Page 66 of Casualties

“Yeah, the son of my competitor found a way in, using another member's key card.”Their boss sounds exhausted.I’m sure after that night he has been dealing with a lot.

I continue to listen to their conversation.It turns out Denny’s main competitor is none other than Levi Davis, Jackson’s father.I wasn't wrong to think the work Jackson was doing for his father was less than legal.Levi was having his son push his drugs to kids on campus.We weren't there that night to get intel on club business, we were there for Jackson to cause a scene and have the cops show up.I don't think his dad was aware he was getting high on his supply, though.

“I’m shutting the club down until everything gets dealt with.I know you guys are on vacation, but I could really use your help with this.”

“What do you need from us?”Ace asks.

“I need updated background checks on every member.Make sure you are including all close known relatives.The senator’s private party was a setup to get me off-location during the masquerade.Levi orchestrated all of it, knowing the club’s biggest event of the year—where members are required to wear masks—was the perfect opportunity for his son to get in undetected.”I’m thanking my lucky stars Denny hasn’t said Jackson’s name.

“Yeah, no problem.Are the women that overdosed okay?”Morgan probes.

“Yes.Lucky for them, they were taken to the hospital in time.They’ll make a full recovery.”His voice is flooded with relief.If the girls didn’t survive, this would be way worse.

Jackson's erratic behavior makes sense now, knowing he was on drugs.I'm not making excuses for him, the drugs didn't make him a bad person.He's a bad person, and the drugs made it harder for him to hide that.I feel like an idiot for falling for his charm.

“Hey guys, I have to run, but I’ll be in touch.If you can fast track those member checks, I would appreciate it.Let’s plan to meet when you get back into town.”

“Sounds good, we’ll start working on it right away,” Ace says, and the call ends.

You'd think this shitshow would make news headlines, but we haven’t heard a peep.From what Ace told me, Denny has a lot of the force on payroll, including the chief of police.I'd like to think Denny is one of the good guys, but I'm skeptical.He seems to be in the same world as Jackson's dad, and that man is awful.

THIRTY-SIX

ACE

The four of us watched movies until it was time for the ball to drop.Counting down from ten knowing I wouldn't get to kiss her at midnight was a bummer, but I couldn't do that when her brother was standing right next to me.That wouldn't have gone over well.I settled on kissing her cheek, but then kissed Cassie's as well, to not be obvious.

We have been fooling around for the last two weeks, kissing and touching when we're alone or when no one's looking.I want her so fucking bad, I can't stand the sneaking around.I want everyone to know she's mine and nothing will change that.Now, if I could stop being a pussy and own up to her brother, that could happen.

Everyone went to bed upstairs—Cass and Ainsley in her bedroom, and Morgan in his.I took the couch downstairs to watch another movie, not quite ready for bed.Before the movie’s over, I hear light footsteps coming down the stairs.I have a sneaking suspicion of who that could be.

"Ace, are you awake?"she whispers.

"Yeah baby, I'm up.You okay?"I sit up to see her standing at the end of the couch, body glowing from the soft white Christmas tree lights.She's wearing navy blue cotton shorts with a mistletoe pattern, and a tight-fitting low-cut white long-sleeve top.This girl could wear a burlap sack and still look gorgeous.

She moves to sit next to me, placing her hand on my chest."Can we go to your house?"she asks shyly.

"My house?Why?"She doesn't answer me with words, just winks, and I realize what she's saying.She wants to be alone without the chance of being caught by her brother.We stand to put our shoes and jackets on, then quietly leave for my house.

In my room she wastes no time, stripping herself out of her jacket and kicking off her shoes.I am barely able to do the same before she grabs me by the back of my neck and jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs tightly around me.Her soft lips press to mine in a feverish kiss.I reciprocate her movements, rolling my tongue onto hers in a sinfully sweet motion.

Fuck, I love when she gets like this.I waited for her to make the first move after telling her she's it for me.What started out as small pecks here and there turned to fiery kisses that could drop me to my knees.

I walk backward until the back of my knees hit my bed, then drop to my ass with her on my lap.She grinds on my dick, moaning into my mouth as she kisses me.

"Baby...Baby, slow down.If you keep this up, I'm going to do something I've only dreamed about," I warn her.If she doesn't want to take it to that level, I have no problem waiting.

She pulls her head back."Ace, I want you.Please?My first time was always meant to be yours," she whispers.Her eyes are hooded with lust.Fuck me, she's serious.I've been waiting for this girl for far too long.If she's ready, I definitely am.

"Princess, are you sure?We don't have to go all the way if you aren't ready."

"I've wanted you for too long.Not being able to kiss you at midnight sucked, so make it up to me.Take me the way you want…the way you need."I search her face for any doubt—there's none.

I press my lips to hers softly.She resumes grinding her pussy on my growing hard-on, panting soft breathy moans into her kisses.My hands trail to the hem of her shirt, pulling it and her sports bra up and over her head.I caress her peaked nipples with my tongue, licking and sucking each of them.I want to take my time making this good for her.I would also rather not blow my load too soon.

"I know this is my first time Ace, but please don't baby me.I don't want you to hold back.Give me all of you.Please?"Hell, she has no idea what she's asking.I want to take things slow her first time, but she's practically begging me not to.I promised to never hold back with her, I just hope she doesn't regret me in the morning.

"Stand up," I demand."Take off your shorts, but leave your panties on."She listens, hopping off my lap with urgency.She bites down on her bottom lip and stares at the floor.Before I can ask her what's wrong, she slides her shorts down slowly.

---