Page 151 of Theirs to Ruin

The memory of Dante’s words at the overlook came back to me.

Kage was gifting me with something precious because it was his. And because he wanted me to be happy. I didn’t want to throw that in his face. Besides, when we broke up, he’d get the Bugatti back. What harm would there be in driving it for a while?

The key was heavy in my palm, the smooth metal cool against my skin. I instantly pictured it, stomping on the gas and the acceleration pinning me against the backrest; the vibration of the burning wheels making me instantly wet on those expensive leather seats, and the roar of the Bugatti’s pretty little engine as loud as my own pleas for more, more, more when I was in Kage’s arms.

Kage smirked, and I bet I was blushing a bright red. He could probably see just how aroused his gift had made me. But as much as I wanted to drive the car, what I wanted even more was to stay cuddled up to Kage, soaking in his gesture.

“Kage, thank you. This means so much to me.” I tightened my fingers around the key. “Can we go for a ride later and finish watching the movie?”

“Are you going to hold onto the key the whole time?”

I lifted my hand with the key to my chest and pressed it against my heart. “Yes.”

“In that case, sure.” He opened his soda and my chips, handed me the bag, and settled back, his arm draped comfortably around my shoulders.

The movie played on, though I missed some parts to make out with Kage. As my favorite part approached, the one Ty and I had always dramatically re-enacted, I deliberately kissed Kage again. As his mouth moved against mine, the movie became a distant murmur, the world condensing down to the feel of his lips, the warmth of his touch, and the desire that coiled within me.

I dropped the key I’d still been holding and tangled my hands in Kage’s hair. For a blissful stretch of time, there was nothing but us, the slow exploration of lips and tongue, and the gentle thrum of desire that pulsed through my veins.

Suddenly, the front door banged open. “Kage!” Ty shouted.

We pulled apart, listening as footsteps thudded up the stairs and back down again.

“Uh oh. Looks like I’m in trouble again,” Kage said with a grin.

Then Ty appeared in the doorway. “Stop. Just fucking stop with the gifts, Kage.”

He threw a small box at Kage, who deftly caught it. I sat up and studied the box that bore the name of a luxury watchbrand. I fought back a laugh as I recalled the absurd, hilarious, and shockingly extravagant gifts Kage had lavished upon Ty over the past few days. A singing telegram belting Ty’s praises in the middle of a class, balloons attached to a crate of expensive art supplies. Even a life-size chocolate statue at some point, which was both bizarre and impressive. Then there’d been the Ducati motorcycle. I didn’t know if Ty could ride a bike and it hadn’t moved from the driveway. It even still had the big flashy red bow on it. Kage’s gifts had been as generous as they were relentless.

Kage shrugged. “No can do, buddy. We’re friends now. You’ve got at least a week of appreciation coming your way.”

Ty’s eye twitched. “It’s been four damn days.”

“Then it will all be over soon,” Kage said.

Ty sucked in a breath, ready to fire back, but his eyes caught on the movie we were watching. He froze.

Kage noticed, his gaze flicking between Ty and the screen. “Sit down, man. Fucking watch the movie.” He gestured toward the space next to me.

I tensed. Noticing, Kage rubbed my shoulder soothingly. Ty looked at me then rolled his eyes. “Fine,” he said, making me take in a deep breath. He plopped down beside me, muttering, “Only because this is a kick-ass movie.”

I’d been so relaxed and loose with Kage beside me, but Ty’s proximity caused me to stiffen. I was like a rabbit that had just sensed a fox in the bushes. Memories bombarded me of afternoons curled up with Ty, laughter ringing through the air, and later the feel of his hands all over me.

As the movie played on, I tried to enjoy the fact I was sandwiched between two gorgeous men, but I remained tense. The bluish light of the screen shimmered over our faces as Kage’s fingers played with the tips of my hair or drew abstract patterns on my shoulder. It should have been comforting but Ifound myself ludicrously worrying that every time Kage touched me, it somehow wounded Ty.

"This is fucking ridiculous," I finally muttered. Ty didn’t care about me. Even if he did, he’d thrown me away.

I looked at Kage, who’d already been watching me, and I placed my hand on his thigh. His muscles tensed under my touch and a sly smile played on his lips. His honey-brown eyes flashed with fire and he tilted his head, inviting me in. I took the bait, tugging his head down to give him a deep, toe-curling kiss.

Kage's hands slid under my shirt, his fingers skimming over the bare skin of my back. I glanced at Ty. Our eyes met but he didn’t look away. Instead, his gaze lowered when Kage lifted my shirt, exposing my lower back and belly even as Kage continued to shower soft kisses down my neck and collarbone. The sensation of his lips was overwhelming, pulling me into a whirlpool of desire strengthened by Ty’s heated eyes.

"God, you're fucking beautiful, Camille," Kage murmured as one hand caressed my collarbone and his other hand stroked the curve of my waist. I closed my eyes and moaned.

“That’s it, my sweet rebel. Sing for me.”

He kissed me until I was gasping for air then stared into my eyes before glancing at Ty. "She's always been a good girl, hasn't she, Ty?"

I jerked and blushed but didn’t pull away.

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