Chapter 10

That's not embarrassing...

Once inside the single bathroom, I locked the door behind me and hovered over the shiny white toilet. I grabbed my hair, pulling it out of the way, as the vomit shot out and into the round bowl. There was no stopping it. I placed my hand on the side of the toilet and gripped it as I got down to just a dry heave. The pain shot through my stomach as my body quaked uncontrollably.

After gaining control of my body, I crawled over to the wall and leaned against it, with my hands locked in my hair. There was no way that I would show my face after that.

My head jolted to the right as someone softly knocked on the door, the sound making me want to hide even more. No matter where I went I could never seem to get away from everyone.

"Avery, is everything okay in there?" It was Jace, his muffled voice carried through the door, causing me to feel sick to my stomach again. "Answer me," he demanded.

I pushed myself to my feet and glowered at myself in the mirror. Mascara streaked my face and my lips still had traces of puke on them. I reached out and grabbed for a paper towel. I squirted a little hand soap on it and then soaked it in water. I let out a breath of frustration and then wiped down my hair and face, before rinsing out my mouth.

I froze when I heard another knock. Go away. The knocking stopped, but then just as quickly as it stopped it started again.

Frustrated, I threw the towel into the trash and leaned against the sink. "Jace, please go away," I breathed. "I'm not coming out."

I looked over at the door as the handle jiggled. Nice try, but you're not getting in this time.

"Avery." Jace slapped the door before finally giving up on the handle. "Just let me in," he complained. "I want to help you."

I bit my bottom lip and crept over to the door. I placed my hand on it and shook my head. "I will stay in here all night until I know that you're gone, so you might as well just go."

I was surprised when a new voice joined in. "Is this girl ever coming out? I really have to pee." A female questioned.

"I'm sorry," Jace responded. "I'm really trying to get her out." He knocked on the door again but, this time with more force. "Avery, please."

I slammed my fist against the door and then pressed my back into it. I don't think so. It’s kind of comfy in here. "No."

"Look, my name is Kat." The stranger spoke through the door. "Please let me in. It can't be that bad." She knocked on the door when I didn't respond. "Please! I have to pee."

Deciding that I had to at some point open the door, I slowly cracked the door open to see a gorgeous young woman with red curly hair and a deep set of dimples. She smiled at me and nodded her head.

I noticed Jace out of the corner of my eye looking at us so I grabbed Kat's tiny arm and yanked her into the bathroom, shutting the door behind us.

Kat pulled her arm away and gripped it with her other hand. "Ouch! Take it easy," she whined. She stared at me with her baby blues as if she were trying to figure something out. Then she leaned into the wall and smoothed out her skinny black jeans. "Is everything okay," she questioned. She looked me up and down and smiled. "You look great, so what's the issue?"

I leaned into the sink and wiped an arm over my face. "I'm embarrassed if you must know." My voice shook. I looked into the mirror and wiped more mascara off my face. "It's complicated."

Kat smiled and walked over to the toilet. "I saw you out there. Those men are gorgeous. I can see why things are complicated." She pointed at the toilet and tilted her head. "Do you mind," she questioned. "I really have to pee."

I nodded my head in response and turned my head the other direction. I wasn't use to sharing bathrooms with strangers, but at the moment it didn't matter. I had too much going on to even think.

After Kat finished using the toilet, she walked over and washed her hands. Then she smiled and nodded at the door. "Can we get out of here already?" She grinned and gave me a light shove toward the door. "Come on, gorgeous. The night is still early."

I reached for the door handle and then stopped to pull myself together. I looked over Kat's slim body, curvy hips, and full breast. She was almost perfect. It caused an aching in my chest. "Are you here with anyone?"

She giggled and ran her hands through her red curls, playfully. I could just assume she heard that question often. "I was here with a friend, but he left in a hurry. He can be weird and pushy sometimes." She gave me a confident smile. "Why you ask?"

"No reason." I said, more trying to convince myself than her.

I nodded and opened the bathroom door, letting Kat walk out first. "That feeling sucks."

Jace stood against the wall with Max standing close by. He grinned and pushed himself away from the wall. "I see that you ladies found your way back out," he laughed. "It's a good thing because I was about to send in a search team."

His humor made me loosen up and laugh. He always had a way of making smile, even when I'd rather not. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if he had that effect on everyone. He was handsome, funny and caring. He definitely was something different from what I was used to.

