Fault Line (Coastal University #2)

by Ki Stephens

My God, I’ve never met someone as easily riled up as Kaia Karras. It’s likely because I’ve spent the last three years perfecting the act. Toiling over different ways to get a rise out of her. All I have to do these days is throw her a tiny half-smile, maybe cock my head to the side a little, and her entire body tenses up. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.

“Did you beat that girl you’re always going on about? Kara, right?” I choke on my own spit, breaking out into a mini coughing fit. “Don’t know who you mean.” “Nah, that’s right.” He snaps his fingers, a lightbulb going off in his brain. “Kaia, no? Kaia Karras?” Well, hell. I guess there’s no getting out of this one, is there? I honestly didn’t realize I talked that much about her outside of class . . . so much so that my roommate can recite her full fucking name.

“Well, I’m sure you killed it. You’re gonna top your girl Kaia, no doubt.” “I’d definitely fucking like to,” I say, grinning at the innuendo that’s slipped right over poor Rai Rai’s head. “That’s one thing I know for sure.”

“Holden Becker is ridiculously hot. You do know that, right?” “Yes, I’m more than aware.”

“You weren’t about to, like, you know . . .” “No, I don’t know.” I bite my lower lip, holding back laughter. “You’re gonna need to be a little more explicit than that.” “You know exactly what I’m referring to, Becker,” she bites out through gritted teeth, cheeks flushed a rosy shade of pink. “Don’t pretend you’re that clueless.” “You’re asking if I was about to fuck myself up here?” I grin at her outraged expression. There she goes again—so easily flustered. “Alone in my bedroom while all of you partied downstairs?” She nearly chokes, eyes popping wide. “I, uh, I wasn’t—” “What?” I cock my head, feigning confusion. “Rendered you speechless for once?”

“You know what? Fine. As embarrassing as this is, I’m looking for a hookup tonight. If you have any friends that aren’t total jerks, I’d be down for a setup.” At her request, there’s an uncomfortable pinching sensation in my chest. For some reason, I’m rattled by the thought of her hooking up with one of my teammates. It’s not because I want her for myself—to date her or anything like that—but it’s just the principle of the matter. Kaia Karras is mine to fuck with.

“So you don’t think I’m good enough for your friends?” She crosses her arms and lifts her chin, indignant. “Is that it?” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “I get it—you hockey boys are like celebrities on this campus. And what, because I don’t usually party with you guys or because I’m not in a sorority, then I’m suddenly not even worth a hookup?” I bite back a bitter laugh. “Yeah, you’re putting a whole lotta words in my mouth that I sure as hell didn’t say.”

“Oh? Should I go back there, then?” I snort a laugh. “Give Dougie another shot?” “Wouldn’t go that far.” “How far would you go, then?” He’s taken aback by my sharp tone. “What?” “You heard me. I said, how far would you go? Because from where I’m sitting, it sure seems like you’re determined to cockblock me.” A grunt-snort hybrid escapes him. “The things you dream up in that head of yours, Karras.” “I’m right, aren’t I?” I force down a lump in my throat, steeling my spine with confidence. “For some twisted reason, you want me all for yourself.” “Fine.” His grip on the steering wheel tightens, but his gaze stays painfully neutral. “Say you’re right. Say I do want you. Then what?”

“It’s never gonna happen. You know that, right?” My voice drops low, confusion coloring my tone. “You’ve made it your life’s mission to get under my skin. You’re annoying as hell, and you’re always pushing my boundaries, so—” “If you want to set real boundaries with me, Karras, I’ll respect them. But something tells me you get some sort of sick enjoyment out of our bickering.” He licks his lips, his gaze cutting to me for no more than a split second. “I know I sure as hell do.”

“If I’m way off base right now, just tell me,” he continues, caramel eyes flashing with contrition. “Hand to God, I won’t bother you again.” “What do you mean?” “I won’t approach you,” he says softly, seriously. “I won’t speak to you unless I’m spoken to. In fact, I won’t even give you a second look if that’s what you want from me.” My shoulders slump. “Oh.” “Is that what you want, Kaia?” “No.” My throat’s filled with gravel, the jagged shards burning through me as I swallow. “No, that’s not what I want.”

