My words are all the encouragement he needs.

His soft lips meet mine in an achingly slow kiss. Every move is tender as he holds me tighter, pressing me into himself, even though I've kissed more than I care to count, this embrace and his kiss feel entirely different. At this moment, I'd willingly melt into him if only it was possible.

I relish the feeling of the soft waves of his hair between my greedy fingers as I move my other hand up to his neck. I savor every sense as the world outside evaporates.

I can't feel anything except him and his hands exploring me. I can't think about anything that isn't Spencer. I slide my hand from his hair to his neck and down to his chest, laying my palm over his heart. Surprisingly it's beating just as fast as mine, maybe even faster.

All of this just makes me want him more.

Not breaking the kiss, he slowly leads me somewhere or to something, I can't tell, not that I care as long as I'm pressed against him.

My back hits something cold and when he breaks the kiss to leave a trail of hot open-mouthed kisses down my neck I realize I'm against the kitchen island.

Excitement and anticipation hum inside me, fuelling my desire to have him closer and much much more.

His hand squeezes my backside firmly, making my insides burn for him as he gently sucks my neck. I arch my back and moan, my toes curling in my shoes as his tongue laps around the spot.

I perch my leg around him as his hand slips under my sweater, running his fingertips over my ribs and fondling my breasts. His other hand caresses my body from over my clothes before planting it on my thigh and tightly gripping me.

With his help I jump and land on the countertop, sitting on the edge. I wrap my legs around his defined torso, not wanting the tiniest space to remain between us. This time his lips meet mine in a rougher, hungrier kiss, making me moan in his mouth.

He presses himself between my legs, his hard member strains against his jeans, and pokes at my inner thigh, a pleasant pressure exciting me further, making me wetter than I already am. Every cell in my body is buzzing with excitement, I can feel it in my bones, this time things will go further than just kissing.

I splay my fingers over his cheeks as his palms run freely over every inch of my upper body, either from over my shirt or beneath it.

Our tongues glide and dance, his one hand clutches my backside, fingers digging into my soft flesh. At last, his other hand creeps beneath my skirt and slowly makes its way up, to the place it's aching for his attention.

My breathing grows heavier, the pressure already building up inside me, I lightly graze my nails down his neck, he groans in my mouth and pulls away, I whine in protest.

Ignoring me, Spencer rests his forehead on mine, panting just as hard as me. "Do you want me to stop?" he hoarsely asks.

"No," I moan and he smiles.

"If at any point you want me to stop, you'll tell me right away, okay?"

My heart flutters again. This man will drive me nuts. "Okay," I murmur against his lips. As if that will ever happen. But yet his careful and considerate behavior is doing weird things to my head and heart.

He pecks my lips softly and it takes everything in me not to grumble and complain at him to pick up his pace. I don't want him to tease me more because I'm at the point where I'll end up beginning if he changes his mind.

His hand slowly moves from my backside to the small of my back, pressing us together once more as he begins to kiss me ravenously while snaking his arm around my waist. I sigh in relief.

My toes curl in my shoes as his hold tightens and his other hand finally slips under my skirt. My body acts on its own accord, leaning back as I tangle my fingers in his soft hair, pulling him with me and setting my thighs further apart.

At last, his hand softly brushes over the soaked fabric of my panties, making me draw a sharp breath of surprise and ache for more. I'm far too gone in for pleasure deprived brain to care or be embarrassed about my state. I want, no, need his touch to relieve me of this building tension in my core. I'm far past caring that I might come undone in under a minute.

His lips latch to my neck and I arch my back and throw my head back. He leaves hot wet kisses, sucking and occasionally letting his teeth graze my skin, but not rough enough to leave marks as he begins to apply more pressure to my needy core with each stroke of his palm.

When he pushes the flimsy fabric aside I gasp from the contact of his fingers to my wet folds. My fingernails dig into his shoulder, I hold on to him, feeling myself nearing the edge of pleasure as my muscles tighten with the building tension.

Thankfully he doesn't stop. His fingers are deft and nimble, playing with me, pulling me closer to the edge.

My breathing gets heavier, I clutch the cool marble of the kitchen island as my other hand holds onto his shoulder. I find his lips and kiss him harder, beckoning him to go rougher.

He doesn't waste a second, hugging me closer and slipping a slender finger in me. My moan is muffled in his mouth. His movements are precise but painfully slow, thrusting in and out of me.

I groan, trying to move my hips and get him to go faster but end up feel his smirk against my lips. I break free from the kiss, to tell him, but before I can find my voice, he slips in a second finger making me gasp with surprise.

Clearly, he's done teasing me and keeping me on edge. His fingers ram in and out of me so hard and fast that I lose all control and begin moaning and whimpering incoherent words and pleas louder and louder as his fingers hit and caress all the right spots.

