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This Chapter Has Steam.

Chapter 24

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The next day, Kayden knocks on my office door.

"Mia? Uh... Mia? Are you ok?"

"Hey!" I snap out of my daydream. "Psht! Yeah! Yeah, I'm cool. I'm cool."

"Why are you so flushed?"

"Menopause..." I drawl, closing my eyes when he gives me a suspicious look. "It happens early for some women..."

"Sure... I believe it." He leans against the wall, crossing his arms.

I mentally curse Jake for the torture he's put me through since yesterday's bet of who will win in the game of seducation. If he wins, then I have to meet his sister, and he doesn't play fair... at all.

Last night, when I was sleeping like an angel, he called me with a taunting voice to murmur detail by detail the things he was going to do to me.

It got me so bothered and breathless that he started chuckling like the smug bastard that he is.

So I kept him on the phone. Took care of my business. Told him how wet I was, what my hands were doing. Moaned how good it felt until he was winded with heavy obscenities and I had the pleasure of hanging up on his sorry ass.

Then, this afternoon as I was going to the lecture hall, he waited by the door. Just to open it with a secretive smirk as I passed through with civil gratitude. He haunted me with that stifling stare for fifty freaking minutes. Surrounded by two hundred students. In my own class.

So when I walked to my office, damp with a feverish fog, I couldn't help but wish to be pinned in every icy corner of this scholarly building. To be senselessly seized and screwed, until my screams echoed across these grimy walls and his degrading words cooed in my ear as I clenched, writhed, and helplessly withered.

"... So yeah, just let me know if you're interested," Kayden finishes.

Please tell me he hasn't been talking this entire time.

His eyes narrow with a sly smile. "Dr. Mia Ayan... are you in love?"

"What?" I scowl. "Why the hell would you think that?"

"Oh, I don't know." His smile widens. "Might be the goofy daydreaming face, the blushing cheeks, or the fact that you haven't heard a word I said since I started talking."

I scoff and adjust my skirt. "Has it ever occurred to you that I might be snorting cocaine and it's just the drug effects?"

"Oh, right. Denial. If only you knew a psychologist who could help."

I roll my eyes. "Kayden, you study brains and yours still doesn't work. I don't judge you though, do I?"

"Alright, I'm just happy for you." He puts his palms up and laughs. "Scared for the guy, of course. But—"

I throw a stack of sticky notes at him and he dips down to dodge it, then smoothly comes back up.

"Okay, let me repeat before I lose you again," he says. "I'm planning a surprise birthday for Molly this weekend. Her mom always threw elaborate celebrations with her friends. Never asked what Molly wanted. So I'm stealing her for a special celebration this year. And I know she's too shy to ask, but I think it'd make her really happy if you came."

"You're such a great dad, Kayden." I beam, chest swelling at how much he loves Molly. "I'd love to be there. What should I get her? I'm so bad with gifts."

"Nothing, just show up." He starts to turn on his heel, then he looks over his shoulder. "Bring your Romeo."

I throw a pencil at him, but he's already gone with a chuckle. I shake my head and close my eyes. How dare he make such wrongful accusations?

"You look frustrated, Professor," the devil purrs.

I whip my head to see Jake by my door and panic.

"We're good," he assures me, looking outside left and right before coming in.

"Leave the door open," I say with unusual authority and he raises his eyebrows in response.

"Yes, ma'am." His tone drips with seduction as he takes a seat and leans back, slowly spreading his legs like an invitation.

"How can I help you, Jake?" I fold my hand under my chin.

He pulls out a notebook from his backpack with a smirk and drops it on my desk. "My extra credit assignment. I'm finished."

"Finally," I say and stifle my smile when he scoffs. "What took you so long?"

"My professor has high standards..." He eyes me as I stand up and walk around my desk. "I had to ensure she's... thoroughly satisfied."

"Wow, this is some shitty work." I flip through the pages, leaning against my desk.

"What?" His tone switches from playful to normal and I hold back a laugh.

"Yeah..." I click my tongue and sigh. "And look, it gets even worse..."

