I raise my hips and he pulls them off, along with my panties.

He smirks coyly as his gaze settles on where I’m wet and aching, like he knows what he’s about to do is going to drive me absolutely out of my mind.

I gasp when his head disappears between my thighs and he plants hot, sloppy, open mouth kisses up and down my slit.

My toes curl and I wiggle with need.

“Jace, please,” I beg when I can’t take it any longer.

His head snaps up and he places his finger over his lips, reminding me to be quiet because his siblings are right down the hall.

Oh God. I have no idea how I’m supposed to be silent when…

I slap a hand over my mouth as long fingers spread me open and his tongue licks me into a helpless frenzy.

I glance down and find he’s staring up at me. The heat swirling in his dark orbs sears my skin as he suckles my clit and slides a finger inside.

Squirming, I bite my hand because my orgasm is close, and I can’t make a sound.

I buck my hips into his mouth as he relentlessly draws every ounce of pleasure from my body until I’m shaking and spasming.

I barely have a chance to catch my breath before he climbs up my body and attacks my lips.

Lust rushes through me when he grinds against my core, hitting all the right places. I arch my back, silently pleading for more.

The tips of his fingers press into my jaw and he searches my face, as if seeking permission.

I nod. He already has my heart, if he wants my body and all my fucked-up fragments too, I’ll gladly hand those right over.

God knows I want every single jagged piece of Jace Covington there is to have. I don’t care how sharp and deep the cuts will be.

Inclining his head, he maps kisses down my throat while reaching into the nightstand for a condom. “Spread your legs for me, baby.”

I do, without hesitation.

Kneeling in the open space between them, he shoves his sweatpants down. Anticipation floods through my veins when his cock springs free, long and thick. It twitches and pulsates as he tears open the foil packet.

A low, strangled grunt leaves him when I wrap my hand around his length, giving it a light stroke. Every part of him is perfect. My pulse thuds in my ears as I swirl the fluid leaking from his tip around with my thumb before taking the condom and rolling it down.

His nostrils flare on an indrawn breath as he settles between my parted thighs, lining himself up with my entrance.

My blood quickens and I place my hand on his heart. It’s pounding just as fast as mine.

The space between us tightens and we lock gazes. Gently, he lifts my ass and angles his hips, slowly guiding his dick inside me.

He’s so big it almost hurts as I stretch to accommodate him.

A moan lodges in my throat when he drives forward, filling me to the hilt. I’ve had sex a few times before, but this is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

His eyes close and the muscles in his back ripple as he pulls out and pushes back in.

“Christ,” he groans low and deep. “You’re so goddamn tight.” His eyebrows pinch. “I can go slow.”

Spreading my thighs wider, I whisper, “Don’t.”

I bite back a whimper as he moves faster. Fucking me with quick, steady strokes.

His mouth finds mine and he gives me a slow, languid kiss. “You feel so fucking good.”

Me? This is all him. Every time he moves, a shiver of pleasure races through me.

I never knew it could feel like this. I want to have sex with Jace Covington every second of every day from here on out.

An incoherent sound leaves me when he thrusts again, hot and strong.

“Oh, God. Don’t stop.” My voice is thready, desperate.

Gripping the headboard with one hand, he picks up his pace, working me so well I have to bite down on his shoulder to stop from screaming.

His eyes lock with mine and something passes in his gaze. It’s as if he’s memorizing every moment of this. He’s not the only one.

Tension in my core tightens and my breathing becomes shallow when he reaches between us and rubs my clit.

The sensation is so intense my body vibrates. “I…”

I can’t speak. Hell, I can’t even move. I’m too far gone.

The coil of pressure snaps and pleasure slams into me so fast and harsh I swear I see actual stars.

He nuzzles the hollow of my throat as I clench and squeeze him. “That’s it, baby.” Shuddering, he thrusts harder, fucking my orgasm out of me. “Jesus Christ.”

My legs shake and I cling to his shoulders as the final ripple courses through my body.

Cupping my nape, he holds me steady as he pumps into me hard and fast one last time. “Fuck.” His cock pulses and a low, strangled grunt escapes him as a violent tremor runs through his frame.

My hands glide down his back as we both catch our breaths.

Emotion clogs my throat when I catch the pained look on his face and the storm brewing in his eyes.

Oh. God. He’s regretting this. Just like last time.

I start to move, but he halts me. “Stay.”

My vulnerability must be palpable because he shifts and pulls me into his arms.

I snuggle in close, pressing my cheek to his chest as his fingers trace the curve of my back.

“I love you,” I whisper.

Always have. Always will.

When I look up, his eyes are closed. The soft, steady sound of his breathing tells me he’s already fast asleep.

Tilting my head, I plant a tender kiss on his chest.

It’s not long before the sound of his heart beating lulls me to sleep.

Chapter 41

Jace

Past…

I have to tell him the truth.

The longer I wait, the worse it will get.

The more he’ll end up hating me.

Cracking my knuckles, I inhale a breath.

I need to get the fuck out of this closet and get it over with. Rip the sucker off like a Band-Aid so we can deal with it and move on.

Mind made up; I turn the knob and walk out.

Dylan said he was hanging out with Heather so maybe he…

Nope. Not a chance.

Liam’s been in love with Dylan since the second he laid eyes on her.

I swear it was like nothing I’d ever seen before. He was a heartbeat away from turning into a cartoon with little birdies circling his damn head.

I didn’t give a shit at the time, Dylan was my best friend and I still thought most girls were annoying and had cooties.

But then the same bug that bit him, turned around and unleashed its venom into my veins.

From that moment, everything changed.

Dylan Taylor was no longer meant to be my best friend…she was meant to be my everything.

Problem was, Liam had already staked his claim.

Didn’t matter that she was technically mine first.

I figured he’d get over his crush and move on, but he never did. If anything, his feelings for her continued to grow.

Right along with mine.

I tried to tell him so many times, but I couldn’t get the words out.

Maybe if Liam was an asshole like Cole—or me, for that matter—it would have been easier.

But he’s not. He’s sensitive and compassionate. The kind of person who would give you the shirt right off his back if you needed it.