Page 128 of Naughty & Nice

‘I love you,’ she mouths.

My chest tightens as my heart thuds against my ribs.

‘I love you too,’ I reply. Just please… let it be enough.

Noelle and I take our seats opposite Wilder and grab some food while we can.

“Oh my god, this is so good,” I moan around my first mouthful.

I missed hot food.

“It really is,” Wilder agrees, having finished his fourth taco already. “It’s like the final supper. I’ll be back to ramen tomorrow.”

The reminder that this is our last night causes a weird reaction.

There’s a huge part of me that wants to get back and have Noelle to myself. But I can’t deny the other part that isn’t entirely ready to leave behind what we found here.

“You really should eat better, considering the high expectations you have of your body,” Noelle points out.

“Then maybe you should come and cook for me.”

Noelle raises a brow.

“If you lived in the house Lorelei secured for you, then you might get decent food,” I point out. “It’s not our fault you prefer living with a bunch of sweaty dudes.”

“It’s good for team bonding,” he argues.

“I’m sure it is. Just remember that when you run out of energy on the field.”

“Never happened, man. I always have enough stamina. Isn’t that right, Noelle?”

“I wouldn’t know. Although rumor has it, you can go all night long.”

“Aw, little rebel, have you been reading up about my skills?”

Her cheeks burn, but she doesn’t back down. I guess that’s what a lifetime's worth of friendship does.

“Not so much research as walking through campus and overhearing your hoard of admirers waxing lyrical.”

“Well, they do like to make sure they get equal treatment.”

“You’re gross,” I mutter.

“Bro, just because you happily gave Noelle your balls before you knew they even existed, it doesn’t mean we all want to be owned by one woman.”

“You do you,” I say. “Just please try to keep the STIs to a minimum. Kian’s medical insurance will only cover so many.”

“Fuck off,” Wilder barks. “I’ve never had a fucking STI. I always wrap it, Bro. Always. And anyway, that wealthy motherfucker doesn’t have limits on anything.”

I want to argue, but I can’t. He’s right. Kian Callahan is beyond wealthy to the point it makes my head spin when I think about it too much. All that really matters is that he’s taking care of Lorelei in the way she deserves.

“And for the record, even if my balls weren’t in Noelle’s warm hands, I still wouldn’t be putting out all over college. You’re a whore, brother.”

“Loud and proud, baby. Loud and proud.”

32

WILDER

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