Page 98 of The Fire We Make

Ace slid in across from her, then leaned forward the same way she had without realizing it.

In a ducked off booth, the two switched from shots to indulging in cocktails and each other’s company.

Somehow, they’d migrated from opposite ends of the booth until their knees were touching.

Ace relished in the sound of Joy’s laughter and the sight of her smile. When she threw her head back, he studied the column of her neck, itching to kiss, lick and bite her all over until she bore his mark the way he bore hers.

He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as his desire bubbled to the surface.

Joy watched Ace as he laughed, the low rumble of it vibrating through the booth.

She noticed the small scar near his eyebrow she’d never seen before.

The way his rings flashed when he lifted his glass.

The way his suit stretched across his broad shoulders when he leaned back.

The way he seemed just as comfortable in her presence as she was in his.

She swirled the straw in the cocktail before her that was quickly watering down. She didn’t need the liquor anymore. Ace’s presence alone made her body buzz like something was alive beneath her skin.

Or waking up.

It was better than the drinks. Better than the blunt sitting untouched in her purse. This – whatever he was – was far more potent.

When her gaze made it back to his eyes, she found him already watching her and neither of them looked away.

Ace leaned closer, close enough that Joy could feel his breath and see a slight sparkle in his amber gaze.

“Joy.”

The way he said her name made something inside her chest tighten and the seat of her pantries dampened.

“Mhm,” she hummed in answer, not trusting herself to speak just yet.

“I want you,” he murmured, their earlier humor sobering.

Joy’s breaths came quicker and her heart pounded in her chest.

God, what was he doing to her?

It must be voodoo. He had to have put some roots on her.

That was the only way to rationalize why he made her feel like this. Why her body responded to him like this.

Like he’d already owned her body and it recognized him.

Like he already knew her.

She wanted him too — so badly— but even the alcohol that was starting to wear off couldn’t calm her fears. What if she got too comfortable? What if he saw too much?

Joy shook her head.

“You think you do.”

Ace smirked and leaned forward. “How you gone tell me?”

“You don’t know me.”