Page 42 of Fracture

Jared eyes me warily from the coffee machine, and I give him a dazzling smile. Dylan kisses my neck as we wait in line, his breath hot as he nibbles on my earlobe.

“Giving him quite a show,” I murmur as goosebumps erupt down my arms.

Dylan’s kisses wander along my jawline, and I know people are staring at us, trying to figure out what Stella Langford is doing being kissed and groped by a huge tattooed man in the middle of the busiest cafe in town. They probably think I’ve just gotten myself into another stupid mess, and the thought should make me uncomfortable, I half-expect it to wash away this beautiful feeling that’s warming my veins. But with Dylan’s hands on me, there’s nothing in my head but all the thoughts of what I want him to do to me.

“Are you wearing panties today?” He asks against my neck, one of his hands wandering over my hip. “Sure doesn’t feel like it.”

I look over my shoulder at him, and kiss his chin. “I’m not, as a matter of fact.”

A growl rumbles through his chest. “Bad girl. Might have to take you home and punish you.”

“You sure are committing to this act.”

I gasp as he shoves me harder against him, his growing erection pressing against me through his clothes. “Who said it was an act?”

“You did, outside, just now.”

The line in front of us advances a little, and Dylan kisses my neck again as we take a few steps forward.

“I lied,” he breathes against my ear, and I want to tear him out of here and drag him home right now. As though he can sense what I’m thinking, he chuckles in my ear, moving the strap of the tank top to kiss my bare shoulder. “I love knowing this is driving you crazy.”

“You’re so mean.” I lean into him, turning my face to bury it in the crook of his neck. “Everyone’s watching, you know?”

“Like that would stop me.” Dylan kisses my forehead, his hand cupping my jaw. “I’d happily bend you over that counter right now, and I wouldn’t give a fuck who saw us.”

“Exhibitionist,” I tease.

We reach the counter, and Dylan’s arms stay around my waist as I smile sweetly at Jared.

“Hi!”

He gives me a withering look. “Hey. What can I get you?”

“Just a vanilla iced coffee, thanks. Anything for you?” I look at Dylan, and he shakes his head.

“Don’t want to erase your taste, baby. That’d be a sin.”

I suppress a laugh and I’m sure my face is bright red as I turn back to Jared. “Just the iced coffee, thanks so much.”

He sets about preparing my order without looking at me again, and Dylan continues to kiss me, gentle enough to genuinely drive me crazy and make me want more, and more. Every brush of his fingertips along my skin makes me more determined to just forget about my coffee order and just drag him home. This was meant to be an act, but it’s fast becoming much more than that.

“There you go, one vanilla iced coffee.” Jared places the cup down for me, and I tap my card to pay. Jared looks at Dylan, then back at me, and gives me a weak smile. “I wish you all the best, Stella. I mean it. I hope you two are happy together.”

“Thanks!” I take my cup, smiling brightly. “We’re so happy.”

“Take it easy, man.” Dylan says, still not releasing me as we sidle out of the coffee shop. He chuckles against my ear once we’re out on the street. “Now, was that too much?”

“That was way too much.” I smile up at him, and nudge his jaw with my nose. “But it was also fun.”

“Time for books, huh?” He releases my waist to take my free hand and walk beside me. “Then you can take me home and read to me. Without panties on.”

“I thought we were taking it slow.”

He gives me a sideways smirk. “There's many ways of taking it slow, you know.”

“And those are?”

He rounds on me suddenly, backing me up against the wall of a small alley between two stores. I almost drop my coffee as he cages me in with his arms. His intense gaze stares me down, and he lowers his mouth so it’s barely an inch from mine.

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