Page 47 of The Sweetest Devotion

“He’s not exactly a gentleman.” Cain just dressed like one. Evil in disguise.

Keith shook his head. “And your father cool with this?”

I lifted and dropped my shoulder. “He hasn’t seen the mask come off.” Really, Cain didn’t need to show his true colors for my father to know and do better. But that was another rant. Now wasn’t about that. “Guess this is my rebellion.”

Keith snorted, stubbing out his cigarette and bracing his arms against the railing. “I didn’t think this would ever be serious no way.”

We lived in two different worlds. A fleeting fling was the only thing we could have, and despite the risk, despite the red flags, I was interested.

I felt Keith’s bicep, admiring his brawn and ink and how small it made my hand appear. “That works for me. I had a few no-strings-attached hookups in college. I know how this works.”

“College girl,” Keith quipped with a small smile.

I dipped my head. “I dropped out, actually.”

Keith was quiet, drawing my attention back up. He wasn’t judging me. “I didn’t…finish high school. At least you made it that far.”

“Can…can I ask why you didn’t finish?”’ I asked cautiously.

Keith stared at me for the longest time, and I could tell this was a big issue for him.

“If it’s too?—”

“I was in a gang,” he confessed. “It was real bad. My mom pulled me out of school.” His back was stiff as he looked off into the distance. “She saved my life.” Once more he observed me. “Kinda personal, ain’t it?”

“If you think I’m about to judge you, you’re mistaken,” I let him know. No one was perfect, but as long as Keith was trying that was all that mattered.

Still, it wasn’t fair to shut him out and ask for more about him.

“I’m sorry I won’t let you in,” I said as I wrung my hands together. “I’d like to see you again, but only like…”

“This,” Keith finished for me. “You want an escape from all the bullshit of obligation, suit and ties so you come here and climb into my bed, huh?”

“I’m here for you too if you ever want to just hook up and it not mean anything. No dinner. No movies. Just sex,” I said, laying it out for him.

Keith was back studying me skeptically. “And you can handle all’at?”

As long as we kept it surface level, we were safe. “Yes.”

Keith didn’t seem convinced. “Are youwithhim like that?”

Even though my fiancé was attractive, I gagged at the idea of participating in any sort of sexual activity. “God no.”

“So what’s with the whole ‘no kissing’ thing?” Keith wanted to know.

I loved kissing. If I wasn’t otherwise engaged, perhaps I would’ve gotten lost in Keith’s nice-looking lips and engulfed in his strong arms. The idea, and want, was dangerous.

“It’s stupid, I know, but maybe it’s a little more anonymous without the kissing,” I reasoned pitifully.

I didn’t miss Keith rolling his eyes at that lousy excuse.

“If you want to kiss me, you can,” I gave in. I gestured between the two of us for emphasis. “But this is all I can offer.”

“Take it or leave it, right?”

“Unfortunately.”

Keith scratched at his head, thinking over my offer. I could tell he was conflicted, not too eager to agree to a semi-friends-with-benefits setup. He blew out a breath and rested more against the railing. “I mean, there’d be some stipulations, but I’m not sure I’m ready for something real right now either.”

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