dirty work [addy]

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

4 September 2027

It had been a long day of scoping out lasses, sinking tins and napping on the beach. Jack had spent hours watching the people around him, making up stories about them in his mind and wondering what percentage was true. It was a pastime he'd picked up as a lad, keeping him engaged and the wheels of his mind turning. The boys had returned back to their flat to change, shower, and get ready for a night out. They'd scarfed down a gyro each, which quite possibly was the best thing Jack had ever eaten in his life. And three euros for each? Maybe he ought to move down here. Then again, Greece was probably going to go back into a recession soon.

Mal had plied Jack with numerous shots and a few games of beer pong at the flat before they stumbled out onto the high street and drifted into a club that seemed to pull them on a string. The music was loud, the girls and guys were hot, and Jack was well on his way to being bladdered. He and Mal ordered more shots at the bar, their heads bopping gracefully along with the music, keeping with the beat as only seasoned musicians could. Mal passed him a rum and coke, which Jack quickly drained. "Need the cludgie," Jack murmured to Mal, though he wasn't certain that his brother had heard him.

After relieving himself, Jack couldn't find Mal. He wasn't immediately concerned - it was more than likely that Mal had taken a fancy to a lass and wandered off somewhere more private to get to know her better. Jack chuckled to himself before swaggering over to the bar. A space opened up next to a young woman with a sheet of blonde hair. Jack glanced over at her and offered her a friendly half smile. She was about to pay for her drink when Jack was struck by a brainwave. "I've got this. And add another," said Jack, passing the bartender a note to cover both drinks, courtesy of the meagre savings Jack had tucked away in a sock. "Couldn't pass up a chance at a drink with a lass as beautiful as you," said Jack, his eyes surveying her face. She looked vaguely familiar, but Jack couldn't place her.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

i'll tell you all my secrets

that i'm keeping

September 4, 2027
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Addy had to admit that this holiday had been an excellent idea. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d sat down and not done any kind of work. There was still that part of her that didn’t like taking time off work, but the other part told her that she needed the mental break. After spending most of the day at the beach, the drinks they’d been consuming most of the day gave them the energy to keep going. Addy traded in her bikini and crochet mini dress for a little black dress instead. Her hair was loose and in its natural wavy texture.

But really, she felt as light and free as she had in months. Several more drinks and shots were bought by Brígh, and Addy supposed tomorrow’s hangover would not be the most pleasant, but it seemed worth it for how good she felt at that moment. She’d lost track of Brígh, who had gone off after Addy approached the bar, and she’d lost track of Ivanka just minutes before that. They had their mobile phones so they’d find one another again. But Addy resisted the temptation to take hers out, knowing she’d end up in her text messages. Brígh had mentioned something about drinks, but Addy supposed she was just back at the bar out of habit at this point.

It was warm, not only because of the weather, but the girls were simply having fun. A bit of dancing, socializing, and a lot of laughing. The good times one needed now and then. The bartender asked her what she wanted and asked for something fruity. A man approached the bar to her side, and she glanced just to be mildly aware of her surroundings, but she didn’t really look at him—at least not yet. Her drink arrived, and she moved to pull out some money before the man interjected. Surprised, she didn’t argue, putting her money back and then turning toward him just as he spoke again. ”Oh—thank you.”

If she hadn’t been blushing from the alcohol already, she certainly was now. Involuntarily she smiled at the compliment, looking away shyly for a moment before looking back. She was far past the point of subtly giving him a lookover. Blue eyes, tall, good looking but familiar. Yes, this holiday had been a good idea. ”I’m Addy.” She introduced herself, scooting in closer so he could hear her.

template by vee

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack had been much more focused on the blonde than the drink she had ordered. So when two fruity cocktails were placed before them, Jack had to stifle a laugh. He didn't give a shit how he would look with the tall, curved glass clutched in his clammy hand, the pineapple and umbrella shouting puff to any prick within a kilometre. He simply didn't have a taste for sweet drinks. He preferred his sweetness elsewhere. Jack passed over the appropriate amount of money, and surveyed the girl before him.

