Tabitha’s POV

His hand stays firm on my waist, the heat of his skin bleeding through the thin layer of fabric. My pulse stumbles but I can’t seem to bring myself away from his touch. The rational part of me knows that I should step back and create a safe distance between the two of us. I already decided to avoid them, after all.

Because I know that if I ever find myself too close to them, this is exactly what’s going to happen…

Jace’s thumb makes a slow drag against my ribs before sliding higher, tracing the edge of my side. Every inch he touches feels awake and trembling....