Page 111 of Forbidden Game

I smile, relief and something warm spreading through my veins. “I’m not sure I would survive without your sunshine either.”

He brings my hand to his lips and places a soft kiss on my knuckles.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were dealing with all of this?” I ask him.

“It was my burden to carry.” He shrugs. “I didn’t want to drag anyone else down with the weight.”

“Sometimes you have to share that weight, Parker, otherwise it will crush you.”

“But it’s my responsibility, and I didn’t want you to think less of me.”

“Parker. What if the tables were reversed? What if I were dealing with something like this? Wouldn’t you want to know so you could help?”

“Of course. I would never let you suffer alone.”

“That’s how I feel.” I squeeze his hand. “Don’t shut me out again, please.”

“All right.”

“And don’t run off without your phone again, or I’ll beat you with it before getting a tracker sewn into your arm.”

“Violence, love? Really?”

“Really. You scared me half to death with your disappearing act.”

“I mean…I don’t hate the idea of you branding me.” He winks. “Although, I don’t plan on being apart from you again if I can help it.”

I grin, thankful that he is back to joking. “I’m not sure being attached at the hip is a sign of a healthy relationship. Seems a little codependent.”

“Relationship?”

“I—isn’t that what we’re in? Isn’t that what we discussed the other night?” Panic flares.

“It is.” He grins. “It’s just the first time you’ve actually said the word.”

I shove our joined hands against his chest.

“Don’t tease me like that.”

“But you’re so fun to tease.” He leans forward and kisses the tip of my nose. “I like teasing my girlfriend.”

I blink at him. “Girlfriend?”

“That’s generally the term used for someone you’re in an exclusive relationship with.”

“I guess you’re right.”

It hadn’t really occurred to me. Sure, it has only been three days since we had the conversation, but everything between us is so different than any other relationship I’d been in.

“And that would make me your…” He trails off with a smirk.

I press my lips together, biting them as the word sits on the tip of my tongue.

“Boyfriend.” I grin so hard I’m worried my face will split.

“Aren’t you a lucky one? The Parker Covington is your boyfriend.”

He wiggles his eyebrows, and I roll my eyes.

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