Page 83 of Running With Lions

Fluttering eyelashes and crooked lips are Emir’s only response.

“I’ve never done this,” says Sebastian. Leaving that out was an option but, if he’s bad at this, he at least owes Emir the truth. “Not with a guy or a girl, so this has major chances of sucking.” Sebastian winces at his own words.

Emir’s eyes are amused.

Perfect, Sebastianisa joke.

Inching closer, Emir says into Sebastian’s mouth, “You won’t.” Before Sebastian can protest, he whispers, “Trust me; it’s not hard to figure out.”

Sebastian’s calmer, something he never imagined after his last admission. But that’s Emir’s fault. HehatesEmir Shah for making him this hungry for anyone, ever. He’s going to write a list of all the ways Emir has screwed up his life, starting with this moment.

Sebastian slept through Sex Ed his sophomore year. He tenses trying to figure out the condom. Emir doesn’t comment.

“Ready?”

Emir rolls his eyes like he can’tbelieveSebastian. Sebastian doesn’t mind. This is all he’s ever wanted.

* * *

Sebastian is hardcore smiling.

It’s an amazing feat, since he’s breathing so hard he sounds asthmatic. Emir’s laughing into a pillow next to him. Fortunately, considering Sebastian already lacks an ego, Emir isn’t laughingathim. His blush is only an aftereffect of what just happened. The incredible, toe-curling thing that just happened. And, no, he isn’t going to tell anyone he thought that, ever.

Sebastian is sprawled on his back. Emir’s flat on his stomach. Sebastian’s arm is still caught under him, and there’s a searing line of heat where their thighs touch under the sheets. The open window provides minimal circulation without the usual nightly draft. His nose wrinkles at the cabin’s new scent: sweat and an earthy, boyish smell.

“Are you okay?”

Emir turns enough for Sebastian to have a nice view of his elated eyes.

Yeah, Sebastian feels like that too. Like someone just cracked open his whole world, poured a mountain of candy at his feet, and told him to have at it. He’sstonedon how great the last twenty minutes of his life were. He withholds that from Emir, though.

“Stay here?”

“Are you sure?” Emir’s eyes are hesitant.

Sebastian clears his throat. “Positive.” When Emir’s lips open to protest, Sebastian says, firmer, “Emi,stay here.”

Emir nods; his eyes begin to crinkle. He tentatively shifts closer. Sebastian yanks him the rest of the way. Emir’s face smooshes in his neck. Sebastian ignores his slight embarrassment and presses a kiss to the top of Emir’s head.

It takes all of five minutes for Emir’s breaths to even out. Sebastian grins, smug; Emir has no problem falling asleep when he’s in Sebastian’s arms.

A roaring yawn escapes Sebastian. Sleep doesn’t follow. His eyes follow the haunting shadows tree limbs create on his ceiling. Emir’s breath tickles his jaw. His mind is currently involved in a high-speed, Olympic-level ping pong game. How long has he wanted this: a guy to make his heart race and move slow tempo at the same time? Sex with Emir was—well, he just went with it. No overthinking involved. It’s a missing piece of himself finally shoved into place.

Emir’s hazy in Sebastian’s peripheral vision: a mix of sepia skin and dark hair. Sebastian strains to get a better view. Emir’s eyelashes flutter every few breaths, but he’s mostly still and content. Obviously, Emir isn’t affected by the fact that they just had sex. So why is Sebastian sweating the small stuff?

And just like that, apprehension subsides, and Sebastian’s okay. He’s more than okay. Emir is still here, in his arms. Sebastian might not be an authority on great acts of intimacy, but they did something pretty amazing tonight. So what if a tiny bit of vulnerability is scratching at his skin? He’s fine with panicking a little. Emir, who is major-league stubborn and a hair shy of being an asshole, panics sometimes too.

It’s okay. He tightens his arms around Emir. It’s cool thateveryonehas their moments of overthinking.

* * *

Sebastian startles out of adream about soccer balls and cookies having a dance-off to the music ofGrease, sits up, and peers at the cabin doorway. Specifically, at Willie leaning there.

The moon is barely a crescent tonight. Willie’s silhouette is bathed in silver starlight. Sebastian swallows; his mouth is cottony, and his throat is tight. Crossing his arms, he pulls his knees to his chest.

Willie cocks his head just enough to highlight his blank expression. His curious blue eyes settle on Emir. He’s still unconscious, curled around one of Sebastian’s pillows.

“I, uh…”

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