands gripping my hips . . . the sense of need that matched my own.

We both knew what this was.

More importantly, we knew what it couldn’t be.

Life was too short not to take these stolen moments. Especially for us. We never had a guarantee of tomorrow. The very real possibility of death hung over us every single day.

So why not live for now?

Why not soak in the things that felt good while we can?

There was nothing soft or loving about the way he swept out my legs and dropped us to the mat. He wasn’t full of sweet whispers as he ripped my clothes from my body as roughly as I stole his.

We were both after one thing—even as our mouths clashed, as if competing for who could kiss harder. Who would leave more bruise and marks?

He wasn’t gentle as his hands roamed my body, squeezing my breasts, pinching my nipples, and biting them like he was claiming them for himself.

“Fuck,” I cried out, digging my nails into his flesh, seeking a reprieve before we even really got started.

“I plan to,” he growled, then took a breath and switched to my left breast.

I wanted, needed, more.

He struck the match, lighting an inferno inside me.