Page 43 of Backstroke

She stiffens for a heartbeat, then melts into me, her hands clutching at my shirt. The world narrows to just the two of us, the heat of our bodies, the taste of her lips.

In that stolen moment, I vow to unravel every layer, to explore every inch of her until she surrenders—not out of fear, but out of choice. Fallon is mine to claim, even if it means tearing down everything in our path.

Fallon’s resistance, like a tempest in uncharted waters, forces me to reconsider my rigid notions of sacrifice. Her refusal to bend, even against the currents of authority, intrigues me. Perhaps there’s wisdom in her rebellion—a lesson that sacrifice need not always be submission.

“You’re mine,” I declare, my breath hot against her lips. “No one else touches you but me.”

She tilts her head, her mouth dangerously close to mine. “And what if I want to be touched?”

My resolve wavers. Fallon is a tempest, and I am sailing straight into her chaos. But I can’t turn back now. Not when her resistance fuels my hunger.

“Get in the fucking Jeep, Fallon,” I warn as I trace the curve of her jaw with my thumb, feeling the rapid pulse beneath her skin. She sighs, her gaze drifting out to the ocean. The waves crash against the shore, a rhythmic reminder of the passage oftime. The moment stretches for an eternity, the silence between us filled with unspoken words and lingering tension.

Finally, she looks back at me. “Okay,” she says, barely above a whisper.

The single word hangs in the air, a fragile agreement that carries the weight of our unspoken fears and desires. I release her chin, my hand lingering for a moment longer, feeling the warmth of her skin.

She turns and walks to the Jeep, each step measured and deliberate. I follow, my heart pounding with a mix of relief and apprehension. As she climbs into the passenger seat, I take a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions raging inside me.

I slide into the driver’s seat, the silence between us thick and heavy. The engine roars to life and I glance at her, searching for any sign of regret or hesitation. Fallon stares out of the window as her knee bounces silently against the seat.

The drive back to campus is quiet. My knuckles turn white against the steering wheel, needing to know the thoughts going through her head. The silence between us feels heavy, almost suffocating, as if the car itself is holding its breath.

I park in my reserved spot outside our team house and cut the engine. Without warning, my hand grabs Fallon’s, pulling her over the middle console. Her eyes widen in surprise as she lets out a small gasp. The sound sends a jolt to my cock.

“I need you,” I admit, my lips brushing against her ear. Goosebumps erupt over her skin, a visible reaction to my words. Her body betrays her, responding to the chemistry between us, even if her mind tries to resist.

Fallon shivers slightly, her breath hitching. “This is crazy,” she whispers, but her voice lacks conviction. Her pulse quickens and a flush spreads across her cheeks.

“Does this feel crazy?” I lean in closer, my lips grazing her neck. My warm breath skates across her skin as my teeth gently glide over the sensitive area behind her ear. Fallon squirms in her seat, her breaths coming faster, further proving my point.

Leaning over into her seat, I brush my hand down her body until I find the seat belt and unclasp it. “Stay,” I command, leaving her breathless. I slide out of the Jeep and make my way to her side. A thrill runs through me that she listened. Something about her submission makes me need her even more.

As I open the door, I see her texting someone. My heart pounds. “Who the hell are you talking to?” I growl, snatching the phone from her hands.

“What the hell, Remy!” she shouts, jumping from the Jeep. I hold it out of her reach, my eyes scanning the screen.

Rowyn:

Hey! Where did you go? We are about to leave and I don’t want to leave you alone with him. Answer your phone!!

Anger boils within me. She doesn’t want Fallon with me. She was in the middle of responding when I snatched it from her.

Fallon:

Sorry! My phone was still on silent from dinner. Something came up and I left with a frien–

That’s all she was able to write.Something came up? Why isn’t she bragging that she’s with me?Every girl in this school would be yelling it from the rooftops, but Fallon acts embarrassed. My fury escalates.

Fallon’s eyes widen. “Give it back, Remy!” she demands, her voice trembling slightly. She reaches for the phone, but I hold it higher, out of her reach.

“Why aren’t you telling her you’re with me?” I snap, my voice low and dangerous. “Are you embarrassed?”

She takes a step back, her eyes flashing with confusion. “It’s not like that, Remy. Rowyn’s just worried about me.”

“Worried about you being with me?” I scoff, my grip tightening on the phone. “What did you tell her?”

“Nothing!” Fallon’s voice rises, her frustration evident. “She’s my friend. She cares about me.”

---