Page 1 of Risks

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My life has split into two.

Half a soul. Half a heart. Half amind.

The rest of me is in Baltimore withthe guy I never expected to fall for so deeply, and I long for the day we’retogether again.

My first few weeks at college wererough. I miss Varen terribly, more than I imagined I would. The days arepainful, but the nights are worse.

I know I’m being dramatic becauseit’s not like I won’t see him again. It’s just so damn hard after we’ve spent overa year bonding in every way possible.

At least it’s the last week ofSeptember. Another two months, and we’ll be reunited.

Until then, I have to stay strong,which is easier said than done.

As another long day ends, I hurryback to the dorm, excited for my video call with Varen. I look forward to it everyevening.

My heart races with each quickenedstep to the room. Rushing to unlock the door, I toss my bag on the chair andplop down on the bed, calling Varen right away.

It rings three times before hishandsome face appears on the screen. His dark hair is damp, dripping water. Realizingthat he’s only wearing a towel, my throat tightens, and between my thighs heatup with the fire of longing.

“Hey, baby. I just got out of theshower.”

“I can see that.” I moan in regret,wishing I could touch him, trace every muscle while he drowns my body in unearthlypleasure.

Varen lies down with his right armbehind his head. “You know that saying, distance makes the heart grow fonder?”

“Mmhm.” I flatten on my bed as well.

A naughty smirk tilts his lips. “Let’sjust say my heart isn’t the only thing craving you.”

Aroused, I let out a shaky breath.

The palpable lust in his captivatingblue eyes heightens the sensations.

“Tell me about your day,” he says, slightlydispersing the dirty thoughts.

I swallow hard and try to relax. “Itwas the usual—classes, a stop at the café, a trip to the library, then back tothe dorm. Oh, my professor loved the short story. I got A-plus.”

“Awesome.” His deep, heartfelt laughterwarms me all over. “I told you he would. I was well invested when I read it.You’re incredibly talented, babe.”

I beam at his compliments. “Thanks, V.So are you. How’d the design project go for that course?”

He frowns a little. “Tough. Did abunch of changes, but the results are good.”

“That’s great.” I roll onto my side.“Seems the course is getting more challenging.”

“Kind of, but I’m learning andimproving a lot. It’s a relief I only have another year to complete it.”

“I’m proud of how well you’redoing.” I trace his face on the screen, feeling the usual inferno. It crumplesmy resolve, and I cave and tell him, “Wish I was in your arms now.”

He exhales deeply. “Me too, babe.”

We fall quiet, just staring at eachother.

Then Varen groans and says in a huskytone, “Close your eyes.”

An unsteady gasp slips past my lips.

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