Page 43 of Make You Beg

My clumsy fingers attempt to unwrap it in a lady-like manner first, failing and simply tearing off the paper from every direction possible. It’s a wine-colored notebook with a smooth hard cover, no decorations or writing on it. I flip to the first page to find it empty.

“This is...an empty notebook?”

“Yeah. You like reading, Madelyn. It’s time you write your own story,” he says, rubbing the back of his head. “Or, you can use it to make notes. Turn it into a diary. I don’t know. I saw it and thought of you.”

I never told Kayden that I adore stories and it’s a dream of mine to one day write something. But, in all honesty, I don’t think I ever could. Yet, the thought of him giving me this. That he put enough thought into thinking of what I may like as a present, and gave me something with a personal meaning?

My pulse rushes through my veins. I’m at a loss for words.

It’s the sweetest thing someone has ever done for me.

“Thank you.” Tears well in my eyes. I don’t know why, but I feel the need to do something about it. To thank him in some way, other than with words. Before he can stop me or complain, I forward and wrap him in a one-armed hug.

Except my arm is grabbed in seconds, stopping me mid-action.

I stare up at Kayden, his height overpowering my own. He’s so tall and big.

“What are you doing?”

“I-I was going to…” I stutter. “Hug you?”

“I don’t want a hug.”

He’s still gripping my arm with his fist, tight around me.

I can’t move.

“But this will do.”

He leans forward, crouches, and presses his lips against mine. One of his hands flies to my hip, the other to my face as he pulls me toward him.

I don’t know what I’m doing, but I follow. Allowing him entrance when his tongue pushes through my teeth.

My eyes close, and heat spreads throughout my body. My heart races so fast I may even faint.

What the hell is going on?

He’s minty and fast, but tender at the same time. His tongue finds mine with ease, and his lips are sucking on my mouth. I lean closer to him, craving that taste, that new sensation that sends butterflies bursting, fireworks exploding in my chest. My whole body vibrates with emotion, and an unfamiliar warmth spreads down to my most sensitive place.

He releases me, my lips parted and tender.

I blink, unable to form words. I press the notebook tight against my chest.

My first kiss. He stole my first kiss. And I freaking responded to him.

Kayden just kissed me.

“W-why did you…”

“Kiss you?” A smirk sneaks up on his face. “Because I wanted to. You wanted to give me something in return for my gift, so I chose your lips. Happy birthday, Little Demon.”

“W-why?” I can’t process what just happened. “Kayden, w-we can’t. You’re my—We’re⁠—”

“Maddy, relax. It’s just a kiss.”

“It’s not just a kiss. It’s my f…” I pause, unable to say it out loud.

My cheeks turn into pure marinara sauce. I can’t say it. He’ll laugh.