“And high on pills, so this means nothing.”
Then I claim his lips.
It’s not fire or fireworks. It’s pressure, like gravity, like someone cracked open my chest and forcibly let the light in.
He tastes like temptation and actual air. Like bad decisions wrapped in smoke. Like sin coated in blood.
And I’m ravenous.
I fist his hair as I deepen the kiss, claiming his tongue, moaning into his mouth. Marcus grunts deep in his throat, grabbing my nape, dragging me closer to kiss me harsher, like he can’t get enough.
As if, like me, he can finallybreathe.
For one impossible second, I stop hearing the static.
Just his breath. Just mine.
Justthis.
“Fuck.” He drags his lips from mine, and that’s when I realize there’s the sound of an engine approaching.
Marcus helps me up, and I sway, my eyes still on his lips. I…need more.
Just atiny bit.
“I sent Kane a text when I was talking to you. So that’s probably him or Jude.” He’s speaking, but I’m not hearing him, my head kind of gravitating toward him.
He brushes his lips against mine briefly, then pulls away before I can kiss him properly, and a sort of ache blossoms between my ribs.
“I don’t think we need the complication of them seeing this.” He steadies me, his fingers lingering on my arm for a bit. “I’ll text you.”
“Mmm.”
“Baby?”
“Yeah?” I finally meet his eyes. He’s smiling now, and I think I like that smile.
“Will you be okay?”
“Don’t treat me like I’m a fucking princess.”
“There you are.” He strokes my cheek. “Good to have you back.”
And then his hand drops from my face, and he’s gone too soon.
I stand there, no longer floating—crashing down to earth as he slides on his helmet and hops on his bike.
The one I got him—after I burned his actual bike, but details.
As his engine revs, he glances back at me, but I don’t see him. He’s all bathed in black, his helmet hiding him from me, but he seesme.
Allof me.
I probably look like a deranged lunatic, all smudged with dirt and smelling of alcohol and smoke. But he doesn’t look away.
For several breaths, he remains still and just…stares.
And I’m breathing harshly because, what the fuck? Why am I feeling…strange?
