¤Chapter Nineteen¤

The cool morning breeze caused me to blink rapidly as I rode down the intersection leading to school. Oden slid into our usual spot at the front with ease. I barely managed to hold back a yawn as I removed my black helmet. I woke before my parents and skipped breakfast because I was frantic to leave the house this morning —specifically, the bedroom where I had unwanted recollections of Todd and the living room where the memories of Owen and I are so fresh, I feel like I might blush. 

Because of him I can't look at the doorway, the couch, and not to mention that spot where we stood by the bookshelf. The spot I have to walk past every single day. No matter what I do, I keep getting myself in strange situations with men —some more unwelcomed than others.

Against my better judgement, Owen and Todd raced through my mind all night and I barely remember getting an ounce of sleep. My eyes wandered to Brittney's BMW next to my bike, it was the only student vehicle apart from mine. Why is she here so early? I still don't feel guilty for kissing the boyfriend of my ex-best friend. Firstly, he kissed me and second, I actually tried to prevent it from happening. 

My thoughts traveled back to the way my hand helplessly tried to push his chest, to when I leaned so far back I almost snapped my spine in half, to when I yearned to distance myself from him just so I could...breathe. I tried but it didn't work so what can you do? At the very least I was able to make him keep quiet about the whole thing.

The truth is, he's a thief.

He's a thief that stole my oxygen, personal space, and if I'm not careful, he'll probably try to steal my—

"Wow Ms. Fields, what a pleasant surprise," A authoritative voice rang from the doors at the front entrance. "You're here an hour early. That's a first."

I scoffed at the principal but was still grateful he released me from my wayward thoughts. "Heya Mr. Pot, is the Brendon issue resolved yet?"

He smiled assuredly at my inquiry. "Things are falling into place, yes"

I nodded in understanding. He probably can't talk about it in detail yet —then again I doubt he'll want to pull me to the side personally and break down the specifics even if he could. I opened my mouth to tease him in order to kill a bit of time but just then a voice yelled out from the parking lot, "I'd like to cash my rain check please!"

Perfect just the person I wanted to see.

"If you skip class, there'll be consequences Ms. Fields" Mr. Pot rebuked before trying to get a glimpse of the person behind me. While his tone was strict, his countenance didn't care either way.

With a shrug I replied, "Put it on my tab."

I jogged over to Jace's car and was barely inside before he drove off campus with the speed of a psychopath. His champagne hair was still slicked back like an old school greaser. Today however, he looked unusual, sporting one of those vibrant touristy button up shirts and a pair of cargo shorts —It looked like he was coming back from a tropical vacation.

 Even with the bright morning sun shining directly on him, his eyes were still as dark as twilight. His lips, the only part of his features that appeared normal, looked smooth to the touch and well pampered. Forget tourist, he seemed more like a rich kid living life like it's his very own personal sitcom. He's a complete mystery, but unlike Owen, all I need is a little time to solve this one.

"Are you done checking me out?" He gave me a titillating look before focusing on the road again. "Like what you see perhaps?"

Ignoring his obnoxious question completely I asked, "Where are you taking me?"

With a wink he said alluringly, "To paradise baby"

I stared at him blankly, unamused. "I thought I was supposed to pick our location?"

He glanced at me curiously when we arrived at a stoplight. "I think you'll like it Mads"

For a split second my heart panged in disappointment when he didn't use my full name. Pushing that strange feeling back I corrected him measuredly, "My name is Madi —no shortcuts. That's your final warning."

"Oh?" He rose a brow cheekily. "That's kinda hot. Forgive me, but I might have to see where this leads"

I couldn't help but unconsciously note that he's the complete opposite of Owen. Where Owen would get embarrassed or shy, Jace laughs and fires back a retort immediately. They both get under my skin but in different ways. It's hard, I've realized, to not compare the only two guys I willing spoke to without wanting to gag or scream all year. 