His lips lock with mine in an intense kiss, muffling my rising cries of pleasure. I cling to him, feeling the pressure peaking, my back arches and body shudders as I tighten around his fingers. His pace only picks up.

My breath catches in my throat and my eyes roll back, seeing stars as my orgasm breaks over my body in strong waves of pleasure, leaving me a quivering mess. Spencer hugs me closer to himself with the arm still around my waist, riding out my climax and holding me close to himself all the while.

I drop my head on his shoulder, placing my hand on the crook of his neck, panting while my legs continue shaking from the force of my orgasm.

He doesn't let go, not even my legs stop shaking and my breathing somewhat returns to normal.

My brain is still in a daze, my fingers absently find their way to the tips of his hair and play with them. I pick my head up, to gaze at his dark blue eyes for a moment before pressing my lips to his, kissing him in a way I hope conveys how incredible I feel. I highly doubt words will do it justice.

He pulls away with a grin, obviously satisfied with himself. Men. Though I don't roll my eyes, because he looks cute. Too cute. My heart flutters again.

I straighten myself, preparing to thank him for this mind-numbing orgasm and tell him I'm down for more, that he doesn't need to stop now but he takes a step back. The mischievous glint in his eyes is a sure giveaway that he might have a different plan in his head than the one I'm brewing.

"Freshen up until I set the table for our dinner." With a smug smile, he walks past me, round the kitchen island, and into the kitchen.

I turn and follow his movement with my gaze, momentarily speechless. He's not going to have sex with me?

I hop down and adjust my skirt. Maybe after dinner?

I nod to myself. That's a strong possibility, so I silently tread to the washroom and fix myself. By the time I'm done, checking my reflection for the last time in the mirror, I can't help but compare him with all the other guys I've been with so far. Usually, they never stop at this point. And then there is his ability in making me come faster than I've ever had in my entire life.

He sure as hell knows how to use his fingers. A blush creeps up to my cheeks and l look away from my reflection, shaking my head. Pull it together. It probably meant nothing to him. But then my mind reels back to the way he held me all through it and the butterflies in my stomach go mad again.

I inhale sharply and straighten myself, forcefully shoving away the thoughts. They are highly dangerous and if I'm not careful, they can turn into a gigantic mess.

Everything between Spencer and I is solely for the fun, and the physical satisfaction, nothing beyond that. I nod myself. That's right.

I hardly swallow the bitterness settling at the back of my throat from the thought. Oddly the notion doesn't sit well with me. That's a first too.

I draw a sharp breath and run my hand through my hair, one last time, smoothing out the last bits of wild stray hairs, and leave the bathroom, heading back to the living room.

Spencer is busy lighting the candle as I approach him. He puts away the lighter as I reach the dining table and offers a smile I can't help but return.

The aroma of the food is mouth-watering and without caring about formalities I settle on the chair and take in the plate in front of me.

"So you had planned ahead of time? It wasn't a spur of the moment kind of thing to call me over?" I arch an eyebrow as I pick the fork.

"From the very first moment, I knew I wouldn't let you spend the night with him." He sits across from me, the candle between us throws a soft orange hue on him, reflecting on his glasses and defined features.

I hide my smirk with the bite from the stake and the special sauce, moaning at the rich flavor. "It tastes great." I point at my plate before leaning slightly back and hold his gaze.

"Glad you like it," he softly says, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"So what changed?" I give in to my curiosity and ask. He openly admitted he couldn't stand I spend the night with Brian. Inside my head, I'm squealing and throwing confetti but I can't let him notice my glee.

He deliberately arches an eyebrow as he takes a bite of his food, though I doubt he doesn't know what I mean.

Nevertheless, I explain, "You were all about we have to stay away from each other and on and on and on." I wave my hand as I talk. "So, what changed your mind?"

A corner of his lips twitch upwards but he doesn't answer immediately, taking his sweet time with another bite, chewing and swallowing. Spencer lifts a shoulder as if shrugging with indifference. "It was only fair."

I frown with confusion then smirk at him. "Did my date night with Brian provoke you?"

"I hate being played with," he starts and plants his elbows on the top. "You are playing with me. But dragging that boy into this was entirely uncalled for, so I decided it's time to show you what you're doing to me. Kissing me, then acting all smug and confident, immediately flirting with other guys in front of me on purpose, then kissing me again only to make me chase you while you enjoy running out of reach. Hopefully from tonight onwards, one of these elements should be eradicated."

"But you never chase me," I point out before shoving another spoonful of food into my mouth.

"I gave you what you wanted; will you now stop flirting with other guys in front of me?"

I look at him through my lashes. "Do you get jealous?"

He purses his lips. "I'd go with uncomfortable."

I grin at him. "Are you going to sleep with me tonight?"

