Page 95 of The Darkest Parts of Me

Nate and I give each other a knowing look.

“Not much,” I say, standing to wrap my arms around Renn’s waist, allowing him to tug me in to plant a kiss on my head.

“I don’t know about you two, but I’m starving.” Renn pulls me with him over to the kitchen. “How about a nice meal, courtesy of Valery’s wonderful cooking?” he says, pulling out a container from the fridge that seems to be a stew or soup.

“This should be interesting,” Nate says, a bit skeptical.

“It will be delicious. I promise.”

After a couple of hours of savoring the delicious soup, which Nate seemed to thoroughly enjoy, and a handful of stories of Nate and Renn’s escapades, the afternoon fades away. Renn starts gathering the dishes, and I follow his lead, giving us some space to talk alone in the kitchen.

“I really like Nate,” I say, handing him a bowl. He sets it down in the sink then pulls me into him.

“Oh, yeah?” he says, clearly pleased.

“Yeah.” He turns to face me. “So speaking of Nate.” His eyebrow arches. “Where is he sleeping tonight?” I ask with a whisper.

Renn gives me a wicked smile, and I blush. “That’s a good question. Any suggestions?”

He places a hand on the counter next to me, leaning in. I look over my shoulder, and find Nate sitting on the couch with Shy. She seems to be distracting him enough so that he’s unaware of the promiscuous position I’m in, because I can think of a handful of things I could do with Renn right now, especially when he’s looking at me like this. I swallow heavily.

“I was thinking you and I could stay here, and Nate could stay at my place.” He gives me a curious look. “I want to stay here because . . . you’re everywhere here, and since you’re leaving . . .” I look down. “I just want as much of you as I can get. In any way I can have you. If that makes sense.”

He lifts my chin and scans my face, his eyes lingering on my mouth for a second or two longer. “Whatever you want, Mave.” Then he leans down as he whispers in my ear, his lips grazing me softly. “But fair warning, I also have a few things in mind for what I want to do.” He inhales before going on. “I don’t want anyone to see, or hear, what I have in mind, except you and me.” The heat in my core flows to every inch of my body.

Almost as if on cue, Nate yells over to us. “I get you guys need some alone time, but can you wait until I’m gone please.” I blush, embarrassed, and Renn chuckles.

“Very subtle,” he calls over to him, rolling his eyes. “Would you mind staying at Maven’s tonight?” he asks as he walks over to the couch.

Nate stands and gives him a bemused look. “I’d sleep outside if it meant I didn’t have to sleep on that ship for another night.”

Renn nods. “Great.”

“Not wasting any time,” Nate says, smirking.

“Shut up. But yes, get out, please,” Renn says, and I bite my lip to keep from looking too pleased.

“Fine, but I’m taking the dog with me,” he says as Shy walks over to sit by his side.

“Looks like her mind is already made up,” Renn replies, glaring a little at Shy. He kneels and rubs her head, and his face goes a little sad, like it’s just now hitting him that he’s leaving her behind too. Just another reason to add to the long list of why this is killing me.

“Take care of Nate, okay? He’s new here,” he tells her before standing. “Give me a minute and I’ll meet you outside.” Renn adds to Nate.

“Sure. See you in the morning, Maven.”

“See you tomorrow.” I watch him and Shy walk out the door, and before I can say or do anything, Renn pulls me into a kiss that is nothing short of heat and passion, instantly turning me into a puddle.

“I’ll be right back.” He doesn’t wait for my response. He jogs toward the door, and his urgency only makes the tingling sensation on my lips travel all the way to my toes. I busy myself by cleaning dishes in the sink and wiping the table down. Just as I finish, Renn returns.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

“Yeah, just had to give him directions to your cabin.”

I nod in response.

“So,” he says, making his way over to me.

“I hate this,” I say, my throat going tight, but I swallow it down.

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