Page 139 of Finding Delaware

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Christian jostles his shoulder as Logan reads off the screen.

“Make out with the prettiest boy in the room.”

Everyone goes silent.

We all glance at each other, Matt’s eye almost bugging out of his skull. He and Xed stare each other down, something passing briefly between them that has Matt shaking his head. After a moment, Xed lifts his beer to his lips and swigs, causing Matt’s shoulders to relax imperceptibly.

Taylor lets out a playful scoff. “Rude, Xed. Everyone knows I’m the prettiest boy.”

That makes me laugh, and heads nod in agreement because he’s absolutely right. Even with that scar.

Pulling up our chat thread, I send him a quick message, testing the waters.

Me: My pretty boy.

His eyes widen when he reads it.

Taytay: Don’t send me shit like that unless you’re prepared for another round in the bathroom.

Me: Why?

Do you like it when I call you pretty?

Taytay: I’ll let you call me anything you want if you fuck me.

Goddamn. The broad smile on my lips freezes when I hear Xed read Christian his dare.

“Pick the person you’ve known the longest in the room and give them a hickey.”

Christian turns to Taylor and grins maniacally, pointing a finger. “That’s you, baby boy. Get over here.”

I go rigid, and Taylor notices immediately. His gaze bounces uneasily between his best friend and me as my stomach clenches, grinding my molars against a surge of possessiveness.

“Where do you want it?” Christian laughs. “Side of your neck? Back?”

Not a chance.

My brain screams at me to intervene as Taylor switches places with Arya, biting his lip nervously. “Arm, maybe?”

“No, that won’t work,” Arya giggles, looking over Taylor’s body. “You’re covered in tattoos, and we want to see it. How about the stomach?”

Lifting up his shirt, she makes a move to touch his abs before he grabs her wrist. “No touchy.”

“How about this spot?” Christian points to the blank space over Taylor’s peck, where the shape of Delaware rests, and I can’t keep silent anymore.

“Absolutelynot,” I grind out, earning a look from everyone in the room.

Salem smirks knowingly while Christian rolls his eyes.

“Fine, back of the shoulder it is.”

He leans Taylor forward, moving aside the strap of his tank top before pressing his lips to his best friend’s skin.

My fists tighten on my lap, both watching me with amusement. Christian meets my gaze challengingly as if staking a claim, the look in his eyes saying one thing:mine.

I don’t think so, motherfucker.

He sits back when finished, grinning in satisfaction as Salem snaps her fingers.

---