The Havoc We Wreak - Becca Steele Page 0,36

glanced over at me, startled.

“Just do it.”

He manoeuvred the car off the clifftop road, pulling onto the grass verge. Up ahead I could just about make out Alstone Castle, tall and foreboding against the deep grey of the skies. The rain fell softly around us, the sea mists enveloping the car so it felt like we were in our own private bubble.

The road was silent, no other cars passing us at this time of the morning, but at this point, I didn’t care either way. As soon as the car came to a stop, I unsnapped my seat belt, and climbed across the centre console to straddle him.

“Snowflake…”

“Shhhh.” I hooked my arms around his neck, then leaned forwards to kiss him. He instantly responded, sliding his mouth against mine, and bringing his arms around me, pulling me closer to him.

I lost all sense of time as we kissed. He lowered his head, skimming his teeth down my neck, and I let out a groan, rolling my hips against him as much as I could in the cramped space.

“No,” I managed eventually. “This wasn’t what I stopped us for.”

His eyes met mine, wide and confused. “No?”

A smile spread across my face. “No. I want you. So, so badly. But I wanted to tell you that I’m here for you.” I stared at him, his stormy gaze holding mine. “You’re amazing. I want to make the most of it tonight.”

“I love you so fucking much.” He kissed me softly. “Never leave me.”

“Never.”

Our lips met again, and I couldn’t get enough.

This man.

Pulling away from him, fucking reluctantly, I looked into his eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”

He stared at me, his gaze conflicted.

“No,” he said at last, his voice a low sigh. “Not now. Just… Just stay with me?”

Caiden.

“You’re never gonna get rid of me.” I attacked his mouth with kisses, feeling him respond to me, his body pretty much melting against mine as we kissed, totally wrapped up in one another.

All good things had to come to an end, sadly.

Climbing off him carefully, I fell back into my own seat. Stretching my cramped muscles, I smoothed down my hair, wiping under my eyes as I looked at myself in the mirror, before glancing over at him. His whole demeanour was relaxed, most of the tension in his jaw gone. I smiled to myself.

“How do you know just what I need?” He looked over at me as he turned the car back onto the road. The rain had slowed to a dull drizzle, the sea mist clearing away as we continued the drive to Alstone College.

“Because I know you. Like you know what I need.”

He smiled at me, finally, and I decided to try and lighten the atmosphere further. “Plus, you’re a man. Your basic needs are food, fucking, and—” I paused. “Fighting? Fun? I’m trying to think of another f word.”

“Fame? Fencing? Fishing?”

We were both laughing by now. Caiden laughing? It was like the sun coming out. I still wasn’t used to seeing this fun, relaxed side of him, but I couldn’t get enough of it. I’d do anything to see him happy.

I watched his profile, drinking in the smile curving over his lips, his eyes lit up with amusement as I continued our playful discussion. “Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? Actually, no. It can only be a one-word answer.”

“One word, huh?” His brow furrowed in thought. “What about…football?”

“Family?” I suggested. “I’m including myself in that.”

“Family. Yeah.” He smiled at me, before returning his gaze to the road.

As it turned out, we didn’t have to worry about running into Joseph Hyde. When we were pulling into the uni car park, my phone buzzed with a text from James.

James: Thought you might want to know that Joseph’s taking some time off from his TA position.

Me: Do you know why?

Me: Also, good news. It means I don’t have to worry about Cade murdering him and then me having to dispose of the body.

Caiden snorted, leaning over to read the messages.

James: He didn’t say. Can we meet at lunch? I have some info.

Me: Yes! Where?

James: You pick. 12pm?

Me: Meet in the library. Less chance of being overheard.

James: Will your shadow be there?

“Fucking prick,” Caiden muttered under his breath.

James: Caiden if you’re reading this, that was a JOKE

Me: *laughing emoji* Best not to provoke him

James: I’ll try. See you in the library at 12. Top floor?

Me: We’ll be there

“Are you okay to meet at twelve?” I undid my seat belt, opening the car door. The rain