Page 145 of Malice and Surrender
“Yeah, and I can’t wait to get back and gloat that I’ve had you twice to myself,” I said and smiled as she leaned back and hit me with her patented glare.
“You really are an ass.”
Cupping her face, I kissed her long and slow, allowing myself the luxury of her soft pillowy lips. “You’ll fall in love with it. I can promise you that.”
“Always so sure of yourself.”
“I’m sure of you,” I said, grabbing her discarded hoodie and wrapping it around her shoulders. “What you crave deep down is what I can give you. What I’m willing to give you. What I want to give you.”
“And what exactly is it that you think I want?” Her voice was soft as she cuddled into me, seeking my warmth.
“You want to let yourself go and feel safe.” Raine didn’t say anything. “You’re safe with me. I will protect you, Peaches. However I can, and I won’t stop.” She kissed my neck softly. “And you want to experience everything you’ve denied yourself for years. You want the three of us to give it to you. I don’t like Kai, and I certainly don’t trust him, but I get the appeal. I said I’d try with him, and that means I’m in until he gives me a reason not to be.” She made a little sound, and I wasn’t sure if she was crying, but she held me tighter. “And you love to be praised. I’ve figured out another one of your kinks, and I’m going to keep finding them, and I’m going to fuck you in all the ways you crave.”
“You confuse me, Jace,” she said softly, and I chuckled.
“I confuse myself, so we’re even.”
“I’ll move.” She went to get up, but I held her tight.
“Oh no, you don’t. We have another hour left in this ride. That gives me lots of time to have you again, and this time, I’m going to tan your ass every time you disobey me.”
I smiled as she shivered.
Oh yeah, I was falling for her, fast and hard, like I was jumping off the tall diving board. This was why I didn’t stay. I knew myself too well. Avro and now Raine were filling up my heart. If Kai came at us again in any way, I’d be prepared, but I prayed that it never came to that.
Raine’s body relaxed, and her breathing deepened as she napped. I really did have a thing for being needed and kissed the top of her head.
I grabbed my phone and found the latest text from Allen, who was still freaking out over me turning the plane around and missing the interview he’d set up. I was purposely ignoring my bandmates, who were just as pissed off. They were used to me going rogue, but even I didn’t miss concerts or interviews. That was money out of our pockets and looked terrible without a good excuse. I had a great excuse, but they wouldn’t see it that way. I did have an idea, though.
J: You said you wanted a good story to sell before the awards show. I have one for you.
A: I’m not speaking to you.
I smirked at his response. I could easily picture him pouting somewhere, half wasted, looking like he’d been drug in from a back alley by a tom cat.
J: I’ll make the last concert on the list. Re-schedule the interview with my apologies that it was an emergency, and I have a date for the awards.
A: Please tell me it’s Taylor Swift
I glared at my phone.
J: I’ve told you a million times we’re just friends.
A: I can keep hoping. Fine, who is it, and don’t say some cousin of yours. I can’t spin that, no matter how hard I try.
My face screwed up as I stared at the message.
J: No, she’s not a family member. What kind of fucked up question is that anyway? How much have you been drinking?
A: Lots, I deal with you daily. You’re giving me a fucking ulcer Jace.
J: Her name is Raine Eastman, and she is not rich or famous or a princess, before you fucking ask.
A: You mean the manager from the bar? What good is she?
I ground my teeth together as I stared at the question. I couldn’t tell if he was purposely trying to be a dick, but the implied tone was pissing me off.
J: What do you mean?”
