Page 111 of Heart of Thorns

“You’re doing a pretty shit job at showing me how much you hate me, kitten.”

I say nothing. I drape myself over his lap and straddle him. The hard metal of the bench presses against my throbbing knee, but I don’t care.

“Fuck,” he mutters. “I love seeing you like this.”

Heat brews between my legs, and my bra feels too tight.

Do not give in.

I’m putting myself through hell, for what? To prove to him that I don’t need him? To drive my hatred for him?

To protect your heart, Briar.

Right.

My fingers grip the cotton of my long sleeve. I tug it up and over my head only to drop it on the floor near my skates. Thorne gazes at my spilling breasts like he wants to take a bite out of them, and I’d truly love nothing more.

His hands grip me so hard around the waist, there’s a sting against my skin. He peers at me through hooded eyes and a slightly parted mouth. I drop my hands to his shoulders and start grinding.

He helps me and presses his hips to dull the ache we’re both feeling.

“If this is you hating me, I hope you never stop,” he rasps.

My mouth goes to his neck. I suck, nip, and lick him until he’s out of control with need. He moves me over him, our clothes causing so much friction, it burns my skin.

“Do you want to fuck me, Thorne?” I ask, whispering my seedy breath into his ear.

My plan is to get him twisted up, burning with need, completely desperate for me, and then demand he leave.

Just like he did to me the other day.

But maybe I should let him fuck me first.

No.

He repeats his name quietly. “Thorne?”

I cup him around the neck and lean back to stare into his eyes.

His warm, golden-speckled eyes.

Safe.I feel safe when I gaze into them, even while mending my bruised heart.

“Answer my question,” I snap, frustrated with my thoughts.

“Why did you call me Thorne?” he asks, still moving me back and forth.

I’m highly aware of every little thing.

The tension, the pulse between my legs, the scent of his cologne mingling with the faint smell of ice.

I’m breathless. “Answer… my… question.”

He peers up at me with sad eyes. As if he knows what I’m about to do.

“I’ll do anything you want me to do, kitten. Want me to fuck you? I will. Want to hate-fuck me to make yourself feel better? Go for it. I told you to take your anger out on me. Now do it.”

I dig my nails into his skin. He pauses and stares at me.

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