She was very pretty. A tumble of blonde hair around her shoulders, faintly sun kissed skin and bright eyes that betrayed her inebriation. Mal would have liked her. But then again, Mal wasn't very hard to please when it came to the opposite gender. As long as she had legs and an attitude (good or bad), that would suit Mal just fine. "Jack," he replied, his gaze settling on her face. Again, she had the ring of familiarity around her, but Jack couldn't place her. Her name echoed around his skull, trying to stick to a memory, but without any success. He took a sip of his drink and frowned. "You're going to get diabetes drinking too much of these," he commented idly, but he grinned at her in jest.

Addy had drifted closer to him and Jack tilted his head down so that their faces were rather close. He did nothing to close the distance, though he suspected Mal would have already made his move. In that moment, he spotted a shock of red hair and his abnormally tall brother, dancing together. As he'd suspected Mal had already latched onto a lass and was surely sinking his claws into her. "Seems like everyone from Britain has made their way here for the weekend. Why not Ibiza?" asked Jack, his voice clear as he bent down to speak in Addy's ear. Despite his thick Scottish accent, he didn't want her to misconstrue any of his words.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I'LL TELL YOU ALL MY SECRETS

THAT I'M KEEPING

September 4, 2027
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Addy caught the amusement of her new friend when his drink arrived. She sipped her own without a care. It was something with pineapple juice and apparently rum. Though she could hardly taste it. The growing floaty feeling in her head only confirmed that it was, in fact, there. Jack was his name. Again, Addy couldn’t think of where she might have seen his face before but wouldn’t she have remembered eyes like that? Or how intensely they focused on her? She would figure it out later. At the moment, she was simply enjoying feeling seen. Since they’d arrived, Addy hadn’t been just that hard-working intern or the top of her class. The things she’d always sought acknowledgment for. It was quite the adjustment for her to be seen with none of that in mind. Her drunk self liked it very much. Sober? Well, it brought conflicting feelings.

”My best friend always tells me there’s never any fun without some risk.” Her response was quick. Her brain would never cease its ability to have a comment ready regardless of how much she’d had to drink. It was loud inside the club, but Addy had grown accustomed to the noise by that point. But you had to get somewhat close to hear one another speak. Jack leaned slightly to say something, but she almost didn’t catch it. Addy could feel his breath near her ear and neck. Goosebumps raised on her skin as they tended to anywhere near that one spot higher on her neck. Addy glanced around, spotting Brígh immediately with an incredibly tall man. There was something familiar about him as well. Either she knew all these faces from somewhere, or her inebriated brain was latching on any incredibly tall boy with an athletic build. Again, she would admit she had a type.

“I think you’re right…” she trailed off, her eyes lingering on that red hair—wondering if Ivanka had found her way back yet. “You here with anyone?” Most people didn’t travel alone, but it was not unheard of. “It’s my first time out this way.” She spoke her confession, finding she was forcing herself to stand a little taller due to Jack’s height. But she kept at her drink, not realizing she was about halfway through it. Tomorrow morning she would probably not feel all that great. But it felt well worth the risk—she was having fun and even more than being asked out at work by a good-looking Auror she just felt…beautiful for once. Not that she ever thought so little of herself in that regard, but her stubbornness, ambition, and overall nature could be off-putting for some.

template by vee

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips. "You've got clever mates. But something tells me you're usually the logical one of the bunch," said Jack, plucking the pineapple from his drink and taking a bite. The sweetness slid over his tongue before he dropped the remaining bar fruit in his drink, and sipped deeply. "I can see you calculating the risk versus the reward here. So let me just tell you... I'm here to spice up your life. Nothing more, nothing less. Do we have a deal?" asked Jack, his eyes sparkling as he surveyed the young woman before him.

Addy looked at him, and Jack rather felt as if he was being x rayed. The club suddenly felt too hot, the room too small. Mal had sauntered onto the dance floor with his lass of the night, but Jack's attention kept being pulled back to Addy. There was something irresistible about her, whether it was the vague familiarity or the know-it-all curl to her full lips. Either way, Addy had asked him a question and Jack had been fully distracted by the way her lips formed the shape of words. It was far too long before he replied. "Oh, er yeah. I'm here with my brother," said Jack vaguely, choosing rather wisely not to disclose any further information.

