Different

"I want to tell you something," I say, voice quieter than I intended. It's not just for my sake—I want him to hear it, to know it.

Jace shifts slightly beside me, his gaze searching. "What is it?"

I hesitate. The words are right there, but they feel too heavy on my tongue. Just say it, Mila. I draw in a shaky breath. "Before today, I've never..." My voice trails off as shyness creeps in again. I glance down.

His eyes soften, already knowing what I'm trying to say. Jace blinks once. "Shit," he breathes, genuine shock flickering across his face. "You've never finished?"

I shake my head, lips pressing together. "My ex... it was always the same. Repetitive. Mechanical. Nothing like what we—what you just did."

He gently cups my chin, lifting my gaze to meet his. "Hey," he says softly, brushing his thumb across my skin. "You don't have to be embarrassed about enjoying it. Plus... there'll be plenty more." He winks, knowing it'll make me squirm.

"I just wanted you to know," I murmur through my burning cheeks. He places a kiss on my forehead, quiet assurance in the gesture.

"I'll run us a bath," he offers, watching me closely.

I nod. "I'd like that."

As Jace disappears into the bathroom, I slip out of bed, the sheets warm and heavy behind me. My throat's dry, my heart still racing. I walk into the kitchen for a glass of water, the air cool against my skin. What a day. My emotions have twisted themselves in every direction—joy, anger, longing, pleasure. I can't find a single part of me that regrets being with him tonight. But still... I wonder if he knows what it meant to me.

Jace's voice echoes in my head—"Whatever one wants to say about Jessica, she is good in bed." I bite my lip. Was I? Or did he just make it feel that way?

Suddenly, I feel arms wrap around me from behind, his warmth sinking into my skin as he presses a soft kiss to my neck.

"What are you doing out here?" Jace murmurs, his voice like velvet.

"Just getting water," I reply, laying my hands over his.

"The bath's ready," he says, entwining our fingers and leading me back. The heat of the water is exactly what I need. 

I strip off his shirt and slide in between his legs, leaning back against his chest. The silence between us is easy, familiar. For a moment, there's only the sound of water lapping around us.

"Crazy day," Jace finally says, resting his chin on my head and lazily tracing my fingers.

"Yeah," I breathe.

 His voice lowers. "So... we're okay?" 

The question catches me off guard—he sounds almost uncertain. He's been thinking about it too. Wondering if he's crossed a line I can't forget.

I look up at him. "We're okay." My voice is soft but sure.

He smiles, relief tugging at his mouth. "I'm glad you're here," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my lips.

"Me too."

A silence settles again. But my thoughts haven't let go of her—Jessica—and everything he once said about her. 

"You told me you have a thing for concerts. What's been your favorite so far?"

His question catches me off guard, and somehow I'm surprised that we've never talked about these simple things. "That's impossible to answer. But I prefer small venues. Clubs. The atmosphere is just... indescribable."

He hums. "You're really into music."

"I am. Don't tell me you're not."

"I've never been to a concert," he says, far too casually.

I whirl around to face him. "You're kidding."

He laughs. "I'm serious. No one ever made me care enough."

I shake my head in mock disapproval. "You're missing out."

He grins. "Enlighten me then—who've you seen?"

I rattle off a few names—Julia Michaels, Dermot Kennedy, Chelsea Cutler—and his eyes glaze over in amusement.

"Never heard of any of them," he teases.

I cross my arms with a pout. "You're hurting me."

He laughs again, leaning in. "What can I say? I'm more of a 'whatever's playing' kind of guy."

I raise an eyebrow. "Not a music person, huh? Might have to start looking for someone new."

"Dream on," he murmurs, lips grazing my neck. "You're not going anywhere." And I believe him. "You ready to get out?" Jace asks, lifting his pruned hands from the water.

I nod, slowly standing. He steps out first, towel wrapped around his waist, and offers me mine. "Thanks," I say as he helps me out of the tub. "What time is it?" I ask once I'm dry and dressed.

"Around eight. Why?"

"I left my uni bag at my dorm. I've got an early start."

"I'll drive you," Jace says without missing a beat.

"You sure?"

"Of course. Get dressed."

Minutes later, we're walking to his car. The night air bites at my skin—it's officially fall. My favorite season.

When we reach his car, he tosses me the keys. "You're letting me drive?"

He shrugs. "Don't make it a thing or I'll change my mind."

I laugh but hand them back. "Actually, would you mind? It's been a long day, and it's dark..."

"No pressure, babe," he says, taking the keys. He presses a kiss to my forehead—and just that word babe makes my stomach flutter. Just a simple word. Am I though? His?

"Jace?" I ask once we're both buckled in.

"Yeah?"

"So... is this official? Us? I'm sorry for asking I just... don't want to overthink anymore."

He glances at me, eyes soft. "Do you really have to ask, after everything I said tonight?" His hand finds mine. "Yeah, Mila. You're mine. And I'm yours."

That's all I need to hear. I undo my seatbelt, lean over, and kiss him—slow and certain—my fingers curling gently against his cheek.

"Okay," I whisper, pulling back and buckling up again.

His hand rests on my thigh as we drive toward campus. For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel calm. I am his. He is mine. And nothingcan touch that.

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