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Jay reached around her neck and slipped his fingers into her curls as he dragged her so close she was alo of her backpack, and it fell to the ground with a thunk as she balanced on her toes, leaning half-in and half-out of hisShe pressed the flat of her hand against his chest to steady herself, feeling his ertips

His breath arm as his lips feathered over hers Her pulse fluttered in the base of her throat And before she knew it, they were kissing, heat uncoiling in the pit of her stoue moved with hers, until she felt fevered and restless

When she pulled back and looked into his dazed eyes, she felt so fierce and feral She felt like a cat toying with a mouse

"I’ll be at work until nine, nine thirty," he explained, his voice shaky "Maybe you can stop by the store and visit rinned at her, all lopsided and boyish, and Violet realized she was the mouse in this scenario Whenever he s to whatever he requested of her

But this time she never had the chance, because all at once, his expression changed, a scowl shadowing his face Violet knew so

"What’s the matter?" she breathed

"What the hell?" Jay aze, craning her neck so she could see behind her

Her breath caught when she saw Rafe standing near the edge of the school parking lot His stance was casual as his eyes met hers, a red motorcycle hel a cursory nod, and Violet couldn’t help wondering if it was ed at his lips

Violet’s grip on Jay’s ar Rafe hadn’t been to her school since the first ti out Violet in the parking lot after she’d discovered aboy on the waterfront

And he fit in just as well today as he had back then, with his torn black jeans and his jet-black hair--basically, not at all

Jay’s gaze raked quickly over Rafe, taking him in before he turned back to Violet His jaw clenched "Well, I guess you better find out I doubt he came all this way to ask about the weather, Vi" She was relieved when he didn’t sound angry; his voice was resigned, passive But the effect was just as painful for Violet She hated that he was uncomfortable, even if he had no reason to be jealous of Rafe