His fork stops mid-air, his features hardening. "No."

My face falls and I open my mouth to argue but he beats me to it.

"I've broken enough rules for a lifetime in a span of a week."

I huff and lean into my chair.

"Not everyone is comfortable with breaking the rules and committing crime."

I roll my eyes. Why is he always so dramatic? "There's nothing wrong with what we're doing. You're too uptight, you need to let loose, live, have fun for god's sake."

"I am living."

I blow air through my slightly parted lips before diving back into my food and mull over his words. Did he just give me one of the best orgasms of my life to stop me from even pretending to be interested in other guys? To keep me wondering how things can be if we go all the way, which now I'm positive it's going to be mind-blowing. If so, that's just cruel. Because now I really want to know how it'll be like with him.

"You know," I start after long minutes of silence. "You didn't give me what I wanted. I told you I want you."

He glances up from his plate, his eyes burn into me. "I gave you all that I was capable of."

"I really don't understand why you're holding yourself back," I mumble. This piques his interest. Curiosity gleams in his dark blue eyes. "I'll be graduating in a few months. We can keep it a secret, and then we'll be free."

The harsh cynical smile returns to his handsome face, tearing away the warmth from him. "You are not going to fool me with these words. We both know you're here for the thrill of doing something out of the ordinary. I gave you as much as I was willing to risk, now stop making things harder for me, will you?"

I sigh, running my finger over the thin stem of my wine glass. "Why do you think you know everything? Or the future? It's not like it's written in stone what will happen and what won't. I mean who knows where things can-"

"Stop," he sharply interrupts me. "It's better we end this discussion right here, we've talked about this enough for one night."

I inhale a deep breath. "Okay. One last thing, how about we stay out of the entire student-professor guidelines till the end of tonight? No more talking or even thinking about the part we're breaking the rules or anything," I offer with a hopeful smile.

After a prolonged moment, he nods. "Until the end of tonight," he agrees and I grin at him.

Few minutes go by, we eat our food in silence. In an instant, I decide to tell him, "I'm glad you called me to come over."

His head snaps up, his eyes widening a little with surprise then a slow smile creeps along his face. "I'm glad you came," he says a second later.

Gazing into his eyes, I can literally see one of the walls he has built around himself to keep everyone, or at least me, away from himself crumbling.

I cross my legs and align my fork with the knife on my plate before leaning into the backrest and picking up my wine glass.

His brows furrow a little. "How did you come over?"

My mouth hangs open for a beat as my mind goes blank. I blink a few times and gather myself. "The subway."

"You don't drive?" he hesitantly asks, as if he's aware he's entering dangerous territory. Though I can't blame him, he's seen me break down in the middle of the highway.

"I don't have a car."

He frowns. "That's not what I meant." He picks up his wine glass, moving the glass in a wide circular motion, the red wine sloshing around. "And you know what I meant," he mumbles.

I sigh and rub my brow. "How about we don't talk about it... I don't want to ruin tonight." My voice comes out barely above a whisper, but he hears it and nods.

"I went to my sister's gallery, the one you told me I must go... I have to admit, I'm glad I listened to you." He slowly lifts the glass to his lips, his eyes never leaving my face.

The abrupt change of subject bewilders me, but I can't be more grateful. A toothy grin breaks across my face. "I told you!" I exclaim, sitting upright in my seat. "I'm actually fantastic at giving advice, you should definitely listen to me more."

He chuckles and shakes his head. "Just this once. I'm not taking chances with your weird approach to life."

I playfully roll my eyes. "One day, you will see how amazing living life in my way truly is."

"I hope not," he mumbles, but the playfulness underlying his tone is undeniable.

That night's discussion springs to my mind. Julia. She was supposed to be there too. My smile falters though I try my hardest to hide it as my curiosity once more gets the best of me.

"So... did you see Julia too?" I inquire, keeping my expression carefully intrigued rather than a little worried and slightly agitated.

"I did," his tone is light but his eyes are studying my every move.

I brightly ask, "How's she doing?" to mask my discomfort. They ended things on good terms, I even saw them a few months ago together... what if they decide to get back again? Not that it should make any difference for me, but yet, it makes me uneasy.

"She's fine," he carefully answers but narrows his eyes slightly.

"Can I ask you something?"

He nods for me to continue.

"I know it's none of my business, but I'm just curious, what made you two break up?"

"I've already told you-"

I shake my head interrupting him. "But something made you two grow apart, something or things must have happened that made you realize you're better off as friends."

Again, he busies himself with a slow and long sip from his drink while I patiently wait. "We had a few differences, couldn't understand each other... our views were different and neither of us was ready to change perspective or compromise."

Without realizing I've leaned a bit over the table watching him intently waiting for him to continue.

He shrugs. "So we concluded we're better off as friends."

