Page 86 of Ripple Effect

“But, um, well, my point is ... I think some of them are gonna be around during Thanksgiving break. And I’m not really looking forward to seeing them.”

“Did you—I mean, would you want me to come with you?” I ask, the offer tumbling out of my mouth before I can stop it. “I could ward them off for you.”

Her eyes light up. “You’d do that?”

“Of course I would.”

“Then yeah, I think that’d be really nice.” Her smile finally returns, tentative but genuine. “You’d have to meet my parents, though.”

I chuckle. “That’s okay. Parents love me.”

“Really?”

“Not at all.”

She releases my hand, giving me a playful shove. “Aw, come on, El.”

“For you, though?” I throw an arm around her shoulder, pulling her back against me. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

32

DAISY

Elio’s armis draped across my shoulders, his chest steadily rising and falling beneath my head. A wave of warmth washes over me, and I’m blanketed by a profound sense of belonging.

I take a deep breath, blinking back the emotion that threatens to surface. We slept together for the first time last night, and now I’m waking up in his arms, ready to burst into tears.

It’s such a silly thing ... that I would be so moved by a normal night of sex with my boyfriend. But I felt so sexy, so wanted. Revered and adored by him in the way I always hoped for.

It was more than just sex for me, though. It was fucking magic, and all I can think about now is how much I want—need—more of it.

It’s strange how quickly things can change. In the past few weeks, I’ve seen so many unexpected sides to Elio, all the lovely little secrets he keeps locked away. He’s funny, kind, and supportive. And he has the biggest heart, despite his arguments to the contrary.

And now he’s offered to come along with me for Thanksgiving break, to act as a safeguard between me and my old friends, my family—a gesture that lights me up all over.

I snuggle closer, the corners of my lips turning up in a contented smile. Elio stirs, shifting on the bed to peer over at me.

“Good morning, pretty girl,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

I smile, loving the sound of his sleep-filled voice. “Good morning.”

“Sleep well?”

“Much better than I expected.”

“Me too.”

His fingers move to my face, thumb tracing the outline of my cheekbone before sifting through my hair. His touch is so gentle, like he’s scared I’ll break if he presses too hard.

“Gorgeous,” he says before leaning in and capturing my lips in a slow, sensual kiss.

It’s the type of kiss that’s long and lingering, full of tenderness that only intensifies as the seconds tick by. His other hand smooths across my collarbone before pinning both of my arms above my head.

I gasp as his teeth nip at my swollen bottom lip, murmuring words against his mouth. “I think you’re the one who’s insatiable.”

“Maybe you’re right,” he murmurs, and he gives me a devilish grin before his mouth finds mine again.

We kiss, and kiss, and kiss until neither of us is able to concentrate on anything else. My head spins, and desire builds up in my core. I’m squirming beneath him in need and want of something—anything—to ease the fire raging inside of me.

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