Page 30 of The Knockout

Ares lifts me from the floor, and I wrap myself around him as he presses me against the wall and pushes my hair away from my face. “Tell me to stop, Gracie...”

I lean into his touch, wondering if I’m dreaming because I swear I’ve heard those words a million times, but I always wake up right before anything happens. “I think I’ll die if you stop.”

I gasp as his lips hover over mine. My nearly non-existent defenses weaken and wither. “Please, Ares...”

Ares slides his hand up my neck and digs into my hair. His eyes fix on mine, sending a sharp, sweet bolt of hunger coursing through my veins before his mouth finally claims mine.

The world stands still, cocooning us as it implodes, leaving only us. Only now.

His tongue licks into my mouth, and I moan as electricity sparks and spikes. My body burns while his erection grows thicker between my legs.

Our tongues dance a slow dance. Learning. Exploring. Setting every single nerve ending on fire. Spreading like a wildfire, ready to engulf everything it touches.

I dig my nails into the ridiculous muscles in his shoulders and shift my hips, needing friction. Desperate to feel his skin. His heat. His weight.

“Ares . . . I need . . .”

“Honey... I’m home.” I look up to see Lennon standing in the doorway and looking horrified.

“Oh my God,” I whisper.

“Well, now.” Lennon walks in and shuts the door. “I guess I’d have stayed home, too, if I knew this giant of a man would be here waiting for me.”

“Grace?” Ares asks as I wiggle out of his hold and slide my legs down.

“Ares, meet Lennon.” Ares discreetly adjusts himself before turning to meet Lennon. “My roommate.”

He offers her his hand, then turns to look at me. “Wait . . . aren’t you . . .”

Lennon rolls her eyes. “Yup. That’s me. You’d think they wouldn’t fuck up sending the helicopter for me. But I guess since I’m not in the top ten in line for the throne, I don’t rank.” Lennon drops her bag on the couch and moves into the kitchen. “Did you order dinner yet? I’m starving.”

Ares’s eyes keep bouncing between Lennon and me, like he can’t figure out what’s happening here.

“She doesn’t like to acknowledge the whole princess thing.” I try to hide my laughter as I lean into him. “Look at it this way. Now you can’t sleep in Lennon’s room.”

He tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “I wasn’t sleeping there anyway, good twin.”

GRACE

Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

I’m making myself a priority.

—Grace’s secret thoughts

Turns out there was an issue with the helicopter, so Lennon’s family is sending a car tomorrow. I can’t decide if she’s thrilled or annoyed.

“So this is the infamous Ares.” She pushes her plate back and rests her chin on her fist. At the moment, she’s definitely leaning toward thrilled. “You know... you look much bigger on the ice.”

I kick her under the table and smile when she flinches.

“Fine.” She purses her lips together and cocks a pretty red brow. “You don’t. But honestly, the way Gracie drools over your games, I half expected you to be a real god. But I guess you’re close enough to a chiseled Greek one.”

“Lennon,” I gasp, and Ares chokes on his beer.

See? Perks of living above a pub.

Did I mention Lennon’s uncle owns the pub? And maybe half the street?

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