So it wasn't that they didn't have chemistry or there was no spark... they just couldn't get along at that time. Well, what if they resolve that issue? Uncomfortably I shift on my seat.

"What were the differences?" I dare to question.

"How about we don't ruin the night?" he suggests, arching an eyebrow and gazing pointedly at me from above the black frame of his glasses.

I sigh and give in, he doesn't want to talk about it, there's no use pushing him. "Your sister's really nice." I smile and sip my wine.

A corner of his lips twitches upwards. "It's none of my business if you two decide to hang out and do whatever girls do, but I'd really appreciate it if you'd not tell her about..." his voice trails down and he motions his index finger between us.

I grin. "Why? I'm sure she's not the type to judge."

He rolls his eyes. "I wish she was... some of her views regarding life are frighteningly similar to yours, I really don't want to be pressured from both sides."

I giggle. "So, you believe your sister will approve of whatever we're doing?"

"It's not about approval... more like I've barely made her stop babbling about Julia, I'm not ready for her to do the same thing once we set down our different paths. I need my peace of mind for a little while."

My upbeat mood crashes into the ground. Though he has said nothing wrong, yet the idea of never seeing him again, or as he's putting it, going down our different ways, is stinging me more than I'd like to acknowledge.

"I really think you should treat her better," I say, only to stop the silence from creeping crushing me.

His eyebrows jump up with surprise.

I lift a shoulder and down my drink. "It wouldn't kill you to be nice for her sake."

He scoffs. "If you're referring to last weekend, I did not want to show up and she quite literally dragged me there. She knows I hate hanging around yo- uh," he fumbles with words, awkwardly clears his throat, and continues, "that class of people."

"You mean rich people," I muse, drawing a finger in a half-circle, round the foot of the wine glass. He nods. A lopsided smile tugs at my lips, but it lacks humor. "And you still consider me as one of them." I peer through my lashes.

He inhales a deep breath. "Aren't you? One of them?"

I laugh. "Did my invisible Lamborghini give you the idea?"

"You still hang out with them," he sourly mumbles.

I plant my elbow on the table and rest my temple to my palm. "Why do you hate the rich?"

"I thought you'd be able to guess... since you're really good at spinning wild theories together." He crosses his arms in front of his chest, leaning into his chair, the tendons of his forearms flexing.

They all cast aside his mother and consequently him and his sister. That must be the reason.

But I roll my eyes and smile nonetheless. "I've known them for my entire life. It doesn't change the part I hate them too, but it doesn't mean I'm going to cut myself off of the pleasure of annoying them."

Spencer smiles, an amused sweet smile making my heart flutter again. Okay, maybe this time it's the wine playing tricks with my body. "Not everyone's an expert in that area like you."

I grin but my face falls. "I'm going to work with your dad," I admit and lay my forearms on the table.

Exasperated, he sighs. "I've already warned you; the rest is your choice."

I glance at the wide glass wall, the night sky, and the twinkling lights of the city. "I need to." With that, I turn and meet his thoughtful eyes. "And I know these people... there's not much damage he can do."

Pursing his lips he runs his hand through his hair. "He's older than you and it's his area of expertise... meaning he's way more experienced at this entire thing comparing to you. On top of that, he's a vicious businessman, you can't possibly think you can outsmart him."

I nibble my bottom lip. "Well my mom is his childhood best friend, doesn't that mean anything?" I know it's wishful thinking but maybe not.

A cynical smile curls his lips. "We're talking about a man who didn't even once bother to check if his ex-wife and two kids were alive or dead, do you really think he'd go soft for his friend's child if things went sideways?"

I lean into the chair and lift my shoulder. I don't know. "I do want to get revenge."

Without hesitating, he shoots back, "At what price?"

For a moment I consider his question. The price I'm willing to pay for bringing down Benjamin Stewart... I suppose I don't have any limits.

Perhaps he read the resolution on my face because he inhales sharply and shakes his head. "Don't let it consume you. Living with regret it's not easy."

Tentatively I nod. "I know what I'm doing."

He arches an eyebrow. "Do you really though?"

Every thought halts in my head for a second. The way he's looking at me makes me reconsider everything. I hope I do.

∞ ∞ ∞

Well well well, tell me your thoughts, you guys! =)

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if so, don't forget to hit that vote button xD

Hmm, do you guys think she knows what she's doing? And if she's ready to pay the price? [Any guesses what the price might be?]

Also, another question, totally irrelevant to this chapter, but since we're only 15 chaps away from the ending, so I was curious, how do you think this story is going to end? Or better said, what's your ideal ending for this story?

Comment your thoughts, I'd love to hear/read them! ^.^

Thank you so so so much for reading up to this point of this story <3

Next chapter will be up tomorrow ^.^

Stay safe, lots of love, happy reading <33