Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
As I tuck my spray and stun gun in my jacket pockets, I say, “You know, I love the idea of having some weapons on me, but I keep having this image of me trying out the pepper spray. Doesn’t work, so I go for the stun gun, giving this monster enough time to rip my fucking throat out.”
Brad’s expression sobers.
“Relax,” I say. “We both know that’s not what I have to worry about tonight.”
As he winces, I realize that didn’t help any. “Sorry. I’m just in my head.”
“Okay, no,” he says, approaching me. “You’re not getting all apologetic on me. Not tonight.”
But there’s this creeping fear that this could be the last night I have to be apologetic about anything.
He hooks his arm around me and draws me close. He doesn’t go right for a kiss, like he has in the past. He gets close, studies my expression.
With everything we’ve had to plan, we haven’t really had time to mess around. And the Lust hasn’t been as intense since we shared my vision, so we haven’t needed to fuck just to keep on. But as his lips meet mine, a familiar relief sweeps through me. A relief I need so fucking desperately right now.
Brad must feel the same because before I know it, he has my wrists pinned against the wall, tongue sweeping against mine.
“It’s gonna be okay,” Brad whispers. “I’ll protect you. I’m not letting anything happen to you.”
He can’t know that, but his words ease up all that tension I’ve been carrying around in my chest, relaxing that twisting knot in my gut.
“Brad, I care about you so much.” Like with Dan earlier, I feel like if I don’t fucking say this now, I might not have the chance again. “I didn’t know I could feel about someone the way I do about you. I—”
“No,” Brad says before his lips crush against mine. I’m greedy for him as my body comes alive with pulsing desire, anticipating him sating my needs once again. When he finally pulls his mouth away, he whispers, “Don’t. No confessions. Nothing until we’re through this.”
“But I might not get another chance.”
“It’s gonna be fine, Luke. We’re gonna get through this, and it will be just a fucked-up thing we had to survive.”
“Brad, please, I need to say it.”
He grits his teeth, then nods.
“I’m falling for you. Like…ridiculously falling. There’s so much I’m scared about tonight, but one of the worst thoughts is that I might miss out on getting to know you so much better. Or getting to do homework together. Or have more study time in the library…or even not studying on the fourth floor together.”
He snickers.
I run my knuckles along his cheek. “I want to order more Asian fusion, and calzones, and I want to catch up on fucking Real Housewives of Salt Lake City with you so that you can chat with your mom about it. I want to fight with you about stupid, dumb crap that doesn’t matter. The kind of stupid stuff that boyfriends do together.”
“Boyfriends,” he says, tearing up. The word hits my ear just right. “I like the sound of that.” His gaze drops to my lips, and he takes my mouth once again.
Before we’d used the word about each other, it just seemed like any other word. But it’s not anymore. There’s something different about this kiss, knowing I’m not just kissing this guy I’m falling for. That he’s my boyfriend. And I’m his boyfriend.
I grip the back of his head, firming our kiss. Wanting to live in this moment for as long as I can.
In case it’s one of my last.
24
BRAD
Not long after Luke and I confirm our relationship status, Seth and Cody arrive, and we go over our plan.
Seth doesn’t give Luke any attitude. Seems like he’s more concerned about making sure we’re on top of everything than giving Luke hell, which is good for him because I don’t know what I’ll do if he gives my boyfriend trouble tonight.
Boyfriend.
There was something so satisfying about hearing that word escape his mouth. Now we just have to survive the night so that we can enjoy all the things that come with the label.
We take stock of our weapons before heading out, cutting through the woods to get to the Alpha Alpha Mu house. Some guys are hanging out in the back, but it’s not nearly as busy as in Luke’s vision.
The calm before the storm.
Using the night-vision apps on our phones, we navigate through the woods, creating three large salt circles, and then Seth, Cody, and I run through our ritual to cast a spell of entrapment. Once we finish, there’s some commotion behind the house, and as we check, we see some guys cracking up as they head through the yard, carrying something large. I can’t make out what it is until they prop it upright—