Page 15 of With This Mask

A grin is taking over his face. He’s gotten me to confess this much, I have to be taking this seriously.

Am I?

What the hell is going on?

“How about birth control?” Alec asks.

I shake my head. “Not in over a year.”

“Would you like me to get you some? There’s always condoms, but, I know some women want something a little more reliable, or double protection.”

That’s… surprisingly considerate.

“I can pick some up tomorrow,” I tell him, knowing where on campus I can talk to a doctor and get it the same day. “I can ask how long until it’s effective.”

He arches a brow again. “Does this mean yes?”

I fold my arms over my chest, and bite the inside of my lip. Am I seriously considering this? With Alec Vanderholt? Who the hell am I right now? And why is my adrenaline surging and everything in me is begging me to say yes?

“I’ll make you a deal,” I say, already blushing before I even confess the words. “A man has never made me orgasm. Honestly, never even gotten me close. If you…” I take in a breath because my heart is absolutely racing at my audacity in saying all of this. “If you can get me off, you’ve got a deal.”

Something dark and mischievous and feral takes over Alec’s eyes and the smile on his lips is positively wicked. “Oh, you’ve got yourself a deal, Salem Winters.”

My heart rate spikes. Fuck. I’m in it now. "But if you ever breathe a word of this to anyone, I'll make sure the whole school knows about your little masked adventures." I take on as an insurance policy.

“Understood,” he says with a grin, extending his hand to seal our agreement. As our hands meet, the electric charge between us is palpable, sending shivers up my spine.

"Let's get one thing straight," I say, trying to regain control of the situation. "This doesn't mean we're friends, or that we suddenly like each other. We're still enemies, just...enemies with benefits."

"Works for me," Alec smirks, and I can't help but notice how his blue eyes seem to darken with anticipation.

"Good," I say, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Alec turns and shuts the door. He drags the half bookcase in front of it, effectively blocking anyone from entering.

Oh. Fuck. He means right damn now.

"Alright," Alec says, his voice low and steady as he slowly walks back toward me. "What do you want right now, Salem?"

Instantly, I clam up. My brain wants to shut down. The shame and guilt I’ve felt when it comes to sex my whole life comes roaring to the surface. I hold Alec’s eyes as he crosses the room, only a few steps away, but already I feel myself shutting down.

This is never going to work.

Who did I think I was? Certainly not repressed Salem Winters who can hardly even touch herself without feeling all kinds of guilty.

“I…” I stutter, unable to make the words come.

Alec stops right in front of me, and I’m astounded by the knowing, understanding look in his eyes. He hooks his index finger and raises my chin, making me look into those icy blue eyes. “You can say it, Salem. Trust me, I am dying to do anything you tell me to. So, what do you want?”

My heart is racing. But with Alec’s encouragement, my brain starts sorting through my thoughts. It's an intoxicating sensation, knowing that I have the power to dictate what happens next. I swallow down my fear and try to let my newfound curiosity guide me.

"Touch me." The words leave my lips, raw and honest in their simplicity. A flicker of surprise crosses Alec's face, but it's quickly replaced by a villainous grin.

"Where?" he asks, as his hand slips down to run down the back of my arm. Goosebumps instantly flash across my skin.

"Everywhere," I breathe out shakily.

"Greedy girl," Alec murmurs, his breath ghosting across my cheek. "But that’s what I was hoping for."

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