I peek at him under my lashes and relish his annoyed glare. I already know from the written portion of his midterm that he puts in the work. Seems like Jake really likes to get approval.

"You know what your problem is?" I sit on my desk and cross my legs. "You don't challenge yourself enough. Yeah, you can do better. Don't be scared."

He pins me with his dark gaze, his jaw twitching slightly. I can feel the tension rolling off of him in waves, tempting me with promises.

I drop the assignment beside me and with my eyes on him, slowly uncross my legs. His gaze follows my movements only to widen a fraction.

That's right, baby.

I'm not wearing underwear.

"That's all." I coo, tilting my head. "You can leave now."

He stands up and easily towers over me. I crane up at him with an inevitable blush.

Amusement tugs on the corner of his lips at my reaction.

"Keep this outfit on," is the last thing he murmurs before he walks out.

~

He picks me up later, even though I insist that I can drive to his place.

We walk down the street with his hand on my low back and once again, he switches places with me so that he's the one on the curbside.

"Why do you do that?" I ask.

"Cause I want to." He smiles as he opens the passenger door of his car.

My lips part to say something clever, but he shuts me up with a kiss and smacks my butt to get in, chuckling at my pout.

~

When he parks in front of a contemporary one-story house, I gape at how sleek and stylish it is. Though it's modest in style, it's elegant and detailed, standing out from the traditional houses surrounding it.

"So you are rich." I note.

"No," he snorts. "I built this myself."

"Huh?"

"It's my job. I bought the land for cheap and built it from the ground up."

"Like Noah from the Notebook," I think out loud as he opens the door.

We walk up to the white structure that's framed with black metal, surrounded by a luscious front yard. Jake turns his key inside the lock and opens the rich, ember door and flips the switch inside, splicing the hallway with light.

Sophistication drips in every corner with subtleness and masculinity.

Warm, recessed strips highlight the edges of textured black walls and kitchen cabinets. Minimalist wall sconces drip lights on a grey sectional couch. An oval lamp rests in the corner of oak stained floors, diffusing soft ambiance over a rustic console table.

Ceiling pendants span across a sleek dining table, leading to leather stools by a kitchen island. Copper accents of an industrial faucet and handles contrast the dark vibes.

"How can something so classy be erotic at the same time..." I marvel.

"You tell me," he says, smiling at me.

I meet his gaze coyly. "Admitting defeat?"

He chuckles, leading me into the kitchen. "Make yourself at home, I'll get started on dinner."

"Really? I thought we'd get pizza or something."

"Pizza?" He raises his eyebrows. "No. I'm cooking."

Please, I think I'd rather eat you.

"Pick some music from the record player," he adds, amused at how I'm gawking at him. "Then sit your pretty ass down and keep me company."

"Yes, sir," I smile, turning around.

A vintage record player nestles on the console table with stacks of albums on each side. I browse with curiosity, studying his taste like a textbook, surprised how much it matches my own.

"Um, yeah, I don't actually know how to use this..." I say.

He turns the water off and wipes his hands on a towel before approaching with a soft smile. "Did you pick what you wanted?"

"You choose." I bite my lip.

He rolls his eyes and stands behind me, grabs the back of my hands and guides them to flip through the albums, controlling my fingers and making me giggle.

He makes me pick up Al Green and jerks my arm a couple of times to get the cover off before clumsily setting it over the machine to press play.

"There you go," he chides, spinning me to him. "Good job."

"Ass." I roll my eyes and put my hands on his chest as he moves us to the music.

He twirls me around and brings my back against his chest, dipping his lips to my ear as he mouths some cheesy lyrics. I don't pay attention at first, but when I realize it's about falling in love, I suddenly lose my appetite and stiffen.

He turns me around to face him and continues to sing, but I put my hand on his lips.

"Food?" I smile sheepishly.

He narrows his eyes and snaps his teeth. I jerk my hand back before he bites it off.

I don't even have time to react before he bends down and flips me over his shoulder and carries me over to the kitchen.

