Page 16 of Wicked Devotions: Part 2

I infuse the kiss with all the love I have for him. It’s not something we’ve said to each other, but I think we both know it’s there. I do at the very least.

“Do you think it would bother Harper to wake up between us?” he asks when we end the kiss.

“No. Not at all.” I press a quick kiss to his lips, unable to help myself. “Go ahead and join her. I’ll clean up here and be right back out.”

He gives me a weak smile as he sheds his pants but pulls his boxer briefs back up. I watch as he walks through the door and turn to start cleaning everything up. It only takes a few minutes before the bathroom is back to its normal condition and I’m cleaned up enough to get back in bed with them.

Harper has turned and is now laying partially on top of Cy, her head resting on his chest and his fingers in her hair. I crawl in on her other side and curl around her. My arm stretches over her waist and rests low on Cy’s abdomen. Sleep comes easily.

Chapter

Six

HARPER

Raindrops hit the windshield as Declan drives us to campus. I’m not sure what is stormier, the weather or atmosphere inside the car. We haven’t spoken much since our argument in my room. I’ve apologized, and I don’t think I need to continue to do so. As far as I’m concerned, he owes me an apology for going off the rails and taking my door down.

Emerson and Cy suggested giving him time to cool down, so that’s what I’ve been doing. I spent most of the weekend studying and reading up in Cy’s room while he worked on a few art pieces. Emerson took me out to dinner Sunday. It served as a way to test the waters going out in public post video scandal.

We went to a popular pub just off campus. People definitely gave us, though mostly me, looks as they passed the table. I’m sure there were some whispered comments, but by and large it was a successful night in terms of making me feel comfortable.

“Do you have your phone?” Declan asks as he pulls into a parking space.

“Yes.”

“If anyone gives you trouble, text us in the group chat. One of us will get to you as quickly as possible.”

“You don’t need to do that. I can handle things myself.”

“Harper.” He sighs heavily and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Please tell us so we can help you. I know I’m notBanks,but you can trust me to at least have your back on campus. People respect me, use that.”

I don’t like the emphasis he put on Banks’s name. Not one bit. “Why’d you say his name like that?”

“What?” His brow furrows as he meets my eyes for the first time since he had me on my knees. “Whose name?”

“Banks.”

His head drops back onto the headrest. “We’re going to be late.” He pushes his door open and steps out.

I have no choice but to follow. We both pull our hoods up in an attempt to stay somewhat dry. The fact that I’m wearing one of Cy’s zip hoodies has the added benefit of hanging down to cover most of my face. Although walking beside a scowling Declan doesn’t do much to keep me incognito.

“Are you ever going to tell me what your problem is?” I ask.

He pauses mid stride to look down at me, an eyebrow raised. “You had all weekend to speak to me and you choose now to do so?”

“I would have thought you’d be over it by now, but you’re just stewing in resentment. So yes, let’s do this now.”

He grabs me by the wrist and pulls me into an alcove between two buildings, until we’re under an overhang and mostly hidden behind a row of hedges. He backs me against the brick, penning me between his arms as he leans down so we’re face to face.

“I’m not stewing in resentment, Harper. I’m hurt, and I’m sad, and I’m confused. I hate that you chose to run to him without even considering coming to me first. He’s known you longer and better, of course, but I’m right fucking here.”

He cups my cheek, his hand warm against my cold flesh. I open my mouth to speak, but I can’t find the words. I didn’t realize he felt this way. My eyes start to burn with tears.

“Don’t cry.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Seeing you cry makes me want to set the world on fire.”

I don’t know what to say, and I don’t want to risk crying, which I will if I speak. Instead, I look up into his beautiful green eyes wishing this layered and complicated man came with an instruction manual. He leans down and brushes his lips against mine.

“I’m right here,” he says again, desperation lacing each word.

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