As she reaches for the door handle, I place a hand over hers, stopping her. “Can I just say one more thing?” “What is it?” she asks, impatient. “I know we don’t always get along, but you should know I never want to push you any further than you’re willing to go.” “Why do you even care about what I think?” She arches a brow, voice laced with skepticism. “I just do.” Her expression softens as she sighs. “Beck, you don’t even like me.”

“That’s not true,”

Like a light in the darkness, my thoughts unwillingly stray to Holden. He spent our entire lecture this morning stealing glances at me and glaring in Elio’s direction. He thinks I didn’t notice him, but I’m more perceptive than that. I try to push him out of my head, but he won’t relent. His golden hair. That devilish grin. The sound of the rasp in his voice when I first stumbled into his bedroom. He’s quickly invading my every thought. I envision his lips forming those teasing words: “This thing we have going on . . . It’s a bit like foreplay, no?”

“It does,” I say. “And, yeah, I suppose I went a little far myself.” “And?” he presses, raising a brow. “And what?” “And you’re also sorry?” I let out an exasperated sigh. “Did I not just say that?” “Don’t know if I heard those exact words, no.” “Fine, yes.” I roll my eyes, but there’s a flicker of amusement thumping in my chest. “I’m sorry. Does that make you happy?” A smug grin spreads across his face. “If you wanted to get down on your knees and beg for my forgiveness, I would also accept that.” “You’re such a pig.” “Oh, and here I thought I was a baby.” “You’re a lot of things, Becker,” I say, shaking my head. “All of them particularly annoying.”

“You know, I missed you last week.” “What?” “I missed talking to you,” he admits, his gaze intense. “This ignoring shit you’ve been doing? Yeah, it doesn’t really work for me.”

“Holden,” I murmur softly, uncertain of what else to say. “Kaia.” He parrots my tone. “Look, if you’re pissed at me, then just tell me. Fight with me. Yell at me. But don’t shut me out. I don’t like seeing you everywhere, knowing that you’re just gonna look the other way.”

Other than last Friday night, I’ve never heard him talk this way before. He’s usually so closed off and sarcastic, and his sincerity’s throwing me for a loop. “Are you being serious?” “Dead serious. I’m just laying it out there,” he says with a shrug. “Take it or leave it.”

“Okay,” I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper. His face lights up. “Okay?” “Yes, okay.” I give him a shaky nod, a bit dazed. “I’ll take it. If I’m pissed at you again, which I will be, then I won’t ignore you.” “Good,” he says softly, sincerely. But then, in true Holden Becker fashion, he ruins the moment. “And you missed me, too, right?” “Don’t push your luck, Beck.”

Hell, I straight up admitted that I missed her last week. That I want her in my life, despite our constant bickering. And maybe she feels the same spark that I do. Or maybe I’m inventing something more between us inside my head. So yeah, she makes my dick hard.

“All set. They’re pulling around in three minutes. Text me when you get home, please.” “As you wish, Daddy.” Her eyes widen, and she shudders, feigning a gag at her own suggestive comment. “Oh, God. Please pretend I never said that.” I allow the corners of my mouth to curl up into a self-satisfied grin. “Couldn’t erase it from my brain even if I tried.”

And then, unfortunately, there’s the resident golden boy. For some reason, he’s been consuming my thoughts lately, and it’s driving me up a wall. It’s absurd, really. We’ve known each other for three years now, but he’s always been more of an afterthought. A tiny, prickly thorn in my side. These days, thoughts of him are more like a dagger straight to the gut . . . nearly impossible to ignore.

And that’s when I spot Kaia from across the room. She’s leaning against the wall, her eyes sparkling with laughter as she chats with some guy I don’t recognize. They’re lost in conversation, their faces inches apart, and I feel a pang of something hot and sour in my gut. I try to push it down, to tell myself that it’s nothing, that I’m being ridiculous. But as the guy brushes Kaia’s hair behind her ear, whispering something to her, I lose all semblance of control.

“You’re still on the hunt for a hookup,” I say, attempting nonchalance. Her frown deepens. “Is that really any of your business?” “Just trying to make conversation, Karras,” I say, raising my hands in surrender. “Besides, I’m pretty sure you made it my business the other night.”