"Let me go!" I yell mid-laughter, pinching his booty but he just smacks mine.

He drops me down on a bar stool and kisses me, though I'm still trying to breathe, then walks around the island resuming his work.

"Can I smoke here?" I ask, pulling out my joint.

He pulls out a coffee plate from a cabinet and slides it across to me.

"You can do whatever you want."

"Thank you." I flick the light on the tip and take a drag as Jake takes out vegetables from the fridge and washes them.

A chef's knife in his grip, shoulders hunched, concentrated on the minute details, he dices bell peppers and sizzles them on a searing pan with tomatoes and jalapeños.

Bubbling vegetables combine with aromas of pepper, garlic, and paprika, and I'm uncertain what makes my mouth water more, the man or his cooking.

Such husband material.

Bitch, what?

"So..." I mentally slap myself. "What are the rules of the game?"

"Whoever begs first, loses." He says, feeding me a bell pepper slice.

I hop off the chair and pace towards him, rubbing myself against his arm. Can't help it. He's just so... attractive when he's focused on something else.

He covers the pan with a lid and picks it up for a swift toss, arm flexing with precision. Noticing me staring, he firmly cups my chin and gives me a kiss.

When he tries to pull back, I wrap my arms around his neck and he chuckles against my lips. He picks me up and puts me on the counter so that I don't strain my neck.

"Impatient much?" he teases when I bite his lip.

I kiss down his neck, savoring his smooth warmth and sandalwood scent, and swirl my tongue across his skin before biting down on it.

"Behave, kitten," he chides, gripping my chin to pull me back.

"Don't like hickies?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm a grown man?" He smiles, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip. "I like to keep my private matters private."

"Mm..." I soften my jaw and press my tongue against his thumb, keeping my eyes on him. I lick up and nip on the pad of his finger, smirking when his own mouth parts and his eyes darken.

"Hurry up..." I say innocently and push him back to get down. "I'm hungry."

I go to my seat as he makes a tsk sound behind me and smacks the steak on the cutting board with unnecessary force.

~

By the time he sets the table, my heels are off and I'm sitting on my knees on the dining chair, comfortably devouring the most delicious beef stew that's blessed the face of the Earth.

"Seriously, your hands are magical," I moan with another bite. "This tastes amazing."

"Glad you're enjoying it." He grins, eating at a much slower pace. I should really slow down before I get bloated. But God damn. Holy shit.

"Are you high?" I ask through a mouthful.

He looks so amused that I flush. "A little, but clearly not on your level."

"I'm sorry, I'm supposed to act all seductive and classy, right? Hold on, hold on." I sit up and attempt a smoldering look as I put the fork in my mouth. "Mmm... wow, Jake. This is spectacular. Did you go to a culinary school in France?"

"Dork." He rolls his eyes.

"Monsieur, please enlighten me. Are you always this perfect?"

"Come on..." He takes our bowls with a sigh. "I'll pack us a hookah."

I drop my head on the table dramatically. "Ah, there's more! I can't! This is too much!"

I rush back to the console table to browse through music. My fingers skim through the old covers as he puts our dirty plates in the dishwasher.

"You like Shakira?" I ask, holding the cover of her with blonde hair and toned obliques.

"Shakira's hot."

"Hot, huh?" I throw him a quick glare which he doesn't catch before directing it at Shakira. I stuff her face at the end of the line, where she belongs.

"What's this? Oh my God!" I exclaim. "You like Eminem?"

"Uh... yeah. Do you?" He gives me a weird look across the kitchen.

"Are you insane? Eminem is my life." I gape at him. "Put it on, put it on, put it on!"

He comes over to set it up. I nag until he finds the song I'm looking for.

"Go, go, go... stop... no, back up... forward... that's it.... no, no, that's not it... more... okay, that's it."

He grumbles under his breath and goes back to assemble the hookah. I bring a random remote to my lips with a serious look.

"Are you ready... for the most breathtaking performance of your life?" I ask.

"Honestly, no."

I close my eyes and raise my palm. "No worries. I'll honor you anyway."

