Page 152 of Whistle

“Yet you brought it anyway,” he teased.

“I’ve had it a long time. Kinda feels like a part of me now. Don’t really like going around without it.”

“So why give it to me?” he asked.

“‘Cause you’re part of me now too.”

He was quiet a moment, staring at the offered item lying in my palm. His fingertips were gentle when they lifted the metal mouthpiece, and he curled his fist around it.

“I won’t let anything happen to it,” he told me.

My heart somersaulted, and I kissed the side of his neck. “I’ll be back for it later. For you too.”

He turned, pressed a quick kiss to my mouth, and left me there alone.

I stared after him, resolved that, after tonight, things were going to change.

33

Elite Group Chat

Kruger: Bidding starts in five. Get those bets in.

Prism: *money emoji* *bear emoji*

Kruger: P, you can’t bet on Arsen. He’s not up for auction.

Prism: Because he’s mine.

Kruger: Curb the aggression, P. You don’t need to shout.

Arsen: You’re cute when you’re territorial, princess.

Prism: *bear emoji*

Jess: Placing bets on our friends is rude.

Max: $100 on Ryan.

Jamie removed Max from the chat.

Jamie: Betrayal is a punishable offense.

Win added Max to the chat.

Jamie: Scratching you both off my Christmas card list.

Max: Like you send Christmas cards.

Kruger: I’m putting my money on Jamie.

Jamie: Bro! I’m sending you two this year!

Kruger: Because anyone who bids on Ryan will have to deal with Rory.

Jamie: Christmas cards are now canceled.

Rory: I’m not jealous.

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