Kat laughed while walking over to stand next to Jace, her body language flirty and sexual, as she stared up at his towering six-foot frame. "Aren't you just cute and funny!" She reached out her hand and grabbed for Jace's. "I'm Kat, and you are?"

Jace smiled, but didn't seem impressed as he shook her hand. "I'm Jace and this is my friend, Max." He pushed Max a little closer to Kat, as Max smirked, and then walked over to stand next to me. "Avery."

I quickly turned the other way in an attempt to get away. "Jace, not now," I demanded. "Leave me alone. I took a step toward the exit.

Jace softly grabbed my arm and pulled me to a stop. Then he turned me around to face him. "Stop running away all of the time. Let someone help you for once." He brushed my hair behind my ear and ran his thumb over my cheek. His touch was gentle and caring. "Please," he breathed.

I felt lost and speechless, just as I always seemed to feel around Jace. Therefore, I said the only thing I could think of. "Okay."

He placed his hand on my cheek and looked me in the eye. His expression was soft. His jaw clenched as he rubbed his thumb under my right eye, causing my heart to sink.

I jerked my face away in response and walked away, taking a seat. I suddenly felt dizzy. "I need to get out of here." I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the room from spinning around me. I didn't want another incident like the one I'd just had moments before.

"No problem." Max walked over and grabbed my hand. He pulled me to my feet and smiled. "I can help you with that," he smiled. "Let's go."

Jace calmly pulled Max's hand away from mine, placing my hand at my side. "No, man. We're all leaving," he said sternly.

Kat reached for Jace's arm and pushed her bottom lip out in a pout. "Wait a minute. I really don't want to be left here alone and I'm not ready to go home." she whined pathetically, while rubbing her finger over his smooth skin. Who does she think she is touching him like that?

Jace pulled his arm away and turned to look at Max. Suddenly, I could breathe again. "I don't think-"

"Come on, man." Max walked toward the door and grabbed the handle, holding it open. "You have a big house. Why don't we all just go there for a few drinks?" he suggested. "It can be like old times."

Jace sighed and motioned for me to walk in front of him. "Yeah, I guess." he groaned. "It has been a while since I've seen you, man."

I nervously twirled my finger in my hair and watched Kat and Max step out the door and into the night. I didn't know either one of them and the thought of entertaining them for the night made me feel uneasy.

Once outside, Kat froze and slapped her hand to her forehead. "Oh crap! I forgot that I don't have my car with me," she said, with a slight whine. "Jace, do you mind if I ride with you?" She smiled and picked at her long purple nails while waiting for a response.

Jace rolled his eyes and looked up from opening his car door. "Yeah... sure." He looked unsure and almost a little stressed. He ran his hand through his hair while looking at me. "Come on, Avery."

I felt my stomach knot up as I walked toward Jace's car. "I'll sit in the front." I said, placing my hand in front of Kat to stop her from getting in. Of course, she would automatically think that she would get to sit next to Jace. Not if I had a say in it. "If you don't mind."

Kat looked down at my legs, as I shivered from the cold and rolled her eyes. "Does it really-"

Suddenly, Max reached for my hand and stopped me from getting in the car. "You can give Kat a ride and Avery can ride with me. That way they both can sit in the front." He nodded at Jace and pushed Kat toward Jace's car. "Problem solved. We'll meet you guys there."

I peered over my shoulder as Jace leaned against his car with his arms folded across his chest. His jaw stayed clenched as he watched us walk to the car, his eyes glued to us the whole time. He didn't take his eyes off us until we were inside Max's tiny red Sports Car.

Max watched me as I adjusted my skirt and set my purse on my lap. His eyes were wide as he pulled his seatbelt on. "This way we all win." Max smiled as he leaned over and grabbed for my seatbelt. "Jace and I go way back."

I pushed Max's hand away and pulled my seatbelt over my shoulder. "Thanks, but I can handle it." I smiled weakly at him before looking out the window. There was something about both Max and Kat that made me nervous.

I watched anxiously as Jace jumped into his car and started it, turning on the headlights. He didn't hesitate long before stepping on the gas and pulling out of his tight parking spot.

