If Only

Chapter Seventeen: Unveiling Vulnerability

Jared, however, seemed determined to tease me further. He leaned in closer, his ear next to my mouth, pretending he couldn't hear my words.

"I can't hear you, sorry, what was it?" he taunted.

Frustration bubbling up inside, I decided to take matters into my own hands, literally. I reached down and playfully pinched his side in retaliation, causing him to release my mouth. But instead of words, his mouth was soon replaced by his lips on mine, and the world disappeared in that kiss.

It was intoxicating, like every time we kissed—passionate and electric, like the first time all over again.

As he hovered above me, his hands began to explore beneath my shirt, grazing my stomach. My heart raced in response, but I offered no resistance. His fingers found the hem of my shirt, and I bent my back as he silently requested, allowing his hands to slip underneath.

My breasts were protected by my bra, but that didn't deter Jared. With practiced ease, he traced his fingers along my sides, causing a shiver of pleasure to ripple through me. I could feel the sting of jealousy at the thought of him doing this with other girls, but my desire for him overshadowed any insecurity.

With a deliberate touch, Jared guided me to arch my back, and his skilled fingers worked on the clasp of my bra. He was experienced, and the clasp gave way easily. In a matter of seconds, he had undone it, as if he'd performed the act countless times before. The sting of jealousy flared again, but I was too consumed by the sensation of his rough skin against my soft curves to let it control me.

His strong hands tenderly caressed my right breast, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. A gasp escaped my lips as he expertly pinched my nipple, almost making me cry out. His hungry mouth covered mine, swallowing my moans and filling the room with a palpable tension.

I savored the way his tongue danced in my mouth, teasing and exploring, while his fingers worked their magic on my breast. My fists clenched the sheets beneath me as I fought to contain my pleasure, reveling in his skillful touch.

When his lips left mine, he traced a wet path of kisses from the corner of my mouth to the tender skin at the base of my neck. His tongue found a particularly sensitive spot, and I gasped as he began to suck gently, igniting a new wave of sensations.

My other hand moved to my mouth, and I bit down on my knuckle to stifle my cries of ecstasy. Jared's hand left my breast and began its descent, trailing down to the hem of my shirt. He tugged at the fabric, revealing a sliver of my stomach. Panic surged through me, and I abruptly pushed against his shoulders, breaking our intense connection.

"What's wrong?" Jared's voice trembled as he struggled to catch his breath. I couldn't bring myself to meet his confused gaze.

He moved away from me and allowed me to sit up. Kneeling beside me, he faced me with concern evident in his eyes. I ran my fingers through my hair, pushing it back from my face, feeling the frustration building within me.

Why couldn't I just shed my clothes and let Jared see the mark on my stomach? Why was I so afraid?

I kept silent, refusing to speak, instead choosing to stare at the opposite wall. Jared remained by my side, his face inches from mine. When he tried to draw closer, I turned my head away, eliciting an exasperated sigh from him.

"Jade, can you be honest with me?" he implored.

I turned back to face him, but I couldn't muster the courage to meet his gaze.

"Why is it that every time I try to take off your shirt, you react this way? Since the beginning, every time I've tried, you've responded like this. What's wrong?" He was frustrated, his confusion palpable.