Page 113 of Thorns of Malice

He jerks his head backward, studying me.

My pulse creeps up higher and higher. "You're a really good friend, but you know we have to stop this."

"Just one more time, then we'll stop," he says.

I've heard it too many times. It's come out of my mouth. It's come out of his. Every time either of us say it, it's always a lie.

He adds, "I can't leave here without it. Please," he begs with desperation.

My insides quiver. My butterflies take off. My pussy clenches, wanting it, but I know it's the addiction.

I don't want Jaxon.

I want Dax.

Somehow, I find an untapped well of strength. I put my hand over his. "Jaxon, you know I love you as a friend. You've been such a good one to me, but we can't have sex anymore."

He leans closer to me. "That's what one of us always says. Maybe we should stop pretending we want that and admit what we are to each other."

I freeze and stutter, "Wh-what do you m-mean?"

He looks nervous. He licks his lips, confessing, "There's more than sex between us, and you know it."

I'm shocked at this. "Yes, friendship."

"It's more than that. Our connection's too strong, and we have what each other needs. I don't know why we've been fighting it, but we're more than friends."

"Yeah, we're fuck buddies," I state.

His face falls and he clenches his jaw.

Guilt and sympathy cause a pang in my chest. "I'm sorry. I didn't say that to upset you. But, Jaxon, you're just confused right now. How long has it been since you've had sex?"

"Since you left, but that's not why I'm here," he claims.

"Isn't it?"

"No. I love you, Ivy."

I gape at him, holding my breath.

"I do." He picks up my hand and kisses it. "I love you and your sexy body and that wet pussy of yours. It's time to come home with me."

I try to pull my hand from his, but he holds it too tight. "Jaxon, no."

He kisses it again, and more tingles explode under my skin, rushing down my spine.

Just this once.

That's what I always say, but there's always a next time.

It would feel so good.

No, I don't want him like that. It's just my addiction.

"Jaxon—"

"I need it, Ivy, and you need it too. You know you do."

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