Page 109 of Restricted List

Rory

WHAT?!?!

Oh God…

Cole

He doesn’t know

But I’m freaking the fuck out after I talked to him

Can you come over later?

Rory

Of course, I can

I’m almost done with my errands

I’ll be there soon, Cole

“So what the hell is happening?” Rory asks as I let her into my apartment.

I scrub my hands over my face and lean back against the wall. There’s no point in beating around the bush. “Your dad asked me to spy on you.”

“I’m sorry,what?!”she yells, anger seeping out of every pore.

“He says that you’ve been acting weird, and he’s certain you’re seeing someone. Said none of our other friends would be willing to do it, so he asked me to find out who you’re sneaking around with. Of all fucking people to ask, he askedme.What the fuck am I going to do, Rory?”

“You’re going to tell him to fuck off is what you’re going to do. Who the hell does he think he is trying to fucking spy on me?”

“I can’t tell him no, and you know it. It would be way too suspicious. Crazy as it sounds, though, he’s not doing it to be nosy or anything. He said you never hide anything from him, so he’s worried.”

Rory groans and throws her head back before wrapping her arms around my waist and resting her head on my chest. “I’m sorry, Cole. I can’t believe he asked you that.” She looks up at me, eyes glassy. “Do you think this is more trouble than it’s worth?”

“Fuck no,” I say immediately, wrapping my arms around her lower back. “Absolutely not. Rory, I knew what I was getting into when I told you I didn’t want to be friends. Sure, I wasn’t expecting your dad to ask me to spy on you, but I’m not backing away from you. I’m all in. I finally have you where I want you.I’m not letting you go.”

Rory stands on her tiptoes, kissing me softly and tenderly.

There’s a promise behind her lips.

A promise that no matter what happens, we’ll face ittogether.

We knew this wouldn’t be easy. This is just a speed bump on our road to what I hope is forever.

“Thank you, Cole,” she says lowly, resting her forehead against mine.

I brush my thumb across her cheek, catching a stray tear that falls. “You don’t need to thank me, Starlight. This isn’t even a hard decision. I’m more than willing to fight for you. This is just the first battle.”

“How are you so perfect?” she asks, a look of complete adoration on her face before she kisses me again.

It’s not as soft this time.

There’s far more fire burning in every stroke of our tongues.

She takes me by the hands, walking us backward toward my bedroom. “Let me help you relax, Sparrow…”

I smile and follow right after her.

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