'Not Afraid' starts rapping through the speakers and I begin.

"Yeah... it's been a ride—"

Jake snorts and I snap my eyes open.

"Shush!" I warn. "This is serious!"

He puts his hands up in defense while I pace around, gesturing my badassness. I deepen my voice and pretend like I'm wearing sweatpants instead of a skirt to get into the role even more.

"I guess I had to... stroll to my place, to run to that one. Now some of you... might still be there, if you're trying to tango, just join me. I'll take you there."

"Nice." Jake nods. "But I think those lyrics are wrong—"

"YOU CAN TRY AND KISS MY LYRICS OFF OF THIS LEVEL BEFORE I LAY 'EM. BUT YOU WON'T STOP THE STING OUT OF THESE POWER BEFORE I SPRAY 'EM. 'CAUSE AIN'T NO FREAK I'M A LET YOU JAZZ ME FROM BRINGIN' MAYHEM. WHEN I SAY IMA DO SOMETHIN' I DO IT. I DON'T GIVE A FUCK WHAT YOU THINK—"

Something drops on the ground and I open my eyes to see it's Jake.

Rolling and laughing, bright red and eyes shut. I start laughing too and approach the judgemental fool who's not appreciating my talent.

"How... dare... you." I giggle, bending down where he lies on the floor. "I'm performing here for you..."

"I can't..." he wheezes, practically crying. "Oh my God... my stomach..."

"You're so rude, you know that?" I chide, hand on my hip. "And here I was about to give you a dirty dance, now you lost your chance."

"Oh, is that so?" He grabs my wrist and pulls me down, causing me to yelp in shock as I fall on him.

He captures my lips in a possessive kiss that dissolves all humor while his hands roam all over me.

"Wait..." I pull back breathlessly. "Did I win? Did Eminem turn you on?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?" He says sarcastically and smacks my butt, earning another yelp that he drowns with his lips. His hands trail up my thighs then stop at the top of my stockings. "Oh... " He smiles. "What's this?"

"Don't be dumb, you know what it is."

He responds with an unexpected, harsh spank that makes me flinch with a hiss, but only for a second, before heat spreads through me in molten coils, curving my spine and making me push my hips down on him.

"Do you want to take that back?" He asks with amusement in his husky voice.

"I don't like lying, so no." I smirk boldly.

He stares back with unfazed nonchalance, while his hands slowly tease higher under my skirt and wrap around the small lace around my hips. My lips part at the mischief that narrows his eyes.

"Don't even—"

He flexes his arms and tears the fabric apart, cutting off my warning with the sound of ripping thread.

The parts on my skin where the underwear was stretched burn from the friction, which only adds fuel to the fire within. I bite my lip to control my heavy breathing, unable to take my eyes off of his.

Jake studies my reactions with his full attention, fascinated.

"You really like me being rough..." He brushes each palm to the back of my thighs. "Don't you?"

"No." My reply is too quick as I turn red, but he just chuckles.

Before I can even process what's going on, he pushes his palms up and lifts me over his chest. I lose my breath when he makes me straddle his face.

"What the—"

Hazel eyes hold mine captive while he digs into my hips, pulling me lower, lower, until he slowly — oh, so slowly — slides a flat, hot tongue over me.

I fall forward, slap my hands on the cold, metal fridge. Starved grunts vibrate on his lips as he watches me unravel, moan and shiver.

His stubble scratches my thighs, tangling torment with ecstasy, while his tongue circles... sucks... manipulates me. Until my arousal drips down my thighs and I have no idea where I am, who I am. Until my high-pitched cries fill the room.

"Did you already...?" I hear him trail off with shocked amazement.

"I... uh.... Yeah..." I gasp for air, fluttering my eyes open.

He lifts me up and grabs my hand. "One." He says, eyes full of promise.

~~ A/N~~

Are you guys getting frustrated that these scenes get cut off? lol

Are you feeling...tamed?

Maybe if you...beg for it- ok, I'm done.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING <3 I SERIOUSLY APPRECIATE EVERY READ, VOTE, COMMENT.