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“Nope. Shit’s real. Dude’s really toughening it out. Paul called to ask what’s up his ass. And if even Paul calls him an asshole, he’s totally pulling out his dick moves.”
Rio snuggled a little closer, and although it warmed me, it didn’t give me the same sparks I felt as when his brother was nearby. “Got you something else.”
With effort, he moved into a position where he could grab his bag. I turned around to see Rio pull out a book.
I sat up, intrigued with the matte cover alone. The black cover had a gorgeous outlining of a snake so artfully done I didn’t recognize it as Rio’s skilled work at first until I opened the book to see his signature at the inside.
I peeked at him, and the look he gave me made my heart pound for some reason. The pencil drawings existed of snakes, all portrayed equally beautiful. My hand brushed over the one that reminded me of Hopitles.
“You did this,” I concluded in awe.
“Took me days and nights to finish. I wanted it to be perfect.” His expression was one of a proud man. He should be.
“These are exceptional.”
“Thanks, babe.” He kissed my temple again, and wrapping his arms around my shoulders, we went through every page together. “Only the best for you. He wouldn’t let me sleep, eat. Not even pee.”
I smiled and chewed my cheek to still the emotions stirring inside. “It means a lot you’d risk a bladder infection for me.”
“What can I say?” he bragged. “Guess your love compass is broken, sweetheart.”
“Which way should it point?”
“Not tellin’ ya. Just that, uh”—he winked and clucked his tongue in a way that was supposed to be sexy—“don’t let my looks deceive you.”
I ribbed him and hinted at his brother. “They already did, moron.”
His smile faltered. “Right. Too soon, huh?”
I deeply exhaled. “Too soon.”
He went back to cuddling me. And I let him. Because for a second—one wrong, disturbing second—I could entertain the idea it was Ares.
The time Steph came around, Rio was long gone. His presence had rejuvenated me temporarily until the moment he had to go back home, and it dawned on me he’d be with his twin again.
Steph knew something was up. I didn’t tell her much about my move, except that my Mom missed having me around. She didn’t believe me. I’d squared my shoulders for a deep interrogation, but thankfully, she’d kept silent.
Well, not exactly silent. She didn’t know how to stop talking about everything and anything.
She was a good friend. One that currently cast me an untrustworthy sideways glance as our heels ate the parking lot’s gravel. Salsation organized theme nights to introduce different styles of music and dancing to the people. I guess I missed tonight’s memo.
“R&B?”
“R&B,” I groaned.
“In a salsa club,” she dubiously concluded.
“They lost their minds,” I stammered. “I’m not sure this is the right joint.”
Steph linked her arm into mine. “Is there booze?”
“Everywhere,” I stated.
“Hot guys?”
“There’s José. He’s probably going to bother you all night but he’s pretty gay.” I smiled, knowing José would trample all over my friend even when a vagina grossed him out.
She sighed playfully and patted my behind. “Oh well, at least I got your tight ass into an equally tight skirt.”