My dad is a given, I not only have to talk to him but I want to talk to him. Teachers and authoritative figures are also a given still, I avoid them when I can. As for my favorite class, well, I've never actually spoken to the guys in there but unlike the majority of the boys at my school, they're not absolute ingrates so I guess I don't mind either way. Nonetheless, we don't communicate, not like I do with Owen and now Jace. These two are the exception —although I don't anticipate us becoming besties and having sleepovers.

What is it that makes them so different?

Well for starters, I'm obsessed with trying to gauge Owen's emotions. What do those small changes behind his eyes mean? Why is his body rigid when he's next to me yet his voice shows no hint of fear? What makes him seem upset one minute then his lips are on mine the next? The inapt thought made me shiver.

"Cold?" Jace extended an arm to lower the AC. A pair of black aviators hung from his breast pocket and I caught a glimpse of my dazed expression. I need to focus.

"I'm fine" I muttered, looking past his face and out the window next to him. Morning commuters zapped by us in a haste to get to their destination. Jace stole my gaze when we got to another stoplight.

He's a completely different story. He really did appear lost and confused when I first met him but then something changed and suddenly he radiated this new aura of confidence and spunk. Other than understand me, it seems he was able to keep up with me. He doesn't get flustered or awkward by my advancements, instead he accepts them, shakes it up a bit then throws it right back to me with a classic provocative grin.

They're both idiots, I concluded before closing my eyes for a quick nap. I really was tired after all. With him I'm safe from my past memories for now so I might as well take this opportunity to rest up a bit. Plus, there's no point in asking Jace where we're going, he won't budge and I'm in no mood for conversation at the moment. The deep hum of the car lulled me to sleep before I even realized I was drifting away.

◊◊◊

"I'm glad my presence brings you this much comfort" A low voice whispered in my ear. It was suggestive and filled with unfulfilled promises.

My eyes opened with a start.

"You're too close" I shoved Jace away from my face with my right hand. I tried not to think about how soft his skin felt beneath mine.

The passenger door was opened and my seatbelt was unbuckled. He laughed at my bewildered look. "I was just about to carry you out since you weren't waking up"

I gawked at the large palace style building in front of me once I stepped out of the car —I'd rather not be carried by anyone, thank you very much. "Our date is at a hotel?"

With a cocky grin he countered, "I thought you said it wasn't a date?"

"You know what I meant asshole" I fanned him off, my voice muffled by a yawn. I actually felt less tired so he must have driven far.

"Come on" He grabbed my hand and pulled me after him towards the hotel's entrance. I was still too groggy to retaliate against his brash movements.

"What is this place?" I stared at my reflection in the ceiling where a mirror was built in, covering the entire surface. It must be a pain for whoever has to clean that. The lights around us were all bright and shone with a golden hue compared to the whiter tone of natural daylight outside.

Jace opened his mouth to respond but a woman dressed in a simple black uniform rushed forward.

"Mr. Carson, welcome back!" Her cheerful voice echoed in the empty lobby. "Are you here to unwind again before our grand opening?" She glanced at me when she mentioned the word 'unwind'. I rose a brow.

"Yes well," His eyes flickered to me momentarily. "You know the family likes being thorough so I have to stop by as often as I can"

She nodded knowingly, her spring curls bouncing around her slender face. "And you like having fun, sir"

"No—" His arms made a X in front of his chest to empathize. "Madi is just here for the adventure, that's all"

Her long lashes fluttered as she nodded again with more force this time, hinting that she understands —I don't think she does but then again neither do I. "Yes of course and I look forward to hearing about it as soon as you two are finished"

I bit my lip to prevent myself from speaking. I won't admonish her since she technically did nothing wrong, at least not intentionally. I can tell. Jace however, is another story. I followed him up the stairs to a indoor restaurant with glass panels for walls, showcasing a beautiful view of a gigantic pool outside and trees further than my eyes could see.

"So let me guess, your family owns this new hotel and you like taking girls here for 'adventures' under the guise of checking this place out." I stated as he pulled a chair out for me, unraveling everything I learned from the situation just now. The cushion from the seat was soft and plush, it almost made me not want to leave. If the food here is any good I'm sure the guests will feel the same.

