Page 51 of The Jaded Notes

“I’ll be smart and remember this conversation forever. That way, I won’t fall in love with you, and you won’t be able to crush me.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” I place my hands on his muscular chest.

His eyes lock with mine, and our breaths dance together. He closes in on me, and I lower my eyelids. His lips brush against mine, and my world turns upside down.

I never thought this would happen. To make sure it’s real, I press into him.

His tongue reaches for mine. The way our mouths fit together is like a puzzle with perfect matching pieces.

Every stroke and swipe of his tongue is like a soft but firm prod to tell me to give him more. I sink against his body as I savor the most amazing kiss I’ve ever had.

One of his arms wraps around my waist. With his other hand, his fingers weave into my hair, and he takes a fistful. He holds me tight.

It’s like he’s possessing me, but in a gentle yet commanding way. I could do this for the rest of the night. But I know I need to stop because I won’t let myself fall.

I pull away to remain in control. “And?”

“I definitely want to do that again, but I’m not in love with you, so…” His eyes twinkle like stars far in the dark sky reaching for Earth.

“Yet, but give it time and I’ll get you into my web.”

“We’ll see about that.” He releases me.

I step back, trying to maintain some sense of power. “Why did you allow yourself to kiss me?”

“I wanted to.” Something like a realization flashes in his gaze. It’s like he remembers something he had forgotten. He shakes his head and straightens out his jacket. “I’m sorry, Livianna. My actions were inappropriate.”

My arms flare out at my sides. “You can’t be serious about that comment.”

“But I am. I got swept up in the moment. It won’t happen again.”

My jaw drops. “I can’t believe I fell for it.”

“Fell for what?”

“This.” I gesture between us. “You wanted to get me to this point just so you could push me away and make a fool out of me.”

“That’s not anywhere near the truth.”

“Right.” Fire erupts in my chest. “Let’s pretend this didn’t happen.”

“Livianna… I’m sorry.”

“No, Jax. I’m so done with being dragged through uncertainty with men. I don’t deserve it, and I won’t tolerate it.” I gather my stuff and stomp toward the door. “Go get fucked.”

The fucking nerve. I rage inside.

Until he does something I don’t expect.

In a deep bedroom voice, he calls out to me. “Livianna.”

I stop right before I get to the door and spin his way. “What?”

He stands like a king with an agenda. His seductive stare hooks with mine.

He points to the floor. “Crawl.”

Chapter Twelve