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Thirty-eight

Jade

I head upstairs to my loft and stand before the closet, scanning the array of clothing. Usually, I go out of my way to showcase my potter’s wear at these family get-togethers, but tonight, I want to be taken seriously as I back up Alexis. The dark pantsuit calls to me. It’s sleek, professional, and most importantly, it’s armor against whatever barbs might be thrown my way tonight. I pair it with a red floral top, a silent nod to resilience.

I shower to wash away all the turmoil of the past few weeks, and I’m refreshed when I emerge. With the blow-dryer in hand, I work through my hair, each strand falling into place, the order I desperately crave. Eventually, the mirror reflects someone ready to do battle.

With time to spare, I settle onto a cushion, legs folded beneath me. My breaths grow deep and even as I seek the stillness that meditation offers. Each inhalation is a layer of protection, each exhalation a release of fear. By the time I open my eyes, the world feels a bit steadier.

The loft door creaks, and I glance up to see Rhys stepping inside earlier than expected. I rise to greet him, and he envelops me in an embrace that feels like home. When he kisses me, the world falls away.

“Jade,” he murmurs against my lips, “you’re tense. Do you need me to take the edge off?”

I nod, my voice lost in the tightness of my throat. I lead him down the hall to my new bed. With deliberate care, he peels off my pants, folding them neatly before setting them aside. My shirt follows, and then I stand exposed in a demi-cup bra and thong.

Rhys steps back, his gaze scorching as it sweeps over me.

“Lie back,” he instructs, gesturing to the bed.

I obey, reclining against the cool sheets. A quiver runs through me as Rhys leans over, his lips tracing a path over my breasts. Each touch is electric, igniting sparks. “I’ve missed you so much,” he whispers.

“Rhys,” I breathe, a plea in my voice.

He looks up at me with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Tell me what you want, Jade.”

“Please… Make me come,” I beg.

A satisfied smile curls his lips as he peels my panties away, sliding them off my legs and tucking them into his pocket. He positions himself between my thighs, lifting them to rest on his shoulders, his breath warm against my center.

“Remember,” he whispers, “no touching. Control yourself, or I’ll have to tie you up.”

His warning sends a shiver through me.

“Get ready, Jade…”

His finger, slick with my arousal, traces the outline of my lips. I squirm under his intense gaze, a whimper escaping me. “Jade,” Rhys’s voice is heavy with desire, “I’ve missed you.” His words wash over me like warm honey.

“You don’t have to do this,” I murmur.

Rhys meets my gaze, his expression steady. “I want to. I’m here for you.”

He slides another finger inside, then one more, stretching me in a way that has my breath hitching. It feels so right, so impossibly good. A natural instinct to touch, to increase the pleasure, has my hand drifting downward, but he catches it with a swift motion. “Ah, ah,” he scolds gently, tapping my hand away and then pressing his fingers against my lips. “You know better.”

My mouth opens obediently, tasting myself on him, the intimacy of the act sending a jolt of need straight through me. I can see the glint in his eyes as he watches me suck his fingers. He knows exactly what I crave, and from his pocket, he produces a set of nipple clamps. My body tightens in anticipation.

He attaches them, and a sharp sensation floods my senses, edging me closer to the brink of release. “This is about you, love.”

His fingers begin their dance inside me, moving with an expertise that only he possesses. Then his mouth finds the most sensitive part of me, and his tongue works magic. The pressure on my nipples, the suction on my clit, and the relentless movement of his fingers send me spiraling into an orgasm that leaves me gasping, clutching at the sheets, completely at his mercy.

A sharp sting shoots through me as Rhys’ hand connects with my most sensitive spot. “Control, Jade,” he commands. “I’m nowhere near done with you.”

His lips return, enveloping me with a heat that’s both tender and demanding. His tongue delves in again, swirling, sucking, devouring me. I grip the sheets, my knuckles turning white. I’m once again so close to shattering into a million pieces, and he’s relentless in his pursuit of drawing out every drop of pleasure my body can give.

“Rhys, please…” My voice is a breathless whisper, a plea for release or mercy, I’m not sure which. Then, without warning, the clamps on my nipples are gone, the sudden rush of blood back to the sensitive peaks making me cry out. He takes full advantage, drawing my clit into his mouth with an intensity that obliterates everything else. Stars explode behind my closed eyes as the world narrows to the epicenter of my climax.

As I gasp for air, it feels like an eternity before I can think straight again. I look down at him, this man who has just dismantled all my defenses with nothing more than his lips and fingers.

“Your turn now,” I manage to say, still trembling from the aftershocks. The bulge in his pants is impossible to ignore.

“Tonight, Jade.” His voice is hoarse as he rises to his feet. “I want you completely, with time to savor every moment. For now, you’re relaxed and ready to face your family.”

I nod, grateful that he’s given me strength. Later, we’ll have our time, but for now, we’re a united front, together against whatever comes next.

I return to the bathroom mirror, trying to tame my hair, which now screams out what we just did.

“Know what?” Rhys walks up behind me, his hands finding my hips as he peeks over my shoulder into the mirror.

“That I’ve been… well, you know.” I can’t suppress the flush that creeps up my neck.

With a devilish grin, he leans in closer. “You think that was being properly fucked? Sweetheart, we haven’t even scratched the surface.” He narrows his eyes. “I was thinking maybe I shouldn’t wash up? You know, give your family a proper introduction to me?”

My eyes shoot wide, and a laugh escapes me. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Wouldn’t I? Your smell all over my hands and face? It would leave me hard all night.” But then he chuckles, kisses the top of my head, and turns toward the sink. “Don’t worry, I’ll save that for another time.”

Watching him splash water on his face, washing away any trace of our intimacy, I’m struck by a fierce longing. Why am I getting ready to dive into the drama of my family when I could be here, lost in time with Rhys? He’s here, he’s real, and he cares—something so foreign to the life I’ve known.

“Ready?” Rhys asks, drying his face with a towel.

Somehow, I manage to pull myself together and remember the task at hand. This isn’t a return to my family’s games. It’s solidarity with Alexis. I nod, and we head downstairs. Scott and Lee are waiting for us, their expressions neutral.

We follow them out to the car, and in no time, we’ve pulled up in front of my parents’ grand house. I step out onto the curb, and Rhys is right there, his presence grounding me.

As we walk toward the entrance, his fingers entwine with mine, squeezing gently. “No matter what happens tonight, I love you, Jade,” he says. “We’re in this together. ”