I should've kissed you longer.

I should've kissed you longer.
Amara’s POV

I barely made it through my next class.

Jaxon’s words—I’m not done with you yet, princess—played on a loop in my head. His touch, his kiss, the way he owned every moment with me… it was driving me insane.

By the time the final bell rang, I was practically bolting toward the parking lot, hoping to escape before Jaxon could find me.

Spoiler alert: I failed.

The second I stepped outside, a familiar arm wrapped around my waist, yanking me back against a warm, hard chest.

“Running from me, princess?” Jaxon’s voice was all smug amusement, his lips brushing against my ear.

I shivered. “I—I wasn’t—”

His low chuckle sent heat straight through me. “Liar.”

I turned in his hold, scowling up at him. “You love tormenting me, don’t you?”

Jaxon smirked, tilting his head. “Only because you look so damn cute when you’re flustered.”

I groaned, shoving at his chest. “Just take me home.”

“Gladly.”

He grabbed my wrist and led me toward his car, opening the passenger door with an exaggerated flourish. “Your royal chariot, princess.”

I rolled my eyes but climbed in, crossing my arms as he slid into the driver’s seat.

The moment he started the car, his hand immediately landed on my thigh.

I jumped. “Jaxon!”

He smirked, rubbing slow, teasing circles against my skin. “What?”

I glared at him. “Both hands on the wheel.”

His fingers squeezed slightly. “I can multitask.”

I let out a frustrated groan, shoving his hand away. “Drive.”

Jaxon chuckled but obeyed, pulling out of the parking lot.

For a few minutes, there was silence—except for the low hum of the radio and my racing heartbeat.

Then, completely unprovoked, Jaxon spoke.

“Your lips are distracting.”

I choked on air. “Excuse me?!”

He smirked, eyes still on the road. “I keep thinking about how soft they were last night.”

My entire body flushed. “Jaxon—”

“I should’ve kissed you longer,” he murmured. “Deeper.”

I clenched my fists. “You are ridiculous.”

Jaxon glanced at me, golden eyes darkening. “And you love it.”

I turned toward the window, hiding my burning face.

But the worst part?

He was right.

\---

Jaxon’s POV

Teasing Amara was my new favorite thing.

She thought she could resist me. Thought she could pretend she didn’t want me.

But every time I touched her? Every time I leaned in just a little too close?

She melted.

And it was adorable.

I pulled into the driveway, shutting off the engine before turning to her.

She refused to look at me, her fingers nervously toying with the ends of her skirt.

I smirked. “Still running from me, princess?”

She huffed, finally meeting my gaze. “I’m not running.”

I leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Good. Because I hate chasing.”

Her breath hitched.

I smiled, satisfied. “Now get inside before I decide I’m not done kissing you yet.”

Her eyes widened—and she was gone, practically bolting from the car.

I laughed, shaking my head.

Yeah.

She was definitely mine.

\---

Amara’s POV

I barely had time to catch my breath before I ran right into Ryder in the hallway.

“Whoa there, sweetheart,” he chuckled, steadying me with his hands on my arms. “What’s got you all flustered?”

I scowled. “Jaxon.”

Ryder grinned. “Ah. What did he do this time? Mark you up again?”

My face flamed. “Shut up.”

He leaned in, his voice teasing. “You know, if it bothers you that much, I could always put my mark on you instead.”

I gasped, smacking his arm. “You’re impossible.”

He just laughed, slinging an arm over my shoulders. “Come on, let’s get you something to drink before you pass out from all the sexual tension.”

I groaned. “I hate you.”

“You love me.”

I grumbled under my breath, but I let him pull me toward the kitchen.

Ryder reached into the fridge and grabbed two bottles of water, tossing one to me before leaning against the counter. His eyes flickered to my neck, and his usual smirk softened just a little.

“…He’s really got it bad for you, you know.”

I blinked. “What?”

Ryder exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Jaxon. He doesn’t just mess around like this. Not with anyone.” His gaze met mine, more serious than usual. “But with you? He’s different.”

I swallowed. “I don’t know what to do with that.”

Ryder tilted his head, studying me. Then, slowly, he reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“…You don’t have to do anything,” he murmured. “Just feel it.”

My breath caught.

The air between us shifted.

His fingers lingered against my cheek, his blue eyes darkening just slightly. “And if he ever messes up,” Ryder continued, his voice lower now, “I’ll be right here, waiting.”

I stared at him, my heart pounding.

Was he serious?

Before I could even process his words, Ryder suddenly smirked, stepping back like nothing happened. “Anyway! Want to watch a movie or something? Maybe one where people aren’t constantly making out?”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

“…Yeah,” I mumbled. “That sounds good.”

But as we settled onto the couch, his words kept playing in my head.

I’ll be right here, waiting.

And I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to get a lot more complicated.