“Yeah, well, that was an error in judgment.” “Was it?” “Clearly, since you and your buddies are so unwilling to help me.” “What if I told you that I’m willing now?”

“You must know I want you, Karras,” I admit, my heart hammering in my ears. “I’ve wanted you for as long as I can remember. And if you’re looking for just one night, then count me in.” Her expression shifts from shock to confusion to a heavy dose of skepticism. “Is this a joke?” “The furthest thing from it.”

“So, you want to give me another ride?” “A ride?” I tease. “You mean that thing where you get in my car and I drive you home?” “Yeah. And then afterward, you can even come inside.”

Realizing that she’s finally mine—for just a momentary lapse in time—means that I can’t resist her for another fucking second. I press her up against the side of my car, placing a hand behind her head. “You sure you want this?” I ask, giving her every last opportunity to back out. “Just fucking kiss me already.”

“You still think I don’t like you?” I lean back, running a frustrated hand through my hair. “Kaia, I fucking adore you.”

This almost feels like some sort of dream, like an alternate reality that we’re stepping into. It’s certainly my version of a fantasy. That is, I’ve always taken notice of Kaia. I can remember the first time I ever laid eyes on her.

I never thought I had a real shot at spending a night with her, other than in my wildest dreams. In my mind, she’s always been taken. This forbidden fruit—just something pretty to look at, pine over, and then forget about. But ever since I found out the truth, it’s like a switch flipped inside my brain. Now, I feel like I have to have her. Just one fucking night together.

“It’s been a long time since anyone’s touched me,” she whispers, her voice laced with vulnerability. “Don’t worry, baby,” I murmur, sliding my hands up her firm thighs. “I’ll be so fucking good to you.”

“Tell me, Karras. Do you like to be the one in control here?” I ask, watching her carefully. She meets my gaze, her eyes dark with desire. “You don’t, do you?” I continue, a chuckle escaping me. “Everywhere else, you’re in charge. But in here, when you’re like this—” I graze my teeth against the soft flesh of her inner thigh, earning myself a tiny whimper. “—you like to let yourself go.”

Once she comes down from her high, I pull back and look up at her, savoring the sight of her flushed and sated body. Her eyes are closed, her breath heavy, but she looks more satisfied than I’ve ever seen her before. It feels so fucking good to know that I’ve given her this, something she clearly hasn’t had in a long time—a real release.

“I thought I was the one in control.” “I want to see you,” I practically beg. He steps back, waiting for me to comply. There’s a challenging look in his eyes, a daring spark that’s impossible to resist. God, I think I like this side of him—the one that takes charge. The thought of surrendering to his commands, of shutting off my brain like this, sets my entire body—my soul—on fire.

“You’re right. It’s none of my business. I’m just an asshole who can’t leave things well enough alone.” She grins despite herself. “You are an asshole, aren’t you?” “See, we agree on something for once.” “We agreed on a lot of things Saturday night,” she says, surprising the hell out of me. My brows shoot up. “Karras, was that an innuendo?” She shrugs, and some of that familiar fire returns to her hazel eyes. “Figured it was my turn.”

“But we probably shouldn’t keep bringing it up, especially because it was just a onetime thing.” “Right, one time. Unless . . .” I trail off, wondering if I should push my luck. Since I left her apartment yesterday morning, I’ve been replaying the sounds she made inside my head. Those tiny whimpers, those long, drawn-out moans, it’s all been swirling around in there like a never-ending record. I had to fuck my fist twice in the shower this morning just to calm myself down.

“We both agreed.” “I know, but hear me out. I thought that’s what all this tension had been building up to, right? We just needed the one night to get this shit out of our system. Hell, I’ve been wanting to get a taste of you since the second I laid eyes on you. And I thought, after I did, that maybe I could clear the idea from my head. But it was so fucking good between us, right?” “It was nice, yeah, but—” “Judging by the way you were trembling and shaking until you passed out, I’d say it was more than just nice.” “Okay, calm down, Casanova.”

“And what, you think one night of sleep is gonna tide you over for the rest of time?” I ask, arching a brow. “It should do.” Her lips quirk up in a small smile, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I feel like a new person already.” I take another step closer, closing the gap between us. “Karras,” I murmur, my voice low and soft. “Let me try again for you. Let me be that guy.” She blinks, her gaze flicking up to meet mine. “That guy?” she echoes. “If you’re struggling, I wanna be the guy you call for help. The one who can make you forget about everything else and just . . . be in the moment.”

