out heavily. “They’ve already gone through everything. Nothing was found missing.”
“Well, there you go.”
His lips curled into a knowing smile. “I know you better than that. They may believe nothing was taken, but I have other theories.” He took one final step, bringing himself face-to-face with me. “And I know Jace was probably pretty damn upset about that announcement yesterday. When I saw you guys on the ship, I thought someone was planting a bomb.”
I tried not to move—not to reach out to him. He was so close. My brain couldn’t function. I smelled fire, leaves, and a hint of cologne—his scent—and I trembled, wanting to touch him.
Jerking my head back, I gathered my thoughts and met his gaze. “And what about that?”
“What?” He squinted.
“We both know the Councils have the result from uniting the races.” I studied his features. “I think you know more than you’ve told me. I think you know exactly what the Narcos are up to.”
His face fell. “Dez, I know about as much as you. Nothing.”
“I don’t believe you. Why are they doing this?” I pleaded with my eyes. “Tell me the truth! What are the Councils up to?”
Reese clasped my face, his hands hot against my skin. His eyes bored into mine. “I. Don’t. Know.” His eyes traced my face, taking me in. My breath caught as they settled on my mouth.
His hands heated and, before I could question his response, he pressed his lips to mine, hard. His kiss was demanding and hungry. I released a small moan and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
Reese pulled back. “I can’t take it anymore.” He rested his forehead against mine. “I tried so hard to stay angry with you.”
I ran my hands through his hair. “Reese,” I pleaded his name. “I’m sorry. I never meant to kiss—”
“I know.” He looked into my eyes, and a small smile crooked his lips. “I’m an idiot.” He huffed. “A hothead.”
“Yes, you are.”
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple worked. “But last night”—he gripped my arms—“you scared the shit out of me, Dez.” His eyes searched mine. “I thought…When I saw you go over the side of the ship, I thought you were gone for a moment.”
We clung to each other like something was trying to wrench us apart. I couldn’t get close enough to him. Reese kissed my neck, running his hands along my body. He gripped at my clothes, inching his hands down my thighs, and lifted me into his arms. I locked my legs around him as he seated me on the desk. His lips met mine again, and he lowered me onto my back.
I was lost in the moment. I never wanted to stop kissing him. This was what had been missing. My heart swelled as Reese embraced me. His lips roamed over mine, along my jaw, over my chest. I closed my eyes, reveling in the feel of his body pressed against mine. Then his body tensed. He slowly eased himself off me and away from the desk. I flinched as the classroom door slammed.
I shot up, pressing my hand over my mouth.
“I was looking for my math text,” Jace said. “Looks like I found something much more interesting.”
Chapter Twenty
“JACE—” I CLAMPED MY MOUTH SHUT. The room spun, and I couldn’t find any words as my heart hammered in my ears. I’d forgotten about the trace function on our communicators. I pinched my eyes closed, cursing myself for being so stupid.
Reese held onto my hand and remained silent. His eyes flicked over Jace. I hoped he could hold that stoic demeanor until we were out of the room.
Jace’s expression was pained. His eyebrows knitted together as his eyes studied me. “Please tell me this isn’t what it looks like.” He shook his head. “Please tell me he attacked you—that he…” He gritted his teeth. “Tell me anything, Dez! I’ll tear his eyes out if he hurt you!”
“I’d never hurt her,” Reese spoke up.
“Shut the fuck up, Narco!” Jace took a step forward, then back. He pressed his hands over his face. Finally, he looked at me again. “When I couldn’t find you, I thought something happened to you.” He glared at me. “So, is this the project you’ve been working on?”
I could barely think over the thumping in my chest. I wanted to rewind time. I wanted to say the perfect thing to make this all go away. But my mind blanked. “No, Jace, it’s not.” I took in a deep breath.