Max waited a few minutes before pulling out and following behind Jace. He looked over at me and smiled as I played with the buckle of my purse. His smile, even I had to admit was gorgeous. "So, Avery," he started, "how did you meet Jace."

I cleared my throat and turned to face him. His dark hair fell around his face as he stared out the windshield with a smirk. "Um... I met him at the diner."

Max peeled his eyes away from the road to look me over. "That lucky, bastard," he muttered.

I looked down toward his muscular arms as he gripped the steering wheel and pulled into Jace's driveway. His arms were significantly bigger than Jace's and you could tell that he dedicated hours of time into working out. I could understand why he was so cocky. "I guess," I whispered.

Just as Max was pulling the keys out of the ignition, Jace jumped out of his car, walked over to my door, and opened it. "Give me your hand." His face was expressionless, once again.

I placed my hand in Jace's as he helped me out of the car without even giving Max a second thought. "Thanks."

Jace glared over at Max as he walked over and unlocked the door. He held the door open and Kat was the first to walk inside.

Kat walked in with wide eyes and started looking around. "Wow! Nice place. I can really see myself spending time here," she said sweetly.

Jace looked at all of us awkwardly before walking away toward the kitchen. "Thanks... I guess."

I followed Jace into the kitchen with Kat and Max following close behind. He didn't look up from the counter as he set out some bottles of booze. "Have fun, guys. I'll be watching TV." He ran his hands through his messy hair and walked away with heavy steps.

“Come on, man.” Max called after him. “The night is young. We have catching up to do.”

My stomach rumbled at just the thought of booze. I slipped out of the kitchen unnoticed and into the living room, taking a seat on the loveseat.

Jace looked over at me from the couch and then turned away again. He crossed his arms over his chest and then leaned into the couch. "Did you have a nice ride home?" he questioned stiffly.

I shifted in my seat just remembering the awkwardness. "It was okay. He didn't have much to say." I bit my lip and leaned into the arm of the loveseat. "You?" I questioned, eyebrows lifted. I found myself seriously curious.

Jace mindlessly ran his tongue over his lip ring and played with it "She was on my nuts the whole time," he said uncomfortably. "She-"

He stopped as Max and Kat walked in with drinks in hand. Kat smiled playfully and plopped down next to Jace as Max sat next to me on the small loveseat.

Jace sat back and blew out a breath of frustration. "So this is fun."

Kat placed her drink in between her legs and looked over toward Max and I. "You guys look hot together. Are you guys dating?” She winked. “Or maybe just messing around?”

What kind of question is that?

Max grinned and took a long sip of his drink. "I agree. We would be hot together. Right, Jace? I wouldn't mind-"

"No. They're not. They just met tonight." Jace cut in. "Max is an old buddy of mine. We've known each other since we were kids." His lip twitched as he intently watched Max’s every move.

Max smirked while taking another sip of his drink, just brushing off the fact that Jace sounded annoyed with him. "Yeah we have, but I haven't seen you in how many years?" he questioned.     

Jace looked uncomfortable as he looked Max in the eye. "Let me see...about four years now." He ran his hand through his hair and looked away. "It hasn't been long enough.

Kat leaned closer to Jace so that her arm brushed against his. "That's a shame, boys. We all should get together and hang out. I'm sure the four of us could have a fun time." She crossed her legs in a sexual manner as she looked down at Jace's crotch. "I bet you're a big boy, and great in bed."

"Oh, I am." Jace muttered, looking me in the eye. "To both."

You damn, slut. I cleared my throat being sure to get everyone's attention. "I think that I'm going to bed." I started to get up from the loveseat, but froze as Max gripped my inner thigh.

"Stay, beautiful," he smirked. The party is just beginning."

"Get your hands-"

Suddenly, I was knocked out of the way, as Jace wrapped his hand around Max's throat and slammed him against the back of the loveseat. He leaned in close to Max's ear and jerked him away from me. "Don't you ever put your fucking hands on her again."

I jumped out of the way. Jace might've been smaller than Max, but that obviously didn't seem to matter to him.

Max coughed and pushed Jace's hand away. "Are you serious?" he questioned. He pushed Jace away and stood up from the loveseat. "We've been friends since we were ten and you're going to do me like this? I knew that you were still fucked up. You haven't changed." He flexed his muscles before rubbing his neck. "That's fucked up, bro."