A warm smile spread across Jack's lips. "Well then, Addy. Let me be the first to welcome you to Malia. And let your stay be as beautiful as you," said Jack, holding out a hand to her and twirling her in place. He hooked a finger under her chin, his bright eyes matching hers as they appraised one another in challenge. Mal would have swept her away into a private space. But Jack was not Mal. "So, how goes the battle with diabetes?" asked Jack, his finger dropping from her chin but his proximity far too close to be innocent.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I'LL TELL YOU ALL MY SECRETS

THAT I'M KEEPING

September 4, 2027
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Addy drank more from her glass; one could hardly note any traces of alcohol. It was dangerous but thrilling. Almost as thrilling as how Addy felt at that moment. There was something about how Jack looked at her, how his eyes lingered for just a second too long. A little smirk crossed her face as Jack evaluated her correctly. That was her role, wasn’t it? Logic and propriety. All the time. Before she could answer, he picked off the pineapple slice from his glass. Addy’s eyes perhaps lingered a little too long as he took a bite. With her mouth now feeling dry, she drank from her glass.

Even through her intoxication, she mentally sorted her thoughts. But there was a heavy bias toward all the pros in this situation. Tilting her head slightly, she let her eyes travel again. ”You must use that line all the time.” Addy might have needed a strong push from Brígh for this holiday and all that it included, but Jack was clearly a charming guy. The thing was, it was working. The enticement of such an offer—spoke to the very depths of what Addy wanted in her life. Just some simple and uncomplicated fun. However, behind Jack, Addy could still spot Brígh’s bright red hair as she twirled around the dance floor with some tall man that Addy couldn’t recognize from here.

While her eyes lingered in the distance, Jack answered her question. But she was brought back in a quick twirl in place. She couldn’t help but laugh a little and smile. That large happy smile that rarely seemed to see the light of day anymore. The room felt warmer, and her head felt lighter as the most recent drink only fueled the alcohol-induced euphoria of the night. And for a moment, as Jack settled his finger under her chin, she thought he would kiss her. ”Erm—very good, I’d say.” Addy finished the last few ounces, scooting back slowly to the bar where she could place the glass back on the counter. ”I don’t like to lose, never have.” She had always been a fierce competitor. The same energy she used to stand her ground she’d use to propel herself forward.

”So what do you get out of this deal, Jack?” Addy repeated his words from just a few moments ago. She felt brave, with confidence she’d been lacking for weeks and months. The Auror was a nice guy, handsome and all that, but it wasn’t the same spark as this. But then again, she’d only really felt that undeniable spark with one person, and she knew she still did. Addy didn’t know what Jack would do next, but she remained near the bar leaning against it. Her eyes focused on the charismatic fellow in front of her. But she also wondered what he would say and do next. The logical part of her brain struggled for her attention, but the most recent drink took care of that quickly.

template by vee

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack shrugged noncomittally, evading Addy's line of questioning. He eventually responded, sharing that he was visiting with his brother, but didn't expound anything else. Knowing Mal, he'd sniff out Addy and steal him away from right under Jack. It was always a competition between the two of them, but for now, Jack felt satisfied that he was winning. He spotted his brother on the dance floor with a red haired girl, one that looked like she was more trouble than she was worth. Grimacing, he reevaluated his former stance. Maybe he'd have to up the ante.

Hooking a finger under Addy's chin, Jack matched her gaze. There was a moment when their eyes locked, where the club disappeared and it was like they were the only two in the room. But Addy stepped back, slurping down the rest of her drink. "Does anyone?" asked Jack in challenge. "Aren't we conditioned to recognise losing as failing, rather than an unexpected setback?" asked Jack, taking a small step back from her as well. He reached out to flick a lock of blonde hair behind Addy's shoulder, careful to brush his fingertips ever so lightly over her exposed shoulder.

Suddenly, Jack turned back to the bar and ordered two tequila shots. He passed the Euros over and handed one to Addy. "Plenty," he replied, a smirk lifting the corner of his lips. Addy seemed nice, and like she would be willing to have a good time. She was already probably as drunk as he was anyways. There was nothing wrong with a night of passion, only to never talk again. They were getting the boring stuff out of the way now, but Jack itched to have his hands on her body, to feel her writhe beneath him. "Bottoms up, Addy," said Jack, necking the tequila and placing the empty glass on the counter once he was finished. He took Addy's hand and jerked his head towards the dance floor. "Have you got moves?"

