Until You (Fall Away Series)

I looked down into her blissful face, and dived into her a few more times before letting it all go.

 

Cool fire spread through my veins, and all of the air left my body as I collapsed on top of her, breathing like a marathon runner.

 

“Jared, I need a clean shir—oh.”

 

My head snapped up, seeing Jax, and Tate squealed, pulling my body down to cover hers.

 

“What the fuck?” I was naked as hell, and Jax just stood there, wide-eyed with his lips formed in a circle. “Get the hell out!” I yelled.

 

After a pause, he broke out in a grin and snorted. “Hey, you must be Tate. I’m Jaxon.” And the fucker held out his hand for her to shake.

 

Thankfully, Tate was shielded by me, but I wasn’t covered. The dickhead had left the door open, too.

 

Tate peeked out and offered her hand bashfully. “Um…hi, Jaxon. Nice to meet you.”

 

They shook, and the stupid prick stood there smiling.

 

“Get the fuck out,” I barked again, my eyes burning with murder.

 

“Jared, why are you yelling?” My mother poked her head in, and Tate shrunk up into a ball underneath me again.

 

Oh, what the fuck?

 

“Jared!” My mother’s shocked gasp, when she noticed the extra arms and legs, caused me to clench my teeth.

 

Jax descended into a fit of laughter, and his face was turning red.

 

“Everyone, get out!” I shouted, and Jax cleared out, still smiling and obviously trying to hold back more laughter.

 

My mother, her face pinched up in anger and looking like she wanted to say something, grabbed the knob of the door and slammed it shut.

 

“Oh, my God!” Tate cried into my chest. “That did not just happen.”

 

“Yeah, I’m afraid it did. But who cares?” I shook it off. I was pissed, because Tate was embarrassed, but my mom and Jax were no threat.

 

She looked up at me, her sexy hair falling over her eyes. “Your mom will talk to my dad.”

 

“My mom is scared of your dad. We all kind of are. She won’t say anything.” I kissed her forehead.

 

“I’m so misbehaved.” She sat up, covering herself, looking a little sick. “I just couldn’t help it. Or…I didn’t want to, maybe. I woke up, and I wanted you so badly. I didn’t think.”

 

“Look at me,” I interrupted, holding her face in my hands. “You’re not misbehaved. You’re a good girl. No one takes this from us, Tate.” My voice hardened and my eyes got sharp. I nudged her chin, so she’d meet my eyes. “We’re eighteen. We’re in my home. You’re in a safe place. Quit acting like we should be apologizing for being in love. I understand showing your dad respect under his roof, but what’s done is done. We’re not going backwards.” I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her warm neck.

 

“I know,” she sighed, wrapping her arms around my neck and hugging me close. “I love you, and…and I trust this.”

 

But I felt the doubt sitting in my gut anyway.

 

Was she sure? Too much drama lately, or too much trouble, but she was still afraid of being hurt.

 

I cleared my throat and shook it off, changing the subject.

 

“Go get ready for school.” I pulled back and looked at her. “I’ll be over in thirty to pick you up. And you may as well leave through the front door. They know you’re here now,” I added as I stood up.

 

The corner of her mouth turned up, and she laughed when I threw one of my clean T-shirts in her face.

 

“Wear that.” It was another Nine Inch Nails T-shirt. They were one of my favorite bands, so I had a few of them. “To replace the one you burned last year,” I added when she pinched her eyebrows at me.

 

“Cool.” She smiled and slipped on her underwear and the shirt. “I always liked wearing your clothes,” she whispered sexily and spun around once, modeling the outfit.

 

Annnnnd…I was fucking hard again.