Page 17

It feels almost familiar, and I find myself strangely comforted by his scent.

Color rises to my cheeks when I realize Finn’s hard erection is pressing against me. Yet he doesn’t seem to be trying to sexualize the hug. Instead, it almost feels... protective.

Feeling guilty, I quickly pull away, but I can’t deny a stab of disappointment at the loss of his warmth.

“Thank you.”

“Of course,” he replies, his voice a deep rumble. “Why were you crying?”

“It’s complicated. Boyfriend problems,” I whisper, and hehas a knowing look in his eyes. “Thank you again for your support.”

My face flushes, and I offer a small smile before turning away to get back to work.

After explaining to a very frustrated Alice that I need to head home, I gather my things and step out into the cold once more.

I take a deep breath after leaving the cafe. Finn had been watching me all day from his chair. And he’s still watching as I leave the cafe, coat in hand.

His gaze is intense, and I shiver, though it isn’t entirely unpleasant. Maybe he’s some kind of serial killer, and I need to carry pepper spray. I’ve always heard serial killers were charming on the outside.

The walk home isn’t terrible.

The cool air makes it almost easier to breathe despite my anxiety about the impending breakup. I make it back to the apartment without incident.

Walking into the apartment, I’m surprised to see that Justin isn’t on the couch. I call out for him a few times, but the space is small, and I can already tell he isn’t here.

Odd. He seemed so urgent in his text. I had planned what to say to him the whole way home. I want to discuss our relationship and see if he’s willing to change or if I need to leave.

“Justin?” I call one last time, stepping into the bedroom. But as expected, he’s not there either.

My phone slips from my hand, hitting the floor with a soft thump. I curse softly and bend down to pick it up, praying that it’s not broken. Phones are expensive, and rent is due soon.

As I reach for the phone, something catches my attention.There’s a red T-shirt crumpled in a heap underneath the bed. Is it one of Justin’s?

When I lift it, though, it doesn’t smell like him at all. A new scent, reminiscent of cinnamon, bursts from the fabric, and I inhale deeply.

This smells nothing like Justin’s gross aftershave.

Every inch of my body is aroused as I inhale this strange shirt. I don’t understand it. It’s like my body has an immediate, visceral reaction to this smell.

My breath catches in my throat as my heart races. I press my legs together, desperate for some friction against my pussy.

It’s almost like a bolt of electricity traveling through me, the arousal strong and undeniable.

Clutching the shirt in one hand, I ease onto the bed.

In a few swift motions, I remove my jeans, discovering that my panties are already soaked. Bringing the shirt to my nose, I inhale deeply until I can’t take it anymore.

I trace small circles around my swollen clit at first. My pussy throbs with need. A small moan escapes me as I start stroking the area harder. My thoughts drift to the stranger in the café today. The way his erection pressed against me. The warmth that felt like home.

Jace

“Fuck,” I groan, watching Mia clutch my shirt as she masturbates alone in her room. She can’t see me or Finn watching her through the window. “I’m so fucking glad I left my shift for her.”

Meanwhile, Mia traces her fingers along the lips of her pussy, glistening with desire. Her eyes are heavily lidded as her hand glides through the wet folds. Her motions becomemore frantic as she approaches release. She is desperate for this.

I wonder idly what’s running through her mind as she inhales the scent of my shirt.What fantasies are driving her so close to the edge?

Whatever she’s fantasizing, I swell with pride that it’s my scent that’s brought her to this.