Page 46 of Ruin

His chuckle was low. “Yeah, you could say that. Plus, my balls are sweatin’ up a storm sleepin’ in these pants.”

He still had his leather pants on. I snorted. “Thanks for that image, but at least you look good.”

His eyes warmed. “Do I?”

Rolling mine, I said, “You know it, pet.”

“Pet?”

“Yes,mylittle pet.”

“Ain’t anythin’ little about it.”

“Oh, I know. I felt it last night.”

He winked, dipped down, and pressed his lips against mine. “Better let you get ready for work, busy man.”

I whimpered against his lips. “I don’t want to.”

It drew another chuckle from him, and I loved hearing it. “Too bad. I promised Mimi we’d go bloody horseback riding.” His mouth met mine in another brief kiss, and he started for the door. Was he leaving to get away? Did he regret anything? Would he go back to how he was and tell me to fuck off?

A new pressure clutched at my heart. “Josh,” I called, my tone a little higher than normal.

He turned. “Yeah?”

“I’ll see you tonight?”Please don’t run. Don’t listen to your inner demons saying this is wrong. Please like me.Yes, my confidence had walked out onto the balcony and taken a jump off, fearing losing what I had gained. The thought twisted my stomach into knots. Already Josh was something important to me, and I was all mixed up within myself. I didn’t know how to act or what to do to make sure I could keep him at my side.

His smile was big and bright. “I’ll be seein’ you, Taro.”

The pressure eased. “Have fun,” I told Josh, still wanting him to stay.

“You also,” he teased, and I glared. But it faded as soon as he was out of the room, closing the door behind him.

“My God,” I breathed, and slapped a hand over my mouth. A thrill ran up my spine. Josh came to my room with his own free will. I may have started the kiss, but he knew what he was doing and who he was doing it with.

It shocked me we didn’t go further than making out like some horny teenage boys, but I also liked the fact we hadn’t. I was used to being used for my position in the family. I was used to being wanted for money and the lifestyle.

I had never been treated as I had the previous night, like Josh had done.

No one had wanted to only kiss me, hold me, be with me without an ulterior motive.

What was that man doing to me?

One night and I felt… excited, giddy, overwhelmed, but in a good way.

Though, what happened if it all ended because this wasn’t what Josh wanted? BecauseIwasn’t what Josh wanted.

I was a guy after all, and he’d never been with one.ThatI was sure of.

Standing, I shook my head and made my way to the bathroom. I refused to think about the what-ifs. I would enjoy what we had, even if it lasted for just now. There wasn’t a chance in hell I would miss having a piece of Josh. I could only hope my confidence would return and I’d stop worrying to the point I second-guessed myself.

* * *

Ruin

Mimi bumped her shoulder into mine as we made our way back to the house after a ride, which wasn’t too bad considering it had been on a horse and not my bike.

“What?” I asked.

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