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I'LL TELL YOU ALL MY SECRETS

THAT I'M KEEPING

September 4, 2027
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

It was difficult to focus. A feeling Addy was not accustomed to. And the mixture of lights, sounds, plus all the tequila in her system created a fog in her head. The fog would have been easier to wade through if not for the distraction of this boy in front of her. Even inebriated, she recognized the pull she felt toward him. The ‘flutters’ Brígh spoke of. It certainly wasn’t like this with Charlie. He certainly didn’t make her heart race like this when he looked at her. The last time Addy had felt such a pull was years ago when she and a certain Raphael McLaggen had first gotten together. And then Addy had spent the better part of a year ignoring it until she couldn’t. But by that point, she realized she hadn’t wanted to.

Addy was about to respond but was distracted by his fingers barely touching her skin. But her senses felt heightened. Even through the fog, her logical side told her this was dangerous. It wasn’t a good idea. It wasn’t proper. But she was having fun, and she felt good. When did she ever allow herself to feel good when it wasn’t tied to some kind of achievement? Something that gave her a trophy to display or a plaque to hang on the wall. Her eyes glanced to her shoulder briefly before looking back at him. ”But losing is failing, isn’t it?” At least in Addy’s worldview. If you weren’t successful, you were not winning. It was all synonymous.

Jack answered her question and her eyes focused on the way his lip turned into that slow smirk. But the moment passed quickly as he turned to the bar. She accepted the shot, throwing it back as if it were all natural. But it was that point in the night where she hardly even felt that burn anymore, and the alcohol seemed to go straight to her head. Wordlessly she walked a few steps in front of him, turning to look at her hand in his and then back to him. ”Well, are you coming or not?” She raised an eyebrow suggestively. Merlin, she was feeling brave but also confident and free. Addy didn’t want to think anymore. The club was relatively small, so the dance floor wasn’t far. And once they got there, Addy positioned herself close to him, arms snaking up around his neck. Considering his height, she was happy Brígh had suggested heels for her outfit.

template by vee

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

"Now you're just looking for reasons to be negative," said Jack sagely. Jack surveyed Addy, tucking away bits of information as he did so. She seemed to be looking for something, and if he could be that, Jack had no reservations. She had a tempting curve to her lips, and after all, they were on holiday. So what if they woke up in the morning and never spoke again? Malia wasn't the place to find love. That's what Love Island was made for, and Jack knew they filmed in Mallorca. He replied to Addy's query and he didn't miss the way her eyes darted down to his mouth. His tongue darted out to wet his lip, before he grinned at her and challenged her to dance.

Addy sauntered off and Jack watched as she went, her hips moving sensually. He'd ordered them tequila, and the liquid courage did wonders. She turned around, her blonde hair like a halo around her face, and dared her to join him. Wordlessly, Jack approached her, sliding an arm around her waist and placing the other one on her hip. She pressed herself against him and Jack swore to Merlin that she knew exactly what she was doing to him. Evidently, he was equally certain that she could feel it.

The pair moved in a sensual dance, losing themselves to the rhythm. Jack was infinitely more talented than his brother at dancing. Addy was in heels, but still nearly a head shorter than him. He lifted a hand to her neck, brushing her hair off her shoulder before bending down to speak in her ear. "I'd really like to kiss you, you know," he said, his voice barely audible over the thrumming music, his fingers trailing down the bare skin of her shoulder.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I'LL TELL YOU ALL MY SECRETS

THAT I'M KEEPING

September 4, 2027
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Speaking of losing. Somewhere in the back of Addy’s mind, she recalled that conversation with Brígh. While she showed quite a bit of restraint until they entered the dance floor, Addy had felt that freedom. The lightness of momentarily forgetting one’s responsibilities. The alcohol invaded her brain, throwing logic aside for the current duration. Despite what people said and her friends insisted, she’d never completely considered herself a stick in the mud. There was absolutely nothing wrong with hard work, but now it seems she had tasted what Brígh and others had always spoken about.

