I closed my eyes as my stomach twisted, knotted. Jace’s hand glided up my arm, moving slowly to my face. He cupped just under my jaw—his fingers resting on the back of my neck as his thumb caressed my cheek. I kept my eyes clamped shut. My lids twitched as I resisted the urge to look into his eyes, scared of what I’d see.
“Dez,” Jace whispered, pulling me from my thoughts.
I relaxed my lids, allowing my eyes to open. He stared at me, his blue eyes glowing fiercely. Then he brushed his lips lightly across mine. I froze. My heart stopped beating. He pressed his lips firmly, parting my lips, as he deepened the kiss.
I was in shock. I could feel Jace’s lips—taste him—as my lips moved against his, but my mind had shut down. All I felt was sensory. His lips were soft, yet commanding. They asked a question, but didn’t wait for the answer. I held still, and he pulled me closer.
The music switched tempo, and the sudden change of beat woke me from my trance. I jolted and broke the kiss.
People bounced and gyrated on the dance floor, crashing into us. I shook my head and looked into Jace’s eyes. They beamed bright blue as he smiled.
My mind reeled, and I tore my eyes from Jace, searching the crowd. Reese stood just feet away, his eyes burning fire red, his jaw clenched tight. Then his hands lit up, blazing, as he headed straight for us.
Chapter Thirteen
I GLARED AT REESE and shook my head once, hard—begging him silently not to take another step. He halted mere inches from Jace’s back, his fists balled at his sides, engulfed in Flame. I stepped away from Jace, ready to jump between them. But Reese only bowed his head, a humorless smirk spreading across his lips. Then the Flame died as he turned and marched out of the club.
Jace leaned close to my ear as bodies flailed around us. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” He tilted my head up.
I attempted a smile, trying not to show him how upset I was. How could he do this? And now? It wasn’t fair. “I’m going to go get some water,” I finally said.
He reached out and grasped my arm before I could walk off the floor. “Dez, please say something…something else.” His voice hitched. “Was that okay? Did I read wrong?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I don’t know, Jace. I need a minute. Some fresh air or something. I’m just…” My voice shook.
He nodded and pressed his lips into a tight line, then walked toward the bar.
I lowered my head, avoiding Lana’s questioning eyes, and stalked off the dance floor. I threw open the doors that Reese had gone through and searched the lot, but he wasn’t there. I tried to spot his levibike, but that was gone, too. A tear escaped down my cheek, and I hung my head.
The music grew louder behind me as the doors opened, then muffled as they closed. I breathed in, taking more air than I needed into my lungs, and released it slowly.
Lana walked up beside me. “Hey, whatcha doing?”
I laughed shakily, relieved it was her and not Jace. “Getting some fresh air.”
“I’m the one that told him to go for it,” she said, leaning against the railing. “If you’re going to be upset, be upset with me. I thought you felt the same about him.”
I shook my head, clearing it. “The same? How—”
“He’s been in love with you forever, Dez. He was terrified tonight. If I was wrong, and you don’t feel the same about him, tell him,” she said, her face pinched. “But let him down easy. Because it’s going to break his heart.”
“This isn’t fair,” I said with mock laughter under my breath and a sharp pain in my chest, making it hard to breathe. “I had no idea. You should have given me a clue long before now.”
“A clue?” Lana rolled her eyes. “Geez, Dez. Wake up. The boy’s been pining for you ever since middle school. He’s just Jace. He’s not good with emotions. It’s taken him this long to even admit to me and Nick what we already knew.” She paused a beat. “What you should’ve been able to see this whole time.”
I kicked the railing. “I don’t know what to do,” I admitted.
She wrapped her arms around me, cradling me to her side. “Whatever you decide, I’ll love you either