I’m a bundle of nerves waiting to combust. All the momentum I built up on Saturday night has officially evaporated into thin air, like steam fogging up my windows and then suddenly clearing. My one night to reset wasn’t enough. I need a repeat, and I need it stat. Like clockwork, my thoughts drift back to Holden, who offered himself up on a silver platter to me. But I don’t know if it’s worth it to screw up our already complicated relationship.

As I mull it over, the question lingers: Is Holden fucking Becker really the best option for that?

“Seriously, how have you been holding up? You said we’d talk later, and yet we haven’t.” I hesitate, my chest tightening. “I’m still really fucking stressed.” “So, that’s why I’m here?” he asks, eyes searching mine. “To help you get unstressed?” “Yes.” I nod slowly, a mix of apprehension and excitement swelling in the pit of my stomach. “And how exactly do you plan on helping me?” He leans in closer, his breath hot against my skin. “Oh, I have a few ideas,” he murmurs, tracing a finger along my jawline.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask softly. “I mean, I know we’ve had our moments, but I don’t want things to get too complicated.” “I’m the one who practically begged for this, Karras,” he says, pinning me with a harsh look. “Besides, if things get complicated, we’ll deal with it as it comes.” “Okay.” I tilt my head, feeling a small sliver of relief. “Agreeing to this means I’m putting my trust in you. You know that, right?” “I know.” His eyes light up with determination as he flashes me a smile. “And I can promise you, you won’t regret it.”

I can’t manage to get the taste of Kaia out of my mouth or the feel of her body writhing beneath me out of my head. It all burns into my skin, branding me with the memory.

If this were a few weeks ago, I might’ve been down. She’s smoking hot and clearly not one to play coy. But right now, my thoughts instantly drift to Kaia, and I feel a twinge of guilt. We’re not technically in any sort of relationship, but I’m already loyal to her in a sense. There’s no way I could betray that by hooking up with someone else. Not now, not when my mind is still so fucking fixated on the girl.

“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?”

“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.”

His dark eyes lock with mine, fingertips tracing across my upper arm, and heat rises in my cheeks. “So, would you say your stress levels are doin’ okay this week, then? No trouble sleeping?” I work my lower lip between my teeth, craving another quick fix. “I, uh, think I might have a little trouble, actually. Tonight?” His lips curl into a smirk. “Hm, and I might have a remedy.” “Nine o’clock, Becker. Don’t be late.” He leans in close, breath hot against my ear. “Wouldn’t fuckin’ dream of it.”

“What about your no-sex rule?” I ask, pulling back slightly to look at her. She rolls her eyes, frustration clear on her face. “Fuck the rule. I need you. Now.” My resolve starts to slip away at her words, but I need more confirmation than that. “Tell me you like me, and I’ll consider fucking you.” Her eyes widen. “What?” “You said you wouldn’t have sex with me because we don’t like each other. I already admitted that I adore you, so it’s your turn to own up.” I nudge her shoulder with my nose. “You like me, Karras. And you always fucking have.” “Like you?” She nearly chokes. “You mean, as a person?” “Sure, as a person.” I swipe my thumb over her nipple. “As a friend.” “We’re not friends.” “You’re right.” I let out a humorless chuckle. “I don’t often lick my friends’ pussies. So yeah, we’re a little fucking more than that now, aren’t we?” “Beck.” “Say it, Kaia,” I demand, voice ragged. “Or you’re gonna end up fucking yourself tonight.” “Fine. Fuck.” She pinches her eyes closed, takes a deep breath, then, “Okay, I like you.” My lip quirks. “And?” “And I always fucking have,” she grumbles, yanking my head back down. “Now, stop using your mouth for talking, and let it do what it’s best at.” “Always the romantic.”

This girl always knows exactly how to push my buttons, how to turn me on like no one else, and I’m not complaining.

just can’t seem to get enough of you,” I rasp, pressing a kiss to her sweat-damp collarbone, tracing it with my lips. “Yeah,” she murmurs back. “I know the feeling.”