Page 117 of Atone

I look down. “Just a little. What about yours?”

He shrugs, watching me from where he’s propped up on his elbow beside me on the bed. The sheets and blanket are in a pile on the floor, leaving me completely exposed. He doesn’t seem to mind it as he traces my skin like he’s memorizing every inch.

The heart I carved beneath his collarbone isn’t as neat as the one he drew on me. I probably shouldn’t like the fact that I did that to him when he already bears enough scars. But every time Alex shifts and I get a peek at my mark on him, I remember how it felt to have him inside me while I carved it.

My thighs press tight, clamping his hand between them.

“What was that thought?” Alex smirks, his gaze flicking up.

“Nothing.”

He chuckles, knowing I’m lying. There’s no denying itwhen every ripple of muscle has me clenching my thighs tighter.

I can’t control myself around this man.

Alex drifts his hand up over my stomach, learning every limb. I’d be self-conscious if he weren’t allowing the same. There’s something intimate about him trusting me to see him fully. Scars, marks, and all. I love it.

I love him.

Those words flap around my ribcage, refusing to settle down.

This man is drop-dead gorgeous, and he’s made me the center of his world.

“Can we circle back to ‘Alex, the high school basketball star’ for a second?”

Alex draws a lazy circle on my stomach. “What about him?”

“You were team captain. Friends with everyone. Rich. Gorgeous.”

Alex cocks an eyebrow, meeting my gaze.

“What?”

“Nothing. I’m just sitting here appreciating the endless compliments and curious where this is going.” He grins, planting a kiss between my breasts. “By all means, continue.”

“And here I thought I’d found the one member of Sigma Sin who didn’t have a nauseatingly large ego.”

Alex’s hand skims down my stomach, pausing at the apex of my thighs. “Nope.”

“Good to know.” I roll my eyes. “But seriously, from what I could tell on your social media, you were worshipped.”

“You stalked me online?”

“You stalked me in person.”

He smiles. “I wasn’t judging.”

“Of course not.” I shake my head. “I’m just thinking about what you said. You had everything, including your choice of women. I just assumed you were like the rest of the guys at Sigma House. Fucking any girl who would let you.”

“You have such a high opinion of me.”

“You know what I mean.”

Alex lifts onto his forearm, scooting up the bed so he’s hovering over me. “Are you bothered that I told you you’re my first?”

“Not bothered.Definitelynot bothered.” My cheeks warm. “I’m just surprised, I guess.”

He hums, splaying his fingers over my stomach, staring at the dip at my throat, and slowly moving his hand up to it. “Sex never really interested me growing up.”

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