Fault Line (Coastal University #2)

by Ki Stephens

We lived, lulled, on the fault line of chaos. Change could come explosively, and out of nowhere.

She’s a fucking vision, isn’t she?

“Go in there with your perfect, golden hair, your shit-eating grin, and all your unmerited connections. Just know that when I beat you, it’s because I’ve actually earned it.” “You think my hair is perfect?”

“God, you make me so fucking irritated sometimes.” My smile kicks up a few unhealthy notches. “I know.”

“Did you beat that girl you’re always going on about?

“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.”

As much as it pains me to admit this, even to myself, the man is abhorrently good-looking. He’s also a confident, highly capable athlete. And, much to my dismay, the two of us are tied for the highest GPA in our department. So yeah, all things considered, he’s super fucking annoying.

I push myself off the bed, trying my best not to look like a fucking dweeb as I stretch out in front of her.

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.

he only seems to have eyes for—” He clamps a hand over his mouth,

“Why are you being nice to me?” “Feel like mixing it up.”

“For some twisted reason, you want me all for yourself.”

“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.”

“I know I sure as hell do.”

“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.”

there’s a part of her that’s inexplicably drawn to me. The same way I’ve been drawn to her for the past three years.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than riling you up on a moment’s notice.

“The way we get under each other’s skin. It’s a bit like foreplay, no?”

I was shocked to find out that my assumptions about her and Elio were false. And yeah, I am fucking attracted to her. In a big way.

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 want someone who wouldn’t let my family steamroll her. Someone who’s fiercely independent and who can handle my hockey career. She needs to have ambition, drive, a sharp mind, and an even sharper wit.

If I really wanted to torture myself, I might admit that my description sounds a hell of a lot like a girl I already know . . . one who won’t even bother to look at me right now.

“And did you really think I’d show up? Come congratulate you on your big win? Maybe this time, you could call me a brat in front of all your friends.” “Actually, I was just hoping you’d call me baby again.”

“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.”

“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.”

“And you missed me, too, right?” “Don’t push your luck, Beck.”

There’s no arguing the way our energy ignites when we’re together, and lately, it feels like there’s something different happening between us.

I’m drawn to her ambition. Her intelligence. Kaia has always been driven and focused and dedicated, and I find all of those qualities incredibly fucking sexy.

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.”

The dim lights of the frat house make her glow, and I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

“What if I told you that I’m willing now?” I propose, taking a step closer. “Yeah?” she asks, arching a challenging brow. “Who’d you have in mind, then?” Surprising myself, I blurt out the word “Me”

“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.

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.”

It’s like we’re trying to devour each other, to hold on to this moment—this one night—as tightly as we can.

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

“I admire the hell out of you. I think you’re smart, funny, witty, beautiful.” I stop myself before I get truly carried away. “There’s never a dull moment when we’re around each other.”

I can remember the first time I ever laid eyes on her.

And when she first met my gaze, there was an instant spark of attraction between us. I swear she felt it, too.

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.

I need her. I need her so badly that it hurts.

I drop to my knees in front of her, gazing up at her with a hunger that’s impossible to control.

She’s drop-dead gorgeous, and the sight of her lying there, vulnerable and exposed, sends a shiver down my spine.

“Don’t worry, baby,” I murmur, sliding my hands up her firm thighs. “I’ll be so fucking good to you.”

the sight of her takes my breath away.

I take her hand in mine and place a soft kiss on each knuckle.

It’s intoxicating—the way she wants this so fucking badly.

“God, you’re so hot when you’re desperate.” “Oh, shut up, Beck.” “Even hotter when you pretend not to like me.” She wrinkles her nose. “Is it really pretending, though?” With a smirk, I say, “You tell me.”

“That feels so fucking good,” she cries. “So, you do like me, then?”