Page 119 of Shadowman
I squint at his bossy command. “Fine, but only if you give me your hand.”
I snatch it up without waiting for him to concede.
“Why?” He looks nervous. “What are you gonna do…?”
“I’m going to chop it off.” I roll my eyes. “I’m going to paint your nails, you knob.”
He frowns. “Why would I want that?”
“Well, clearly, you’ve been coloring them with something.” I run my thumb over some faded black on his fingernail. He flinches, and I chuckle. “Hold still. I’ll make you look pretty.”
His mouth is set in a grumpy line that somehow makes him look even hotter. But he concedes and sighs. “Whatever floats your boat.”
Scooting in closer, I hold his hand tight to keep it steady. It feels sort of shaky, though I’m trying not to obsess over why that might be.
“You have nice hands,” I hum, brushing polish onto his nail.
“Oh, do I?” He scoffs.
“Yea, you do.” My eyes lift to his.
His throat bobs, something of a flush taking over his chiseled face. “Is that… one of the truths? Or the lie…?”
“Those aren’t the rules, Byron.” I tame my smirk while he observes me. Taking a moment, I think of three things to say. “Okay, so… I was born in London. I speak fluent Spanish. And I’ve never been on a rollercoaster.”
I can tell he’s speculating as to which of these things is the lie, so I remind him, “No guessing. Your turn.”
He still seems unsure, but eventually, he grumbles, “Um… I was born in Seoul. I love gardening… And I’ve never sneezed.”
“Come again?” I snort. “Hang on, is that the lie?? I need to know.”
“Those aren’t the rules, Trevel,” he sneers.
Lord, it is unreasonable for a bloke to be this hot and this adorable at once.
“See? I’m learning things about you already… You’re a smartass.” I grin, swiping more black onto his nail while he chuckles. “Alright, let’s see… I never learned how to drive. I love my parents. And my favorite pizza toppings are pineapple and pepperoni together.”
Byron stares at me, and I’m assuming it’s because of that parental lie I dropped in there… But then he rumbles, “I hope the last one is true, because pineapple and pepperoni is my favorite pizza.”
Fluttering happens in my gut. “Easy, Byron Kang. I’m trying to keep myself in check, but if you go on saying things like that, I won’t be able to control myself.”
Tension stiffens his hand in mine. “You’re kidding… right?”
“Would that make you more comfortable?” I tease.
“No. I mean, I don’tcare, I’m just…” He’s flustered, and it’ssobloody cute. “I’m not gay.”
My eyes spring to his, bringing with them an accusatory brow lift I can’t hold back. “Is that a lie?”
“No…” he growls.
“So…thatis?”
His jaw tics visibly. “Trevel… Fuck off.”
I don’t know why pushing his buttons is so entertaining, but it’s quickly becoming my new favorite hobby.And the way he growls my name inflates my dick like a balloon.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes and bite my lip. We’re both quiet for a moment before I rumble, “So you’re bi then?”
