Chapter 91

Jane’s heart cracked as she stared at Tercero through her phone. Ryder was gone; Kingston had taken him to retrieve his car, and though he’d called the others about the arrangement, she wanted to talk to them privately.

“You’re sad,” Tercero said, his dark eyes swallowing her.

She nodded. “I didn’t mean to humiliate you today. I just panicked after I realized they didn’t know about how we were doing things. They were the only people nice to me, and then I found out they’re friends with Ryder. I didn’t know how to be around his friends, and I didn’t want to lose the only people being kind.”

“No one is friends with Ryder,” he said, chuckling. “They’re afraid of him. That is why they reacted badly. And their kindness likely has little to do with Ryder.” He smiled at her. “You didn’t humiliate me, tesoro. I should not have put you on the spot.” “But you’re not a secret,” she told him.

“I know.” He tilted, causing his long hair to slip over his eyes. He pushed it back, his eyes on her. “But that doesn’t change your first choice is Ryder, and he should be respected. I knew my brother was trying to get to you, and for once, he did things properly. I risked exposing you to more mistreatment. Not to mention, if Kingston had known I was there, you might be sent elsewhere. This is why it is best Ryder is your boyfriend. We’ll have time together. I promise.”

That promise made her squeeze her legs together, and he obviously knew it.

One side of his mouth lifted, and he shook his head. “You act as if my lips and tongue are still worshipping you.”

“It feels like it,” she whispered, becoming infatuated with the faint smile he always teased her with.

“Does it?” His voice dropped to the sensual tone that sent heat between her legs. She could tell he had leaned back, lying flat on something; he was sitting outside somewhere. One of his hands came to rest on the side of his head, and he pushed his hair back.

“Yes,” she breathed, entranced by his stare.

“Hm.” He kept watching her. “I would tell you to satisfy yourself on the phone with me—to let me watch you shatter with just my voice guiding your fingers, but you are quite vocal, cara. I don’t want to frighten the grandmother.”

Thankful he reminded her Sylvia was just two doors away, Jane said, “I have to ask you something.”

“I’m waiting.” He plucked something from behind his head. Grass—he was lying under the stars and moon.

“Why wouldn’t you let me try?” She felt silly asking, but she didn’t understand why he refused to let her give him a blowjob. “I barely got to touch you.”

He smirked, tugging down his shirt to show her the hickey at the base of his throat. “You left your mark. And you know why I didn’t let you.”

A lump rose in her throat. “Because you knew I’d be bad at it.”

“Jane,” he said, sitting up effortlessly. The pool lights were in the distance behind him. “You are inexperienced—not incapable of fulfilling every fantasy I’ve had about you.”

Her breath hitched. “You’ve fantasized about me?”

“Quite often,” he said instantly. “But you were nervous. Frightened. I don’t want you pleasing me when you feel that way.”

That made sense, but she couldn’t shake the embarrassment. He knew she was inexperienced, and he knew she was nervous about messing up.

“I believe Luc desires to talk to you,” he said, staring off in the distance. “Will you call me after Ryder leaves you tomorrow?”

Jane saw the text from Luc Godson: I’ve grown tired of waiting for him to finish talking to you. She smiled, focusing on Tercero again. “I’ll call,” she said. “I promise I’ll be good with Ryder.” “You two are incapable of being good together.” He tilted his head, observing. Always observing. “Don’t feel you have to restrict yourself with him. I want him to love you as much as I wish to. I’ll get my turn, and I hope for the same. But do be mindful of Kingston’s rules. I will challenge my brother if he does anything that risks us all losing you.”

“I don’t think Ryder will take any risks,” she said, loving and frustrated at the thought.

Tercero’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “You miss the bad boy very much. You’re dying to get caught with him, and I worry you’ll push him. Worried more that he’ll let you get your way.”

Jane tried to hide her smile. “I kinda have this fantasy my mom will walk in when I’m with all of you.”

He didn’t look surprised. “That will be interesting. Though I do not look forward to interruptions.”

Her jaw was on the floor. “You want to be with me altogether?”

“Isn’t that what you said you desire?” That adorable yet sexy tilt of his head made hair fall over his face. “I admit, I prefer you alone, but every once in a while . . .” Fire. Her entire body was on fire.

He smiled sexily. “We’ll talk about this later. Sweet dreams, tesoro.” Then he was gone.

Jane blew out a breath and fanned her hot cheeks. That boy did so many things to her. She was still red in the face when she Facetimed Luc.

He didn’t say anything when he answered; he simply stared at her flushed face and sighed.

“Hi,” she said, suddenly shy.

“If I were a boy, I would be upset with the fact that my girlfriend”—he gave her a pointed look —“did not only rush off and get herself in danger, but she also proceeded to fuck my younger brother while I was downstairs in our home then her stepbrother, all before ever calling me to inform me she was okay.”

Now, she felt horrible. She hadn’t even said anything to Luc about the two of them when she saw him last. She’d told him to tell Ryder to give up on her, totally ignoring Luc’s feelings. “I’m sorry.”

It was like she hadn’t even spoken. “As it happens,” he said, “I am not a boy, Jane.” His emotionless gaze softened as it fell over her. “Are you well?”

Just like that, he was back to making her like him. “I’m better now. Thank you.”

He sighed, though that blank expression returned. “Your stepfather missed my appointment because my brother snuck in.”

She grinned; he was pouting. “I think Ryder just showed up.”

“He did.” Luc shook his head. “I’m sure he knew I’d arranged to be there, and he made sure they were gone before I arrived.”