Page 117 of Shadowman
Maybe it’s because, shapeless or not, they’re unable to hide that perfectly plump behind.Like a firm yet juicy peach I just want to sink my teeth into.
“Doyou… do that?” I drool out the words. “Trade sex for—”
Turning quickly to face me, he interrupts, “Why did you really bring me here?” Effectively dodging my inquisition.
“Because I like you,” I answer honestly. His eyes go round, until I add, “I don’t havefriends, like you do. I’m always alone, and maybe I enjoyed it on the outside, but in here, it feels… suffocating.” I pause to gulp. “I like talking to you. I like… being around you. I don’t know why, but your energy draws me in.”
Once all of the words are out, I take a breath, shifting and subtly glancing around. Expecting Leo to pop up, but weighted with disappointment when he doesn’t.
Byron gawks at me for a few moments of heavy silence. But then I catch a tiny twitch of his lips. “Myenergy? Are you, like, a hippy or something?”
A grin breaks out across my face. “I’m not sure what that means, but I’m a yoga instructor. Well, Iwasone.”
“Ah, so you’re all aboutchakraand that Namaste stuff?” He releases a full smirk that has me swooning. I nod casually, at which he breathes a tiny chuckle. “That’s cool. Definitely goes hand-in-hand with most martial arts. How long did you do that for?”
“A couple of years. Would you like to sit?” I gesture to the floor.
He regards me for a moment before shrugging. “Sure.”
We sit down across from one another beside my giant basket. “I’m sorry there are no chairs. I’d offer the bed, but I didn’t want you to think I was hitting on you.”
He huffs, and I smirk.
“That’ll come later.”
He blinks at me. “Are you gay…?” I can’t miss how his voice has taken on a vulnerable lilt.
“Would that be bad?” I ask, itching for some clarity on what hisdealis. I’m getting so many conflicting vibes.
My Gay-dar is all over the place with this one.
“No,” he bites out defensively, then clears his throat. “Sorry… I don’t know why I asked. Your situation is none of my business.”
I can’t help the look I’m giving him. “Well, no… maybe not. But I don’t consider mysituationto be something that requires hiding. It’s part of who I am. That would be like keeping the fact I’m British a secret.”
My casual chuckles fall away when I notice the way he’s gaping at me. It feelssignificant. As if the concept of someone being intentionally forthcoming on things like this is completely foreign to him.
“Do you… feel the need to hide things?” I ask carefully. “About who you are?”
He becomes visibly squirmy, eyes falling to his hands as he breathes, “Everyone has secrets.”
Right, well, now I’m salivating. Ihave toknow what he’s hiding beneath that sexy, growly exterior…
“I didn’t say I don’t have secrets, Raph,” I rasp, almost seductively.
His gaze narrows. “I need to know why you’re calling me that.”
“It’s from theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” I answer sheepishly, covering it with an insecure chuckle. “Not sure if you’re aware of them… Anyway,Raphaelis—”
“I know about Raphael,” he cuts me off, eyes wide. “Ilovethe Ninja Turtles. I’ve loved them since I was a kid… Raphael is my favorite. I named my street bike after him.”
I’m beaming. “See? I knew it made sense. Check it out.” I show him my socks.
“Those are dope,” he hums, examining them.
Oh my God, I can’t believe he’s a TMNT fan! I knew there was a reason I liked him.
“So I’m your Raphael…?” His lips slope into the first genuine smile he’s ever shown me.
