Page 56

“It was a nice ceremony,” I say, against his chest.

“Was it?”

My lips twitch. “You were there.”

“I couldn’t pay attention to anything except you.” If his arms weren’t wrapped around me like a vice, I’m not sure I would trust myself enough to stay standing. I don’t dare lift my head and show off the bright red tinge I know my pale face is showing. “This dress is really doing something to me, Nova.”

Knox has made it abundantly clear that he’s going to flirt with me. He’s not shy about anything—I wish I could say I hate that, but unfortunately, it only makes me more drawn to him. I only wonder if he’s so open and okay with this because he knows I’m leaving.

“I knew it would but I didn’t expect it to have the same effect on your buddy.” I throw my thumb over my shoulder and Knox’s eyes follow.

“Who?”Is his jaw flexing?

“I’m not sure what his name was. He was nice, though. Harmless.” I slide my hand back in his and resume our dance.

“Did you tell him you were my date?”

“I told him we were friends,” I lie, hoping he’ll confirm or clarify what he thinks we are.

I immediately regret it, though, when he pulls back slightly. It’s like watching a storm cloud roll in over a perfect autumn morning, the way his usual caramel-colored eyes darken.

“Come with me.”

Knox

Friends.I’ve never hated the way a word sounded so much. I’m not oblivious to the fact that Taylor has some sort of apprehension about getting close to people. That night in my hot tub, when she tried to make some bullshit rules between us, I told her there wasn’t a chance in hell that I could keep this strictly friendly, and I thought what happened next was her agreeing. But no matter how perfect the dip in her waist felt beneath my palms out on that dance floor, I couldn’t ignore the way the wordfriendsleft a sour fucking taste in my mouth.

The night air is cool now that the sun has set, and hundreds of moths warm themselves in the hanging lights stretching across the field. I lift the metal latch of the storage barn before ushering her inside and shutting the door behind me. I flip the switch, turning on the one lone hanging light in the middle of the barn.

“What are we doing here?” she asks, looking around. It’s the second of two storage spaces, so it’s fairly empty save for some shelves filled with containers in the back and a metal peg wall with various tools and ropes.A pommel bench sits in the middle of the room, and my cock grows heavy in my suit with images of her bent over it. I grab the single metal chair from the corner, dragging it across the concrete floor. Taylor’s shoulders lift, and her face pinches. The sound is grating, no doubt, but it doesn’t sound anywhere near as bad asfriends.

The cool bite of the metal chair bleeds through my pants as soon as I sit, but it’s quickly replaced by the warmth of Taylor’s pussy when I pull her down into my lap. She drapes an arm over my shoulder, her hand cupping the back of my neck, and her eyes never leave mine. I watch how the shadows from the dim lighting play behind her, illuminating the swell of her breasts and her plump lips.

“Knox.” Her breathy voice is both a question and a plea. I brush a strand of her hair behind her shoulder, bringing my mouth to her neck, and a fluttering response knocks against my lips.

“We’re going to see if we can do something about that filthy little mouth of yours.” I kiss her neck softly, and then, in one fluid motion, I flip her over my lap, causing a surprised throaty yelp to escape her. I drag my knuckles down her spine, and my cock responds to the way she shudders beneath the touch. “So here’s what we’re going to do, love. Be a good girl, and you’ll be rewarded.” I ruck her dress and let the velvety fabric slide excruciatingly slowly up her legs. “Continue to say that stupid shit, and you’ll be punished.”

“Punished how?” I know the blood must be rushing her head at this point, but it doesn’t stop the desire in her voice. My fingers tighten around the green fabric as I pull it further up, baring her perfect ass and the dainty butterfly tattoo that rests on her lower back. I gently trace the wings with my thumb and then lower my hand, dragging it down until I get a full handful of her soft skin.

“No underwear?”

“In this dress?”

The corners of my lips pull up in amusement as I pull my hand back.

Crack.“Ahhh! Fuck!” Her back arches as she screams out.

Her skin is warm as I run my palm over the perfect red handprint, soothing her once before I pull back and slap down on her ass again. Her mouth opens around the side of my calf as she bites down, attempting to cover her scream. An electric current pulses through me like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Her legs cross behind her, and her muscles flex in rhythm with her breathing.

Her wet heat is a beacon, summoning me, and my finger trails down her backside. My jaw is one deep inhale away from cracking when the pad of my middle finger grazes her dripping wet center. Her hips buck back, but I grind down on my teeth just a little harder, finding the strength to pull away. When she moans in frustration, I bring the full force of my hand down with a sickening smack.

“Goddamnit!” She smacks the side of my leg and I lick my bottom lip, knowing it’s driving her crazy. I’ve been outright about how I want her for weeks. And I thought we had obliterated this game we’d been playing, this tip-toeing around what we really want bullshit but apparently, she still needs some convincing that we’re more than just friends. I soothe the round globes of her ass that are now flaming red, and run the heel of my hand down her slit, pressing firmly into her clit. A needy little moan escapes her as she wriggles against my palm. I twist my hand once, twice, and pull away.

“Okay!” she screams.

My pulse slows and I yank her body until she’s upright again. Her long blonde hair which only an hour ago laidperfectly smooth and straight down her back, is now in disarray. Her light freckles are barely noticeable anymore with the bright flush now dusting her face and even her lips are someone more full than usual.

“Okay what, Nova?” Her lips part while the sounds of her ragged breaths fill the air between us. She wants me to assume again and I’m not going to let her get away with it this time. I thrust one hand into her hair, fingers tugging tightly at the root. “Say it.”