He shrugged. "Girls in this town like rich guys"

"Maybe," I started after a waiter placed the menus in front of us. "They want you to save them because wealth equals security"

"Or maybe," He countered after a sip of lemon water. "They just want me"

"Guess we'll never know" I made sure to keep my voice disinterested as I studied the intricate details of the swan folded napkins. I don't know if I'm annoyed he took me to a place he brings girls regularly to the point where the manager knows his true motive or if the fact that I wasn't the first one here bothers me more.

"But you'll find out soon enough" He muttered definitively.

The waiter interrupted before I could respond. "Now I'm supposed to ask what you'd like to order but—" He glanced disapprovingly at Jace. "This visit was unexpected and sudden so the only thing available is our specialty bowls"

"That's fine," I scanned the contents of the menu before making a decision. "I'll have the brown rice with chicken, tofu, carrots, and topped with sesame seeds"

"Okay," The man finished jotting down my order. He looked tall and slightly older than Jace. "What about sauce?"

I thought for a brief moment. "Cajun"

He nodded. "And to drink?"

I flipped to the other side of the menu. "Jasmin sweet tea"

"And you, sir?" The server turned to Jace. He was staring at me, the corners of his mouth tilted up slightly.

"I'll have what she's having" His tone made it seem like he wasn't referring to the meal at all. The waiter blushed and rushed to the kitchen with a nod.

"You're really dirty you know that?" It was more of a statement than a question but he knew as much.

With a sigh he leaned forward dramatically, resting his interlocked hands beneath his chin. "Something about a woman knowing exactly what she wants just hits the spot for me"

My mouth set into a hard line. "Shall we get down to business then?"

"Ah," He paused as a female server appeared with our drinks. They must be talking about us in the kitchen and she volunteered to get a peek. "You mean the hundred questions you have about me"

"First," I focused my attention on his face. It was sharp and curved at the right angles, creating perfect jaw dropping visuals. "How is it you're able to say my name and not...affect me?"

His lips twitched slightly. The question caught him off guard. "Well I didn't know your name affected you but maybe I'm different because I'm a stranger"

"I thought so too" I agreed. Still, something doesn't feel right. Strangers don't react the way he does around me or get so comfortable so quick.

Continuing I asked, "Are you from the city?"

His eyes twinkled mischievously and his fingers moved to tap the table lightly. A nervous tick? He's wondering how much he should share. "That's a secret."

I inhaled sharply and pushed my chair back. It's a bluff because I don't actually know where we are exactly and there's no way I can get back without him. "Then there's no need for me to be here"

He watched me with amused interest. "If you ask the right questions Madison, you'll get answers"

My heart clenched. There it is again. Madison. How can he say my name so casually as if he has no care in the world when it's such a huge burden for me and everyone else? 

Remembering what he said the last time we spoke I asked, "Does that mean the girl you're looking at right now isn't M-Madi?" Not even I could bring myself to say Madison aloud.

He reached out and placed his hands over mine. They were much larger and warmer but felt rough and calloused compared to to delicate texture of his face. This means his hobbies or free time could very well involve something strenuous and exertive which is odd considering he's just a carefree college freshman. "I believe Madi took a break when you began ordering brunch"

As if on cue our original server came back with a tray of food. We studied each other silently, both getting an in depth read on the other person. The heat from his hand was enough to make my entire body sizzle. There was a connection there that traveled to my core. I squirmed in my seat as a drop of sweat rolled down the back of my neck. He removed his hands with a satisfied grin.

"You're not the first person to think there's this sweet, soft girl inside me," I took a bite of the aromatic food in front of me. The flavorful mixture of sweet and savory made my taste buds dance. "But you're both wrong —she's dead. This body belongs to someone stronger now"

"Natural selection at his finest huh?" He held my moody gaze with his overcast ones. The darkness swirling within his stare was enough to compete against mine. Looks like we've both been through some intense stuff. From experience, I know blatantly asking about it will not suffice.

