Page 9 of Pucking Knox
"Your way?" she dares to stare straight into my eyes.
"Yeah," I pull back just enough to look down at her plush lips, "if you want to blackmail me into this and risk my future, you have to risk something too."
"Like what?"
I lean in. "When you finally lose that virginity you're so desperate to get rid of? It'll be with me."
Her eyes go wide. "That wasn't—I never said—"
I trace one finger along her jaw, feeling her shiver. "Shh. I've seen how you look at me, Kennedy. How you tremble when I get close. You want to rebel? Fine. But we do it my way."
She's breathing faster now, pupils dilated.
"I decide when. Where.How." Each word brings me closer to her lips. "No more throwing yourself at hockey players or football jocks. You're mine until I say otherwise."
"That's not what I—"
"Those are my terms." I step back, letting her breathe. "Take them or leave them."
I expect an argument. Outrage. Maybe even tears. Instead, she straightens her spine and says, "Deal."
Now it's my turn to be surprised. "Just like that?"
"Just like that." A dangerous smile plays at her lips. "But I have conditions too."
Of course she does. "Let's hear them."
"One: no telling Ace or anyone else about our deal. Two: you have to actually act like a boyfriend in public – hand holding, kissing, the works. Three: you can't sleep with anyone else while we're doing this. And four..." She steps closer, poking my chest. "You don't get to control every aspect of my life just because we're fake dating."
"Counter-conditions." I catch her finger before she can poke me again. "One: agreed about Ace. Two: public affection is fine, but you follow my lead. Three: exclusivity goes both ways – no more party hookup attempts. Four…" I pull her closer by her captured hand. "When it comes to anything physical, I'm in charge. Non-negotiable."
She shivers but doesn't pull away. "Fine. But I reserve the right to say no."
"Kenny, I promise to have you begging."
Color floods her cheeks. "You're awfully arrogant."
"I know what I'm doing." I slide my hand up her arm, testing. Just that small touch sends electricity through my body. "Unlike the boys you've been playing with."
Her breath catches. "So, we have a deal?"
In answer, I tangle my hand in her hair and pull her into a kiss. Not gentle, not sweet – the kind of kiss that makes promises. Her lips part on a gasp and I take full advantage, tasting her deeply until she's clutching my shirt just to stay upright.
When I pull back, her eyes are dazed. "What was that for?"
"Sealing the deal." I release her slowly. "And giving you a preview of what you just signed up for."
She touches her lips, looking shell-shocked. "I should… I should go."
"Practice tomorrow at four." I pick up my gear bag. "Be here after. We'll start giving people something to talk about."
She nods and practically flees the equipment room. I wait until her footsteps fade before letting out a long breath.
What the fuck did I just agree to?
The smart move would have been to say no. Find some way to contain the video damage. Not play whatever game Kennedy's trying to start.
But I can still taste her on my lips. Still feel her perfect body against mine.