Slowly she began to let go. That last tequila shot crept in just as Addy dared to close the distance between them. And in such proximity, her heart beat a little faster. There was that…flutter. Addy would never hear the end of it from Brígh, wherever she was at this point. But at least for now, with this handsome stranger, Addy didn’t feel so alone. Anyone who had ever felt such heartbreak knew what she spoke of. Where the bed felt too big. That constant void. It all rushed to her for a split second but putting herself near him helped push it away. And Jack finally leaned down again. He was so tall. Addy’s mouth felt a little dry, his breath on her ear sending a light chill up her spine. ”I’d like you to.” She turned her head slightly, his ear not far. Was kissing a stranger in the middle of a dance floor surrounded by strangers Addy’s style? Absolutely not. But propriety had been thrown out to sea about three tequila shots back.

template by vee

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack and Mal, though similar as the boys were, always had different ways of succeeding. Jack was more quiet, contemplative, thoughtful in his moves and countermoves. And Mal was brazen and bold, certain of himself in a way that Jack never could be. So when Jack leaned down to whisper his desire into Addy's ear, he knew that his restraint would pay off. Her breath had hitched and his heart hammered in a similar manner. There was a buzzing in his veins, likely from the alcohol and the proximity of such a pretty girl. She turned her head ever so slightly, their faces inches apart and spoke the words that broke his self discipline.

Jack captured Addy's lips in one movement, his fingers twisting in her long, blonde hair. Her mouth was pillow soft, her taste something sweeter than he could name. Jack held back a groan - kissing her was delicious, but he wasn't some teenaged boy. It didn't help that he could feel the arousal stirring inside him. At last, Jack pulled away, meeting her gaze with a sheepish smile. He kissed her once more, briefly, before taking her hand and spinning her in place. He pulled her to him, her back pressed to his front as he wound a lazy arm around her. "Holidays are full of surprises, aren't they?" asked Jack, dropping his lips to the spot just below her ear, trailing a line of kisses to the junction of her shoulder. Fuck. He felt like he was going to explode. He knew he ought to take some distance, but one glance towards Mal proved that he was on his own tonight.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I'LL TELL YOU ALL MY SECRETS

THAT I'M KEEPING

September 4, 2027
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Add would never be as loud and outgoing as Brígh. As much as the youngest, Slater was not a complete introvert—able to socialize easily in a crowd or wherever she was. The energy her best friend exuded was unmatched. It also meant she was far less impulsive, which was simply her nature. Always think a few steps ahead or more, and prepare for everything. It was an excellent way to move forward if only deviations didn’t irk her. Was that why her relationship failed? Addy had been sitting on that question since the Spring like some brooding existential crisis. Addy couldn't figure it out, and she was tired of feeling like a failure.

At least now, she didn’t. Simply by existing, Jack had swooped in and made her feel good again. This whole holiday Brígh had dragged her to had been all play and no work. A complete change of pace for Addy that she had been unaware she needed. Accepting the request of the man before her, Addy tightened her arms around his neck. Aggressive and yet gentle. Maybe it was the tequila or just how he made her feel, but every sense felt heightened, making the whole affair mildly euphoric. But he pulled back, and Addy was almost tempted not to let him, but suddenly she was facing the other direction but leaning into him.

”They really…” Addy was interrupted in her answer as she felt him kiss high on her neck. That chill went through her again. Always been such a sensitive spot for her. ”…are.” Involuntarily, she leaned more into him. If Brígh had been standing in front of her, Addy would have readily admitted she’d lost the bet. But also, all of this was not what Addy had imagined. Being swept away had felt like some fairytale—a pipe dream. And yet here she was, ready to let Jack have whatever he wanted. And the thing was, she wanted more too. Sober, she was the calm, collected, and patient one. But apparently, tequila was her downfall. She turned in place, still close to him, reaching up to kiss him again. Pausing for a moment, Addy felt like she couldn’t catch her breath. ”Let's find somewhere quieter?”

template by vee

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

The hitch in Addy's voice as Jack pressed his lips to the spot under her ear was nearly his undoing. He bit back a groan, but tightened his grip around her middle as the music enveloped them. She leaned closer to him, and Jack could practically hear the thumping of her heart. Or maybe that was his head, or maybe even the music. Either way, he dropped his lips again to the crux of her neck and shoulder, his teeth grazing lightly on her sensitive flesh. His hands slid down to her hips, and as much as Jack wanted to dip his fingers below the hem of her dress, he knew not to act on his desires. So when Addy suggested they find a quieter place, Jack silently rejoiced.

