Page 42 of Backstroke

Or can I use sex for stress relief like guys and not get attached? I mean, how could I ever fall for someone likeRemington Frampton? He’s a psychotic, domineering asshole who now happens to be my stepbrother.

What could possibly go wrong?

His words hang in the air, heavy with meaning. I can feel the pull between us, the magnetic force that’s impossible to ignore. My heart races and I know that whatever happens next, there’s no turning back.

Sixteen

Remington

Fuck, she tastes likeheaven wrapped in a dress like sin.

“Come home with me,” I dare, against her lips.

“W-what? No!”

“It wasn’t a question.” I watch her reaction. Fallon’s eyes are dark with a mix of frustration and desire. I keep my voice low but rough. “Why do you always have to make things so difficult?”

“Because, I won’t let you control me.”

“Fine, we’ll do it here.” I look around, hoping to find an audience. “Our classmates love a good show.” Fallon looks horrified with the thought, making me want to provoke hermore. “I’ll be even more of a legend around here, but you’ll just be a slut who spreads her legs like the rest.” The truth is, I’d kill anyone that saw Fallon’s naked body, but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.

“You manipulative bastard!” she snaps.

“Just as advertised, sweetheart,” I grin as I open my arms, showing her the whole package.

A little too late, I realize what I’ve done. She slips through my fingers and is now barreling across the sand, skipping over a bank of shells with her bare feet. I stand frozen momentarily as I watch her trip, toppling to the ground.

My stomach plummets, needing to know she’s okay. I take off toward her. As I’m about to reach her, a hand comes out of nowhere to offer assistance. My gaze falls on none other thanEmerson motherfucking Blackstone.He leans over her, whispering who knows what as I reach them. Fallon declines his hand so I offer her mine, giving him a smug smile.

“The lesser of two evils, I suppose,” she murmurs, as her hand slides into mine. I pull her up, slamming her body against me. She sneers up at me, but before she says anything, Emerson cuts in.

“Better keep a watch on your things,” he tsks, handing Fallon her bag as his eyes remain fixed on me. My heart pounds in my chest, each beat echoing the threat in his gaze.Message received.Threatening Fallon is my job. To anyone else, they better be prepared to pay the consequences. He smiles, then strolls past us, whistling to himself. The tune is familiar, and it takes a moment for the realization to hit—“Miss YOU!“ by CORPSE. He’s trying to get in my head, playing at taking her from me. I’d like to see him try.

Emerson is pissed over failing his initiation, but hewon’tinclude Fallon in our fight if he knows what’s good for him. My fingers unintentionally dig into Fallon, making her yelp in pain.

“Remy!” Fallon tries to pull away, but my grip tightens on her hand, my eyes never leaving hers. Her steel gray eyes widen, reflecting the turmoil within me.

“I swear to fuck, I only have so much control, Fallon.” My voice is a low growl, each word laced with my struggle to maintain my composure. I bring my head down slowly, only a breath from hers. “Do you think I’m going to walk away? Do you think I’ll allow you to walk away?” My eyes bore into hers, searching for any sign of doubt or defiance.

The warmth of her body presses in on me, igniting a primal need. Her scent, her closeness, it all drives me to the edge. My breath mingles with hers, the air thick with unspoken tension. The questions swirl through her mind, visible in the flicker of her gaze.

I grab her chin between my fingers, forcing her gaze to mine. Her breath hitches at whatever she sees. Probably the face of a madman. That’s the way she makes me feel, like I have no control over anything anymore.

“Look at me,” I command, my voice a rough whisper. Her eyes, wide and uncertain, lock onto mine. The fear and confusion in them only fuel the chaos inside me.

“Do you see what you do to me?” I ask, my grip tightening slightly. “You make me lose control, Fallon. You make me feel like I’m losing my mind.”

Her breath comes in shallow gasps, and I can feel the rapid beat of her pulse under my fingers. The warmth of her skin, the closeness of her body, it all drives me to the brink.

“I can’t let you go,” I murmur, my voice softer now, almost pleading. I don’t recognize it. “I won’t let you walk away.”

Fallon’s eyes search mine, a storm of emotions swirling within them. She tries to speak, but the words catch in her throat. I can see the conflict in her, the struggle between fear and something else—something that mirrors my own desperation.

I lean in closer, our foreheads almost touching.

“This is me, Fallon. This is what you’ve made me. When you’re around, my mind is chaos—an unending storm. Every breath without you feels like drowning. I’m captivated, consumed.”

Her lips part, and for a moment, I think she might kiss me. The tension between us is electric, a live wire ready to snap. But then she pulls back, her eyes hardening with resolve. Before she can deny me, I close the distance, capturing her lips with mine in a fierce, desperate kiss.

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