"You could say that" I frowned. Madi is more than a defense mechanism or an alter ego for me now. It's who I am. For better or worse.

We finished the rest of our meals in silence and took a stroll down a trail leading to a private beach owned by the hotel. I noticed a beach house was close by as well. The air smelt of salt and sand. It was rejuvenating for some reason. Birds flew in circles above us as we took a seat in the sand. Jace's shirt was unbuttoned slightly showing a bit of golden skin underneath and the afternoon sun only drew my attention to that area even more. 

I can't believe I've spent half a day with him. Driving here was over an hour apparently which means I skipped a few classes today, again. I used to be a good student but now my grades just barely meet the minimum requirements —mostly because I don't put in any effort. I need to get my act together if I actually plan on going to college soon.

"On a scale of one to ten how hot would you say I am?" Jace leaned back on his elbows as we looked out at the ocean. His legs outstretched leisurely with one ankle resting on the other as if he owned the place —in this case, I guess he does.

I scowled. "We are not doing that and I'm not done interrogating you yet"

"Oh right," His face lit up and his head tilted towards me. "I believe you planned on forcing answers out of me. What happened, got scared?"

I glared at him. "I could take you any day."

"You're all talk Mads, why don't you—"

I swung my legs out from their crisscrossed position on the floor and shoved his upper body down so he's laid flat on the sand. Without giving him time to react, I quickly wrapped my thighs around his neck and hooked my feet together, ensnaring him. His hands gripped my legs before he tried to reach me behind him but I slipped from his grasp and tightened my hold around his neck. 

Finally, his hand grabbed my shins to lessen the pressure a bit although we both knew it would have been more difficult if I was actually trying to kill him. Since I was also partially laying on my back, I had to lift my head to see his face when he spoke.

"I bet you were just dying for the opportunity to put my head between your legs this whole time" He grunted out and I squeezed harder, trying to not let his words ruffle me. My thighs burned from the restrained strength I was using to contain him without causing harm. Regardless of my intent, he shouldn't be calm enough to crack vile jokes. 

Gradually, I used enough force to make him to pass out but his grip remained firm and his breathing became even more contained. My ongoing thought process throughout the day was right, it seems he's had some form of training similar to me. Now everything about him is starting to make more sense.

"Who are you?" I snapped, my legs still firmly secured around his neck.

"An old friend" His voice was muffled.

"Friend?" My legs loosened for a split second as I thought and he took that opportunity to spin out of my grip and place his full body weight on mine, pinning my arms on either side of my face.

I'm trapped.

"I swear that fervent look of yours can kill someone, Madi" He chuckled softly. "And the fact that this is your calm state..." He pretended to shiver.

I narrowed my eyes. "Release me."

"I would but you're going to try and fight me and I'd rather save that for the bedroom" He was breathless from the force he had to use in order to keep me anchored to the ground.

The heat I experienced from his hands earlier was nothing compared to the overwhelming feeling that washed over me from our intertwined bodies pressed closely together. My senses were elevated. I noticed the ravenous look in his charcoal eyes; no matter how bright it was, there was only a deep shade of darkness within its depths. 

My swollen chest heaved and retracted, pressing closely against his chiseled one. The pressure of the sand bearing down on my skin as well as the heat radiating off his body and mine invoked an urge for me to arch further into his secure grasp. My head turned away from his intoxicating gaze as I clenched my fist, willing myself to get it together and fight back.

"Do you feel the electricity too?" He whispered then let out a long conceding breath. "I'll release you but you have to agree to a truce —I'm not the bad guy here. Not anymore."

"Okay" I forced the words out of my dry throat.

He released me from his burning grip and watched as I hastily began dusting myself off. One reason I hate the beach? Sand everywhere. 

"You wanted to know who I was?" He looked at the horizon in the distance as he stood with hands in his pockets next to me. "I'm Todd's best friend."

I kept brushing off sand until his words sank in and I gasped. "You're— what?"

He gave me a solemn look. "Let me take you back to school, Madi."

»

A/N: Thoughts on Jace?