Page 42 of Tinsel & Chrome

His jaw tightens. “You think I don’t see the way you look at her? You’ve always had a thing for my sister.”

I don’t deny it. What’s the point? He’s right. I’ve wanted Larissa since we were teenagers, back when she was wild and untouchable, all sharp eyes and sharper tongue. Time hasn’t changed that. If anything, it’s made the pull worse.

“She’s not a kid anymore,” I say, my voice low. “And you know damn well she doesn’t need your protection from me.”

He takes a step closer, his eyes dark. “Maybe not. But she doesn’t need you complicating her life right now. She’s been through enough.”

The anger in me flares hot and fast. “You think I don’t know that? I’m not trying to complicate her life, Mace. I’m trying to keep her alive.”

He studies me, his jaw working. Finally, he backs off a fraction, just enough to let me breathe. “Just... don’t screw this up, Tex.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

He walks away, leaving me with the sour taste of frustration and whiskey on my tongue.

I shouldn’t give a damn what Mace thinks. But for Larissa’s sake, I do. Because she’s already fighting enough battles, and the last thing she needs is the two of us at each other’s throats.

But staying away?

Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.

The door to the gym swings open again, and Larissa walks in. Her hair’s damp with sweat, and her cheeks are flushed. She’s changed into a loose tank top and tight leggings, and the sight of her, all fire and defiance, hits me square in the chest.

Her eyes meet mine, and for a second, neither of us moves. Then she strides over, stopping a foot away, her chin lifted like she’s daring me to say something.

“Didn’t think you were the type to run away, Tex.”

I huff a laugh. “Was giving you space.”

Her eyes narrow. “I don’t need space.”

“Good to know.” I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. Her breath hitches, just a little, and it sends a rush of satisfaction through me. “Because I’m done pretending I can stay away.”

She doesn’t move, doesn’t blink. Just looks up at me with those fierce eyes, daring me to follow through.

So I do.

I cup her face, my thumb brushing over the bruise on her cheek. The anger flares again, hot and uncontrollable, but I shove it down. Right now, it’s just her and me.

“Larissa,” I murmur, my voice rough. “Tell me to stop.”

She swallows, her lips parting. “No.”

That’s all I need.

I crush my mouth to hers, the kiss raw and desperate, filled with all the things we’ve left unsaid. Her fingers curl into my shirt, pulling me closer, and I’m lost. Lost in the taste of her, the feel of her, the goddamnstrengthof her.

She’s not a princess. She’s a queen. And I’d burn the whole damn world down just to be at her feet.

Chapter Five

Larissa

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Tex’s kiss is like gasoline on a smoldering fire—hot, dangerous, and inevitable. His mouth crashes against mine, taking and giving all at once, a heady mix of anger, need, and something else I can’t name. My fingers grip the leather of his cut, pulling him closer even though every inch of him is already pressed against me.

I should stop. I should shove him away before this goes too far. But I can’t.