Page 31 of Chasing Me

She fisted me so tight and hot, rocking her hips and moaning for more, always more.Knowing what she needed to get off, I refused to use her hard like I wanted to, and kept my strokes long and even, bringing her higher in a controlled way, making sure to hit the spot she liked, my thumb resting gently on her clit and rubbing in small circles.

She cried out my name, twisting for more, and her drugged eyes locked with mine in an effort to get me to go faster, harder, to lose control completely.I thrust in and out, refusing to screw her without care, and took her at a slow, steady pace.I pressed my thumb harder against her clit, finally quickening my pace, and I felt her coming, shattering around my dick.I drank in every expression on her face, knowing I gave her this, the release she needed so much, and then I couldn’t think anymore because I was coming hard and long, my guttural wail ripping from my lips.

I’m not sure how long we lay together, tangled on the worn, cheap carpet.Her voice drifted in the air.

“Why are you holding back?”

I lifted my head.A tiny frown creased her brow, and her brown eyes held a light of worry.“What do you mean?If that was holding back, I’m definitely not doing my job.”

She laughed, but it didn’t reach her eyes.Instead, she lowered her gaze and shifted.“I mean, I just noticed you seem to treat me a little, umm, differently.Like, softer, you know?”

I caught her blush and knew she was uncomfortable talking about it.Had she noticed I was trying harder?Women liked men who made love.I wanted to worship her in every way possible, and damned if I couldn’t take it to the bedroom.Like Brian would, if she ever belonged to him.Which she never would.“You deserve sweetness, baby.”I stroked her hair back from her face with gentle motions.“You deserve to be treated like a fucking queen.”

Her lips curved in a smile, and I leaned in, pressing a kiss to her neck.“Don’t be afraid I’ll break, James,” she said.“I want to give you...everything.”

My heart splintered, and I rolled her on top of me, kissing her swollen, sweet mouth.“You already do.I won’t let you forget it, Quinn.Ever.”

She gasped, as if suddenly realizing something important.“Oh, my God, James, I’m sorry.I forgot to ask you about your portrait.Did you hand it in?”

I kept my face impassive.“Yeah.”

“And?Did Ava love it?”

My mind went over the crazy-ass scene at the Brush Institute, and Ava’s insistence I leave Quinn in order to protect my art.I tried to pick my words carefully.“I don’t think I got it, baby.I may need to look at some other options.”

She turned around and grabbed my face.Her dark eyes shot sparks of fire.“We’re going to fight the decision.You deserve it!You need to talk to Ava.”

My stomach twisted.I had to tell her the truth.But not tonight.Not now.“It was a long shot.I’m not going to let it stop me.I’m checking into some other art schools.Maybe I’ll try to get a position in an art museum.Something.Anything.”

She huffed out a breath.“I’m so mad!I know you’re the best.James, I feel things when I look at your drawings I’ve never felt before.And it has nothing to do with being in love with you.You need to fight it.”

“I will.Let me wait until final selections are made Wednesday.I just don’t want you to worry if I don’t make it.I’ll work something out.”I kept my voice firm and steady, wanting her to believe I could take care of my own shit so she didn’t always have to worry if I was a step behind her.

You’ll bring her down.You’ll break her heart.

Fuck you.

“I’m not worried, I’m pissed.There’s a difference.”She looked so damn cute with the pout on her lips and fire in her eyes, I had to laugh.

“Come on, Rocky Balboa.Let’s go celebrate with some deep-dish.”

“James, are you ready to leave for Key West next week?”she asked.“I mean, I know we bought the tickets already, but if you feel like you need to stay to work things out, I’ll stay with you.”

I knew she would.But Quinn needed to be with her friends and relax before she started a new chapter in her life.I wanted that time with her, away from the daily stresses, and didn’t care what happened.I was going.

“No way are we staying home,” I said firmly, tugging on my clothes.“I can’t wait to see you in that red bikini.We’re all set, and there’s no reason to cancel.”

Her brow smoothed out, and I knew I’d make it happen.No matter what it took.

Chapter Fifteen

QUINN

I CRAMMED INTO A BOOTHwith the rest of my crew to celebrate our last day of classes at New Beginnings.Everyone was hopeful but supportive of one another, and I tried very hard not to give anything away, feeling a twinge of guilt at being picked.Brian didn’t let on he’d made a decision, and he ordered a round of appetizers for the table, toasting to his incredible team and what we all brought to the residents.

I’d told my dad a few nights ago, and the gruffness of his voice told me how proud he was.It felt so good, finally getting what I wanted for so long.I just hated that James didn’t get what he deserved.

My mind wandered as the table broke into a variety of gossip and general chatter.There was a strange ache in my gut that told me something was wrong.I couldn’t pinpoint it, and had even tried to ignore it, but James seemed off.It wasn’t about an outright lie.I thought I’d spot that immediately.It was more a general sense of discontent.Cassie would quote Shakespeare at this point, which would make me laugh.I wished I could go see her and talk it out, but she was in Key West testifying in the trial.I wouldn’t bug her with my psychic babblings of things about to go wrong.

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