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The next month goes by fast, and each day has become more of a routine. We finish farm chores, and together we make dinner. The few hours between the two, we sit outside, hanging out together. It’s natural, like this is where I’m supposed to be.
Currently, the boys are sparring while I sit and watch. Romeo has his shirt off. A light coating of sweat has gathered on his shoulders.
“I want to learn,” I call out, causing Romeo to become distracted, and Max tosses him to the ground.
“Why?” Romeo asks.
I could come up with some lie, but I can tell Romeo notices when I don’t give the whole truth. His whole body tenses each time.
“Because this place is super shady. I’m realizing it may be a life skill.”
“I’m going to get some water.” Max helps Romeo up before he heads inside. Whenever I ask questions, Max makes himself disappear.
Romeo studies me before responding, “Well, come on.” He tilts his head for me to join him on the ground.
I expect him to show me how to hold up my hands in fists, but instead, he grabs me, twisting my hand back. His front is flush to my back, and I’m restrained, unable to move.
“What’s so shady?” His breath tickles my neck.
“It’s a pig farm, and cars show up randomly at night.”
“Hook your leg here and your hand like this.” He begins to show me how to get out of his hold. I do as he says, but he’s able to put me on my back, still at his mercy. “So, I’m still the monster you see me as in your head?” He holds me tighter. “Move your feet to hook on mine, then wrap your arm around my neck to pull.” Successfully, I pull him down. “Don’t do this hard, but jam your palm into my eye and pretend to knee me.” I do as he says, and my body is now flush against his as I try to put as little pressure on his stomach as possible.
“I’ve never said you’re a monster. Cocky and conceited, with a tinge of sweetness.”
“Careful calling me sweet—it might go to my head.”
“It’s already big. The compliment will squeeze in without it being noticed.”
“Oh, it’s noticed.” A crooked smile splays across his lips, and the air surrounding us thickens.
“I’m starting to realize I’m used to shady stuff. I’m not scared, and the sight of blood doesn’t bother me. There’s no reason for me to know how to stitch up a wound, but I do. I fit into the world you’re trying to shield me from. And I do it better than you.”
He moves, pinning my thighs down with his body.
“I’m trying to protect you. I don’t want the ugly parts of my life to touch you.”
“What if I don’t want to be shielded?”
“Trust me, you prefer pretending it doesn’t exist.”
“That may have been the old me.”
Neither of us has made any effort to move from our position. His hand slides from the back of my thighs, over my ass, to the small of my back. Goose bumps explode on my exposed skin from his touch.
“I’m stronger than anyone gives me credit for,” I whisper.
“I know. You just never wanted the credit before.”
I can feel him harden under me. Our faces are a mere breath away. My chest is rising and falling faster than I can control. His thumb strokes over my shirt before it slips under to touch my skin. The gentle touch elicits a zap of electricity I have a hard time ignoring. A soft shudder runs through my body that Romeo doesn’t miss. His smile grows larger. I move to get up, but he puts pressure on me to stay.
“I know you feel it too.” He aligns his mouth with my ear. I forget why I’m fighting this attraction we have. “I’m going to make you fall in love with me, again. It’s a promise.”
His hand slides off my body, and I pull away. I want him to make good on his promise. I want him to chase me. The realization slams into me. Romeo stands, grabbing my wrist, pulling me back into him. He leans in to kiss my cheek. His lips linger longer than they should, but I don’t protest. Instead, I stand a little lost in my own head.
“Why did I fall in love with you the first time?” I hate asking. I can hear my vulnerability in the question.
“I always protect what’s mine. With me, you won’t be silenced but will have a place at my side and never behind me.” His answer seems too deep for him. “Oh, and my kissing game will make you want to fuck me,” he adds almost as an afterthought.
