Her body stiffens. I still, just as surprised. I’ve never—not once—called anyone by that pet name. Based on the uncertainty that flashes across her face, Cassia doesn’t think that’s the case.

I roll above her, searching for any hint of reservation. There’s none. I lean over, fumbling for the condom Jordan left on the bedside table.

He brought a box and passed them out when a bunch of the guys were hanging out in here last night. I left the one I rejected yesterday by the hotel phone.

I don’t ask her again, but I give Cassia a minute to watch me. A chance to change her mind, if she wants to.

She doesn’t look uncertain, but she does scoff as I toss the wrapper in the trashcan. “Prepared, huh?”

“Jordan brought them. I wasn’t planning on doing anything this weekend.”

Another scoff, this time louder. I crawl back over her body, easily shifting her into the position I want her in. The irritation disappears as I hover over her, apprehension appearing instead.

“I wasn’t.”

I never justify my actions to anyone. Don’t ever explain myself. Not to my friends, not to girls. But it feels immensely important for Cassia to know this wasn’t my plan—for us to end up in a situation like this. Or even worse, for her to assume I figured I’d get my dick wet regardless, and she’s just a stand-in for someone else.

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t care. I know you’re not a virgin, Holden.”

Cassia is saying exactly what would normally prompt a sigh of relief. Coming from her, all it does is piss me the hell off.

I grab both of her hands and hold them above her head with one hand, using my other palm to spread her legs. She’s so wet I can see her arousal. Smell it. It eases some of my annoyance, but not all of it.

The tip of my dick brushes her clit and her hips jerk, instinctively seeking more contact. I slide my hand up her thigh. Slow. Teasing.

She writhes beneath me, a red flush working its way across her body. Her breathing quickens into desperate puffs.

I hide it, but I’m just as affected. There’s nothing I want to do more than push inside her.

“You don’t care, Cassia? This could be any dick you’re so desperate to get inside you? If I’d had a different girl right where you are last night, that wouldn’t bother you?”

Anger overtakes her expression. I’m playing with fire, just begging to be burned. I’m also walking a line so thin I can’t even see it.