Page 71 of Untouchable

His eyes cut to the side then land back on mine. “That’s different.” I glare at him and cross my arms.

“How so? Tabitha and I met while I was in college, and I met Bodine literally the week after. I’m equally close to each of them, theonlydifference is that Bodine taught me how to ride. Otherwise, they’re practically the same person.”

“Yeah, well I should have been here to teach you,” he snaps. I shake my head, shocked by his words.

“Okayyy, but you weren’t. You were in Texas with your family. Taking care of your niece and nephew, learning your trade…” I smile but his features don’t soften even the leastbit. “Why does my relationship with Bodine bother you so much, Ace?” It looks like he’s going to respond, then he laughs humorlessly and shakes his head. “Are you…jealous?” I don’t expect it to be true. I actually kind of expect him to laugh in my face at the mere mention of it. Then his features change and he stares straight through me.

“I guess I am, Little Reaper. I didn’t realize how much until every time you looked for Bodine I wished you were looking for me instead.” My heart contracts and my lips part.

“Bodine is one of my best friends, Ace. He was there for me when my mom died, he saw everything I went through for months after, and he gets it in a way no one else does. Sinceyouarehisbest friend, I’m sure you know that already. He is the person I sought comfort from when I would start to spiral because he knew how to talk me down, or just be there when I needed him to be, and that’s why we’re so close.”

“I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I just…wish I’d been here to be the one to help you.” I smile softly, secretly enjoying this jealous side of him.

“I can assure you, I’ll be looking for you from now on.”

“I will understand if there are some things you need to process with Bodine, or Tabitha, instead of me. But I want you to know that I’m done pushing you away. I kept myself from paying attention to you for so long because I knew the second I looked your way, I’d never want to give my attention to anyone else. So just know this, I willalwayswant you to come to me first. To look formewhen you can’t sleep, or when haunting memories plague your mind, but I won’t demand it—as much as I may want to—because you matter more to me than my own jealous desires.”

“I appreciate that, Ace. You have no idea how much.”

Though I wouldn’t even mind if he did demand it. I kind of like when Ace is bossy.

“Now, are we ready to eat?”

My smile widens across my face. “Does that mean I get to drive?”

“Your father would kill me if he knew I let you drive.” I throw my arms around his neck.

“Well, my father isn’t here. Is he?” His brow raises and he smirks. “Otherwise youprobablywouldn’t let me do this.” I slide my tongue across his lips teasingly, but he’s quick to part his lips and take mine. He grabs my ass and pulls me closer to him, moaning as I bite his bottom lip.

“Does this mean you’ve overcome your issues with loyalty to my father over me?” I tease, but he simply presses his forehead to mine before standing back to look at me.

“I would willingly dig my own grave, if he demanded it, so long as I get to take the memory of kissing you like that with me.” My stomach flips and my heart skips a beat and I truly can’t believe this is even real. I’m tempted to tell him I’m not hungry anymore and to take me upstairs, then he dangles the keys out next to me and I forfeit that idea instantly.

“Are you serious?” I bite my bottom lip, concealing an obnoxious squeal.

“Don’t give me a chance to change my mind, Little Reaper. Hop on.” He slaps my ass and I rush over to the bike, throwing my leg over to sit down. My heart is racing as he places my helmet on my head, and as soon as I feel him in place behind me, I let the engine roar to life and smile. Then I take off down the road, having no idea where I’m going.

CHAPTER 39

Ace

Katarina could ride with the best of them. She handles my bike like she’s been riding her whole life. Bodine taught her well, though I feel like being Lenny’s daughter it’s probably in her blood somehow. She pulls up to a random restaurant, seeing as how we didn’t actually discuss where we would eat before we left, and parks, practically throwing her helmet off.

“Oh my gosh, that was incredible.”

“That you were, Little Reaper.” She smiles at me and then looks at the restaurant behind her.

“I hope this is okay. It looked decent from the road but if you had somewhere else in mind we can?—”

“I’m not picky.” I shrug and she smiles, turning to walk towards the building.

“Okay then.” She walks with purpose for the door and I fall behind only a bit, noticing how confident she is with every movement. She doesn’t wait for me to walk ahead of her or next to her. She doesn’t wait for me to offer my hand or arm and it makes me wonder if it’s because she doesn’t want it, or if she’s just being… Katarina. Self-sufficient and reliant on no one.

I whistle to stop her and point to the ground in front of me. She looks cautiously as she approaches me, looking around the parking lot before her eyes meet mine again.

“If you’re trying to get me on my knees, Hernández, I’m pretty sure we’d get fined for that. Or actually end up in jail. I’m not entirely sure of the public indecency laws here.” I snort trying to hold in my laughter and she slaps my arm.

“I’m not trying to put you on your knees in a restaurant parking lot, Reaper. I have alittleself-control.” I hold my hand out palm up, for her and her cheeks grow rosy.

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