Jace looked shocked by Max's words. He shook his head, brushing off Max's words and then pointed at the door. "I think it's best that you both leave." He walked over to the wall and slammed his fist into it, causing a picture to fall off the wall. It shattered into little pieces as it landed on the corner of entertainment center and then down onto the floor.

Kat jumped up from the couch and grabbed for Max's arm. She looked at Jace and then over to me. "Are you guy's dating or something?"

The room stayed silent.

"If not then you sure do act as if you're in love." She pulled Max to the front door as Max kept his eyes on Jace. "So much for having fun."

With that, they were gone, slamming the door behind them.

My heart pounded violently as Jace stared at me with concerned eyes. He studied me looking confused.

Not knowing what to do, I ran over to the broken picture and attempted to pick up the glass. I jumped back as a piece of glass pierced through my thumb, causing blood to ooze out. "Shit!"

Jace was by my side in an instant. He grabbed my thumb and looked it over. "Shit, Avery," he whispered. "Are you okay?" He pulled my finger to his mouth and lightly kissed it. My whole body shivered at the feel of his soft lips and the warmth of his sweet breath. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

I swallowed hard as Jace pulled me by the arm so that my chest pressed against his. "It's... okay." I managed to get out. "I... um-"

Jace placed his hand on my cheek and gently rubbed his thumb over my lip. My eyes closed involuntarily "You're so fucking beautiful," he breathed. "I don't ever want anyone to hurt you again."

We both sat there in silence, the only sound, being the pounding of my heart. It went wild in my chest making it hard to breathe. A feeling that I only got around Jace. "Jace. Don't say-"

I was cut off as he crushed his lips to mine. His hands shook uncontrollably as he gripped my face, running his fingers over our lips. His lips were soft and sweet, making me want to fall into him and let go of everything. The past. The future. Nothing seemed to matter. Just us.

We stayed like that for a while before we were forced to pull away, us both gasping for air. He gently tugged back on my hair so that I could look him in the eye. Those eyes. The prettiest eyes I have ever seen. They were beautiful and caring. So full of everything that I didn't deserve.

Please, stop looking at me that way. I'm no good for you.

I quickly looked down at the ground, pulling my eyes away from Jace's gaze. That was when I noticed the picture. It was of Jace with some woman. They were at some beach running through the water. The girl had short brown hair and big beautiful eyes. She was gorgeous and they looked so happy playing together.

Jace pulled away, nose flared as he noticed me looking at the picture. He turned his head, letting go of my face. "You should go and get a bandage on that cut." He swallowed hard, while gripping the picture frame. "I will clean this up."

I grabbed my cut hand and slowly stood to my feet. "Who is-?"

"Go and clean up, please." he cut in. His body language was tense as he looked away.

I turned my head away in frustration and shook my head. "Yup. I guess I should take care of this." I was somehow mad at him for not opening up to me despite the fact that I refused to do the same for him. It wasn't fair of me to be angry, but I was.

I walked into the bathroom and cleaned my finger off before wrapping it in a bandage. Again, I managed to upset Jace. Not to mention the fact that it was my fault that him and Max were fighting.

Once inside my bedroom, I shut the door behind me and leaned against the wall. My breathing quickened as I ran my fingers over my lips and closed my eyes. Jace's kiss still lingered on my lips, and the sweet taste of him had me on a high. My mind spun as I dropped to my knees and placed my head in my hands. What is wrong with me? Why do I want to scream?

Suddenly, my bedroom door swung open to Jace standing there breathless. His bare chest was hot and wet from the sweat that covered his body and dripped down to the top of his low hanging jeans. I wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch him. To feel the firmness of his bare skin under my fingertips.

"Jace," I breathed.

His eyes pierced through mine as he took a step toward me, causing my back to press up against the wall. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip and grabbed the back of my neck, wrapping his fingers in my hair. A gasp escaped my parted lips as he yanked my neck to the side, running his fingers over my skin, and grabbed my hip. "Do you want me?" he questioned, breathless.

I stared at him in disbelief. I didn't know what to say and I was at a loss for words. "I don't...what?" I questioned, feeling lost.

He stared me in the eye, walked me backwards, and softly pushed me onto the edge of my bed. He slowly laid down on top of me, spreading my legs, as he rubbed his hand up my right arm.