Stealing a searing kiss, Jack took Addy's hand and led her from the dance floor. They moved swiftly and silently out of the club, Jack's grip on her hand tightening as they passed through the throng of people. The pair emerged onto the beach, where the moon reflected off the mirror-like waters of the Mediterranean. There was a boardwalk along the beach that Jack knew would lead back to the flat he was sharing with his brother. Only a five minute walk, and a concrete wall separated him from his victory. Jack paused at the wall, turning to Addy. He looked at her for a moment, before crushing his lips to hers once again, unable to get enough of the taste of her. His arms wound around her, lifting her so that their bodies were flush together. He pressed her against the concrete wall, craving friction, craving closeness, needing it now more than ever.

A distant splash and shout of laughter roused Jack from his ministrations. He stepped away from Addy, his breathing quick and heavy, his cheeks flushed. Jack glanced out at the water and spotted a massive form - the shape of his brother, no doubt. Jack bit the inside of his cheek. This meant they had the flat to themselves. "Come on," said Jack, returning his attention to Addy as he led the way back to the flat.

The rest of the journey continued without interruption, though Jack had quickened his pace to get Addy alone. His head spun from a combination of drink and lust. He could hardly wait to peel that dress off her and kiss every inch of that golden skin, to find out what sorts of noises he made when he kissed her just right... Jack made quick work of the lock on the door, and stepped back to let Addy enter. He locked the door behind him, and glanced around. Jack cringed. He and Mal had left it rather a mess. "Drink?" asked Jack, his gaze drifting towards the blonde vision before him.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I'LL TELL YOU ALL MY SECRETS

THAT I'M KEEPING

September 4, 2027
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Addy felt the air hit her face. She hadn’t realized how warm it had been inside the club. The mass of people, alcohol and present company had significantly raised her body temperature. Her lips still tingled from the last kiss as Jack pulled her outside, and they stopped for a moment. Suddenly Jack kissed her again, and her back was against the concrete wall. But she didn’t care, only focusing on her growing impatience. She gasped into the kiss as he lifted her and pushed himself against her. But then an interruption, perhaps merely a reminder that they were still outside and in public.

Still, Addy might have hexed whoever interrupted them in this state of mind. Sober, she would have been grateful for the interruption, but then again, if Addy were sober, she wouldn’t have been kissing a stranger. Jack looked toward the beach, Addy couldn’t see over the wall as he could, but she peered around the corner. Two figures in the water, but there wasn’t enough moonlight to see. Thankfully, Jack got them back on track. Both eager, both willing—they arrived at his flat quickly though once inside, he asked her if she wanted a drink. A courtesy, he had some manners though a drink was far from her mind.

”A quick one.” Perhaps another shot. Liquid courage because despite her level of intoxication, Addy had never done anything like this before. Nervous anticipation was building up inside her. However uncertain or nervous Addy felt—it was quickly forgotten when he looked at her. She felt beautiful, and she felt wanted, and Merlin knew she was tired of feeling alone.

template by vee

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

cw

Jack was drowning for Addy. He only was able to surface when a splash and a shot roused him. He glanced over the wall and to his delight, he spotted the massive form of his brother in the waves. Triumph hummed in his bones as he realised that the flat would be empty, and Jack led Addy there, his pace quickening with each step. He quickly unlocked the door and allowed Addy to step in. As it had been drilled into him despite his penchant for trouble, he offered her a drink. Jack was all too familiar with his own toxic masculinity, and yet he was so willing to swipe it under the carpet.

Addy agreed to a drink and Jack slipped into the kitchen and poured them both rum and cokes, with a very equal ratio of each drink. He handed one to Addy and guzzled half of his drink on his own. There was a moment of tension between them where Jack's blue eyes roamed over her face, her body, allowing himself to face the reality that he would soon have his mouth on every inch of her skin. He took another deep drink, sating himself however briefly before setting his glass back on the counter. Jack stepped towards Addy and his arm slunk around her waist. He cupped her chin with his other hand and kissed her softly on the mouth.

Jack's lips made a careful exploration of Addy's before dropping back to that spot just in the hollow below her ear. His hand drifted down the column of her neck and along her shoulder, dragging the strap of her dress along with it until it hung loosely around her bicep. His mouth moved to the other side of her neck, his hand following the same lines as the other strap was pushed off her shoulder. Peppering kisses across her collar bone, Jack's other hand meandered down the side of her leg, brushing under the fabric of her dress and pushing it upwards so that he could feel the edge of her knickers. Jack committed her skin to his memory before returning to his mouth, his kisses more fervent and impatient as he hitched her leg around his hip, pressing himself into her.

addilyn elara slater