Page 31 of Little Horrors & Deceptions

“Well,” Derek began, his voice laced with sarcasm, but this time it lacked its usual bite. “You change plans all the time. Maybe find a way for her to fit into them. I haven't seen you happy in a long time. I like the look of it on your ugly mug.”

“Ha, ha.” I took a sip of my drink, rolling my eyes, but deep down, was I lying to myself about what this was? The warm liquid did nothing to quench the fire in my chest. My fingers tightened around the ceramic, knuckles turning white. I set the mug down with a soft clink. “It's not that simple.”

“Isn't it?” He leaned forward, elbows on the table, using the line I always pull on him. “You're overthinking again,” he added.

My jaw clenched. “There is no such thing as overthinking in the situation we’re in. I'm being realistic. This… thing with Jade, it's a distraction. A complication we can't afford. Besides, I doubt she’d want to uproot her life and run away together if she ever found out what we were actually doing.” But even as the words left my mouth, I felt the lie in them. The way my heart raced when I thought of her, the calm that settled over me in her presence—it was becoming harder to dismiss this as mere infatuation.

Derek’s knowing look cut through my defenses. “Keep telling yourself that, buddy.”

I ran a hand through my hair, my frustration bubbling. “What do you want me to say? That I'm falling for her? That I'm willing to throw away everything we’ve worked for?” I hadn't meant to voice those thoughts, but now that they were out, I couldn't take them back.

We sipped our coffee in silence, the ticking of the beat-up, old clock on the wall the only sound in the dimly lit diner. I couldn't shake the nauseous feeling in my stomach, but it was tempered by a newfound resolve. I would be done with this life after we were finished with our plans and I wouldn’t be able to take her with me.

I stepped into the haunted house, the dim lighting casting eerie shadows across the worn floorboards. As I rounded the corner, my heart skipped a beat.

Jade stood there, her back to me. She wore cute denim overalls over a sports bra, her toned arms on full display as she reached up to adjust a prop. My eyes traced the curve of her spine, lingering on the swell of her hips. The prop fell from her fingers, so she bent over to pick it up, giving me a perfect view of her round ass. Heat flooded my body. I clenched my fists, fighting and losing against the urge to cross the room and fuck her against the wall.

Jade turned, startled by my presence. “Oh, Liam! I didn't hear you come in.”

I plastered on a charming smile, hiding the hunger in my eyes. “Just admiring your handiwork. The place looks great.”

She beamed, pride radiating from her. “Thanks, I've been at it for a few hours now.”

I’d just had her this morning, but I wanted her again. The desire clawed at me. I sauntered over, my eyes never leaving hers. “You've been working hard. How about a break?”

Jade bit her lip, a flush creeping up her neck. “I really should finish up here.”

“Come on,” I purred, reaching out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. “You’ve been at it since before I left for lunch withDerek. A few minutes won't hurt.” Her resolve wavered. I could see it in the way her eyes darted to my lips, then back up.

“Well, maybe a short one,” she conceded.

I grinned, leaning in close. “That's my good girl.” I tasted her breath as she released one of those sighs that was almost a moan. Fuck, the things the noises she made did to me. Our lips met, and suddenly we were stumbling backwards. My back hit the supply closet door, and I fumbled for the handle. We tumbled inside, knocking over mops and buckets with a clatter. I pressed Jade against the shelves, my fingers working at the clasps of her overalls. They fell to her ankles with a soft thud. My hands roamed her body as I drank in the feel of her soft skin.

"Fuck, Jade," I growled. "I can't get enough of you."

She moaned in response, her fingers ripping at my shirt. Buttons flew, pinging off the metal shelves. I slammed her back against the shelf, our lips crashing together once more. A bottle of fake blood toppled from the top shelf, splattering across our bodies when it slammed against the floor. The sticky, sweet scent filled my nostrils in the small space. Neither of us gave any attention to the mess we’d made.

All thoughts of vengeance and planning fled my mind. In that moment, there was only Jade, only this burning need that consumed us both. Her body molded to mine, her soft curves fitting perfectly against my hard planes. I felt myself grow even harder as she moaned into my mouth, the taste of cherry ChapStick lingering on my tongue. Her fingers dug into my hair, urging me on. My hips ground against hers, her bare skin sliding against my pants. Fuck, I was going to cum in my pants if she kept this up.

I pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. They were glassy and full of want, and it ignited something inside me.

She nodded, her breath matching mine. “I want more,” she whispered, her eyes fluttering shut as I moved to nip at her neck. It was vulnerable and exposed there, begging for my attention.

"Mm-hmm," I hummed against her skin as she lifted her arms, and I easily removed her sports bra, her breasts slipping free and pebbling for me before I captured one nipple in my mouth and started sucking gently, feeling it harden under my tongue. She gasped and arched into me once more, her fingers digging deeper into my hair as she pushed herself closer. Her other hand traveled down my body, fumbling with the button on my jeans, her hand finally finding its target and releasing the clasp that held them together.

The cool air tickled my skin as my pants fell, and I pushed down her panties slowly, reveling in the way she shuddered at my touch. She was so damn responsive—it was like tapping into an addiction I’d never known I needed until now.

She stepped out of her overalls, leaving her completely exposed to me. I groaned, taking in the sight of her glistening body in the dim light. She was perfect.

I moved in closer. “You are so fucking beautiful,” I murmured against her skin.

She let out a shaky breath, her fingers combing through my hair. “Liam.” She sighed softly.

God, that fucking sound.

I trailed kisses down her neck and collarbone, my erection throbbing against her thigh. She was hotter than hell, and I couldn't wait another second. I lifted her and positioned myself at her entrance, teasingly nudging my tip against her wetness before pushing in with one long stroke.

Her back arched off the shelf as she gasped, her hands gripping my shoulders tightly. Her walls clenched around me, sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body. Iwithdrew slowly and slammed back into her, burying myself deep within the warmth that was mine.

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