The feel of him sent a shiver up my spine and caused my legs to shake as he placed his body between my open legs. His jaw clenched as he leaned in, placing his lips back to mine.

His body pressed into me even more, causing us both to moan into each other’s mouths. Then with shaky hands, he reached under my skirt and gripped my thong in his hand. "I want you so bad," he whispered.

I felt a surge of panic kick in, and without a second thought, I pushed Jace away. What does he want from me? The thought of having sex with Jace scared me, as I had never been scared before.

Jace looked down at me breathless and dripping with sweat. "Did I do something? I'm sorry." He instantly removed his hands from my body and gave me a concerned look. "I would never do anything to hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable."

I turned my head away and suddenly my eyes filled with tears. I had been holding so much back and keeping so much from Jace that I could barely even breathe. "I just can't do this," I cried. "I'm sorry, Jace."

He backed away from me and walked over to the wall. He placed his right arm against it and took a deep breath. "Don't be sorry," he whispered into his arm. "You don't have to do anything that you don't want to do."

I slowly sat up and took a deep breath, looking down at my exposed panties. I pulled my skirt back down and then threw my hands over my face. My body jerked violently as the tears spilled out.

Suddenly, I felt Jace's hands around my face as he pulled me into his chest and kissed the top of my head. He had a way with his hands and he always seemed to cup my face in them. It made me feel safe. "Please don't cry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to upset you." He rubbed his thumb over my moist cheek and looked me in the eye. "I don't want you to be scared around me."

I shook his hand away from my face and turned the other way. I hated the thought of Jace seeing me so vulnerable. I had been trying for so long to be strong. "I'm not," I swallowed. "It's not that I'm afraid of you or to be around you. It's that I'm afraid of getting hurt." I instantly blushed at revealing my feelings toward him. Ones that I wasn't even so sure of yet or what they even meant.

Jace grabbed me by the shoulders and looked me in the eye. Then he pursed his lips and gripped a handful of his hair in his hand. "I'm not going to hurt you. I wouldn't," he paused and bit his bottom lip. "I would never hurt you. I promise."

Unable to stay away from Jace any longer, I leaned into him and gripped the back of his neck. I pulled him against me and rested my head on his shoulder. The comfort of his strong arms made me feel safe. "Thank you," I whispered.

Jace smiled and then pulled me down so that we were both lying down on the bed. Then he reached out and pulled the blanket around us. "I'm staying in here with you," he whispered. Then he grabbed my cut hand and held it to his mouth. "Does it hurt?" His warm breath tickled my hand.

My eyes wandered down to my hand and I shook my head. "No," I began. "It doesn't hurt. Not now at least."

Jace smiled sweetly before he pulled my head down to his chest and sighed. "Can I ask you something without you getting upset?" he questioned, hesitantly.

I felt my heart drop to my stomach. I couldn't say no to Jace after all that he had done for me. I owed him some answers. I took a deep breath and pushed my face further into his chest. "Sure," I whispered.

The room was silent for a minute and I could tell that Jace was trying to figure out the best way to ask me. Perhaps he was afraid of me having some kind of meltdown that he wouldn't be able to handle. He shifted a little to the left before he bent down and kissed the top of my head. "Do you ever miss your parents? I mean... have you ever thought about going home?"

My body stiffened in his arms and my heartbeat skyrocketed. "No," I blurted. "I mean no." I paused and gazed up at the ceiling. "My parents hurt me in ways that you will probably never understand."

Jace clenched his jaw and his whole body stiffened. "I understand it more than you think," he said stiffly. "You saw my sister. Her life wasn't always like that." He paused and ran his hands through his messy hair. Then he let out a deep breath and chewed on his lip ring. "The way that my father was..." He swallowed. "That led my sister and me both to make some bad decisions, ones that we can never take back. I can never bring..." He stopped and pressed his hand to his forehead. I could almost see tears glisten in his eyes.

I slowly sat up and looked into his hurt eyes. His eyes were so full of pain and grief that I somehow managed to forget about my own problems for once. I felt so hurt. Not for myself, but for him.

I pulled myself closer to Jace and wrapped my arms around his body. I just wanted to feel him next to me. It gave me a kind of rush that I had never felt before.

Jace pulled me closer to him so that his lips were against my neck, and we both laid there in a comfortable silence.