Page 64 of The Masks We Burn

“Amora,” I hiss the warning, but she doesn’t seem to care, capturing my lips in a brutal kiss as my own release comes, spilling into her warm core until there’s nothing left.

We break apart, panting, our foreheads resting against each other’s as we catch our breaths. When my heart returns to normal, I grasp her chin and stare into her deep blues. There’s still so much I want to know. So much I want to ask.

But tonight, something changed. And while it may be foolish hope, I think it’s only a matter of time before I get my answers and maybe her in the process.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

This is high. Like really fucking high.

I peer out the side of the Jeep again, adrenaline coursing through my blood, making the fine hairs on my neck stand at attention. We made it to the resort an hour ago and left immediately after breakfast since Will and I were diligent about jam-packing our time.

First stop, hang gliding.

William wasn’t too happy about it but also didn’t fight me on it, so it got added to the itinerary. I see now, with his fingers digging into my thigh the higher up we go, that he may be afraid of heights.

I lean over, threading my hand through his and keep my words low. “You’re too damn tall to be afraid of heights.”

His deep green eyes cut to me, and I notice his teeth are clenched. “Har, har. I’ll remember to remind you how big your mouth is when you’re choking on my cock.”

I laugh, knowing he’s telling the complete truth. Hell, every time we have sex, I feel like I need a reward for taking something so damn massive. “Fuck you.”

“If I make it out of this alive, I plan to.”

I scoff and look back out the window until we arrive.

Having already filled out all the paperwork prior to coming, our guides picked us up in their Jeeps and brought us up the hill to the jumping site. When we get out, we walk the short trail to a clearing where dozens of colorful gliders sit between the tall trees.

William’s hand finds mine and squeezes, forcing me to turn around. A gasp escapes my lips, but probably not for the same reason as him. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen something so beautiful.

We’re on one of many hills in the distance, each of them covered in lush forest. A morning fog rests in the middle of some of the taller trees, making the view utterly perfect.

I grip William’s hand as we follow our guide to get set up. “It’s going to be fine, trust me. Besides, haven’t you always wanted to know what it was like to fly?”

He shakes his head, a delicious smile curving his lips and I have to refrain from kissing them. Here with our friends, we don’t have to pretend to be engaged. Still, it’s hard not to do something that feels natural at this point.

Clearing my throat, I motion to the small group of girls who came. “I’ll be up there if you need anything.”

Will nods once, understanding crossing over his features. “No problem.”

When I make it to the ladies accepting their gear, Remy hands me mine, and tilts her head toward a blonde. “Do you remember her name? I don’t, and I wanted to ask her where she got that band shirt.”

I shrug. The moment Lily’s school buddies were introduced, I forgot their names, too busy watching Will’s muscles flex as he loaded up the truck. “Something with a T, I think.”

“Hey, Lily said you wanted to talk?” Mina appears from behind the guide, fully geared up and ready to go.

“Yeah, are you still doing real estate?” She helps me hoist the heavy vest over my head and fasten the dozens of clips.

“Sure am, looking for a place to stay after graduation?”

I shake my head. “No, more like a business type of thing. A café to be more specific.”

Her arched brows lift. “Good for you, mija. Yeah, I’ll do some looking.”

“Alright, everyone, please line up here. I’ll go over everything one more time and we will get started.” My guide and some of the other staff stand in front. After we do as told, we are each assigned an experienced pilot and go over the instructions again before being able to pick out a glider.

Lily and Spencer go first, and when their feet leave the ground, a foreign sensation moves through my chest and grips my heart.

Freedom.

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