Page 47 of Fault Line

“Unlike you, some of us actually have to study for this class.”

Leaning back in my chair, I say, “Sorry, this shit’s like second nature to me.”

“Yeah, go stroke your ego elsewhere.”

“Good idea.” I toss her another smirk. “Wanna go back to my place?”

“Shh,” she quickly chides again, scribbling furiously in her notebook.

This time, I manage to leave her alone for the rest of the hour, saving the conversation for later. When class is finally over, I trail behind her out of the building.

“Karras, wait up,” I say. “Why don’t we go grab a coffee before my walk-in?”

She gives me a skeptical look. “What, you want to pretend to be friends now? Shoot the shit after class?”

“I don’t know. Maybe?” I tilt my head slightly. “Or, you know, maybe I just wanted to hash this shit out with you real quick.”

She raises a brow. “Hash what shit out, exactly?”

I take a step closer, lowering my voice. “Well, I did have my face buried between your legs for the last two weekends, so I’m just wondering when or if you wanted that to happen again.”

She lets out a displeased groan, shaking her head. “Okay, I’m gonna pretend that you just asked me a normal question for once. You want to define the parameters of our sexual relationship?”

“Wow, you make it sound so sexy.”

She gives me a nonplussed look, so I raise a brow, gesturing for her to continue.

“How about I just give you a text or a call when I need to shut off my mind?” she offers. “Something casual, no strings. Otherwise, we keep everything else between us how it’s always been. If you’re up for that, great. But if you want more, tough luck.”

My grin spreads wider. “That sounds like a dream scenario to me.”

A warning flickers in her eyes. “Just remember, if you plan to be with anyone else, you need to be really safe. I’m putting my trust in you here.”

“No issues there,” I say. “Yours is the only pussy I’m interested in at the moment.”

She lets out a derisive snort. “You’re ridiculous.”

I lean in closer, letting my lips brush against her ear. “And you seem to like it well enough.”

She shoves me away, but I can tell she’s trying to hide another tiny half-smile. “Okay, now leave me alone,” she says. “I have somewhere to be.”

Without another word, I watch her walk away, her tight little ass swaying in her jeans. I’m already thinking about what I’m going to do to her the next time we’re together. It’s going to be a long, torturous wait praying for that next call.

But the thought of it coming unannounced—with Kaia ready and waiting for me at the end of it—is more than enough to keep me satisfied in the meantime.

17

KAIA

By the endof the school week, I’ve grown restless and even more weary.

During a quick break between morning classes, I shoot off a text to Elio before heading over to his apartment. This makes three lectures in a row that he’s missed out on, not to mention the silent treatment he’s been giving me for the last ten days.

Standing outside his apartment, I fidget with my shirt collar, trying to calm my racing heart. This isn’t a conversation that I want to have, but it’s one I know I need to.

Steeling my resolve, I carefully push open the front door. I’m immediately hit with the familiar smell of honey lemon and espresso. It’s a scent that normally brings me comfort, but right now, it unsettles me.

“El?” I tentatively call out.

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