Page 187 of Puck Me Back to Life

Past storage closets.

Past curious staff members pretending not to stare.

He pushes open the door to an empty conference room.

The second it closes behind us, he rounds on me. “What the hell was that?”

I don't answer.

“Kai.”

Still nothing.

“You could've been suspended.”

“He deserved it.”

“That isn't the point.”

“HE FUCKING DESERVED IT!” My own voice sounds distant. Like someone else is speaking through me.

Ash runs both hands through his hair. “Kai, this isn't you.”

Ash stops pacing. His expression changes. The anger fades. Concern takes its place.

“Kai.” He steps closer.

I look at him. I really look at him. The worry in his face. The crease between his eyebrows. The bruise forming where I'd shoved him into the shower wall this morning.

Everything inside me suddenly hurts. Without thinking, I grab the front of his jacket.

He starts to speak.

Instead… I kiss him.

Hard.

Desperate.

Like if I can just get close enough, everything else might disappear.

For one heartbeat, he kisses me back. His hands are in my hair, pushing me against the table.

My tongue pushes against his as my hands try to force his pants down.

Then his hands settle firmly on my shoulders.

Not pushing.

Grounding.

He gently breaks the kiss.

His forehead rests against mine.

His breathing is just as uneven as mine. “Kai…”

I close my eyes. “Don't. Don't deny me.”