Page 20 of Malice

Trixie

Carter’s lips finally crash into mine, a hesitant brush, a question for half a second before the hunger takes over. His mouth opens, urging mine to do the same, and I grab the back of his neck, letting him know I’m all in. The world around us blurs as his tongue finds mine, sending a familiar pulse of heat straight through my core.

It’s like we exist in this warped moment where everything is sharp and real, yet unreal at the same time. Carter’s arm wraps around my waist, yanking me closer, every hard inch of him pressing in. His hand fists my hair, tilting my head, demanding more. The kiss is consuming, raw with need and promises I don’t dare voice.

We finally pull apart, both dragging the chilly night air into burning lungs. His forehead touches mine, and our breaths mingle, heavy and thick with what we’ve just unleashed.

“Was that… Fuck, was that what you wanted?” His voice is all kinds of rough.

“More than I could’ve dreamed,” I murmur against his lips, my fingers tangled in the dark curls at his neck, pulling him back down for another taste.

Silence stretches between us, charged and electric, the weight of what just went down settling over us. My heart’s pounding like a goddamn drum, my lips still buzzed from his touch.

Eventually, he mutters, “I should get you home.” But his arm stays tight around me, telling me he’d rather stay here all night.

I nod, though it feels like ripping away from something vital. When we stand, his hand finds mine, fingers slotting together with a small, adjusting pressure, like he’s making room.

The walk back to his bike is filled with this crazy tension, like everything’s been kicked up a notch. Every time his arm brushes against mine, a current sparks straight up my spine. At the bike, he lifts me onto the back, his hands lingering at my waist, strong and possessive.

“Hold on tight,” he growls in my ear, low and dark, and I know damn well there’s no way I’m letting go.

I hold on to Carter, pressing my cheek to the solid leather of his back as the engine rumbles to life. The vibration hums through both our bodies as we tear through the city, the wind clean and sharp against my skin. My body is flush against his, moving as one with him and the bike.

When we stop in front of my building, I hesitate, not wanting the night to end. Carter’s hands are steady at my waist as he helps me down, grounding me. We stand on the sidewalk in a quiet bubble, the air still charged from our kiss.

“I had a really wonderful time tonight,” I say, the words a pale imitation of the feeling humming in my chest.

“Me too.” His voice is rough. He gently brushes a strand of hair from my face. “Can I see you again?”

“Tomorrow,” I say, without a second’s pause. “Three.”

A slow grin spreads across his face, lighting a warmth deep inside me. “Tomorrow.”

At my door, his presence is a palpable heat. I turn to him, my nerves humming.

“Do you want to come in?” The question feels bold, my heart thumping against my ribs.

His eyes darken, his desire a tangible thing between us. But he holds back, shaking his head slightly. “Not tonight. I want to do this right.” His thumb brushes my lower lip, making my pulse stutter. “You’re worth waiting for.”

His words settle something inside me. I rise on my toes and give him a soft kiss on the cheek. “Thanks,” I whisper.

He pulls me into a fierce hug, his arms a secure weight around me. “Lock the door,” he says, his voice serious as he steps back. “I’ll call you when I’m home and I will have someone bring your car in the morning.”

I nod, suddenly overwhelmed by the care in his voice. As I turn to unlock my door, I feel his eyes on me, protective and warm.

“Good night, Trix,” he says softly.

“Good night, Carter.”

I step inside, locking the door behind me as instructed. Through the peephole, I watch him walk back to his bike, his shoulders straight and strong. He looks back once, and even though he can’t see me, I feel his gaze like a physical touch.

When his engine fades into the distance, I lean against the door, my heart full and aching. The apartment is quiet around me, but for the first time since that night in the courtyard, the silence isn’t empty. It’s just quiet. And inside it, I can finally hear my own breathing.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to find a text from Carter: Home safe. Thinking about you.

I smile, typing back: Me too. Thank you for tonight.

His response comes quickly: Thank you for giving me a chance.