Page 66 of Mark Us Little Bear
“You love your underground club and your apartment.”
“I do.” His serious expression softens. “You charged into my life, changed the appearance of my apartment, and made me the happiest I’ve ever been.”
I swallow the thickness in my throat. I didn’t expect this confession to burst like that.
“You and Amber came out of nowhere. It’s like the universe dropped you on my doorstep. I thought there must be a reason, and I finally found it here.”
I feel like there’s something he isn’t saying. “What is it, Ronnie?” I want to know every thought that races through his head.
“I don’t want to hurt you. Us. Our friendship. I don’t want to ruin what we have because I wantthatone day.“ He signals me to look at them. Amber, Cole, and Mom join Teddy and Josh. Their laughter is infectious, trying to outsmart Teddy but our little boy is a smart cookie. He wields his charm and adorable puppy eyes as a weapon against them and gets away with another treat.
“What do we have?” It sounds like a demand but I want more. I need more.
“Flames.”
“Flames…?”
“Yeah. It burns so bad, almost blistering, but it feels so good I don’t want it to stop.”
“I’m not going to take advantage of you because youaredrunk and tired. You didn’t sleep that much.“ I shake my head. “As much as I want to kiss the hell out of you,” I mumble.
“Catch,” Ryan tosses me a water bottle and I hand it to Ronnie who is now hugging his knees to his chest.
“Flames can be extinguished.” Amber drops on the beanbag chair beside Ronnie, her worried eyes pleading for an answer.
Gently grabbing our hands, he says, “Not ours. Ours is the kind that can’t be put out, right when the flames dwindle, they ignite once more.”
“If you want to get drunk we will take care of you,” Amber promises. “You can let loose for a day, we got you.”
She said it perfectly and I have nothing to add to that except for being there for them. I never had these strong feelings toward anyone else, this burning love comes once in a lifetime so we better not waste it.
We join the circle on the grass, a bottle of whiskey is passed between us, and Ryan and Josh only get to taste it twice, small sips.
After two hours outside we all decide to go for a nap. Ronnie pushes ahead of me, walking in a zigzag, and attempting to climb the stairs with slight stagger movements. I yank him backward and put his hand over my shoulders for support.
“Ronnie let me help you.” I insist.
“I don’t want you to help me because I want something else from you.”
My brows pull together in question, “What…?”
Leaning against me, his finger slides across my chest as he sighs. “Your cock.”
I short-circuit for a moment. “You—you will have my cock, I promise.” I swallow my unyielding whimper down. “But first, let’s get you to bed.” Dragging him up slowly, we manage to reach the top quickly.
“Please slap me,” I whisper to Amber, and without hesitation, she lands her hand across my cheek not too hard but I bet her handprint is detectable. “I’m impressed.”
“I have no idea why I did that. I’m sorry.” Her wheels turn so loudly that I know what she is about to ask before she asks it. “Did I hurt you?”
I chuckle, “No, Bear, it’s exactly what I needed.”
“I want Amber too.” Ronnie shares again.
“I’m right here.” She stretches up on the tip of her toes to kiss his cheek but he turns just in time to press his lips to hers, sneaky bastard.
“Gotcha.” He chuckles.
“You see. Don’t worry, we’re yours so rest on my comfy bed.” Fumbling with the doorknob, it finally opens when Amber tries it. I shuffle as I drag his heavy ass but he moves abruptly and my hip hits the nightstand, knocking a few books and my old lamp to the floor.
