Page 53 of Stick Handled

Her breathing stutters, and I take my time, leaning in to kiss her again, deep, slow, and deliberate. Her hands slide up to my shoulders, clutching at me like I’m the only thing keeping her upright, and maybe I am. I press myself against her, letting her feel exactly what I wanted to do when I saw her in my clothes. She whimpers into my mouth, her hands clutching me tighter.

“Keep quiet for me,” I murmur against her lips, my voice like gravel. “Unless you want him to come running in here.”

“Damien, no—” Her gasp is muffled by my mouth as I kiss her harder this time, my hands finding her waist, gripping her firmly. Her body melts against mine, and I feel the faint tremble in her legs.

“You like this,” I breathe, trailing my lips down her neck. “You like the danger. Admit it, baby.”

“I don’t,” she whispers, wide-eyed.

“Little liar.” I grin, my teeth grazing her collarbone. She’s just as addicted to this as I am.

She moans softly, barely audible, and it’s enough to make my blood heat. My hands glide down to her thighs, lifting her easily as I pin her to the wall. Her legs wrap around me instinctively, her fingers threading through my hair, and I groan at the way she fits against me. I’ve never wanted anyone this much in my life. And I’m not kidding myself. I’ve always wanted her.

I pull back, meeting her gaze. God, she looks so adorable in my shirt. I never thought the sight of a girl wearing something of mine would cause such a reaction. And suddenly, there’s something growing in my chest, something big and warm. I want to make her laugh. I want to make her cry of happiness. I want to make her heart beat fast. I want to experience everything with this girl. It’s new to me, this feeling of… whatever it is. But it feels fuzzy and bright and devastating at the same time. Like I could never have enough of her.

And just like that, I’m gone, lost in her, in the heat, in the madness of knowing this could cost me everything. But damn, I’m nothing without her.

She stiffens slightly in my arms, her gaze darting toward the door. Her hesitation is written all over her. Her shoulders are tense, her fingers gripping me tighter than before.

“Damien,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “We can’t. Rowan… he’shome. What if he—”

“Comes up here?” I finish for her, smirking as I lean in, brushing my lips against hers. “Then I guess you’ll just have to keep quiet so he doesn’t.”

Her eyes widen, and she shakes her head, trying to pull back slightly, but I don’t let her go. My hands tighten on her waist, keeping her pressed against the wall, keeping her with me.

“Or,” she says quickly, her voice trembling, “we could... we could go back to your house? We can sneak out the window?”

And miss all the fun of knowing he’s just downstairs?Not a chance.

I let out a low chuckle and shake my head, my breath fanning against her lips.

Her gaze darts to the door again, and she reaches out, her hand trembling as it brushes the edge of the doorknob.

“At least let me lock it,” she pleads, her voice shaky.

I catch her wrist gently, pull her hand away from the door, and pin it to the wall beside her head.

“No,” I say softly, my tone firm but teasing. “You’re not locking that door.”

Her lips part, her eyes searching mine as panic wars with the desire I know she’s trying to fight.

“Why not?” she whispers.

“Because,” I murmur, leaning closer until my mouth is just a breath away from hers, “I said so. I want you to feel it.” Every second of the thrill, the danger, the lust. She trusts me, and I’m not taking that lightly. I would never put her in that kind of situation, and deep down, she knows it.

Her breathing quickens, and I can feel the way her body trembles against mine. God, I love it. I love how she’s trying so hard to resist and fighting herself just as much as she’s fighting me.

“I want you to trust me, baby. Just like you trust me on the ice,” I murmur, my tone soft but laced with promise.

She nods, her lips trembling as she bites down on them, but it’s all genuine. I see it in her eyes.

“Good,” I say, my voice dropping.

“Damien—”

“Shh,” I cut her off, capturing her lips in a deep, searing kiss. She whimpers into my mouth, her fingers tightening in my hair as I pour everything into that kiss, every ounce of want, every ounce of need.

While she’s lost in it, I reach behind her, my fingers finding the lock on the door. I twist it quietly, the soft click barely audible over her shallow whimpers.

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