Don't Let Me Down

by Kelsie Rae

I should not have let him go down on me at the hotel, either, but I’ve always been a sucker for bad decisions, so why stop now, right?

It won’t be something I can shove in a box and label it as a one-time thing. Because this would make it twice, even though the kiss at the hotel was barely a brush of our lips. And two is close to three. And three is…a habit. A really. Bad. Habit.

I crossed a line, and we both know it. But he crossed it first. He shouldn’t have tried to kiss me. He shouldn’t have slipped his head beneath the covers in Creekside. He shouldn’t have made me come harder than any of my previous partners. Yup. This is his fault. All. His. Fault. He’s the one who got the ball rolling. Who sparked my imagination. Who made me curious.

“If I say yes, it shows I’m interested in dating you, which means you’ll immediately turn into an asshole, and I really don’t want you to be an asshole.” He hesitates, pulling away an inch or two as his eyes narrow, studying me with interest. “Who says I’ll turn into an asshole?”

“Ride me, Brat. Let me feel you.”

“And you,” he murmurs once he’s back to his usual collected self. He leans forward and kisses me again. I can taste myself against his lips, and my core clenches at the memory of how incredibly talented his mouth is. He pulls away and continues, “Are exactly how I remembered.” He kisses me another time. “Perfect. I’ll meet you at your place? Or would you prefer a hotel?” “You can go again?” “Mia, I told you. I have a one-track mind, and I’m only getting started.” Well, okay then. I grin and peck his lips again. “My place, it is.”

“Do you want to use my shower?” My brows pull. “Are you sure it isn’t against the rules?” “We have an hour to waste. Might as well make you comfortable.” “I’m fine.” “Let me take care of you for once.” “I don’t need anyone to take care of me.” “Humor me, Brat.”

Why does everyone leave? Why does everyone have to die?”

Which is a problem. His pros are slowly adding up, making it harder for me to keep our rules in place.

“I want you. Mia Rutherford. The sassy brat who crawled her way under my skin whom I refuse to let go.”

I’ve always been a strong, independent woman, even when it’s detrimental. But right now? I’m okay with relinquishing my control. I’m okay with letting him take care of me. Letting him make me feel better. Because after the shit night I’ve had? The shit life I’ve had? I’m starting to think I’ve earned it.

“But I need you to understand I love her. I love Mia Rutherford. And you have no control over who I love. Who I marry. Or who I choose to protect with our family name.”