Page 139 of Bend

“You spent how long refusing to admit you wanted me, and now you’re worried I’m not going to claim you publicly?”

“Claim me and I’ll fucking headbutt you.”

I laugh.

“There he is.”

He shoves my shoulder.

I catch his wrist and kiss his palm.

That shuts him up.

For once.

“I’m not hiding you,” I say. “And I’m not going to make you feel stupid for finally letting me have this.”

His expression changes.

Softer.

His hand slides around the back of my neck and he pulls me in.

The next kiss has nothing playful in it.

It’s slow.

Deep.

His body presses into mine while my hands settle firmly against his lower back.

When we separate, neither of us moves far.

“You sleeping in here?” he asks.

I glance at the bed.

“Thought this was my room.”

“It is.”

“And yours is across the hall.”

“Yeah.”

I look back at him.

Thorne’s mouth twitches.

“Come sleep in mine.”

I grin.

“Missed me that much?”

He kisses me again.

“Don’t ruin it.”