Ella didn't go home. Her car practically drove itself, ignoring the path toward the familiar Wolves territory and speeding straight toward the Panthers' shared off-campus housing complex. She knew exactly which corner unit belonged to Jimmy Thorne a piece of enemy intelligence she'd acquired during their late-night texting sessions.
She was shaking partly from the cold January air hitting the spot where his lips had burned her skin, and partly from sheer, incandescent fury.
She didn't knock. She hammered on the heavy metal door.
The door swung open, and Jimmy stood there, shirtless, a towel around his neck, looking like he'd just stepped out of the shower. His hair was damp, and his bare chest broad, sculpted, and familiar from their secret meetings was a distraction she actively fought against.
"Well, hello, O'Connell," he drawled, leaning against the doorframe, radiating calm confidence. "Came straight here, did you? I knew the kiss would be effective, but I didn't think it would be quite this fast."
"You are insane!" Ella hissed, stepping across the threshold and shoving his chest, forcing him back inside the apartment. The door slammed shut behind her with a sound that felt final. "What in God's name were you thinking, touching me like that, in front of Caleb? You risked everything! You could have ruined his career, ruined my life, just for a cheap thrill!"
Jimmy didn't resist the shove. He simply caught her hands when they came back for another attack, pinning them lightly to his chest. His skin was warm and smelled faintly of expensive soap and pure, raw male.
"A cheap thrill?" His voice was a low, dangerous rumble, laced with amusement. "I risk my future scholarship and my relationship with my own teammates every time I send you a text. You think I'd risk it all for a 'cheap thrill'? No, Ella. I did it because I needed you to feel the truth."
"What truth?" she demanded, fighting the urge to lean into the warmth of his body.
He leaned down, his mouth hovering inches from hers. "The truth that you're not his. That you're mine. That every time you look at me in public, you're supposed to hate me, but the fire is too much to ignore. I put my claim right where he could almost see it, so when he looks at you, he might see my mark instead of his sister."
His answer, terrifyingly, was the most honest thing anyone had ever said to her.
Jimmy released her wrists and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his hard, warm body. The contact was instant combustion.
"You're mad at the risk," he whispered, his lips tracing the curve of her jaw. "But you're here, El. You're here because that kiss on your shoulder was a brand, and you crave the burn."
He kissed her then, savagely, ruthlessly, consuming her anger with his desire. It was a kiss that tasted of guilt, fury, and absolute, overwhelming lust. Ella lost the fight instantly. Her hands, which had been pushing him away, clawed upward, tangling in his damp hair, holding him captive.
She kissed him back with all the desperation she had been suppressing for hours, pouring her fear of Caleb, her resentment toward the rivalry, and her shattering loyalty into the feverish exchange.
Jimmy maneuvered her backward until her spine hit the cool wall of his apartment. He broke the kiss, pulling back just far enough to look her in the eye, his own eyes black with triumph.
"Tell me you hate the risk," he commanded, his breath heavy on her face.
"I hate the risk," she panted, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue.
"Tell me you regret coming here."
"I regret coming here," she choked out, knowing the words were false.
He smiled a dark, wicked smile that sealed her fate. "Lies, O'Connell. Beautiful lies."
He didn't give her a chance to speak another word of protest. His mouth descended again, deeper, demanding more. His hands swept down her back, found the hem of her dress, and pulled it upward, sliding her against him. The kiss was no longer a contract; it was an act of worship to their shared rebellion.
As he lifted her off the floor, pressing her against the wall, Ella finally let go of the last fragile thread of her loyalty. She was completely pucked, bound to the beautiful danger of the enemy, and she knew in that moment she wouldn't have it any other way.
The deception is getting harder and the passion is escalating!